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UPSC Civil Services GK Questions 2026

Static general knowledge is six of the seven lines of the General Studies Paper-I syllabus in the UPSC CSE notice: History of India and the Indian National Movement; Indian and World Geography; Indian Polity and Governance; Economic and Social Development; Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change; and General Science. The Commission tests understanding rather than recall, through statements to be judged correct or incorrect, pairs to be matched and assertion-reason items, and it likes the edges of a topic: a lesser-known provision of the Constitution, a river's tributary, a species' conservation status, the mandate of a statutory body. This page holds GK24's topic-wise GK notes for UPSC, written as short facts and tables, in English and Hindi, with each note linked to the current affairs and previous-year questions on the same topic. Start with Polity and Modern History, which carry the most questions, then Geography, the Economy, Environment, Ancient and Medieval culture and Science. Read a note, solve its PYQs, take its quiz, and come back to it in your monthly revision. A candidate who knows these notes and reads the daily current affairs has covered the syllabus the notice prescribes for Paper-I.

UPSC Civil Services GK Questions with Answers

Q7441.Government SchemesMedium

In the term 'Ashtalakshmi', used for India's North East, 'ashta' refers to which of the following?

  1. A.The eight states of the region
  2. B.Eight border districts of the region
  3. C.Eight major rivers of the region
  4. D.Eight autonomous tribal councils
Show answer
Correct answer: A. The eight states of the region

The North East is described as the country's Ashtalakshmi, the eightfold form of prosperity, with each of its eight states standing for one form of that wealth.

Q7443.Government SchemesEasy

Which Union ministry runs the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Programme?

  1. A.Ministry of Culture
  2. B.Ministry of Education
  3. C.Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
  4. D.Ministry of Tourism
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

Ashtalakshmi Darshan is that ministry's own youth-contact initiative: it brings students from states outside the region into the eight north-eastern states so that they meet the region's culture, institutions and development work directly.

Q7444.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement :

I. The Congress declared the attainment of 'Swaraj' by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective.

II. It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if 'Swaraj' did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.I only
  2. B.II only
  3. C.Both I and II
  4. D.Neither I nor II
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both I and II

Both statements are correct about the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22. The special Calcutta session of the Congress in September 1920 accepted Gandhi's programme of non-cooperation, and the Nagpur session in December 1920 confirmed it and changed the Congress creed: its goal became the attainment of Swaraj by all peaceful and…

Q7445.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following best describes the term 'import cover', sometimes seen in the news?

  1. A.It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country
  2. B.It is the total value of imports of a country in a year
  3. C.It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries
  4. D.It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country's international reserves
Show answer
Correct answer: D. It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country's international reserves

Import cover is the number of months of imports a country could pay for with its foreign exchange reserves. It is worked out by dividing a country's total international reserves by its average monthly import bill.

Q7446.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for

  1. A.the participation of workers in the management of industries.
  2. B.arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes.
  3. C.an intervention by the British Court in the event of a trade dispute.
  4. D.a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.

. The Trade Disputes Act, 1929 set up machinery of courts of inquiry and boards of conciliation and banned certain strikes.

Q7447.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IEasy

"Rule of Law Index" is released by which of the following ?

  1. A.Amnesty International
  2. B.International Court of Justice
  3. C.The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights
  4. D.World Justice Project
Show answer
Correct answer: D. World Justice Project

The Rule of Law Index is published by the World Justice Project, an independent organisation based in Washington, D.C. The World Justice Project ranks countries on how far the rule of law is followed in practice, based on surveys of households and legal experts.

Q7448.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements :

1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.

2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2

Neither statement is correct; both mismatch saints of very different centuries. Nimbarka was a Vaishnava philosopher of about the twelfth or thirteenth century who taught Dvaitadvaita (dualistic non-dualism) and devotion to Radha and Krishna.

Q7449.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?

  1. A.Indian handicrafts were ruined.
  2. B.Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
  3. C.Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country.
  4. D.Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Indian handicrafts were ruined.

. The Industrial Revolution in Britain ruined Indian handicrafts in the first half of the nineteenth century.

Q7450.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

'R2 Code of Practices' constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of

  1. A.environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry
  2. B.ecological management of 'Wetlands of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention
  3. C.sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands
  4. D.'Environmental Impact Assessment' in the exploitation of natural resources
Show answer
Correct answer: A. environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry

R2, short for Responsible Recycling, is a standard for environmentally responsible electronics recycling. The R2 standard was developed with the support of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is now managed by the non-profit SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International).

Q7451.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements :

1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India.

2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent.

3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Statements 2 and 3 are correct; an amendment bill needs no prior recommendation of the President. Under Article 368, a bill to amend the Constitution can be introduced in either House of Parliament by a minister or a private member, and the President's prior permission is not needed.

Q7452.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following statements :

1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.

2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.

3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3.

How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. A.Only one
  2. B.Only two
  3. C.All three
  4. D.None
Show answer
Correct answer: C. All three

All three statements are correct; microbes called extremophiles live in all these conditions. Hyperthermophiles, many of them archaea living near deep-sea hydrothermal vents, grow above 100 °C; Methanopyrus kandleri and 'Strain 121' grow at about 120 °C, where high pressure keeps water liquid.

Q7453.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements:

1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials.

2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment.

3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

All three statements are correct about PFAS, the so-called 'forever chemicals'. PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals built on very strong carbon-fluorine bonds.

Q7454.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IMedium

Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the 'Pradeshika', 'Rajuka' and 'Yukta' were important officers at the

  1. A.village-level administration
  2. B.district-level administration
  3. C.provincial administration
  4. D.level of the central administration
Show answer
Correct answer: B. district-level administration

The Pradeshika, the Rajuka and the Yukta were officers of district-level administration in the Mauryan empire. Ashoka's Third Major Rock Edict orders the Yuktas, the Rajukas and the Pradeshikas to go on tours of inspection every five years to teach dhamma along with their regular work.

Q7455.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856 :

1. The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts.

2. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders.

3. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.2 and 3 only
  2. B.1 and 3 only
  3. C.1, 2 and 3
  4. D.2 only
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 2 and 3 only

Statements 2 and 3 are correct; the taluqdars were disarmed and their forts destroyed, not left with them. Dalhousie annexed Awadh in February 1856 on the ground of misgovernment.

Q7456.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements :

1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.

2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct: the Siddhas rejected idol worship, and the Lingayats rejected caste and rebirth.

Q7457.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique ?

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.

2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.

3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Statements 1 and 3 are correct; heavy metals cannot be readily and completely removed by microbes. Bioremediation uses living organisms, mostly bacteria and fungi, to break down pollutants.

Q7458.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities ?

1. Aral Sea

2. Black Sea

3. Lake Baikal

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3
  3. C.2 only
  4. D.1 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 only

Only the Aral Sea has shrunk drastically because of human activity. The Aral Sea, on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, was once the world's fourth-largest lake.

Q7459.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements :

1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as 'Amil'.

2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.

3. The office of 'Mir Bakshi' came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 2 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct: the Amil was the revenue-collecting officer of the Delhi Sultanate. The Amil collected land revenue at the local level and sent it up to the provincial and central treasuries.

Q7460.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements :

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.

2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.

3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Statements 2 and 3 are correct; the Sthaviravadins belong to the older Hinayana tradition, not Mahayana. After the Second Buddhist Council at Vaishali, the Sangha split into the Sthaviravadins (the 'elders', who kept to the strict rules) and the Mahasanghikas (the 'great community').