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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

Q8261.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2019, Paper IHard

Consider the following statements relating to short notice questions asked in the Legislature : 1. These relate to matters of urgent public importance and can be asked for oral answer at a notice less than 10 days 2. Short notice questions can be admissible if the Minister concerned agrees to answer to it 3. Short notice questions are asked during question hour Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

A short notice question is an urgent oral question taken up only with the Minister's consent, and it is answered after Question Hour, not during it.

Q8262.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2021, Paper IEasy

Which electromagnetic radiation(s) is/are used to cook food?

  1. A.Infrared radiation only
  2. B.Microwave radiation only
  3. C.Infrared and microwave radiations
  4. D.All electromagnetic radiations
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Infrared and microwave radiations

Both kinds of radiation carry energy that food absorbs as heat, and both are used in everyday kitchens. Infrared radiation is the heat radiation given out by hot bodies: a grill, a toaster, an oven element or glowing coals cook the surface of food mainly by infrared rays.

Q8263.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IHard

Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January ?

1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.

2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

In January the northern oceans are warmer than the frozen continents, so isotherms bend north over the sea and south over the land; the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm currents, not cold ones.

Q8265.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IEasy

The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the

  1. A.International Monetary Fund
  2. B.United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
  3. C.World Economic Forum
  4. D.World Bank
Show answer
Correct answer: C. World Economic Forum

The Global Competitiveness Report is the World Economic Forum's assessment of how well countries' institutions, policies and markets support productivity and growth.

Q8266.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

Indian Government Bond Yields are influenced by which of the following?

1. Actions of the United States Federal Reserve

2. Actions of the Reserve Bank of India

3. Inflation and short-term interest rates

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Indian bond yields respond to the RBI's policy, to domestic inflation and short-term rates, and also to the US Federal Reserve through global capital flows.

Q8267.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the "G20 Common Framework", consider the following statements:

1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club.

2. It is an initiative to support Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt.

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

The Common Framework for Debt Treatments was agreed by the G20 and the Paris Club in November 2020 to help low-income countries with unsustainable debt.

Q8270.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

  1. A.pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East
  2. B.plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
  3. C.capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
  4. D.plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals
Show answer
Correct answer: B. plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change

INDCs were the climate pledges countries announced before the Paris climate conference of 2015. Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, each country was asked to state what it intended to do to cut greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change after 2020.

Q8271.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IHard

With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.

2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.

3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

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

The Rigveda describes armour and the horse as central to Aryan life, while the Harappan remains show neither armour nor clear use of the horse; but the Harappans did not know iron.

Q8272.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?

1. Hard and waxy leaves

2. Tiny leaves

3. Thorns instead of leaves

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

All three are adaptations of desert plants (xerophytes) that cut down water loss through transpiration. Plants lose most of their water through the leaves, so desert plants change their leaves to save it.

Q8273.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IMedium

Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the Parliament which include 'The Macro Economic Framework Statement'. The aforesaid document is presented because this is mandated by

  1. A.Long standing parliamentary convention
  2. B.Article 112 and Article 110(1) of the Constitution of India
  3. C.Article 113 of the Constitution of India
  4. D.Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003

The FRBM Act requires the government to lay this statement before Parliament along with the Budget. Section 3 of the FRBM Act, 2003 lists the fiscal policy statements that must accompany the annual financial statement: the Macro-economic Framework Statement and the Medium-term Fiscal Policy cum Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement.

Q8274.Banking & Financial AwarenessAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

With reference to 'Urban Cooperative Banks' in India, consider the following statements :

1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.

2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.

3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  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: B. 2 and 3 only

Urban Cooperative Banks are regulated by the RBI, not by local boards, and they may raise capital through equity and preference shares.

Q8275.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IHard

With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements :

1. An increase in Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) indicates the appreciation of rupee.

2. An increase in the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) indicates an improvement in trade competitiveness.

3. An increasing trend in domestic inflation relative to inflation in other countries is likely to cause an increasing divergence between NEER and REER.

Which of the above statements 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: C. 1 and 3 only

A rise in NEER means the rupee has gained against a basket of currencies, and higher domestic inflation makes REER drift away from NEER.

Q8276.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following pairs :

Port : Well known as

1. Kamarajar Port : First major port in India registered as a company

2. Mundra Port : Largest privately owned port in India

3. Visakhapatnam Port : Largest container port in India

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

Pairs 1 and 2 are correct; Visakhapatnam is not India's largest container port. Kamarajar Port at Ennore, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, was the first major port in India to be set up as a corporate entity, registered as a public company (Ennore Port Ltd).

Q8277.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.

Statement-II : At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  2. B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  3. C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

The troposphere is thickest over the equator because strong convection there carries heat high into the air. The troposphere, the lowest layer of the atmosphere where almost all weather occurs, is about 18 km thick at the equator but only about 8 km at the poles.

Q8278.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

With reference to 'LiFi', recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission.

2. It is a wireless technology and is several times faster than 'WiFi'.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  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

LiFi (Light Fidelity) sends data wirelessly by switching LED light on and off far too fast for the eye to notice, and it can be many times faster than WiFi.

Q8279.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements :

1. A private member's bill is a bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President of India.

2. Recently, a private member's bill has been passed in the Parliament of India for the first time in its history.

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

A private member's bill is one introduced by any MP who is not a minister, whether elected or nominated, and such bills have become law in the past.

Q8280.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements :

1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party.

2. In the Lok Sabha, a "Leader of the Opposition" was recognised for the first time in 1969.

3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

The first Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha was recognised in 1969, when Ram Subhag Singh of the Congress (O) was given the post.