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UPSC GK Questions 2026

Static general knowledge is the larger part of every UPSC general studies paper. The notices name the same areas again and again: the history of India and the national movement, Indian and world geography, polity and the Constitution, the economy and social development, and general science with environment and ecology. The balance shifts from exam to exam. NDA puts about half of its General Knowledge part on Physics, Chemistry and General Science. CSE favours polity, modern history, environment and the economy. CAPF adds security and human rights, and CDS spreads its questions across polity, history, geography, the economy and school science.

GK24's GK notes are written topic by topic in English and Hindi, as short, fact-first chapters that are easy to revise. They cover Indian Polity, Indian History, Geography, Indian Economy, General Science, Environment and Ecology, Art and Culture, Computer, and the fact lists of awards, sports, books and days. A new chapter is added in each subject as the series grows. Each note carries practice questions, and those that have appeared in an exam say which exam and year. Start with Polity and modern history, then Geography, the Economy and Science. Read a note, take its topic quiz, and come back to it in your monthly revision.

UPSC GK Questions with Answers

Q3561.General ScienceEasy

The minimum energy required to eject an electron from the surface of a metal is called its

  1. A.Work function
  2. B.Stopping potential
  3. C.Ionisation energy
  4. D.Binding energy
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Work function

The work function of a metal is the least energy needed to free an electron from its surface, and it is equal to Planck's constant multiplied by the threshold frequency of that metal; caesium and potassium have low work functions, which is why they respond to visible light.

Q3562.General ScienceMedium

The maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons emitted from a metal surface depends on

  1. A.The intensity of the incident light
  2. B.The frequency of the incident light
  3. C.The area of the illuminated surface
  4. D.The time for which light falls
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The frequency of the incident light

By Einstein's photoelectric equation, the photon gives energy equal to Planck's constant times the frequency, part of which is spent as the work function, so the maximum kinetic energy left with the electron rises with frequency and is independent of how bright the light is.

Q3563.General ScienceMedium

Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for 1921 mainly for

  1. A.The special theory of relativity
  2. B.The general theory of relativity
  3. C.His explanation of the photoelectric effect
  4. D.The discovery of the photon rest mass
Show answer
Correct answer: C. His explanation of the photoelectric effect

The citation for the prize refers to his services to theoretical physics and especially to his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, the equation in which the energy of a photon equals the work function plus the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electron.

Q3564.General ScienceMedium

The photoelectric effect was first observed by which scientist?

  1. A.Albert Einstein
  2. B.Heinrich Hertz
  3. C.Max Planck
  4. D.Robert Millikan
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Heinrich Hertz

In 1887, while studying the sparks produced across a gap between two electrodes, Hertz noticed that the spark passed more easily when ultraviolet light fell on the electrodes, which was the first observation of the photoelectric effect; Hallwachs and Lenard then studied it systematically.

Q3565.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements :

1. 'The National Programme for Organic Production' (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

2. 'The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority' (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.

3. Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State.

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

NPOP is run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not Rural Development, while the statements about APEDA and Sikkim are correct.

Q3566.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following :

1. Birds

2. Dust blowing

3. Rain

4. Wind blowing

Which of the above spread plant diseases ?

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

Birds, blowing dust, rain and wind can all carry the agents of plant disease from one plant to another. Plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and viruses cannot move on their own over long distances, so they depend on carriers.

Q3567.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism ?

  1. A.There is an independent judiciary in India.
  2. B.Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.
  3. C.The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
  4. D.It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.
Show answer
Correct answer: D. It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

Indian federation was not formed by States coming together under an agreement, which is why the Constitution calls India a 'Union of States'.

Q3568.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements :

1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.

3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

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: A. 1 and 2 only

The Forest Rights Act defines critical wildlife habitat, and the Baigas were the first community to receive habitat rights, but the Environment Ministry does not grant those rights.

Q3569.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IEasy

Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government :

  1. A.An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
  2. B.A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
  3. C.A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
  4. D.A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.
Show answer
Correct answer: C. A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.

The heart of Cabinet government is collective responsibility: the ministers stand or fall together before the elected House. Article 75(3) of the Constitution says the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, and Article 164(2) says the same for State ministers and the Legislative Assembly.

Q3570.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. A.Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
  2. B.Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
  3. C.Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
  4. D.Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.

The truth is the reverse: hepatitis B has a safe, effective vaccine, while hepatitis C has none. The hepatitis B vaccine has been in use since the 1980s and is given to newborns in India under the Universal Immunisation Programme, with the first dose soon after birth.

Q3572.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IEasy

What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

  1. A.A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
  2. B.A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
  3. C.A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
  4. D.A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops
Show answer
Correct answer: A. A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

Cas9 is the enzyme in the CRISPR-Cas9 system that cuts DNA at a chosen spot, which is why it is called molecular scissors.

Q3573.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India ?

1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour

2. Abolition of untouchability

3. Protection of the interests of minorities

4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

The Right against Exploitation is made up of Articles 23 and 24, which cover exactly items 1 and 4. Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings, begar and other similar forms of forced labour, and Parliament has backed it with laws such as the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.

Q3574.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements :

1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.

2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.

3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

PSLV mainly carries Earth observation satellites to low orbits, GSLV was built for communication satellites, and the other two statements describe the rockets wrongly.

Q3575.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

1. Genetic predisposition of some people

2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases

3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming

4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Drug resistance grows in microbes when antibiotics are misused, and both wrong doses and farm use of antibiotics are forms of misuse.

Q3576.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President's rule in a State ?

1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly

2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State

3. Dissolution of the local bodies

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Under President's rule the State Council of Ministers must go, but the Assembly need not be dissolved and local bodies are not touched.

Q3578.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IEasy

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

  1. A.'Higgs boson particles' were detected.
  2. B.'Gravitational waves' were detected.
  3. C.Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through 'wormhole' was confirmed.
  4. D.It enabled the scientists to understand 'singularity'.
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 'Gravitational waves' were detected.

The merger of two black holes sent out ripples in space-time, and catching those ripples was the first direct detection of gravitational waves.

Q3579.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following :

1. Carbon monoxide

2. Nitrogen oxide

3. Ozone

4. Sulphur dioxide

Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ?

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

Nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are the two gases that turn rain acidic. When coal and oil burn in power plants, factories and vehicles, they release sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air.

Q3580.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following :

1. Areca nut

2. Barley

3. Coffee

4. Finger millet

5. Groundnut

6. Sesamum

7. Turmeric

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above ?

  1. A.1, 2, 3 and 7 only
  2. B.2, 4, 5 and 6 only
  3. C.1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
  4. D.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 2, 4, 5 and 6 only

Barley, finger millet, groundnut and sesamum are among the crops covered by Minimum Support Price, while areca nut, coffee and turmeric are not.

GK Questions for sub-exams