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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

Q4121.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. 2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules. 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: B. 2 only

Parole is a concession granted at the authorities' discretion, not a right, and each state frames its own parole rules.

Q4122.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IEasy

Which one of the following best describes the term "greenwashing" ?

  1. A.Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
  2. B.Non-inclusion of ecological/ environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
  3. C.Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
  4. D.Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound

Greenwashing is misleading green marketing. The word joins "green" with "whitewashing", which means covering up faults.

Q4123.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day : Statement-I : The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens. Statement-II : On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India. 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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for 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: C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Constitution Day marks the adoption of the Constitution on 26 November 1949, not the setting up of the Drafting Committee.

Q4124.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following statements : 1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. 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: A. 1 only

The International Solar Alliance was launched at the 2015 climate conference, but it does not include every UN member.

Q4125.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples ? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarakantak 3. Omkareshwar 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: A. 1 only

Of the three, only Arasavalli is known for a Sun temple. Arasavalli, near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, has the Suryanarayana Swamy temple, one of the few living Sun temples in India; it is said to date back to the Eastern Ganga kings, and on certain days the morning rays fall…

Q4126.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India ?

  1. A.Francois Bernier
  2. B.Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
  3. C.Jean de Thevenot
  4. D.Abbe Barthelemy Carre
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

He was a French gem merchant, and his travel account describes India's diamonds and mines in detail. Tavernier made six voyages to the East between about 1630 and 1668 and visited India several times during the reigns of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.

Q4127.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to India, consider the following statements : 1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail. 2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court. 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: B. 2 only

In judicial custody the accused is held in jail, not in a police lock-up, and the police need the court's leave to question them.

Q4128.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IHard

In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs : (Term : Description) 1. Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 2. Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 3. Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

Eripatti and Ghatikas are described correctly, but Taniyurs were not villages gifted to Brahmins. These terms come from inscriptions of early medieval South India, especially of the Pallava and Chola periods.

Q4129.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IEasy

Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays ? 1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates. 2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs. 3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 and 3 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.1, 2 and 3
  4. D.None of the above statements is correct
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1, 2 and 3

All three are real advantages of OLEDs, and they follow from the fact that each OLED pixel makes its own light.

Q4130.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ?

  1. A.Central Water Commission
  2. B.Central Ground Water Board
  3. C.Central Ground Water Authority
  4. D.National Water Development Agency
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Central Ground Water Authority

It is the only one of the four set up as an authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted in 1997 under Section 3(3) of the Act, following a Supreme Court direction in the M.C.

Q4131.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : 7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day. Statement-II : It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day. 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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for 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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I

National Handloom Day falls on 7 August precisely to honour the Swadeshi Movement launched on that date in 1905. On 7 August 1905, a large meeting at the Calcutta Town Hall passed the boycott resolution against British goods in protest against the partition of Bengal, formally launching the Swadeshi Movement.

Q4132.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IMedium

India is an important member of the 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor'. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

  1. A.It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
  2. B.It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
  3. C.It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
  4. D.It can build fusion reactors for power generation
Show answer
Correct answer: D. It can build fusion reactors for power generation

ITER is an experiment to prove that nuclear fusion can work as a large-scale energy source, and every member shares its technology.

Q4133.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following pairs : (Commonly used / consumed materials : Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them) 1. Lipstick : Lead 2. Soft drinks : Brominated vegetable oils 3. Chinese fast food : Monosodium glutamate Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?

  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: D. 1, 2 and 3

Each product has been linked to the chemical paired with it. Lead has been found as a trace contaminant in many lipsticks, coming from colour pigments; since lipstick is swallowed in small amounts, regular use raises concern because lead is a toxic heavy metal that harms the nervous system.

Q4135.Static GKAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements : 1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations. 2. India is the largest shareholder in AIIB. 3. AIIB does not have any members from outside Asia. 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: A. 1 only

AIIB has well over 80 members, but China, not India, is its largest shareholder, and many members are outside Asia.

Q4136.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies. 2. In 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies. 3. As per the existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

A law now limits a candidate to two seats, and no rule makes the party pay for by-elections.

Q4137.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements : 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organization. 2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India. 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: B. 2 only

The India Sanitation Coalition is an industry-led platform, not one funded by the Government of India and the WHO.

Q4138.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with

  1. A.archaeological excavations
  2. B.establishment of English Press in Colonial India
  3. C.establishment of Churches in Princely States
  4. D.construction of railways in Colonial India
Show answer
Correct answer: A. archaeological excavations

All five were British officials and scholars who excavated and documented ancient sites, mostly in South India. Walter Elliot, a Madras civil servant, dug at the Buddhist stupa of Amaravati in the 1840s and sent its sculptures to Madras and later London.

Q4139.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements : 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years. 2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary. 3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years. 4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

PM-SYM is a contributory pension scheme for unorganised workers in which the worker's monthly share depends on the age at joining and the Centre matches it.

Q4140.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements about Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): 1. MPI is calculated using Alkire-Foster methodology. 2. MPI calculated by NITI Aayog has a total of twelve indicators. 3. Maternal Health and Bank Account are common indicators in the MPI of NITI Aayog and MPI of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Maternal health and bank account are the two indicators India added on its own, so they are not common to both indices.

GK Questions for sub-exams