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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

Q6641.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IEasy

Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

  1. A.Irrigation of terraced crop fields
  2. B.Lift irrigation of cereal crops
  3. C.Long duration energy storage
  4. D.Rainwater harvesting system
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Long duration energy storage

Pumped-storage hydropower stores surplus electricity by pumping water uphill and gives it back when the water flows down through turbines.

Q6642.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IHard

With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements : I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world's oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

About half of the oxygen made on Earth comes from ocean phytoplankton and cyanobacteria, more than from rain forests, and sea water holds far less oxygen than air.

Q6643.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IEasy

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct ? 1. They acted as army fortresses. 2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles. 3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles. 4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles. Select the answer using the code given below :

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

The Moidams are the mound-burials of the Ahom royal family and nobles at Charaideo in Assam. The Tai-Ahoms, who ruled the Brahmaputra valley for about six centuries from the 13th century, buried their kings, queens and nobles in vaulted chambers covered by large earthen mounds.

Q6644.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to

  1. A.immunization of children and pregnant women
  2. B.construction of smart cities across the country
  3. C.India's own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
  4. D.New Educational Policy
Show answer
Correct answer: A. immunization of children and pregnant women

Mission Indradhanush is the Health Ministry's drive to vaccinate every child and pregnant woman left out of routine immunisation. The mission was launched on 25 December 2014 to raise full immunisation coverage among children under two years and pregnant women.

Q6645.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency. 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

The Nuclear Security Summits were a United States initiative outside the UN, and the International Panel on Fissile Materials is an independent expert group, not part of the IAEA.

Q6646.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines. 2. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines. 3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Rajasthan does have iron ore deposits and mines, while the first two statements are false.

Q6647.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IEasy

In the context of which one of the following are the terms 'pyrolysis and plasma gasification' mentioned?

  1. A.Extraction of rare earth elements
  2. B.Natural gas extraction technologies
  3. C.Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
  4. D.Waste-to-energy technologies
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Waste-to-energy technologies

Pyrolysis and plasma gasification are two thermal methods of turning solid waste into fuel gas, oil or power.

Q6648.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following activities : 1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field 2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes 3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones ?

  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

Drones are already used for all three jobs: spraying crops, looking into volcanic craters and catching whale breath for study.

Q6649.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements : 1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. 2. It is the only circular temple built in India. 3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. 4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

The temple at Mitaoli near Morena is a circular yogini shrine built under the Kachchhapaghatas, and its round, colonnaded plan is popularly linked with the old Parliament House.

Q6650.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following countries : 1. Azerbaijan 2. Kyrgyzstan 3. Tajikistan 4. Turkmenistan 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan ?

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

Of the Central Asian countries listed, only Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan touch Afghanistan, all along its northern edge.

Q6651.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following organizations/ bodies in India : 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The National Law Commission 4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission How many of the above are constitutional bodies?

  1. A.Only one
  2. B.Only two
  3. C.Only three
  4. D.All four
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Only one

Of the four, only the National Commission for Backward Classes is set up by the Constitution itself.

Q6653.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) : 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

The Foxtail orchid grows on trees as an epiphyte and is the state flower of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, but it is not confined to North-east India.

Q6654.Important DaysEasy

Who chaired the Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 programme at the Dr B. R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi?

  1. A.The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
  2. B.Atish Chandra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
  3. C.The Director General of MANAGE
  4. D.The Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Atish Chandra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

The correct answer is Atish Chandra, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, who chaired the programme and addressed it on the contribution of women to agriculture and allied sectors, particularly in ensuring food security, sustaining rural livelihoods and managing natural resources.

Q6655.Important DaysMedium

Which book was released during the Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 programme in New Delhi?

  1. A.Women Farmers of India: Journey from Challenges to Success
  2. B.Daughters of the Soil
  3. C.Annadata: The Women Who Feed India
  4. D.Krishi Sakhi: A Handbook for Extension Workers
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Women Farmers of India: Journey from Challenges to Success

The book was released at the programme and is a compilation of inspiring success stories of women farmers, setting out their contributions, achievements, innovations and their path from struggle to success in agriculture and allied sectors.

Q6656.Important DaysMedium

What was the theme of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026?

  1. A.Women Farmers for a Hunger Free India
  2. B.Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India
  3. C.Empowering Women Through Farm Mechanisation
  4. D.Women in Climate Resilient Agriculture
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India

That theme was announced for the observance held at the Dr B. R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, and it draws attention to the part women play in raising productivity, promoting sustainable farming, conserving natural resources and contributing to rural prosperity.

Q6657.InternationalEasy

The vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, referred to at the session, looks to India becoming a developed nation by which landmark?

  1. A.The centenary of the Constitution coming into force
  2. B.The centenary of Indian Independence
  3. C.The seventy-fifth year of the Republic
  4. D.The bicentenary of the first Indian railway line
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The centenary of Indian Independence

The vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, envisages India as a developed nation by the hundredth year of its Independence, and the session on roads was explicitly aligned with it through the goals of supporting economic growth, improving connectivity, strengthening logistics efficiency and widening access…

Q6658.InternationalMedium

Which two ministries, besides the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, took active part in the India-Japan Joint Working Group session on roads?

  1. A.Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Power
  2. B.Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Civil Aviation
  3. C.Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce
  4. D.Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Environment
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Power

Their presence is logical rather than ceremonial, because a highway alignment, a railway corridor and a power transmission line often compete for the same land and the same clearances, so decisions taken on one affect the others.

Q6660.DefenceMedium

In the context of the Indian Coast Guard, what does the abbreviation M-SAR stand for?

  1. A.Maritime Safety and Regulation
  2. B.Marine Surveillance and Reconnaissance
  3. C.Maritime Search and Rescue
  4. D.Marine Spill Assessment Response
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Maritime Search and Rescue

It was the first of the areas listed for deeper cooperation at the 14th High Level Meeting, alongside Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Law Enforcement, capacity building and operational coordination.

GK Questions for sub-exams