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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

Q7161.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, "Pronuclear Transfer" is used for

  1. A.fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
  2. B.genetic modification of sperm producing cells
  3. C.development of stem cells into functional embryos
  4. D.prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
Show answer
Correct answer: D. prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Pronuclear transfer is a mitochondrial replacement technique that stops a mother from passing faulty mitochondria to her child. Mitochondria have their own small DNA, inherited only from the mother; defects in it cause serious muscle, heart and brain diseases.

Q7162.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?

1. Brakes of motor vehicles

2. Engines of motor vehicles

3. Microwave stoves within homes

4. Power plants

5. Telephone lines

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Magnetite nanoparticles in polluted air come from high-temperature combustion and friction: vehicle engines, brake wear and power plants. Magnetite is an iron oxide (Fe3O4).

Q7163.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

"System of Rice Intensification" of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :

1. Reduced seed requirement

2. Reduced methane production

3. Reduced electricity consumption

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  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

SRI saves seed, cuts methane and, by using less irrigation water, saves the electricity spent on pumping. The System of Rice Intensification was developed in Madagascar in the 1980s by the French priest Henri de Laulanié.

Q7164.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following :

1. Demographic performance

2. Forest and ecology

3. Governance reforms

4. Stable government

5. Tax and fiscal efforts

For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population, area and income distance?

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

Besides population, area and income distance, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used demographic performance, forest and ecology, and tax and fiscal efforts.

Q7165.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following :

1. Cashew

2. Papaya

3. Red sanders

How many of the above trees are actually native to India ?

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

Of the three, only red sanders is native to India; cashew and papaya were brought from the Americas. Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats, mainly the Seshachalam and nearby hills of Andhra Pradesh.

Q7166.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IEasy

Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) ?

1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas

2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions

3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

RAD aims to raise productivity and cut climate risk in rainfed farming by promoting Integrated Farming Systems. The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is one of the missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Q7167.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?

1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.

2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.

3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  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

The real hurdles are the high technology needed to build algae plants and the very large scale they need to pay off; algae can be grown on land.

Q7168.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements:

1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education.

2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines.

3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments.

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: B. 2 only

Only statement 2 is right: under the RTE Act a primary teacher must clear a Teacher Eligibility Test held as per NCTE guidelines.

Q7169.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IEasy

On 21st June, the Sun

  1. A.does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
  2. B.does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
  3. C.shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
  4. D.shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
Show answer
Correct answer: A. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle

21 June is the summer solstice of the Northern Hemisphere, when the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun and the whole Arctic Circle gets 24 hours of daylight.

Q7170.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.

2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.

3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta - II.

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: C. 3 only

Only the third pairing is right: Kalidasa is traditionally placed at the court of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. Tradition counts Kalidasa, author of Abhijnanashakuntalam, Meghaduta and Raghuvamsha, among the nine gems (navaratnas) of King Vikramaditya, identified with the Gupta ruler Chandragupta II of the late fourth and early fifth century CE.

Q7171.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

With reference to the 'New York Declaration on Forests', which of the following statements are correct?

1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.

2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests.

3. It is a legally binding international declaration.

4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities.

5. India was one of the signatories at its inception.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

The declaration was launched at the 2014 UN Climate Summit, sets a timeline to end forest loss and has a mixed set of endorsers, but it is voluntary and India did not sign it.

Q7173.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the investments in the following assets :

1. Brand recognition

2. Inventory

3. Intellectual property

4. Mailing list of clients

How many of the above are considered intangible investments?

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

Brand recognition, intellectual property and a client mailing list have no physical form, while inventory is a stock of physical goods.

Q7174.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following :

1. Butterflies

2. Fish

3. Frogs

How many of the above have poisonous species among them ?

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

Each of the three groups includes species that carry toxins in their bodies to deter predators. Butterflies: the Monarch butterfly feeds as a caterpillar on milkweed and stores its bitter cardiac glycosides, so birds that eat it fall sick; its bright orange colour is a warning.

Q7175.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct ?

1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds.

2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites.

3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

The yearly return of the falcons to Doyang is a story of community conservation, not of technology or of the birds settling in India.

Q7176.Summits & ConferencesHard

What was the title of the exhibition organised alongside the Brihattar Bharat conference?

  1. A.Asia's Shared Cultural Heritage
  2. B.Routes of the Silk Road
  3. C.Bharat: A Civilisational Journey
  4. D.Nalanda and the World
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Asia's Shared Cultural Heritage

The exhibition was mounted during the conference and displayed the heritage and the historical cultural connections that India shares with other countries of Asia; the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Culture Secretary and other invited guests went round it.

Q7177.Summits & ConferencesHard

Scholars from about how many countries are involved in the collaborative research under the Brihattar Bharat Project?

  1. A.Around 21 countries
  2. B.Around 36 countries
  3. C.Around 51 countries
  4. D.Around 75 countries
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Around 51 countries

The Culture Secretary explained that the Brihattar Bharat Project aims to win international recognition for India's ancient cultural links through collaborative, evidence-based research involving scholars from roughly that many nations.

Q7178.Summits & ConferencesMedium

Which institution organised the three-day conference on Bharat's Cultural Connections across the Globe?

  1. A.Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
  2. B.National Museum, New Delhi
  3. C.Sahitya Akademi
  4. D.Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

It held the conference at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi from 14 to 16 October 2026, and its Member Secretary Sachchidanand Joshi delivered the welcome address.

Q7179.Summits & ConferencesMedium

The Brihattar Bharat conference inaugurated in New Delhi marks the centenary of which organisation?

  1. A.Asiatic Society of Bengal
  2. B.Greater India Society
  3. C.Indian Council for Cultural Relations
  4. D.Archaeological Survey of India
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Greater India Society

The society was influential in building scholarship on India's cultural and intellectual relations with Asia and with the wider world, which is exactly the field the new Brihattar Bharat Project wishes to revive.

Q7180.Science & TechnologyHard

Where was the CEA international conference cum exhibition on artificial intelligence in the power sector held?

  1. A.Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
  2. B.Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
  3. C.Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
  4. D.Yashobhoomi, Dwarka
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi

Bharat Mandapam, Vigyan Bhawan and Yashobhoomi are all genuine venues in or near the capital that host large national events, which makes them effective distractors, but none of them hosted this particular conference.

GK Questions for sub-exams