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4392 Previous Year Questions • 2016–2026 • Prelims, Mains, Essay, Optionals

Year

Prelims - Paper 1 (GS)

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2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.21

Consider the following statements with reference to India's response to climate change: I. India's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. II. India's 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019. III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?

1
Statement I is empirically supported by statement II.
2
Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I.
3
Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability.
Climate Change Policy
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.22

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1
A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
2
They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees.
3
They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers.
Biodiversity and Conservation
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.23

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience?

1
Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
2
Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
3
By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.
Mangrove Ecosystems and Climate Resilience
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.24

In what way(s) does the Vizhinjam International Seaport represent a structural shift in India's maritime trade and logistics policy?

1
By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations.
2
By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala's profile as a maritime heritage destination.
3
By leveraging its natural deep draft and strategic location to reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment ports, enhance revenue retention, and reposition India in regional maritime trade.
Maritime Infrastructure and Trade
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.25

Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information:

1
It has an antecedent drainage system.
2
It flows through three countries.
3
It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.
4
It does not form distributaries.
Geography
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.26

Which of the following with reference to Indian States is/are not correct?

1
Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States.
2
Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States.
3
Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State.
Indian and World Geography
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.27

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.
Environment, Ecology and Biodiversity
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.28

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)
Economic and Social Development
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.29

Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of obtaining Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in the global textile industry?

1
It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products.
2
It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets.
Economic and Social Development
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.30

Ships from which of the following countries have to cross the Strait of Hormuz to reach out to the Indian Ocean?

1
Bahrain
2
Syria
3
Qatar
4
Egypt
Indian and World Geography
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.31
Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries?
Geography
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.32

With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1
It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025.
2
Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park.
3
Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Environment
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.33

With reference to the climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1
The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate.
2
It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon.
3
Maximum precipitation is between December and May.
Geography
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.34

Which of the following geographical features or phenomena is/are associated with the Peninsular Block of India?

1
Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity
2
Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills
3
Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers
Geography
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.35

Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India: I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure. II. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings. III. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?

1
Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in statement I.
2
Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework.
3
Statement I contradicts statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation.
Governance
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.36

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.
Environment and Ecology
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.37

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.
Indian Heritage
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.38
At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and "Blue Transformation". Which of the following combinations about the "Four Betters" proposed by FAO for "Blue Transformation" is correct?
Current Events
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.39

Which of the following statements with reference to Lake Turkana is/are correct?

1
It is the largest desert lake in the world.
2
The lake is situated in South Sudan along the eastern fringe of the Sahara desert.
3
The lake is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also referred to as the 'Jade Sea'.
World Geography
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.40
Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?
Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
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