Free CDS General Knowledge Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Examine the two statements carefully then select the correct answers: <br><br> Statement I: El Nino is a temperature-rising phenomenon over the Pacific Ocean and usually causes dry monsoons in South Asia. <br> Statement II: Tsunamis are usually not noticed as the massive ocean waves move silently but assume destructive form as these travel through shallow waters of continental shelves.
- Both statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
- Both statements are individually true and Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I. (Correct answer)
- Statement I is true but statement II is false.
- Statement I is false but statement II is true.
Correct answer: Both statements are individually true and Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I.
Explanation: <br> Statement I correctly describes El Nino as a temperature-rising phenomenon over the Pacific Ocean, which indeed causes dry monsoons in South Asia. Statement II accurately describes tsunamis as initially unnoticed but becoming destructive as they reach shallow waters. However, there is no direct explanatory link between the two statements.
Question 2: Examine the two statements carefully then select the correct answers: <br><br> Statement I: Anticyclone, which is a high-pressure wind system, does not bring about significant change in weather conditions <br> Statement II: The outward movement of wind from the high-pressure center keeps limited scope for disturbance.
- Both statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I. (Correct answer)
- Both statements are individually true and statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I.
- Statement I is true but statement II is false.
- Statement I is false but statement II is true
Correct answer: Both statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
Explanation: <br> Statement I accurately describes anticyclones as high-pressure wind systems that generally do not bring significant changes in weather conditions. Statement II correctly explains the outward movement of wind from the high-pressure center but does not directly explain why anticyclones do not bring about significant weather changes. Therefore, there is no direct explanatory link between the two statements.
Question 3: Name the continents that form a mirror image of each other.
- North America and South America
- Asia and Africa
- Africa and South America (Correct answer)
- Europe and Asia
Correct answer: Africa and South America
Explanation: <br> The correct answer is (c) Africa and South America. These two continents are often described as forming a mirror image of each other due to the way their coastlines fit together like pieces of a puzzle. This observation provided early evidence for the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics.
Question 4: Approximately how many kilometers are represented by 1 degree of latitude?
- 421 km
- 111 km (Correct answer)
- 91 km
- 211 km
Correct answer: 111 km
Explanation: <br> Approximately 1 degree of latitude is equivalent to about 111 kilometers. This value varies slightly due to the Earth's slightly oblate shape, but for most practical purposes, 111 kilometers per degree is a useful approximation for navigation and geographical calculations.
Question 5: Which of the following rivers does not flow into the Bay of Bengal?
- Godavari
- Mahanadi
- Tapti (Correct answer)
- Cauvery
Correct answer: Tapti
Explanation: <br> The Tapti River does not flow into the Bay of Bengal. It originates in the central part of India and flows westward, eventually emptying into the Arabian Sea. On the other hand, the Godavari, Mahanadi, and Cauvery rivers all flow into the Bay of Bengal.
Question 6: Which of the following cities will never get the vertical rays of the Sun?
- Chennai
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Srinagar (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Srinagar
Explanation: <br> Srinagar, located in the northern part of India, is situated at a higher latitude where it will never receive vertical rays of the Sun. Vertical rays occur between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, which Srinagar is situated north of. In contrast, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata are located closer to the equator and have the potential to receive vertical rays of the Sun at certain times of the year.
Question 7: Which of the following statements regarding the ozone layer within the atmosphere is/are correct? <br><br> 1. It absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation found in the Sun’s rays. <br> 2. Chlorofluorocarbons are a serious threat to the ozone layer. <br><br> Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2 (Correct answer)
- Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: Both 1 and 2
Explanation: <br> Statement 1 is correct: The ozone layer absorbs most of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun's rays, which helps protect life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. <br><br> Statement 2 is also correct: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are indeed a serious threat to the ozone layer. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs break down ozone molecules, leading to ozone depletion. This depletion can result in the formation of the ozone hole, particularly over Antarctica.
Question 8: The broken hills famous for zinc and lead are located in:
- Turkey
- France
- Germany
- Australia (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Australia
Explanation: <br> Broken Hill is a mining town in the far west of outback New South Wales, Australia. It is known for its rich deposits of silver, lead, and zinc, making it one of the largest mining areas in the world.
Question 9: El Nino associated with the formation of the South-West monsoon of India is ____________.
- an abnormally warm ocean current (Correct answer)
- a periodic warm airmass
- a periodic warm wind
- a periodic low-pressure center
Correct answer: an abnormally warm ocean current
Explanation: <br> El Niño refers to the abnormal warming of ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which can significantly impact global weather patterns, including the Southwest monsoon of India. This warm ocean current disrupts the normal atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to changes in weather conditions worldwide.
Question 10: Which one among the following creeks is not associated with the state of Gujarat?
- Kori Creek
- Godai Creek
- Kajhar Creek (Correct answer)
- Sir Creek
Correct answer: Kajhar Creek
Explanation: <br> Kajhar Creek is not associated with the state of Gujarat. Kori Creek and Sir Creek are located in Gujarat, while Godai Creek is not.
Question 11: Which one of the following is not a formal agency of social control?
- Courts
- Police
- Family
- Teachers (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Teachers
Explanation: <br> Teachers are not typically considered formal agencies of social control. Formal agencies of social control are institutions like courts, police, and sometimes family, which enforce societal norms and regulations through established legal or authoritative means. While teachers may influence social behavior and norms within their educational roles, they generally do not have the formal authority to enforce societal rules and regulations.
Free CDS General Knowledge Questions and Answers
Examine the two statements carefully then select the correct answers:
Statement I: El Nino is a temperature-rising phenomenon over the Pacific Ocean and usually causes dry monsoons in South Asia.
Statement II: Tsunamis are usually not noticed as the massive ocean waves move silently but assume destructive form as these travel through shallow waters of continental shelves.
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Sources & references
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- upsc.gov.in — Test delivery, fees, exam format, passing score, retake policy, time limit · verified Oct 2026