UPSC Prelims World Geography previous year questions from 2026, with answers and explanations.
2026Multi-statement (Traditional Style)World Political Geography & Borders
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
Select the answer using the code given below:
A.1 and 2
B.1 and 3
C.2 and 3
D.3 and 4
Explanation: * Bahrain & Qatar (1 and 3): The Strait of Hormuz serves as the vital geographic bottleneck connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the broader Indian Ocean. Ships coming from nations inside the Persian Gulf—such as Bahrain and Qatar—must cross this strait to reach open ocean waters. * Syria & Egypt (2 and 4): Syria borders the Mediterranean, and Egypt borders the Mediterranean and Red Seas; neither country is located inside the Persian Gulf, so their ships do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
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2026Current AffairsDirect Conceptual / Factual MCQGeomorphology & Volcanic Features
Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries?
A.Ecuador
B.Peru
C.Bolivia
D.Colombia
Explanation: * Ecuador: Tungurahua, meaning "Throat of Fire" in the Quechua language, is an active stratovolcano situated in Ecuador's Eastern Andes (Cordillera Oriental), roughly 140 km south of Quito. In 2025, it was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark (Ecuador's second geopark after Imbabura).
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2026Multi-statement (Traditional Style)Oceanography & Hydrological Features
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'.
Select the answer using the code given below:
A.1 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3
Explanation: * Statement 1 is correct: Lake Turkana is the world's largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake. * Statement 2 is incorrect: It lies mainly in northern Kenya, with its northern tip extending into southwestern Ethiopia. It is not located in South Sudan or the Sahara desert. * Statement 3 is correct: It is Africa's fourth-largest lake, nicknamed the "Jade Sea" due to its striking turquoise color, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
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