General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1541
What is the approximate length of a solar year (the time it takes Earth to orbit the Sun)?
Answer:
365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, 46 seconds
A solar year is approximately 365.2422 days long, or roughly 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds. This extra quarter of a day necessitates a leap day every four years.
1542
Which Pope introduced the calendar system we use today to correct the drift in the Julian calendar?
Answer:
Pope Gregory XIII
Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582 to correct a slight inaccuracy in the Julian system that caused the calendar to drift from the solar year.
1543
Who introduced the Julian calendar, which established the 365.25-day year?
Answer:
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar in 46 BC, which reformed the Roman calendar and established the regular inclusion of leap years.
1544
What is the name of the extra day added to the calendar during a leap year?
Answer:
Intercalary day
The technical term for a day inserted into the calendar to harmonize it with the solar year, such as February 29, is an 'intercalary day'.
1545
Which of the following years was NOT a leap year?
Answer:
1900
According to the Gregorian calendar rules, century years (ending in 00) are only leap years if they are divisible by 400. Since 1900 is not divisible by 400, it was not a leap year.
1546
How often does a leap year generally occur in the Gregorian calendar?
Answer:
Every 4 years
A leap year typically occurs every 4 years to help synchronize the calendar year with the solar year, which is approximately 365.25 days long.
1547
The Suez Canal was opened for navigation in:
Answer:
1869
The Suez Canal, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, was officially opened on November 17, 1869.
1548
When did the American Civil War begin?
Answer:
1861
The American Civil War began on April 12, 1861, with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter.
1549
The attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar occurred on:
Answer:
December 16, 2014
The tragic terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar took place on December 16, 2014.
1550
The 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, which restored provincial autonomy, was passed in:
Answer:
2010
The 18th Amendment was passed by the National Assembly on April 8, 2010, removing the President's power to dissolve the assembly and enhancing provincial autonomy.