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
1641
In which year was the Magna Carta signed, establishing the principle that everyone is subject to the law?
Answer:
1215 AD
The Magna Carta (Great Charter) was signed by King John of England in June 1215 AD at Runnymede. It is a cornerstone of individual liberties and modern democracy.
1642
The names of the days of the week in English (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) are derived from:
Answer:
Norse/Germanic Gods
They are named after Tyr, Woden (Odin), Thor, and Frigg (Freya), corresponding to the Roman Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus.
1643
In the Hindu calendar, 'Diwali' (Festival of Lights) always falls on:
Answer:
A New Moon (Amavasya)
Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar month Kartik, which is the New Moon (Amavasya).
1644
The Gregorian calendar was not immediately adopted by everyone. Which country adopted it as late as 1918?
Answer:
Russia
Russia continued using the Julian calendar until the Bolsheviks adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1918.
1645
Which of these is NOT an animal in the Chinese Zodiac?
Answer:
Cat
The Cat is not part of the standard Chinese Zodiac (though it appears in the Vietnamese Zodiac, replacing the Rabbit).
1646
The 'Julian Date' (JD) used by astronomers is different from the Julian Calendar because:
Answer:
It counts days continuously from a distant past epoch without years or months.
The Julian Day count is a continuous count of days since the beginning of the Julian Period (4713 BC), used for easy calculation of elapsed time.
1647
What determines the start of a month in the Islamic calendar?
Answer:
The sighting of the new crescent moon (Hilal)
Traditionally, Islamic months begin with the physical sighting of the new crescent moon, though some regions now use astronomical calculations.
1648
In the Chinese Lunisolar calendar, the New Year usually falls between:
Answer:
January 21 and February 20
Chinese New Year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, placing it between Jan 21 and Feb 20.
1649
What is the standard length of a week in the vast majority of world calendars?
Answer:
7 days
The 7-day week is a near-universal standard, likely originating from the Babylonians and the phases of the moon/seven visible celestial bodies.
1650
Before 1582, the New Year in many European countries (using the Julian system) began on:
Answer:
March 25 (Lady Day)
Before the Gregorian reform and the subsequent administrative shifts, March 25 (Feast of the Annunciation) was a common New Year start date in Europe (e.g., England).