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
1681
In the Hebrew calendar, a day begins at:
Answer:
Sunset
In the Hebrew calendar (and the Islamic calendar), the day begins at sundown on the previous Gregorian day.
1682
Which country officially uses the Solar Hijri calendar?
Answer:
Iran
Iran (and Afghanistan) uses the Solar Hijri calendar, which is one of the most accurate solar calendars in use.
1683
The Persian (Solar Hijri) calendar begins its year on which astronomical event?
Answer:
Vernal (Spring) Equinox
The Persian New Year, Nowruz, falls exactly on the Vernal Equinox (usually March 20 or 21).
1684
Which calendar was the predecessor to the Gregorian calendar and was established by Julius Caesar?
Answer:
Julian Calendar
The Julian calendar was proposed by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. It was replaced by the Gregorian calendar due to a slight inaccuracy in calculating the solar year.
1685
In the Gregorian calendar, a year is a leap year if it is divisible by 4, unless:
Answer:
It is divisible by 100 but not by 400
Years divisible by 100 are not leap years unless they are also divisible by 400 (e.g., 1900 was not a leap year, but 2000 was).
1686
The Hebrew (Jewish) calendar adds a 'leap month' seven times every 19 years. What is this cycle called?
Answer:
The Metonic Cycle
The Metonic cycle is a period of 19 years which is nearly exactly equal to 235 lunar months, used to calculate the insertion of leap months.
1687
How many animals are in the Chinese Zodiac cycle?
Answer:
12
The Chinese Zodiac features a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a specific animal (e.g., Dragon, Snake, Horse).
1688
The Chinese calendar is classified as which type of calendar?
Answer:
Lunisolar
The Chinese calendar is lunisolar; it uses lunar months but adds an extra (intercalary) month periodically to stay synchronized with the solar year.
1689
Which event marks the beginning (Year 1) of the Islamic Calendar?
Answer:
The Hijra (Migration to Medina)
The calendar begins with the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
1690
The Islamic (Hijri) calendar is based purely on the cycles of the:
Answer:
Moon
The Islamic calendar is a purely lunar calendar, meaning its months correspond to the lunar phases and it does not adjust to the solar year.