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
19131
The judgments delivered by the ICJ in contentious cases are legally binding on:
Answer:
Only the parties directly involved in that specific case.
Article 59 of the ICJ Statute states that the decision of the Court has no binding force except between the parties and in respect of that particular case.
19132
ICJ Judges are elected by which two UN bodies voting concurrently but separately?
Answer:
The UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.
Candidates must achieve an absolute majority in both organs to be elected.
19133
How many Judges make up the bench of the International Court of Justice?
Answer:
15
The Court consists of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms. They are chosen to ensure the representation of the world's principal legal systems.
19134
What is the primary source of law the ICJ applies when deciding disputes between States?
Answer:
International conventions (treaties), international custom, general principles of law, and judicial decisions/teachings of publicists.
This list is set out in Article 38(1) of the ICJ Statute.
19135
The ICJ issues two main types of decisions. These are judgments (contentious cases) and what other type of legal pronouncement?
Answer:
Advisory Opinions
Advisory Opinions are requested by authorized UN bodies (like the General Assembly or Security Council) on legal questions, and are generally non-binding.
19136
The jurisdiction of the ICJ in contentious cases is based on what principle?
Answer:
The principle of State consent.
States must explicitly consent to the ICJ hearing their dispute, through a special agreement, a treaty clause, or through the optional clause (declarations accepting compulsory jurisdiction).
19137
According to the UN Charter, only which entities may be parties in cases before the ICJ?
Answer:
Only States.
Unlike some other international tribunals, the ICJ's contentious jurisdiction (disputes) is open only to States.
19138
The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of which international organization?
Answer:
The United Nations (UN)
The Court's role is to settle legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.
19139
Where is the permanent seat and headquarters of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) located?
Answer:
The Hague, Netherlands
The ICJ is based at the Peace Palace in The Hague, making it the only principal organ of the UN not located in New York.
19140
In what year was the ICJ established?
Answer:
1945
The ICJ was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations, replacing the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ).