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
19601
What is the key purpose of the **WMO Technical Regulations**?
Answer:
Prescribing the international standardization of meteorological practices and procedures.
The Technical Regulations ensure that all member countries follow common procedures for observations, coding, and transmission, guaranteeing data consistency and interoperability.
19602
The WMO promotes the use of **Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)**. What is the SPI used to monitor and assess?
Answer:
Drought conditions.
The SPI is a WMO-recommended index used globally to characterize meteorological drought on a variety of time scales.
19603
The WMO, in collaboration with the UNESCO-IOC, oversees which global observing system for the world’s oceans?
Answer:
Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
GOOS provides the sustained, systematic observations and derived products required to support marine services, climate monitoring, and ocean health.
19604
WMO’s work on **Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)** focuses heavily on what type of service?
Answer:
Early Warning Systems (EWS) for weather-related hazards.
EWS for hazards like floods, tropical cyclones, and droughts are vital for protecting lives and property, a key WMO priority.
19605
What is the primary responsibility of a **National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS)** in the WMO system?
Answer:
Providing public forecasts, warnings, and climate services as required by the WMO Convention.
NMHSs are the backbone of the WMO system, responsible for collecting national data and issuing official weather/climate warnings.
19606
Which body is the executive arm of the Congress, meeting annually to implement the decisions of the Congress and coordinate the programmes?
Answer:
The Executive Council (EC)
The Executive Council is composed of 37 Directors of NMHSs and ensures the smooth running of the WMO.
19607
WMO's **Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW)** programme specifically monitors which atmospheric components?
Answer:
Greenhouse gases, ozone, aerosols, and other air quality-related chemical substances.
GAW provides reliable, long-term scientific data and information on the chemical composition of the atmosphere to support informed decisions.
19608
The WMO provides the organizational infrastructure for which UN body's scientific assessments of climate change?
Answer:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The IPCC was established in 1988 by the WMO and UNEP to provide comprehensive scientific assessments of climate change, its implications, and future risks.
19609
Which major WMO programme focuses on the observation, study, and projection of climate change and variability?
Answer:
The World Climate Programme (WCP)
WCP and its associated institutions are the primary international framework for coordinating climate-related activities, including the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).
19610
What is the primary function of the **Global Telecommunication System (GTS)**, a key component of the WWW?
Answer:
Transmitting observational data and processed meteorological information between national centres.
The GTS is a worldwide system for the rapid collection and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data, linking National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).