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
19901
Which country withdrew from the CIS in 2009 following a military conflict with Russia?
Answer:
Georgia
Georgia withdrew from the CIS in August 2009, following the 2008 Russo-Georgian War over the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
19902
Which former Soviet states never joined the CIS?
Answer:
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
The Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) never joined the CIS, as they regarded their incorporation into the Soviet Union as an illegal occupation and sought immediate integration with Europe.
19903
Which agreement, signed on December 21, 1991, expanded the CIS to include 11 former Soviet republics?
Answer:
Alma-Ata Protocols
The Alma-Ata Protocols confirmed the dissolution of the USSR and expanded the CIS from the original three signatories (Russia, Belarus, Ukraine) to include eight other republics.
19904
Where is the administrative headquarters (Executive Committee) of the CIS located?
Answer:
Minsk, Belarus
The headquarters of the CIS Executive Committee is located in Minsk, Belarus. However, the body responsible for economic issues is based in Moscow.
19905
In which year was the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) established?
Answer:
1991
The CIS was established on December 8, 1991, through the signing of the Belovezh Accords by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, signaling the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
19906
Who was the first President of the New Development Bank (NDB)?
Answer:
K.V. Kamath
K.V. Kamath from India served as the first President of the New Development Bank when it launched in 2015.
19907
Which BRICS member is currently a permanent member of the UN Security Council?
Answer:
Russia and China
Only Russia and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5), while India, Brazil, and South Africa have long advocated for permanent seats.
19908
The 'Five Rs' concept refers to the currencies of the original BRICS nations. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
Answer:
Rial
The 'Five Rs' refer to the Real (Brazil), Ruble (Russia), Rupee (India), Renminbi (China), and Rand (South Africa). The Rial is the currency of Iran (a newer member).
19909
Where was the first-ever BRIC Summit held in 2009?
Answer:
Yekaterinburg, Russia
The inaugural BRIC Summit was held on June 16, 2009, in Yekaterinburg, Russia, marking the beginning of annual summits.
19910
Why is BRICS considered a counterbalance to Western institutions?
Answer:
Economic initiatives like NDB
BRICS’ New Development Bank and CRA challenge Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank and IMF.