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
20091
Which pact, signed in 1928, renounced war as an instrument of national policy?
Answer:
Kellogg-Briand Pact
Although not a League document per se, the Kellogg-Briand Pact was signed by many League members, condemning war. Its failure to prevent WWII reflected the League's weakness.
20092
Which region's status was decided by a League plebiscite in 1935?
Answer:
The Saar
The Saar region was administered by the League for 15 years. In 1935, a plebiscite was held, and over 90% of the population voted to rejoin Germany.
20093
What was the primary goal of the League's Health Committee?
Answer:
To wipe out diseases like leprosy and malaria
The Health Committee (a forerunner to the WHO) worked successfully to combat epidemics like typhus in Russia and research diseases like leprosy and malaria.
20094
The Vilna dispute (1920) was between which two countries?
Answer:
Poland and Lithuania
Polish troops seized Vilna, the capital of Lithuania. The League protested but failed to force Poland to withdraw, marking an early failure.
20095
Which city housed the Permanent Court of International Justice?
Answer:
The Hague
The Permanent Court of International Justice was located in The Hague, Netherlands. It was the predecessor to the UN's International Court of Justice.
20096
Who was the last Secretary-General of the League of Nations?
Answer:
Sean Lester
Sean Lester of Ireland served as the Secretary-General from 1940 until the League's dissolution in 1946, overseeing its operations during WWII.
20097
Which Class of Mandates consisted of territories considered almost ready for independence?
Answer:
Class A
Class A Mandates (mostly former Ottoman territories like Syria and Iraq) were considered sufficiently advanced to be recognized as independent nations provisionally, with administrative advice.
20098
Which secret agreement in 1935 undermined the League's sanctions against Italy?
Answer:
Hoare-Laval Pact
The Hoare-Laval Pact was a secret plan by the British and French foreign ministers to give two-thirds of Abyssinia to Italy, undermining the League's authority and sanctions.
20099
The 'War of the Stray Dog' was a conflict between which two nations that the League successfully halted?
Answer:
Greece and Bulgaria
In 1925, a border skirmish between Greece and Bulgaria (allegedly started by a dog crossing the line) led to a Greek invasion. The League intervened, and Greece withdrew.
20100
What was the requirement for voting on important decisions in the League's Assembly?
Answer:
Unanimous vote
The requirement for unanimity on substantive decisions was a major structural weakness, as a single member could veto actions, paralyzing the League.