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
21091
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was proposed by China as an alternative to which Western-dominated institution?
Answer:
World Bank / IMF
The AIIB was established to provide finance to infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region, seen as a counterbalance to the US-led World Bank and IMF.
21092
Which two countries joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as full members in 2017?
Answer:
India and Pakistan
The accession of India and Pakistan expanded the SCO's footprint significantly into South Asia.
21093
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was primarily founded to focus on security concerns in which region?
Answer:
Central Asia
The SCO focuses on political, economic, and security issues, primarily combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism in Central Asia.
21094
The 'Belt and Road Initiative' (BRI) is a massive infrastructure project launched by which country?
Answer:
China
Launched by Xi Jinping in 2013, the BRI aims to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks.
21095
Which international forum was elevated to the leader's level in 2008 to address the global financial crisis, symbolizing a shift towards multipolarity?
Answer:
G20
The G20 replaced the G8 as the main economic council of wealthy nations, acknowledging the systemic importance of emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil.
21096
The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS states, is headquartered in which city?
Answer:
Shanghai
The NDB, created to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects, is headquartered in Shanghai, China.
21097
Which country joined the BRIC group in 2010, changing the acronym to BRICS?
Answer:
South Africa
South Africa was invited to join the group in 2010, adding the 'S' to BRICS and representing the African continent.
21098
The acronym 'BRIC' was originally coined by which economist in 2001?
Answer:
Jim O'Neill
Jim O'Neill of Goldman Sachs coined the term to describe the rising economic powers of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
21099
Which term describes a distribution of power in which more than two nation-states have nearly equal amounts of military, cultural, and economic influence?
Answer:
Multipolarity
Multipolarity refers to a system where power is distributed among several major states, as opposed to one (unipolar) or two (bipolar) dominant powers.
21100
The 'Insurgency' in Iraq largely began after:
Answer:
The disbanding of the Iraqi Army
Paul Bremer's decision to disband the army left thousands of trained, armed men unemployed and angry, fueling the insurgency.