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
21641
Who was the founder of Singapore as a British trading post?
Answer:
Stamford Raffles
Sir Stamford Raffles recognized the strategic potential of Singapore and established a trading post there in 1819.
21642
The 'Sykes-Picot Agreement' (1916) secretly planned the division of:
Answer:
The Ottoman Empire
Britain and France agreed to divide the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire into spheres of influence after WWI.
21643
Which country colonized Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia?
Answer:
Italy
Italy was a latecomer to the Scramble for Africa but established colonies in the Horn of Africa and North Africa (Libya).
21644
The 'Amritsar Massacre' (1919) turned many Indians from cooperators to revolutionaries. Who ordered the firing?
Answer:
General Dyer
General Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful crowd in a confined garden (Jallianwala Bagh), killing hundreds.
21645
Which territory did the US purchase from Russia in 1867, ridiculed as 'Seward's Folly'?
Answer:
Alaska
Secretary of State William Seward bought Alaska for $7.2 million. It was mocked until gold and oil were found there.
21646
The 'Force Publique' was a military force used to terrorize the population in:
Answer:
The Congo Free State
Under Leopold II, the Force Publique enforced rubber quotas through mutilation (cutting off hands) and murder.
21647
Which American naval officer wrote 'The Influence of Sea Power Upon History'?
Answer:
Alfred Thayer Mahan
Mahan's book argued that national greatness depended on naval power, heavily influencing the imperial strategies of the US, Britain, and Germany.
21648
The 'Partition of Africa' is another name for:
Answer:
The Scramble for Africa
The rapid colonization of African territory by European powers between 1881 and 1914 is known as the Scramble for Africa.
21649
The 'Indian National Congress' was founded in 1885 to:
Answer:
Seek greater Indian participation in government
Initially a moderate body seeking reform and representation, it later became the leading organization for Indian independence.
21650
Who was the Mahdi who led a revolt against the British in Sudan?
Answer:
Muhammad Ahmad
Muhammad Ahmad declared himself the Mahdi (redeemer) and led a successful revolt, capturing Khartoum and killing General Gordon.