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
21701
Who was the Belgian King who personally owned the Congo Free State?
Answer:
Leopold II
King Leopold II ran the Congo Free State as his private fiefdom, where horrific atrocities were committed to extract rubber and ivory.
21702
Which medicine was crucial for European penetration into the interior of Africa?
Answer:
Quinine
Quinine, derived from cinchona bark, provided protection against malaria, allowing Europeans to survive in the tropical interior of Africa.
21703
A country or a territory with its own internal government but under the control of an outside power is called a:
Answer:
Protectorate
In a protectorate, the local government exists but remains under the control and protection of a foreign power (e.g., the British in Egypt).
21704
Which meeting in 1884-1885 established the rules for the European colonization of Africa?
Answer:
Berlin Conference
Organized by Otto von Bismarck, the Berlin Conference regulated European colonization and trade in Africa, effectively launching the 'Scramble for Africa' without African representation.
21705
The poem 'The White Man's Burden' was written by:
Answer:
Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling wrote this controversial poem, which characterized imperialism as a noble enterprise of civilization, urging the US to take up the 'burden' of empire in the Philippines.
21706
Which 19th-century theory applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies to justify imperialism?
Answer:
Social Darwinism
Social Darwinism was used by imperialists to justify the conquest of 'weaker' races, arguing that European dominance was nature's way of improving the human species.
21707
The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force is known as:
Answer:
Imperialism
Imperialism refers to the practice of a larger country or government growing stronger by taking over poorer or weaker countries that have important resources.
21708
Joseph Lister is famous for introducing:
Answer:
Antiseptic surgery
Joseph Lister introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments and wounds, drastically reducing post-operative infections.
21709
Who is known for his work on the theory of evolution, published in 1859?
Answer:
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin published 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859, proposing the theory of evolution by natural selection.
21710
The 'Cottage Industry' refers to:
Answer:
Producing goods by hand at home
Before the factory system, goods like textiles were often produced by individuals working in their own homes, known as the cottage industry or putting-out system.