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
24931
What is the approximate current population of the world (as of late 2023/early 2024)?
Answer:
8.1 Billion
The world population reached $8$ billion in late 2022, and is estimated to be approximately $8.1$ billion as of early 2024.
24932
As of recent estimates (2023), which country is the most populous in the world?
Answer:
India
India officially surpassed China in population in mid-2023, making it the country with the highest number of inhabitants globally, with a population exceeding $1.42$ billion.
24933
Which American organization compiled the list of 'Seven Wonders of the Modern World' based on engineering achievements?
Answer:
The ASCE created its list of modern engineering wonders to celebrate the greatest civil engineering achievements of the 20th century.
24934
What material constitutes the primary visible surface of the Taj Mahal?
Answer:
The entire main structure of the Taj Mahal, including the dome and arches, is covered in white Makrana marble, which gives the building its famous luminous appearance.
24935
The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man-made structure until the construction of a spire on which structure?
Answer:
The spire of Lincoln Cathedral in England, completed in 1311, surpassed the height of the Great Pyramid and held the record until its central spire collapsed in 1549.
24936
Which New Seven Wonder, famed for its ancient rock-cut 'city', is located in the Middle East?
Answer:
Petra, with its buildings carved into the rock face, is the only New Seven Wonder located in the Middle East.
24937
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built to primarily serve what purpose?
Answer:
The Lighthouse was essentially a massive pharos, built to guide thousands of ships safely into the harbor of Alexandria, one of the world's busiest trading ports at the time.
24938
The ancient city of Petra was essentially 'lost' to the Western world until it was rediscovered in which century?
Answer:
Petra was 'lost' to the Western world after the Crusades and was only rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
24939
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, an Ancient Wonder, was known for its elaborate sculptures created by famous Greek sculptors including:
Answer:
The elaborate sculptors for the Mausoleum were attributed to four of the most famous Greek sculptors of the time: Bryaxis, Leochares, Scopas of Paros, and Timotheus.
24940
The Taj Mahal combines architectural styles from which three major traditions?
Answer:
The Taj Mahal is considered the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece. It is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Indian, and Turkish architectural traditions.