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
3351
Which major category of hurricane reached Category 5 strength in the Atlantic in August 2025?
Answer:
Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin intensified into a powerful Category 5 storm in August 2025, marking one of the most significant weather events of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
3352
According to the WMO, which year was confirmed as the warmest year on record, exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels?
Answer:
2024
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed 2024 as the warmest year on record, being the first year to breach the critical 1.5°C threshold above the 1850-1900 average.
3353
The 'High Seas Treaty' officially reached the necessary 60 ratifications to enter into force in which month of 2025?
Answer:
September
On September 19, 2025, the treaty reached the threshold of 60 ratifications, triggering the countdown for it to enter into force in January 2026.
3354
What was the outcome of the INC-5.2 negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty held in Geneva in August 2025?
Answer:
The talks failed to reach consensus, requiring a future session
The negotiations in Geneva ended without a final agreement due to divisions over production caps, with a 'powerful minority' of petrochemical nations blocking consensus, necessitating further talks.
3355
The 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) was held in which city?
Answer:
Cali, Colombia
The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) took place in Cali, Colombia, under the theme 'Peace with Nature'.
3356
Which city is the host of the landmark COP30 Climate Summit in November 2025?
Answer:
Belém, Brazil
COP30 is being held in Belém, Brazil, located in the Amazon rainforest. It is framed as a critical moment for nature, biodiversity, and the submission of new national climate plans (NDCs).
3357
The 'Baku to Belém Roadmap', launched at COP29, is primarily focused on scaling up what by 2035?
Answer:
Climate finance for developing countries
The roadmap aims to scale up public and private climate finance to a total of $1.3 trillion per year for developing countries, serving as a bridge between the finance goals of COP29 and COP30.
3358
Which major financial goal was agreed upon at the COP29 Climate Summit in Baku in late 2024?
Answer:
The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)
At COP29 in Baku, nations agreed on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), setting a target for developed countries to mobilize at least $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing nations.
3359
Which major global payment system is Russia developing as an alternative to SWIFT?
Answer:
SPFS
SPFS (System for Transfer of Financial Messages) is Russia's domestic equivalent to the SWIFT financial messaging system.
3360
The 'loss and damage fund' operationalized at COP28 and funded in 2024 is designed to help:
Answer:
Vulnerable developing nations deal with climate change impacts
The fund provides financial assistance to nations most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.