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
3461
Which major power is the largest creditor to developing nations, often criticized for 'debt trap diplomacy'?
Answer:
China
China is the world's largest bilateral creditor, and Western critics often accuse its Belt and Road Initiative loans of creating unsustainable debt burdens.
3462
The 'Colombo Security Conclave' includes India and which other nations?
Answer:
Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius
The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional security grouping involving India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius (with Bangladesh and Seychelles as observers).
3463
Which country blocked the sale of 'US Steel' to a Japanese company (Nippon Steel) in 2024 citing national security?
Answer:
United States
The US administration expressed strong opposition to the acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel, citing the importance of domestic steel ownership for national security.
3464
The European Union opened accession negotiations in 2024 with:
Answer:
Ukraine and Moldova
The EU formally opened accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova in June 2024, a historic step amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
3465
Which country is the 'Strategic Partner' in the 'SOSA' (Security of Supply Arrangement) signed with the US in 2024?
Answer:
India
India and the US signed the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) in 2024 to ensure reciprocal priority support for defense goods and services.
3466
The 'Global Combat Air Programme' (GCAP) to develop a 6th-generation fighter jet is a collaboration between:
Answer:
UK, Japan, Italy
GCAP is a landmark defense partnership merging UK, Japanese, and Italian fighter jet projects to build a next-generation combat aircraft by 2035.
3467
In 2024, the US reimposed oil sanctions on which country after it barred opposition candidates from elections?
Answer:
Venezuela
The US reimposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector in April 2024 after the Maduro government failed to uphold commitments to fair elections.
3468
The 'Five Eyes' intelligence alliance excludes which of the following countries?
Answer:
Japan
The Five Eyes consists of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Japan is a close partner ('Five Eyes Plus') but not a formal member.
3469
Which country is the host of the APEC Summit in 2025?
Answer:
South Korea
South Korea is scheduled to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2025.
3470
The 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' signed in 2024 between Russia and North Korea includes a clause on:
Answer:
Mutual Defense Assistance
The treaty signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un in June 2024 includes a mutual defense clause, requiring each side to provide immediate military assistance if the other is attacked.