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
3471
Which major power brokered the normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023?
Answer:
China
China successfully mediated the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties, signaling its growing diplomatic influence in the Middle East.
3472
The 'Shangri-La Dialogue' is a major defense summit held annually in:
Answer:
Singapore
The Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore is Asia's premier defense summit, often the site of tense exchanges between US and Chinese defense chiefs.
3473
Which country announced in 2024 that it would double its defense spending to 2% of GDP, shifting from a pacifist stance?
Answer:
Japan
Japan has undertaken a historic shift in its defense posture, committing to double military spending to meet the NATO standard of 2% of GDP by 2027.
3474
The 'Windsor Framework' (2023) resolved post-Brexit trade disputes between:
Answer:
UK and EU
The Windsor Framework was a legal agreement between the UK and the EU to fix the logistical and political issues caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol.
3475
Which country is the largest supplier of weapons to India, although its share has declined in recent years (2020-2024)?
Answer:
Russia
Russia remains India's largest arms supplier, though India is actively diversifying its imports with purchases from France (Rafale) and the US (drones/engines).
3476
The 'Squad' is an informal defense grouping often referring to cooperation between:
Answer:
US, Japan, Australia, Philippines
Defense analysts use the term 'Squad' to refer to the deepening quadrilateral defense cooperation between the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific.
3477
Which country formally hosted the SCO Heads of Government summit in October 2024?
Answer:
Pakistan
Pakistan hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024.
3478
The 'IMEC' corridor, announced at the G20 2023 and progressed in 2024, is designed to link:
Answer:
India, Middle East, Europe
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a US-backed infrastructure project intended to counter China's BRI and integrate economic markets.
3479
Who serves as the President of the European Commission, driving the 'de-risking' strategy towards China in 2024-2025?
Answer:
Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected for a second term in 2024 and has been a key proponent of 'de-risking' (reducing economic dependency) rather than 'de-coupling' from China.
3480
Which nation signed the 'Reciprocal Access Agreement' (RAA) with Japan in 2024 to facilitate troop visits?
Answer:
Philippines
Japan and the Philippines signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2024, allowing their military forces to train on each other's soil.