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
3521
Which UN organ has the power to deploy peacekeeping forces?
Answer:
Security Council
The UN Security Council (UNSC) is the only body with the authority to issue binding resolutions and authorize the deployment of UN peacekeeping operations.
3522
Who is the current Secretary-General of NATO (as of late 2024)?
Answer:
Mark Rutte
Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, succeeded Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary-General on October 1, 2024.
3523
Which major space treaty was signed by over 40 nations in 2024 to regulate space exploration?
Answer:
The Zero Debris Charter
The 'Zero Debris Charter', facilitated by the European Space Agency, was signed by over 12 countries in 2024 (and more organizations) to commit to a debris-free space environment. (Note: Artemis Accords is older, though growing).
3524
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) operates from:
Answer:
Vienna
The CTBTO Preparatory Commission is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. It is tasked with preparing for the entry into force of the CTBT.
3525
The 'Shanghai Cooperation Organization' (SCO) added which country as a new member in July 2024?
Answer:
Belarus
Belarus officially became the 10th member of the SCO at the Astana summit in July 2024. (Iran joined in 2023).
3526
Which organization is known as the 'Lender of Last Resort' for countries in financial crisis?
Answer:
IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) acts as a lender of last resort, providing short-to-medium term loans to countries facing balance of payments problems.
3527
The 'Loss and Damage Fund' was operationalized at which COP summit?
Answer:
COP28 (Dubai)
While agreed upon at COP27, the Loss and Damage Fund was officially operationalized on the first day of COP28 in Dubai (2023).
3528
Which country holds the permanent secretariat of the SAARC organization?
Answer:
Nepal
The Secretariat of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is located in Kathmandu, Nepal.
3529
The 'Article 5' clause, invoking collective defense, belongs to the treaty of which organization?
Answer:
NATO
Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty states that an armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against them all.
3530
Which UN body is responsible for designating World Heritage Sites?
Answer:
UNESCO
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) designates and protects World Heritage Sites of cultural and natural importance.