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
6021
Which country was formerly known as Bechuanaland?
Answer:
Botswana
Botswana was previously called Bechuanaland under British colonial rule, adopting its current name upon independence in 1966, derived from the Tswana people.
6022
What is the current name of the country once known as Basutoland?
Answer:
Botswana
Lesotho is the modern name of Basutoland, a former British colony in Southern Africa, renamed upon gaining independence in 1966 to reflect its Sotho heritage.
6023
Which country was previously called Angora?
Answer:
Algeria
Turkey was historically referred to as Angora, derived from the city of Ankara (formerly Angora), known for its breed of goats and wool, before adopting its modern name.
6024
What is the modern name of the country formerly known as Abyssinia?
Answer:
Eritrea
Ethiopia is the modern name of the country historically known as Abyssinia, a name used for centuries to describe the region in the Horn of Africa, reflecting its ancient kingdoms and empires.
6025
Which country was historically known as Serendib?
Answer:
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was called Serendib in ancient Arabic and Persian texts, a name linked to ‘serendipity.’ Unlike Maldives, India, or Bangladesh, Serendib was a historical name for Sri Lanka.
6026
Which city was formerly known as Christiania?
Answer:
Oslo
Oslo was called Christiania (or Kristiania) from 1624 to 1925, named after King Christian IV. Unlike Bergen, Stavanger, or Trondheim, Christiania was Oslo’s historical name.
6027
Which country was previously called Northern Rhodesia?
Answer:
Zambia
Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia under British colonial rule until 1964. Unlike Zimbabwe, Malawi, or Botswana, Northern Rhodesia was Zambia’s colonial name.
6028
What was the former name of Harare, Zimbabwe?
Answer:
Salisbury
Harare was called Salisbury during British colonial rule until 1982, named after Lord Salisbury. Unlike Bulawayo, Gweru, or Mutare, Salisbury was Harare’s colonial name.
6029
Which country was historically known as Abyssinia?
Answer:
Ethiopia
Ethiopia was called Abyssinia historically, a name used in ancient and medieval times. Unlike Somalia, Kenya, or Djibouti, Abyssinia was Ethiopia’s traditional name.
6030
Which city was formerly called New Amsterdam?
Answer:
New York
New York was called New Amsterdam by Dutch settlers until 1664, when it was renamed by the English. Unlike Boston, Philadelphia, or Baltimore, New Amsterdam was New York’s colonial name.