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
6031
Which country was previously known as Ivory Coast?
Answer:
Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire is known as Ivory Coast in English, its colonial name under French rule, still used in some contexts. Unlike Ghana, Liberia, or Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast is Côte d'Ivoire’s historical name.
6032
What was the old name of Istanbul, Turkey?
Answer:
Byzantium
Istanbul was called Byzantium in ancient Greek times, before becoming Constantinople and later Istanbul. Unlike Ankara, Izmir, or Bursa, Byzantium was its earliest name.
6033
Which country was formerly called Gold Coast?
Answer:
Ghana
Ghana was known as the Gold Coast during British colonial rule until 1957, named for its gold resources. Unlike Nigeria, Togo, or Benin, Gold Coast was Ghana’s colonial name.
6034
Which city was previously known as Petrograd?
Answer:
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg was called Petrograd from 1914 to 1924, renamed to avoid German connotations during World War I. Unlike Moscow, Kazan, or Vladivostok, Petrograd was its wartime name.
6035
Which country was historically known as Cathay?
Answer:
China
China was called Cathay by medieval Europeans, derived from the Khitan people, used in Marco Polo’s accounts. Unlike Japan, Korea, or Mongolia, Cathay was a historical name for China.
6036
What was the former name of Yangon, Myanmar?
Answer:
Rangoon
Yangon was called Rangoon during British colonial rule until 1989, reflecting its Burmese pronunciation. Unlike Mandalay, Naypyidaw, or Bago, Rangoon was Yangon’s colonial name.
6037
Which country was previously called Annam?
Answer:
Vietnam
Vietnam was historically called Annam by Chinese and French colonizers, referring to its central region. Unlike Laos, Cambodia, or Thailand, Annam was a historical name for Vietnam.
6038
What was the old name of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam?
Answer:
Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City was called Saigon until 1976, named after a Vietnamese term, renamed to honor Ho Chi Minh. Unlike Hanoi, Da Nang, or Can Tho, Saigon was its pre-1976 name.
6039
Which country was formerly known as Portuguese Guinea?
Answer:
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau was called Portuguese Guinea during Portuguese colonial rule until independence in 1973. Unlike Guinea, Sierra Leone, or Gambia, Portuguese Guinea was Guinea-Bissau’s colonial name.
6040
Which city was historically known as Canton?
Answer:
Guangzhou
Guangzhou, China, was called Canton in Western languages during colonial trade eras. Unlike Shanghai, Beijing, or Hong Kong, Canton was Guangzhou’s historical Western name.