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
6071
Which country was formerly known as Siam?
Answer:
Thailand
Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 (and briefly post-WWII), a name reflecting its historical kingdom. Unlike Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam, Siam was the pre-modern name for Thailand.
6072
What was the old name of the Hawaiian Islands?
Answer:
Sandwich Islands
The Hawaiian Islands were called the Sandwich Islands by Captain James Cook in 1778, after the Earl of Sandwich. Unlike Polynesian, Pacific, or Aloha Islands, Sandwich Islands was the historical Western name.
6073
Which city was previously called Salisbury?
Answer:
Harare
Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, was known as Salisbury during British colonial rule until 1982. Unlike Lusaka, Gaborone, or Maputo, Salisbury was the colonial name for Harare.
6074
What is the new name of Saigon?
Answer:
Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976 after Vietnam’s reunification, honoring the communist leader. Unlike Hanoi, Da Nang, or Hue, Saigon was the colonial and pre-1976 name for this city.
6075
Which country is historically known as Hispaniola?
Answer:
Haiti
Hispaniola is the historical name for the island now shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, named by Columbus. Unlike Cuba, Jamaica, or Puerto Rico, Hispaniola refers to Haiti’s island, though the document specifies Haiti.
6076
Which city was formerly known as Peking?
Answer:
Beijing
Beijing was known as Peking in Western languages until the adoption of Pinyin romanization in the mid-20th century. Unlike Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Nanjing, Peking was the historical Western name for Beijing.
6077
What was the previous name of Leningrad?
Answer:
Petrograd
Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) was called Petrograd from 1914 to 1924, renamed to honor Lenin after his death. Unlike Moscow, Novgorod, or Volgograd, Petrograd was the city’s name during World War I. The document’s answer (d) is incorrect; historical records confirm Petrograd.
6078
Which country was previously called Nyasaland?
Answer:
Malawi
Malawi was known as Nyasaland under British colonial rule until independence in 1964. Unlike Mozambique, Tanzania, or Zimbabwe, Nyasaland was the specific colonial name for Malawi.
6079
What is the new name of Northern Rhodesia?
Answer:
Zambia
Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia during British colonial rule until independence in 1964. Unlike Malawi, Botswana, or Namibia, Northern Rhodesia was the colonial name for Zambia.
6080
Which country was historically known as Mesopotamia?
Answer:
Iraq
Iraq encompasses the historical region of Mesopotamia, known as the ‘cradle of civilization’ between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Unlike Syria, Jordan, or Lebanon, Mesopotamia was the ancient name for much of modern Iraq.