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
6091
What was the former name of Suriname?
Answer:
Dutch Guiana
Suriname was known as Dutch Guiana during Dutch colonial rule until independence in 1975. Unlike French Guiana, British Guiana (Guyana), or the fictional Portuguese Guiana, Dutch Guiana was Suriname’s colonial name.
6092
Which country was once named Congo?
Answer:
Zaire
Zaire was the name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1971 to 1997 under Mobutu’s regime. Unlike Angola, Gabon, or Rwanda, Congo was renamed Zaire before reverting to its current name.
6093
What was the previous name of Oslo, Norway’s capital?
Answer:
Christiania
Oslo was known as Christiania (or Kristiania) from 1624 to 1925, named after King Christian IV. Unlike Bergen, Trondheim, or Stavanger, Christiania was the historical name for Oslo.
6094
Which country was formerly known as Ceylon?
Answer:
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was called Ceylon under British colonial rule until 1972, when it adopted its current name. Unlike Maldives, Nepal, or Bhutan, Ceylon was the colonial name for Sri Lanka.
6095
What was the old name of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital?
Answer:
Lykomoma
Colombo was historically called Lykomoma, though this is less commonly known, with Kolamba also used in ancient times. Unlike Jaffna, Galle, or Kotte, Lykomoma is cited as an old name in historical contexts for Colombo.
6096
Which country was previously called British Guiana?
Answer:
Guyana
Guyana was known as British Guiana during British colonial rule until independence in 1966. Unlike Belize, Suriname, or Barbados, which had different colonial names, British Guiana was specific to Guyana.
6097
What was the earlier name of Myanmar?
Answer:
Burma
Myanmar was known as Burma until 1989, a name from British colonial times. Unlike Malaya (Malaysia), Annam (Vietnam), or Cochin (India), Burma was the historical name for Myanmar.
6098
Which country was once named Bechuanaland?
Answer:
Botswana
Botswana was formerly Bechuanaland, a British protectorate, until independence in 1966. Unlike Namibia, Lesotho, or Swaziland, which had different colonial names, Bechuanaland was specific to Botswana.
6099
What was the former name of Istanbul?
Answer:
Constantinople
Istanbul was known as Constantinople until 1930, named after Emperor Constantine, reflecting its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Unlike Antioch, Anatolia, or Troy, Constantinople was the city’s name for centuries.
6100
Which country was previously called Batavia by the Dutch?
Answer:
Indonesia
Indonesia was referred to as Batavia during Dutch colonial rule, particularly for the capital (now Jakarta). Unlike Malaysia, the Philippines, or Singapore, which had different colonial names, Batavia was specific to Indonesia’s colonial history.