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
91
Which country is generally cited as having the lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the world (as of recent data)?
Answer:
South Korea
**South Korea** consistently registers the world's lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR), with the rate dropping below 1.0 and, in recent years, even below 0.8 children per woman, raising severe demographic concerns about an aging population.
92
The global average life expectancy at birth is approximately what number (as of 2024)?
Answer:
73 years
The worldwide average life expectancy at birth for the total population stands at approximately **73 years** (with some variations by source and exact year, often quoted as 73.3 years in 2024). This figure is significantly higher than a century ago, reflecting advances in global health.
93
How many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda?
Answer:
17
The UN established **17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**, which are a collection of interlinked global goals designed to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for all by the year 2030. These goals cover areas from poverty and health to climate change and peace.
94
As of recent estimates (2024), which country has the largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by nominal value?
Answer:
United States
The **United States** maintains its position as the world's largest economy by nominal GDP (approximately $25.43 trillion as of 2024 estimates), followed by China in second place. GDP is the total monetary value of all finished goods and services made within a country during a specific period.
95
Which indicator is widely used to measure income or wealth inequality within a nation, where a value of 0 represents perfect equality?
Answer:
Gini Coefficient
The **Gini Coefficient** is the most widely accepted measure of income inequality. It ranges from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (or 100 in percentage terms, representing perfect inequality where one person holds all the income/wealth). The CPI measures inflation, and the HDI measures overall development.
96
Approximately what is the current world population (as of 2024)?
Answer:
8.2 billion
The global population reached approximately **8.2 billion** people in 2024, continuing its growth trajectory, although the annual growth rate has slowed down over the past decades. The 7 billion mark was crossed around 2011.
97
The global replacement fertility rate, the TFR level needed to keep the population constant, is approximately:
Answer:
2.1 children per woman
The global replacement rate is approximately $2.1$ children per woman. This slight margin above $2.0$ accounts for children who do not survive to adulthood and the natural imbalance of sexes at birth.
98
Which major religion has the largest number of followers worldwide?
Answer:
Christianity
Christianity is the world's largest religion, with over $2.4$ billion followers. Islam is the second largest, and due to higher growth rates, is projected to surpass Christianity later this century.
99
The total area of the Amazon rainforest is primarily contained within which country?
Answer:
Brazil
Approximately $60\%$ of the Amazon rainforest's total area is contained within the borders of Brazil.
100
Which country has the largest external public debt (in total dollar amount)?
Answer:
United States
The United States holds the largest gross external public debt in the world, often cited as a percentage of its GDP, though the total nominal value is the highest.