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
Who was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize?
Answer:
Marie Curie, a Polish-French scientist, was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, receiving the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics for her work on radioactivity. She later won a second Nobel in Chemistry in 1911, making her a pioneer in science and for women in academia.
92
Who was the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom?
Answer:
Margaret Thatcher became the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister in 1979, serving until 1990. Known as the 'Iron Lady,' her conservative policies and strong leadership style transformed British politics, making her a polarizing yet iconic figure in history.
93
Who was the first woman to serve as president of the UN General Assembly?
Answer:
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, an Indian diplomat, was the first woman to serve as president of the UN General Assembly in 1953. Her tenure highlighted India’s growing influence in global diplomacy and showcased her as a trailblazer for women in international leadership roles.
94
Who was the world’s first female prime minister?
Answer:
Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka became the world’s first female prime minister in 1960. Her leadership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and her multiple terms in office broke gender barriers in global politics, inspiring women leaders worldwide.
95
Who was the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal?
Answer:
Hélène de Pourtalès, a Swiss sailor, became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1900 Paris Games in the sailing event. Her victory marked a historic moment for women’s participation in the Olympics, paving the way for greater gender inclusion.
96
Who was the first woman to conquer Mount Everest?
Answer:
Junko Tabei, a Japanese mountaineer, became the first woman to summit Mount Everest on May 16, 1975. Her determination and skill overcame significant challenges, including an avalanche during the climb, inspiring future generations of female climbers worldwide.
97
Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean?
Answer:
Harriet Quimby
Amelia Earhart became the first woman to complete a solo transatlantic flight in 1932, flying from Newfoundland to Ireland. Her daring achievement broke gender barriers in aviation and solidified her legacy as a pioneering aviator and advocate for women’s rights.
98
Who was the first woman to venture into space?
Answer:
Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first woman to travel to space on June 16, 1963, aboard Vostok 6. Her solo mission, orbiting Earth 48 times, was a landmark in space exploration and a testament to women’s capabilities in high-stakes missions.
99
Who was the first person to set foot on the moon?
Answer:
Neil Armstrong, an American astronaut, became the first human to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969, during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. His famous words, 'That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,' symbolized a historic achievement in space exploration.
100
Who was the first person to sail around the world?
Answer:
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator, led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe from 1519 to 1522. Although Magellan died during the journey, his crew completed the voyage, proving the Earth’s roundness and opening new maritime routes.