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
151
Which country was previously called Northern Rhodesia?
Answer:
Zambia
Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia under British colonial rule until 1964. Unlike Zimbabwe, Malawi, or Botswana, Northern Rhodesia was Zambia’s colonial name.
152
What was the former name of Harare, Zimbabwe?
Answer:
Salisbury
Harare was called Salisbury during British colonial rule until 1982, named after Lord Salisbury. Unlike Bulawayo, Gweru, or Mutare, Salisbury was Harare’s colonial name.
153
Which country was historically known as Abyssinia?
Answer:
Ethiopia
Ethiopia was called Abyssinia historically, a name used in ancient and medieval times. Unlike Somalia, Kenya, or Djibouti, Abyssinia was Ethiopia’s traditional name.
154
Which city was formerly called New Amsterdam?
Answer:
New York
New York was called New Amsterdam by Dutch settlers until 1664, when it was renamed by the English. Unlike Boston, Philadelphia, or Baltimore, New Amsterdam was New York’s colonial name.
155
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.
156
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.
157
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.
158
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.
159
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.
160
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.