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
161
The world’s oldest continuous hereditary monarchy is in:
Answer:
Japan’s imperial line traces tradition back to Emperor Jimmu. While exact chronology is debated, it’s widely cited as the oldest continuous monarchy. European dynasties saw more breaks and replacements.
162
Which food name derives from French for “twice cooked”?
Answer:
From French *bis* (twice) + *cuit* (cooked), biscuits were historically baked, dried, then rebaked. The technique extended shelf life for sailors. Pizza and burgers have different etymologies.
163
Which OPEC member is the largest oil producer?
Answer:
Saudi Arabia is OPEC’s largest producer and a major swing supplier. Its vast reserves and spare capacity influence global prices. Others listed have far smaller output.
164
The world’s second-largest arms exporter (recent decades) has been:
Answer:
The United States leads exports, with Russia typically second in many SIPRI yearbooks. Russia’s key clients include India, China, and others. Rankings can vary by year, but “second” is a common exam key.
165
In backgammon, how many counters (checkers) does each player have?
Answer:
A standard backgammon set uses 30 checkers, 15 per player. Players move based on dice rolls and aim to bear off all pieces. This number is fixed across standard play.
166
Pakistan’s national flag was designed by:
Answer:
The final design is credited to Amir-ud-Din Kidwai, adopted on August 11, 1947. The flag’s green field with white stripe and crescent-star symbolizes Muslim majority and minorities’ rights. Chughtai was a noted artist but not the flag’s designer.
167
Among SAARC members, which has the highest literacy rate?
Answer:
Sri Lanka consistently tops literacy metrics within SAARC (South Asian) members. Decades of investment in education underpin this result. China and Indonesia are not SAARC members.
168
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s mother tongue was:
Answer:
Jinnah was born in Karachi to a Gujarati-speaking merchant family. He later mastered English and Urdu for politics and law. Many Pakistan Studies guides highlight Gujarati as his mother tongue.
169
Which country officially withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol?
Answer:
Canada announced its withdrawal in 2011, citing economic concerns and the protocol’s limited scope. Parties are otherwise expected to meet binding emissions targets. India and China remained parties under varying commitments.
170
The 16th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in 2012 was held in which city?
Answer:
The 16th NAM Summit convened in Tehran, Iran, in August 2012. Delegations from most member states attended, focusing on development and non-intervention. Tehran’s hosting was widely covered and often appears in GK sets.