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
Which country was previously called Annam?
Answer:
Vietnam
Vietnam was historically called Annam by Chinese and French colonizers, referring to its central region. Unlike Laos, Cambodia, or Thailand, Annam was a historical name for Vietnam.
162
What was the old name of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam?
Answer:
Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City was called Saigon until 1976, named after a Vietnamese term, renamed to honor Ho Chi Minh. Unlike Hanoi, Da Nang, or Can Tho, Saigon was its pre-1976 name.
163
Which country was formerly known as Portuguese Guinea?
Answer:
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau was called Portuguese Guinea during Portuguese colonial rule until independence in 1973. Unlike Guinea, Sierra Leone, or Gambia, Portuguese Guinea was Guinea-Bissau’s colonial name.
164
Which city was historically known as Canton?
Answer:
Guangzhou
Guangzhou, China, was called Canton in Western languages during colonial trade eras. Unlike Shanghai, Beijing, or Hong Kong, Canton was Guangzhou’s historical Western name.
165
What was the former name of Eswatini?
Answer:
Swaziland
Eswatini was called Swaziland until 2018, when it adopted its native name to reflect cultural identity. Unlike Lesotho, Botswana, or Zambia, Swaziland was Eswatini’s former name.
166
Which country was previously called Ellice Islands?
Answer:
Tuvalu
Tuvalu was known as the Ellice Islands under British colonial rule until independence in 1978. Unlike Kiribati, Nauru, or the Marshall Islands, Ellice Islands was Tuvalu’s colonial name.
167
What was the old name of Kolkata, India?
Answer:
Calcutta
Kolkata was known as Calcutta during British colonial rule until 2001, reflecting its Bengali pronunciation. Unlike Bombay, Madras, or Delhi, Calcutta was Kolkata’s colonial name.
168
Which country was formerly known as Basutoland?
Answer:
Lesotho
Lesotho was called Basutoland under British colonial rule until independence in 1966. Unlike Swaziland, Botswana, or Namibia, Basutoland was Lesotho’s colonial name.
169
Which city was historically known as Edo?
Answer:
Tokyo
Tokyo was called Edo until 1868, when it became the imperial capital during the Meiji Restoration. Unlike Kyoto, Osaka, or Nagoya, Edo was Tokyo’s historical name.
170
What was the former name of Chennai, India?
Answer:
Madras
Chennai was called Madras during British colonial rule until 1996, reflecting its Tamil name. Unlike Calcutta, Bangalore, or Hyderabad, Madras was Chennai’s colonial name.