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
171
Which country was previously called New Hebrides?
Answer:
Vanuatu
Vanuatu was known as New Hebrides under British and French colonial rule until independence in 1980. Unlike Fiji, Tonga, or Samoa, New Hebrides was Vanuatu’s colonial name.
172
What was the old name of St. Petersburg, Russia?
Answer:
Leningrad
St. Petersburg was named Leningrad from 1924 to 1991, honoring Vladimir Lenin. Unlike Moscow, Kiev, or Yaroslavl, Leningrad was the Soviet-era name for St. Petersburg.
173
Which country was formerly known as Dahomey?
Answer:
Benin
Benin was called Dahomey during French colonial rule and early independence until 1975, named after a historical kingdom. Unlike Togo, Ghana, or Nigeria, Dahomey was Benin’s former name.
174
Which Asian capital was known as Batavia until 1949?
Answer:
Jakarta
Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, was called Batavia during Dutch colonial rule until Indonesia’s independence in 1949. Unlike Kuala Lumpur, Manila, or Bangkok, Batavia was Jakarta’s colonial name.
175
Which African country was previously called French Sudan?
Answer:
Mali
Mali was known as French Sudan during French colonial rule until independence in 1960. Unlike Senegal, Mauritania, or Chad, French Sudan was the colonial name for Mali.
176
What is the new name of East Pakistan?
Answer:
Bangladesh
Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan until its independence from Pakistan in 1971. Unlike Pakistan, Balochistan, or Sindh, East Pakistan was the pre-independence name for Bangladesh.
177
Which city in Israel was formerly called Acre?
Answer:
Akko
Akko, a coastal city in Israel, was historically known as Acre, a name from Crusader and Ottoman times. Unlike Haifa, Jaffa, or Eilat, Acre is the old name for Akko.
178
What is the historical name of Athens, Greece?
Answer:
Athinai
Athens is known as Athinai in Greek, its historical and native name, used in ancient texts. Unlike Sparta, Corinth, or Thebes, Athinai is the traditional name for Athens.
179
Which country was formerly known as Upper Volta?
Answer:
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso was called Upper Volta during French colonial rule until 1984, named after the Volta River. Unlike Ghana, Mali, or Niger, Upper Volta was Burkina Faso’s colonial name.
180
What was the previous name of Bin Qasim, Pakistan?
Answer:
Pepri
Bin Qasim, a port city in Pakistan, was previously called Pepri, reflecting its local historical name. Unlike Thatta, Hyderabad, or Karachi, Pepri was the old name for Bin Qasim.