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
11
The 'Standard Oil Company' was founded by:
Answer:
John D. Rockefeller
John D. Rockefeller founded Standard Oil, which dominated the oil industry and became one of the first great monopolies (trusts) in the US.
12
Who discovered radioactivity?
Answer:
Marie Curie (and Pierre Curie)
Marie Curie, often working with her husband Pierre, did pioneering research on radioactivity and discovered the elements polonium and radium.
13
The 'Internal Combustion Engine' was critical for the development of:
Answer:
Automobiles
The internal combustion engine, running on gasoline or diesel, made the automobile (and later the airplane) possible, replacing steam for personal transport.
14
Which brothers are credited with the first successful airplane flight in 1903?
Answer:
The Wright Brothers
Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
15
The 'Assembly Line' method of production was perfected by:
Answer:
Henry Ford
Henry Ford perfected the moving assembly line in 1913 for the production of the Model T, drastically reducing production time and cost.
16
Who invented the phonograph and the practical light bulb?
Answer:
Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison, the 'Wizard of Menlo Park', held over 1,000 patents, including those for the phonograph and the incandescent light bulb.
17
What was the main purpose of Trade Unions?
Answer:
To improve working conditions and wages
Workers formed unions to collectively bargain with employers for better pay, shorter hours, and safer working conditions.
18
The 'Proletariat' refers to which social class?
Answer:
The Working Class
In Marxist theory, the proletariat is the class of wage-earners who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor.
19
Who patented the telephone in 1876?
Answer:
Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell was awarded the first US patent for the telephone in 1876, revolutionizing personal communication.
20
Which country became Germany's main industrial rival in Europe by the late 19th century?
Answer:
Great Britain
After unification in 1871, Germany industrialized rapidly, challenging Great Britain's economic and industrial dominance.