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 **OECD Better Life Index** is an interactive tool that allows users to compare countries based on:
Answer:
Eleven topics of well-being, ranging from housing and income to health, education, and life satisfaction.
This report reflects the OECD’s shift towards measuring well-being beyond traditional economic metrics.
12
Which of the following describes the key mechanism of the OECD, often referred to as **peer review**?
Answer:
A voluntary program where countries share their best practices and hold each other accountable for agreed-upon standards and policies.
Peer review is central to the OECD model, where members review and critique each other's performance in specific policy areas.
13
The OECD's work on **Pensions and Financial Markets** aims to promote:
Answer:
Sustainable, safe, and efficient pension systems and well-regulated financial markets.
Policy advice focuses on long-term stability and security in these vital sectors.
14
What major global challenge is the OECD currently focusing on by developing policy tools for its members?
Answer:
The future of work, digitalization (AI), and climate transition.
These three areas are key cross-cutting themes in the OECD's current strategic agenda.
15
The **OECD Economic Surveys** are published periodically for each member country with the goal of:
Answer:
Analyzing the country's economic performance and recommending structural policy reforms.
These peer-review surveys are a core function of the OECD's policy coordination role.
16
The highest decision-making body of the OECD, composed of all Member Countries, is the:
Answer:
The Council
The Council is composed of the representatives of the Member Countries and the European Commission. Decisions are generally taken by consensus.
17
The **BEPS Project** (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) led by the OECD aims to address challenges arising from what practice?
Answer:
Tax planning strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules.
BEPS seeks to ensure that profits are taxed where economic activities take place and value is created.
18
The OECD is a pioneer in developing international standards to combat:
Answer:
Tax evasion, money laundering, and corruption (e.g., bribery of foreign public officials).
The OECD has led efforts on international tax transparency, the BEPS project, and the Anti-Bribery Convention.
19
What is the key instrument published by the OECD that ranks countries based on student performance in reading, mathematics, and science?
Answer:
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)
PISA is a widely respected triennial survey that assesses 15-year-old students' ability to use their knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges.
20
The **OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC)** is the main forum for coordinating policies on what specific area?
Answer:
Official Development Assistance (ODA) and aid effectiveness.
The DAC reviews, monitors, and sets standards for development cooperation provided by its members.