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 'International Maritime Organization' (IMO) is headquartered in:
Answer:
London
The IMO, responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships, is headquartered in London, UK.
12
Which country served as the Chair of the ASEAN for 2024?
Answer:
Laos
Laos held the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the year 2024.
13
The 'Human Development Index' (HDI) is published annually by:
Answer:
UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publishes the Human Development Report, which includes the Human Development Index (HDI).
14
Which UN organ has the power to deploy peacekeeping forces?
Answer:
Security Council
The UN Security Council (UNSC) is the only body with the authority to issue binding resolutions and authorize the deployment of UN peacekeeping operations.
15
Who is the current Secretary-General of NATO (as of late 2024)?
Answer:
Mark Rutte
Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, succeeded Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary-General on October 1, 2024.
16
Which major space treaty was signed by over 40 nations in 2024 to regulate space exploration?
Answer:
The Zero Debris Charter
The 'Zero Debris Charter', facilitated by the European Space Agency, was signed by over 12 countries in 2024 (and more organizations) to commit to a debris-free space environment. (Note: Artemis Accords is older, though growing).
17
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) operates from:
Answer:
Vienna
The CTBTO Preparatory Commission is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. It is tasked with preparing for the entry into force of the CTBT.
18
The 'Shanghai Cooperation Organization' (SCO) added which country as a new member in July 2024?
Answer:
Belarus
Belarus officially became the 10th member of the SCO at the Astana summit in July 2024. (Iran joined in 2023).
19
Which organization is known as the 'Lender of Last Resort' for countries in financial crisis?
Answer:
IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) acts as a lender of last resort, providing short-to-medium term loans to countries facing balance of payments problems.
20
The 'Loss and Damage Fund' was operationalized at which COP summit?
Answer:
COP28 (Dubai)
While agreed upon at COP27, the Loss and Damage Fund was officially operationalized on the first day of COP28 in Dubai (2023).