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 1979 crash of American Airlines Flight 191 in Chicago was caused by:
Answer:
Detachment of the left engine
The left engine separated from the wing upon takeoff due to improper maintenance procedures, resulting in the deadliest aviation accident in US history.
12
Which 2024 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day?
Answer:
Japan
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Japan on January 1, 2024, causing significant damage and a tsunami.
13
The 1944 Hartford Circus Fire occurred during a performance of:
Answer:
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
The circus tent, which had been waterproofed with gasoline and paraffin wax, caught fire, killing 167 people.
14
The 1987 capsizing of the MS Herald of Free Enterprise was caused by:
Answer:
Leaving the bow doors open
The ferry left the port of Zeebrugge with its bow doors open, allowing water to flood the car deck and causing it to capsize in minutes.
15
The 2014 sinking of the MV Sewol ferry caused a national tragedy in:
Answer:
South Korea
The ferry capsized while carrying mostly secondary school students, resulting in 304 deaths and widespread criticism of the rescue response.
16
The 1972 Andes flight disaster involved the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571. The survivors famously had to:
Answer:
Resort to cannibalism
Survivors were stranded in the mountains for 72 days and were forced to consume the bodies of the deceased to survive.
17
The 1953 North Sea Flood caused catastrophic damage primarily in:
Answer:
The Netherlands and the UK
A combination of high tide and a severe windstorm caused the sea to overwhelm defenses, leading to the construction of the Delta Works in the Netherlands.
18
The 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake devastated the Japanese city of:
Answer:
Kobe
The earthquake caused major damage to the port city of Kobe and highlighted the vulnerability of older infrastructure.
19
The 1942 Cocoanut Grove fire in Boston is infamous for causing high fatalities due to:
Answer:
Locked exits and inward-opening/revolving doors
The tragedy led to major changes in fire codes, including the requirement that exit doors must swing outward.
20
The 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge occurred in which Italian city?
Answer:
Genoa
A section of the Polcevera Viaduct (Morandi Bridge) collapsed during a rainstorm, killing 43 people.