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
201
What was the previous name of Leningrad?
Answer:
Petrograd
Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) was called Petrograd from 1914 to 1924, renamed to honor Lenin after his death. Unlike Moscow, Novgorod, or Volgograd, Petrograd was the city’s name during World War I. The document’s answer (d) is incorrect; historical records confirm Petrograd.
202
Which country was previously called Nyasaland?
Answer:
Malawi
Malawi was known as Nyasaland under British colonial rule until independence in 1964. Unlike Mozambique, Tanzania, or Zimbabwe, Nyasaland was the specific colonial name for Malawi.
203
What is the new name of Northern Rhodesia?
Answer:
Zambia
Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia during British colonial rule until independence in 1964. Unlike Malawi, Botswana, or Namibia, Northern Rhodesia was the colonial name for Zambia.
204
Which country was historically known as Mesopotamia?
Answer:
Iraq
Iraq encompasses the historical region of Mesopotamia, known as the ‘cradle of civilization’ between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Unlike Syria, Jordan, or Lebanon, Mesopotamia was the ancient name for much of modern Iraq.
205
What was the old name of Manchuria?
Answer:
Manchukuo
Manchuria, a region in Northeast China, was called Manchukuo during Japanese occupation (1932–1945). Unlike Inner Mongolia, Tibet, or Xinjiang, Manchukuo was the puppet state name for Manchuria.
206
Which country was formerly called Malaya?
Answer:
Malaysia
Malaysia was known as Malaya before 1963, when it expanded to include Sabah and Sarawak. Unlike Singapore, Brunei, or Indonesia, Malaya was the colonial and early post-independence name for Malaysia.
207
What is the new name of Malagasy?
Answer:
Madagascar
Madagascar was known as Malagasy during its early post-independence period, reflecting its indigenous name. Unlike Mauritius, Comoros, or Seychelles, Malagasy was the name for Madagascar.
208
Which city was previously named Leopoldville?
Answer:
Kinshasa
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was called Leopoldville during Belgian colonial rule until 1966. Unlike Lusaka, Brazzaville, or Gaborone, Leopoldville was Kinshasa’s colonial name.
209
What is the modern name of Nippon?
Answer:
Japan
Japan is known as Nippon in Japanese, meaning ‘land of the rising sun,’ used historically and still in cultural contexts. Unlike South Korea, North Korea, or China, Nippon is the native name for Japan.
210
Which country was formerly called Holland?
Answer:
Netherlands
The Netherlands is often referred to as Holland, though Holland technically denotes two provinces within the country. Unlike Belgium, Luxembourg, or Denmark, Holland was a historical name for the Netherlands.