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
221
What was the earlier name of Myanmar?
Answer:
Burma
Myanmar was known as Burma until 1989, a name from British colonial times. Unlike Malaya (Malaysia), Annam (Vietnam), or Cochin (India), Burma was the historical name for Myanmar.
222
Which country was once named Bechuanaland?
Answer:
Botswana
Botswana was formerly Bechuanaland, a British protectorate, until independence in 1966. Unlike Namibia, Lesotho, or Swaziland, which had different colonial names, Bechuanaland was specific to Botswana.
223
What was the former name of Istanbul?
Answer:
Constantinople
Istanbul was known as Constantinople until 1930, named after Emperor Constantine, reflecting its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Unlike Antioch, Anatolia, or Troy, Constantinople was the city’s name for centuries.
224
Which country was previously called Batavia by the Dutch?
Answer:
Indonesia
Indonesia was referred to as Batavia during Dutch colonial rule, particularly for the capital (now Jakarta). Unlike Malaysia, the Philippines, or Singapore, which had different colonial names, Batavia was specific to Indonesia’s colonial history.
225
What was the old name of Ankara, the capital of Turkey?
Answer:
Angora
Ankara was formerly known as Angora, a name used until the early 20th century, also linked to Angora goats. Unlike Smyrna (Izmir), Byzantium (Istanbul), or Adrianople (Edirne), Angora was the historical name for Ankara.
226
Which country was historically named Abyssinia?
Answer:
Ethiopia
Ethiopia was historically called Abyssinia, a name used in ancient and medieval times. Unlike Somalia, Eritrea, or Sudan, which had different historical names, Abyssinia reflects Ethiopia’s long-standing cultural and political identity.
227
What was the earlier name of Belize?
Answer:
British Honduras
Belize was known as British Honduras during its time as a British colony until independence in 1981. Unlike Dutch Guiana (Suriname), British Guiana (Guyana), or French Guiana, British Honduras was the specific colonial name for Belize.
228
Which country was once called Rhodesia?
Answer:
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe was formerly known as Rhodesia, named after Cecil Rhodes, until its independence in 1980. Unlike Botswana, Zambia, or Malawi, which had different colonial names, Zimbabwe’s transition from Rhodesia marked its post-colonial identity.
229
What was the former name of Cambodia?
Answer:
Kampuchea
Cambodia was previously known as Kampuchea, notably during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). Unlike Siam (Thailand), Annam, or Tonkin (regions in Vietnam), Kampuchea reflects Cambodia’s historical name during a significant political period, later reverting to Cambodia.
230
What is the geographical surname for Zimbabwe, known as the 'Jewel of Africa'?
Answer:
Jewel of Africa
Zimbabwe is nicknamed the 'Jewel of Africa' for its natural wonders, like Victoria Falls, and rich resources, symbolizing its beauty and potential.