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
281
In which year did the OIC change its name from “Organization of the Islamic Conference” to “Organization of Islamic Cooperation”?
Answer:
The name change was adopted in 2011 to better reflect the organization’s cooperative mission. The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the UN. Earlier dates correspond to unrelated OIC milestones.
282
Which of these countries does NOT hold veto power on the UN Security Council?
Answer:
Veto power is reserved for the five permanent members: the US, UK, France, Russia, and China. Canada is an important UN member but not a permanent member of the Security Council. This distinction is repeatedly tested.
283
What is the largest ocean on Earth by area?
Answer:
The Pacific Ocean covers more area than all landmasses combined, making it the largest. The Atlantic is second, followed by the Indian Ocean. The Southern Ocean encircles Antarctica and is smaller.
284
Which of the following is NOT a member of the D-8 group?
Answer:
The D-8 members are Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. India is not part of this grouping. Exam writers often include India to test careful reading.
285
Which country is famously shaped like a “long boot” on the map?
Answer:
Italy’s peninsula resembles a high-heeled boot reaching into the Mediterranean. This visual mnemonic is commonly used in geography education. The other countries have very different outlines.
286
The North Atlantic Treaty (forming NATO) was signed in:
Answer:
NATO was founded via the North Atlantic Treaty signed on April 4, 1949, in Washington, D.C. The alliance established collective defense among signatories. Later enlargements expanded membership well beyond the original group.
287
In which year was the World Trade Organization (WTO) established?
Answer:
The WTO came into existence on January 1, 1995, succeeding the GATT system. It expanded disciplines from goods to services and intellectual property. Its dispute settlement mechanism is a core feature.
288
Where is the headquarters of the International Red Cross (ICRC) located?
Answer:
The ICRC is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, reflecting the city’s humanitarian tradition. The broader Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement has multiple components, but Geneva remains the central hub. This is a frequently asked GK item.
289
In which country is the world’s highest mountain (Mount Everest) primarily associated?
Answer:
Mount Everest straddles the Nepal–China (Tibet) border, but many expeditions and common references associate it with Nepal. Its Nepali name is Sagarmatha; in Tibetan it’s Chomolungma. Exams generally key Nepal as the location.
290
What is the official motto associated with the United Nations?
Answer:
“It’s your world!” is a widely used UN tagline highlighting global participation and shared responsibility. While the UN promotes peace and human rights, those other phrases are not its official motto. Many exam keys accept this as the canonical answer.