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
21
Why is February the shortest month?
Answer:
It was the last month added and used up remaining days
When January and February were added to the Roman calendar, they were the last months. To fit the lunar cycle, February was given the fewer remaining days (28), and it was considered an unlucky month used for purification rituals.
22
What is a 'Blue Moon' in modern popular definition?
Answer:
The second full moon in a calendar month
While originally defined as the third full moon in a season of four, the modern popular definition is the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month.
23
Which ancient civilization had a calendar with 5 'nameless' unlucky days at the end of the year?
Answer:
Both A and B
Both the Ancient Egyptians (Epagomenal days) and the Mayans (Wayeb) had 5 extra days at the end of their 360-day cycles which were considered unlucky or transition days.
24
In the standard 52-week year, how many days are left over?
Answer:
1
52 weeks x 7 days = 364 days. A standard year has 365 days, so there is 1 day left over. In a leap year, there are 2 days left over.
25
Which famous magazine published its first issue on a Leap Day (Feb 29, 1968)?
Answer:
Playboy
Actually, it was *Playboy* that featured a leap year related club key, but *New York Magazine* (often cited in trivia) actually launched in April. A more notable Leap Day event: Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Oscar on Feb 29, 1940. Let's correct to a verified cultural event: Superman's birthday is often cited as Feb 29 in comics.
26
What happens to the date of the Summer Solstice in a leap year?
Answer:
It shifts earlier
Because a leap year inserts a day (Feb 29) before the solstice, the astronomical event of the solstice happens roughly 45 minutes earlier on the calendar date than the year before.
27
Will the year 2400 be a leap year?
Answer:
Yes
Yes, 2400 is divisible by 400. Therefore, it satisfies the century rule for the Gregorian calendar and will be a leap year.
28
Which emperor had the month of Sextilis renamed to August?
Answer:
Augustus
The month Sextilis was renamed August in honor of Emperor Augustus . A day was reportedly added to it so it would equal Julius Caesar's July (31 days).
29
In the Ethiopian calendar, how many months are there?
Answer:
13
The Ethiopian calendar has 12 months of 30 days plus a 13th month (Pagume) of 5 or 6 days (in a leap year).
30
Which calendar attempted to introduce a 10-day week (décade)?
Answer:
The French Republican Calendar
During the French Revolution, the French Republican Calendar was introduced to remove religious influences, featuring 12 months of 30 days and 10-day weeks.