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
The total volume of **ocean plastic pollution** is primarily comprised of plastic from which source?
Answer:
Fishing gear (nets, lines)
Ghost nets and discarded fishing gear (often categorized as marine debris) account for a surprisingly large percentage, often estimated at $46\%$ or more, of the large-scale plastic mass found in ocean gyres like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
22
Which country is the world's **largest exporter of goods** by value (as of recent trade data)?
Answer:
China
China maintains its position as the world's largest exporter of goods, reflecting its status as the 'world's factory' and its dominance in global supply chains. The US is the largest *importer*.
23
What is the global statistic for the **average number of women in national parliaments** (as of 2024)?
Answer:
Around $27\%$
The global average percentage of women in single or lower houses of national parliament reached approximately $27\%$ in 2024. While progress is steady, it is slow, and significant disparities remain.
24
Which region currently has the **lowest internet penetration rate** (percentage of the population using the internet)?
Answer:
Africa
Africa still lags significantly behind other regions, with an internet usage rate of around $37\%$ in 2024, compared to a global average of $68\%$ and over $90\%$ in Europe and the Americas.
25
Which stock exchange has the largest **total market capitalization** (value of all listed companies) in the world?
Answer:
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) consistently holds the title for the largest total market capitalization of all publicly listed companies globally, often followed by Nasdaq (US) and then the Japan/Shanghai exchanges.
26
The concept of **Multidimensional Poverty** (MPI), as measured by the UN, primarily includes deprivations in which three key dimensions?
Answer:
Health, Education, and Living Standards
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) complements the income-based measure by looking at deprivations across three primary areas: health (nutrition and child mortality), education (years of schooling and attendance), and standard of living (assets, water, electricity, etc.).
27
Which country has the **largest reserves of natural gas** in the world?
Answer:
Russia
Russia holds the largest proven reserves of natural gas globally, followed by Iran and Qatar, making it a major player in the global energy market.
28
The total **volume of ice** lost from the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets has been increasing at what rate (as of recent data)?
Answer:
Accelerating
Satellite data and glaciology reports show that the rate of ice mass loss from both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets has been accelerating significantly in the past two decades, contributing to rising sea levels.
29
What is the most widely adopted **mobile banking technology** platform globally, primarily used in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia?
Answer:
M-Pesa
M-Pesa, launched in Kenya, is the most successful mobile money platform globally, providing banking services to millions without traditional bank accounts across several African and Asian countries.
30
Which country has the **lowest population density** among these major nations?
Answer:
Australia
Australia has one of the lowest population densities globally (around 3 people per sq km), driven by its massive, arid, and largely uninhabitable interior. Russia and Canada are close but slightly more dense.