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
291
Where is NATO’s headquarters located?
Answer:
New York
NATO’s political and administrative HQ is in Brussels, Belgium. It moved from Paris in 1967 after France withdrew from NATO’s integrated military command. Brussels remains its central hub for policy and coordination.
292
The European Union’s primary “working capital” is in which city?
Answer:
Brussels hosts the European Commission and the European Council, making it the EU’s administrative heart. The European Parliament meets in both Brussels and Strasbourg, and the Court of Justice sits in Luxembourg. “Working capital” usually refers to Brussels in GK.
293
The D-8 (Developing-8) is a group of eight ____ countries.
Answer:
The D-8 includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey—emerging economies cooperating for development. The grouping is defined by development status, not continent. Hence “developing” is the key descriptor.
294
What is the currency of Indonesia?
Answer:
Ringgit
Indonesia’s currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Dinar and riyal are used in various Middle Eastern countries, while ringgit is Malaysia’s currency. Exams often place similar-sounding currencies to create confusion.
295
How many non-permanent seats are there on the UN Security Council?
Answer:
The Security Council has 15 seats: 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent. The non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms with regional distribution. This structure balances continuity and broader representation.
296
How many official languages does the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recognize?
Answer:
The OIC uses Arabic, English, and French as its official languages. This tri-language policy supports communication among diverse member states. Additional languages may be used informally, but only three are official.
297
How many member countries are in SAARC?
Answer:
SAARC comprises eight states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It was established in 1985 to promote regional cooperation in South Asia. Membership count remains eight in standard GK references.
298
Where is the International Court of Justice (ICJ) located?
Answer:
New York
The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the UN, is seated at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. While several UN bodies operate from New York and Geneva, the ICJ has always been associated with The Hague. This location underscores the city’s historic legal role.
299
Which of the following is NOT a member state of the United Nations?
Answer:
Vatican City (the Holy See) has permanent observer status at the UN but is not a full member state. Afghanistan, Vietnam, and North Korea are all UN members. Many exams test this subtle observer vs. member distinction.
300
When was the United Nations formally founded?
Answer:
The UN Charter came into force on October 24, 1945, after ratification by the five permanent members and a majority of signatories. This date is observed as United Nations Day. The other dates reflect either earlier drafting phases or unrelated milestones, not the legal founding.