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
381
What is the modern name of the city once known as Peking in China?
Answer:
Shanghai
Peking was renamed Beijing in 1978 to align with the standard Mandarin pronunciation and China’s pinyin romanization system, reflecting linguistic accuracy.
382
Which city in India was previously called Madras before its name changed in 1996?
Answer:
Kochi
Madras was renamed Chennai in 1996 to reflect Tamil linguistic and cultural identity, moving away from its colonial name to honor the region’s historical roots.
383
What is the current name of the city once called Leningrad in Russia?
Answer:
Saint Petersburg
Leningrad was renamed Saint Petersburg in 1991 after the Soviet Union’s collapse, reverting to its pre-revolutionary name to honor its historical and cultural roots.
384
Which city in Bangladesh was formerly known as Dacca?
Answer:
Rajshahi
Dacca was renamed Dhaka in 1982 to reflect the standard Bengali pronunciation, aligning with post-independence efforts to standardize and decolonize place names.
385
Which city in Kazakhstan was formerly called Akmola before becoming Astana?
Answer:
Astana
Akmola was renamed Astana on June 8, 1998, meaning 'capital city' in Kazakh, to mark its new role as Kazakhstan’s capital, later renamed Nur-Sultan and then back to Astana.
386
What is the modern name of the city once known as Adrianopole in Turkey?
Answer:
Edirne
Adrianopole was renamed Edirne on March 28, 1930, reverting to a name rooted in its Ottoman and pre-Roman history, reflecting Turkey’s efforts to reclaim cultural heritage.
387
What is the current name of the country once known as Gold Coast?
Answer:
Ghana
The Gold Coast became Ghana on March 6, 1957, upon independence. The name was inspired by the ancient Ghana Empire, symbolizing African pride and decolonization.
388
Which country was formerly known as French Sudan before its independence?
Answer:
Mali
French Sudan was renamed Mali on September 22, 1960, upon independence. The name honors the historical Mali Empire, emphasizing the country’s rich pre-colonial heritage.
389
What is the modern name of the country once called East Pakistan?
Answer:
Pakistan
East Pakistan became Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, after the Liberation War. The name, meaning 'land of Bengalis,' reflects the region’s linguistic and cultural identity.
390
Which country was previously known as Dutch East Indies before becoming Indonesia?
Answer:
Indonesia
The Dutch East Indies became Indonesia in 1946, following independence from Dutch colonial rule. The name 'Indonesia' reflects the archipelago’s unity and indigenous heritage.