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
31
The Northwest Passage is considered internal waters by Canada, but an 'international strait' by:
Answer:
United States
The US and EU argue it is an international strait allowing free passage, while Canada claims it as sovereign internal waters.
32
Okinotorishima is a Japanese atoll. China disputes Japan's claim that:
Answer:
It is an island generating an EEZ (vs a rock)
China argues it is a 'rock' and thus Japan cannot claim a 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone around it.
33
Second Thomas Shoal is known for the presence of:
Answer:
A grounded Philippine warship (BRP Sierra Madre)
The Philippines intentionally grounded the ship in 1999 to serve as a military outpost to reinforce their claim.
34
Kinmen and Matsu are islands governed by Taiwan located very close to the coast of:
Answer:
Mainland China (Fujian)
These islands are just a few kilometers off the coast of mainland China but have remained under ROC (Taiwan) control since 1949.
35
Pratas Island (Dongsha) in the South China Sea is controlled by:
Answer:
Taiwan (ROC)
Pratas is a strategic atoll controlled by Taiwan, though claimed by the PRC.
36
Sokh is an enclave belonging to which country, surrounded by Kyrgyzstan?
Answer:
Uzbekistan
Sokh is an exclave of Uzbekistan located entirely within Kyrgyzstan, populated mostly by Tajiks.
37
Tuzla Island was the center of a border dispute in 2003 between:
Answer:
Russia and Ukraine
Russia attempted to build a dam to the island in the Kerch Strait, sparking a crisis with Ukraine long before the 2014 annexation.
38
The Sapodilla Cayes are claimed by Belize, but also by:
Answer:
Guatemala and Honduras
Guatemala claims a large portion of Belize, including these cayes. Honduras also has a claim to the Sapodillas.
39
Which strait is a critical choke point between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, controlled by Iran and Oman?
Answer:
Strait of Hormuz
While not a territorial dispute per se, control over the shipping lanes here is a major source of geopolitical tension.
40
Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank are administered by Colombia but have been claimed by:
Answer:
USA, Nicaragua, Jamaica
These Caribbean reefs are subject to complex overlapping claims, though ICJ rulings have clarified some boundaries.