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 permanent membership of the Council rose to five in 1926 when Germany was given this status but, in 1931, the membership fell to three when two members left the Council. These members were:
Answer:
Germany and Japan
Germany joined the League and the Council in 1926 but withdrew in 1933 under Adolf Hitler. Japan, a founding permanent member, withdrew in 1933 (effective later) following the League's condemnation of its invasion of Manchuria. Note that the year 1931 in the question refers to the start of the Manchurian crisis which precipitated Japan's exit, although the formal withdrawal notices came in 1933.
32
The Council of the League of Nations comprised of ten members. How many were permanent members?
Answer:
Four
Originally, the Council was designed to have five permanent members: Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States. However, because the United States Senate failed to ratify the Treaty of Versailles, the US never joined. Consequently, the Council launched with only four permanent members.
33
However, the only country which expelled was:
Answer:
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union is the only member nation that was formally expelled from the League of Nations. The Council of the League voted to expel the USSR on December 14, 1939, in response to the Soviet invasion of Finland (the Winter War), which was deemed an act of aggression violating the Covenant.
34
The membership of the League of Nations rose to 58 but four states withdrew before 1938. However, the only country which expelled was:
Answer:
1921
This question appears to have a mismatch between the text and the options in the original source, as the text asks for a country while the options are years. However, regarding the year 1921, it was a significant year for the League's early admissions and dispute resolutions, such as the Aaland Islands dispute. The actual expulsion of a member (the Soviet Union) occurred much later in 1939.
35
The membership of League of Nations comprised of original and non-original members. Out of these, the original states numbered 32 which signed the Covenant before the date of:
Answer:
20th March, 1920
The original members of the League of Nations included the signatories of the Treaty of Versailles. The Covenant stipulated that states invited to accede to the Covenant could become original members if they did so by March 20, 1920. By this date, the total number of original founding members was finalized at 32.
36
The Covenant of the League of Nations comprised of how many articles?
Answer:
26 Articles
The Covenant of the League of Nations consisted of 26 Articles. These articles outlined the structure of the League, the rules for preventing war, the administration of mandated territories, and the promotion of international cooperation. It was included as Part I of the Treaty of Versailles.
37
When did League of Nations officially come into existence?
Answer:
10th January, 1920
The League of Nations officially came into existence on January 10, 1920, when the Covenant of the League of Nations took effect. This occurred exactly when the Treaty of Versailles was ratified by the major powers, marking the beginning of the first international organization whose principal mission was to maintain world peace.
38
In which year, US President Wilson enunciated his famous fourteen points?
Answer:
January 1918
President Woodrow Wilson outlined his Fourteen Points in a speech given to the United States Congress on January 8, 1918. These points were intended to serve as a blueprint for world peace and were used for peace negotiations after World War I. They included the proposal for the establishment of a general association of nations, which later became the League of Nations.
39
Why is the League of Nations historically significant despite its failure?
Answer:
It was the first permanent international organization dedicated to world peace
The League set the precedent for international cooperation and collective security, paving the way for the United Nations structure and agencies.
40
Which committee dealt with the trafficking of women and children?
Answer:
The Social Committee
The League's Social Committee worked on social issues, including combating the traffic in women and children and the drug trade.