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 'Santiago Network' is a UN mechanism designed to provide technical assistance for:
Answer:
Averting, minimizing, and addressing Loss and Damage
The Santiago Network connects vulnerable developing countries with technical assistance providers to help them address loss and damage caused by climate change.
32
What significant 'first' regarding indigenous peoples was achieved at CBD COP16?
Answer:
A new permanent subsidiary body for Article 8(j) was agreed upon
A key success of COP16 was the agreement to establish a permanent subsidiary body to enhance the engagement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in the convention's work.
33
Hurricane Beryl, which set records for its early intensity in June 2024, impacted which region?
Answer:
The Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl was an unusually strong and early Category 5 storm that caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean in June/July 2024.
34
Which country ratified the High Seas Treaty in September 2025, helping it cross the 60-nation threshold?
Answer:
Morocco
Morocco (along with Sierra Leone) ratified the treaty on September 19, 2025, providing the crucial 60th ratification needed for the treaty to become international law.
35
The 'Cali Declaration' from CBD COP16 focused primarily on:
Answer:
Peace with Nature
The overarching theme and political message of the COP16 in Cali was 'Peace with Nature', emphasizing the need to heal the relationship between humanity and the environment.
36
Which sectors were added to China's national Emissions Trading System (ETS) in late 2025?
Answer:
Steel, Aluminum, and Cement
China expanded its carbon market coverage in 2025 to include heavy industrial sectors like steel, aluminum, and cement, significantly increasing the market's scope.
37
Typhoon Kong-Rey caused significant disruption in October 2024 in which region?
Answer:
Philippines and Taiwan
Typhoon Kong-Rey was a powerful tropical cyclone that impacted the Philippines and Taiwan in late October 2024.
38
Which EU law, aiming to restore 20% of the bloc's land and sea areas by 2030, officially entered into force in August 2024?
Answer:
The Nature Restoration Law
Despite significant political opposition, the EU Nature Restoration Law was adopted and entered into force in August 2024, setting legally binding targets for ecosystem recovery.
39
The 2024 UNEP Emissions Gap Report stated that current policies put the world on track for a temperature rise of how much by 2100?
Answer:
2.6°C - 3.1°C
The report warned that without immediate and massive emission cuts, current policies would lead to catastrophic warming of between 2.6°C and 3.1°C this century.
40
Which crucial mechanism of the Paris Agreement was finally fully operationalized at COP29 in Baku?
Answer:
Article 6 (Carbon Markets)
COP29 finalized the outstanding rules for Article 6, allowing for a centralized global carbon market and bilateral trading of carbon credits.