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
Which city was previously known as Ayutthaya?
Answer:
Bangkok
Bangkok succeeded Ayutthaya as Thailand’s capital in 1782, with Ayutthaya’s ruins now a historical site, while Bangkok became the modern name.
32
What is the current name of the country once called Abyssinia?
Answer:
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is the modern name of Abyssinia, a historical name used for centuries, reflecting its ancient kingdoms in the Horn of Africa.
33
Which city was formerly known as York?
Answer:
Toronto
Toronto was called York from 1793 to 1834, named after the Duke of York, before reverting to its indigenous name meaning 'meeting place.'
34
What is the modern name of the city once called Allegheny?
Answer:
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is the current name of Allegheny, which merged with Pittsburgh in 1907, with the latter name prevailing for the Pennsylvania city.
35
Which country was previously known as the Sandwich Islands?
Answer:
Hawaii
Hawaii, now a U.S. state, was historically called the Sandwich Islands, named by British explorer James Cook in 1778 after the Earl of Sandwich.
36
What is the current name of the country once called the Spice Islands?
Answer:
Indonesia
The Spice Islands, or Maluku Islands, are now part of Indonesia, historically known for their spice trade under Dutch colonial rule.
37
Which city was formerly known as St. John’s?
Answer:
Antigua
St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, retains its name, historically used during British colonial times without change.
38
What is the modern name of the country once called the New Hebrides?
Answer:
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is the modern name of the New Hebrides, renamed upon independence in 1980 from Anglo-French rule, reflecting its Melanesian identity.
39
Which city was previously known as Port Arthur?
Answer:
Dalian
Dalian is the current name of Port Arthur, a name used during Russian and Japanese control, reverted to its Chinese name after World War II.
40
What is the current name of the city once called Elisabethville?
Answer:
Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi is the modern name of Elisabethville, renamed in 1966 after Congo’s independence to reflect local naming, replacing the Belgian colonial name.