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
41
Who led the British Antarctic Expedition (Terra Nova) that reached the South Pole weeks after Amundsen and died on the return journey?
Answer:
Robert Falcon Scott
Captain Scott and his four companions perished on the Ross Ice Shelf while returning from the pole in 1912.
42
Which Norwegian explorer was the first to successfully navigate the Northwest Passage?
Answer:
Roald Amundsen
Before reaching the South Pole, Amundsen became the first to traverse the Northwest Passage between 1903 and 1906 on the ship *Gjøa*.
43
Which American explorer famously led an expedition down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon in 1869?
Answer:
John Wesley Powell
Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, led the first scientific expedition through the Grand Canyon.
44
Who was the first person to cross North America north of Mexico, reaching the Pacific Ocean by land in 1793?
Answer:
Alexander Mackenzie
Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie completed the crossing of the continent over a decade before Lewis and Clark.
45
Which Spanish Conquistador was the first European to cross the Mississippi River?
Answer:
Hernando de Soto
De Soto led an extensive expedition deep into the modern-day United States and was the first recorded European to encounter the Mississippi.
46
Who was the Danish explorer in Russian service who proved that Asia and North America are separated by a strait?
Answer:
Vitus Bering
Vitus Bering led the Great Northern Expedition and the strait between Russia and Alaska is named after him.
47
Who is credited with the discovery of Brazil in 1500, claiming it for Portugal?
Answer:
Pedro Álvares Cabral
Cabral landed in Brazil by accident (or secret instruction) while attempting to swing wide around Africa to reach India.
48
Which Portuguese prince is known as the 'Navigator' for patronizing voyages of discovery along the coast of Africa?
Answer:
Prince Henry
Prince Henry the Navigator established a school for navigators and funded expeditions that laid the foundation for the Portuguese Empire.
49
Which Norwegian explorer won the Nobel Peace Prize and is famous for his 'Fram' expedition to the Arctic?
Answer:
Fridtjof Nansen
Nansen allowed his ship *Fram* to be frozen in ice to drift across the Arctic Ocean; he later became a champion for refugees.
50
Who was the English explorer who founded the colony of Jamestown and was saved by Pocahontas (according to legend)?
Answer:
John Smith
Captain John Smith played a vital role in the survival of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America.