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
61
Which parallel of latitude served as the boundary between North and South Vietnam?
Answer:
17th Parallel
The 17th parallel north was the provisional military demarcation line between North and South Vietnam established by the Geneva Accords of 1954.
62
The theory that proposed that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart is called:
Answer:
Continental Drift
Continental Drift is the theory proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912 that continents move across the Earth's surface. It was the precursor to the modern theory of Plate Tectonics.
63
A 'Supranational Organization' is an entity where:
Answer:
Three or more states forge an association for mutual benefit and shared authority
Supranational organizations (like the EU) involve multiple states giving up some degree of sovereignty to a collective body for shared economic, political, or military goals.
64
Which scale is used to measure the magnitude (energy released) of an earthquake?
Answer:
Richter Scale / Moment Magnitude Scale
The Richter Scale (and the more modern Moment Magnitude Scale) measures the magnitude or energy released by an earthquake. The Mercalli scale measures intensity/damage.
65
Lesotho and Vatican City are the only two sovereign states that are:
Answer:
Completely surrounded by one other country
Lesotho (surrounded by South Africa) and Vatican City (surrounded by Italy/Rome) are the only two sovereign nation-states entirely enclaved within another single country.
66
Which layer of the Earth generates the Earth's magnetosphere?
Answer:
Outer Core
The Earth's magnetic field is generated by electric currents due to the motion of convection currents of molten iron and nickel in the Earth's outer core.
67
The Antarctic Treaty System sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve and bans:
Answer:
Military activity and mining
The Antarctic Treaty establishes Antarctica as a region for peaceful scientific purposes, explicitly banning military activity, weapon testing, and mineral mining.
68
Sima (Silica + Magnesium) is the composition primarily associated with:
Answer:
Oceanic Crust
Sima is an antiquated but still useful term for the lower layer of the Earth's crust (oceanic crust), which is rich in silica and magnesium rocks like basalt.
69
What is the term for a boundary that no longer functions as an international border but leaves a cultural imprint?
Answer:
Relic Boundary
A relic boundary is one that has ceased to function but whose imprints are still evident on the cultural landscape, such as the former boundary between East and West Germany.
70
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of what type of tectonic boundary?
Answer:
Divergent
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a divergent tectonic plate boundary located along the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, where new seafloor is created as plates pull apart.