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
The 1889 Johnstown Flood was caused by the catastrophic failure of:
Answer:
The South Fork Dam
The failure of the South Fork Dam released 20 million tons of water, destroying Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and killing 2,209 people.
62
The 1940 collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was famously caused by:
Answer:
Aeroelastic flutter (wind)
The bridge, nicknamed 'Galloping Gertie', collapsed due to aeroelastic flutter caused by 40 mph winds.
63
The 'Love Canal' disaster in the 1970s involved:
Answer:
A toxic waste dump under a residential neighborhood
Love Canal in Niagara Falls, New York, was the site of a massive pollution disaster that led to the creation of the Superfund program.
64
The 2013 collapse of Rana Plaza, the deadliest garment-factory disaster in history, happened in:
Answer:
Bangladesh
The collapse of the eight-story commercial building near Dhaka killed 1,134 people.
65
The breakdown of the Banqiao Dam in 1975, caused by Typhoon Nina, occurred in:
Answer:
China
The failure of the Banqiao Dam and other dams in Henan province caused catastrophic flooding and estimated deaths ranging from 26,000 to 240,000.
66
The 1976 Tangshan Earthquake is considered one of the deadliest in history. It occurred in:
Answer:
China
The earthquake struck Tangshan, Hebei, China, with an official death toll of roughly 242,000, though estimates go much higher.
67
The Peshtigo Fire of 1871, the deadliest wildfire in recorded history, occurred in:
Answer:
Wisconsin
The Peshtigo Fire occurred on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire but killed far more people (estimated 1,500–2,500).
68
Which disaster in 1986 involved a limnic eruption (release of CO2) from a lake, suffocating 1,700 people?
Answer:
Lake Nyos
Lake Nyos in Cameroon released a massive cloud of carbon dioxide, which descended into nearby valleys and suffocated humans and livestock.
69
The 1981 Hyatt Regency walkway collapse occurred in:
Answer:
Kansas City
Two suspended walkways collapsed during a tea dance, killing 114 people, due to a structural design flaw.
70
The 1900 Galveston hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in the history of:
Answer:
The United States
The hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, killing an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 people.