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
1
Which country has the world's **highest life expectancy** at birth (often ranking first or second)?
Answer:
Monaco
Monaco consistently appears at the top of the list for life expectancy due to its high income, climate, and healthcare quality. Japan and Switzerland consistently rank highly as well.
2
What is the largest source of **non-fossil fuel energy** utilized by the world (in total volume)?
Answer:
Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectricity (Hydropower) remains the single largest source of renewable and non-fossil fuel electricity generation globally, often contributing more than wind and solar combined.
3
The global average **fertility rate** (TFR) has fallen below the replacement level in approximately how many countries?
Answer:
Around $80$ countries
Around $80$ countries and territories, including much of Europe, East Asia, and North America, currently have total fertility rates below the long-term replacement level of $2.1$ children per woman.
4
Which commodity is the world's most **traded agricultural product** by dollar value?
Answer:
Soybeans
Soybeans, primarily traded for animal feed and oil, are consistently among the most traded agricultural products by value, often surpassing coffee and corn in global commerce.
5
Which country has the **largest land area covered by forests** (in square kilometers)?
Answer:
Russia
Russia holds the largest forest area globally, covering over $800$ million hectares, representing about $20\%$ of the world's total forest area.
6
The majority of the world's **patents** (intellectual property rights) are filed in which country's intellectual property office?
Answer:
China
China's intellectual property office consistently receives the largest number of patent applications globally, followed by the United States and Japan, reflecting its massive investment in innovation and R&D.
7
Which international organization primarily publishes the widely referenced annual 'World Economic Outlook' reports?
Answer:
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) publishes the comprehensive World Economic Outlook (WEO) reports twice annually, providing global growth and inflation forecasts that are crucial for international finance.
8
Which South American country has the largest **non-hydro renewable energy capacity** (Wind, Solar, Bioenergy)?
Answer:
Brazil
Brazil is a major global player in renewables. While famous for hydro, it also leads South America in solar, wind, and bioenergy (ethanol) capacity, with massive ongoing solar projects.
9
The total number of people globally who live without **access to electricity** is closest to:
Answer:
730 million
Despite global progress, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that over $730$ million people worldwide, predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa, still lack access to electricity, highlighting a persistent energy poverty gap.
10
What is the primary sector driving the high **GDP per capita** of countries like Norway and Qatar?
Answer:
Oil and Natural Gas Extraction
Both Norway and Qatar have high GDP per capita figures primarily due to their relatively small populations coupled with immense wealth generated from the export of petroleum and natural gas resources.