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 of these is a 'Microstate'?
Answer:
Monaco
Monaco is a microstate, a sovereign state having a very small population or very small land area (second smallest in the world after Vatican City).
2
What is the 'Focus' of an earthquake?
Answer:
The point within the Earth where the rupture starts
The Focus (Hypocenter) is the point of initial rupture within the Earth, while the Epicenter is the point on the surface vertically above the focus.
3
Which country is the best example of an 'Elongated State'?
Answer:
Chile
Chile is the classic example of an elongated state, being very long and narrow, which can create administrative and communication challenges.
4
Oceanic Trenches (like the Mariana Trench) are formed at:
Answer:
Convergent subduction zones
Trenches form where one tectonic plate subducts (dives) beneath another. The trench marks the position at which the flexing, subducting slab begins to descend.
5
The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) between North and South Korea acts as a:
Answer:
Buffer Zone
The Korean DMZ is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula that serves as a buffer zone to prevent direct military contact and conflict between the two countries.
6
Which process converts sediments into sedimentary rock?
Answer:
Lithification
Lithification is the process in which sediments compact under pressure, expel connate fluids, and gradually become solid rock.
7
The 'Law of the Sea' (UNCLOS) designates 'High Seas' as:
Answer:
Waters beyond national jurisdiction open to all states
The High Seas (International Waters) are parts of the ocean that are not included in the exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, or internal waters of a state.
8
Which type of volcano is known for the most explosive eruptions (e.g., Mt. St. Helens, Krakatoa)?
Answer:
Composite Volcano (Stratovolcano)
Composite volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes) are conical and built up by many layers (strata) of hardened lava and tephra. They have high-viscosity magma, leading to explosive pressure buildups.
9
A 'Frontier' differs from a 'Boundary' because a Frontier is:
Answer:
A tangible geographic area/zone
Historically, a frontier was a tangible geographic zone where no state exercised complete control, whereas a boundary is an infinitely thin line marking the extent of state sovereignty.
10
The accumulation of sediment at the mouth of a river forms a:
Answer:
Delta
A delta is a landform created by the deposition of sediment that is carried by a river as the flow leaves its mouth and enters slower-moving or stagnant water.