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 renewable energy technology exploits the temperature difference between the ocean surface and deep water?
Answer:
OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion)
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a process that can produce electricity by using the temperature difference between deep cold ocean water and warm tropical surface waters.
2
What is 'Agroforestry'?
Answer:
Integrating trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems
Agroforestry is a land-use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland, providing environmental and economic benefits.
3
Which country is home to the 'Doomsday Vault' (Global Seed Vault)?
Answer:
Norway
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, designed to protect crop diversity from global catastrophes, is located in Norway (on the island of Spitsbergen).
4
The '1.5°C target' originated from which agreement?
Answer:
Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement (2015) set the goal to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
5
Which term refers to the disparity where those who contribute least to climate change suffer the most?
Answer:
Climate Justice
Climate Justice frames global warming as an ethical and political issue, highlighting the injustice that those least responsible for the problem (developing nations, poor communities) suffer its worst impacts.
6
What is the 'High Seas Treaty' adopted in 2023/2024?
Answer:
An agreement to protect biodiversity in international waters beyond national jurisdiction
The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) creates a legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
7
In 2025, which sector was identified as the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions globally?
Answer:
Aviation and Shipping
The international transport sector, specifically aviation and shipping, continues to be identified as one of the fastest-growing sources of emissions, with hard-to-abate challenges.
8
Which specific pollutant is the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol designed to phase down?
Answer:
HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons)
The Kigali Amendment aims to phase down the production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
9
What is 'Blue Carbon'?
Answer:
Carbon captured by the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems
Blue Carbon refers to the carbon captured and stored by the world's oceanic and coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses.
10
Which major declaration regarding 'Fossil Fuels' was made at COP28 in Dubai?
Answer:
Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems
The final agreement at COP28 included the historic language of 'transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems' to achieve net zero by 2050.