General Knowledge — MCQ Practice Questions & Answers

Question 1

Who was the first woman recipient of the Padma Vibhushan award?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. Mother Teresa — Mother Teresa was the first woman recipient of the Padma Vibhushan award, India's second-highest civilian honor, which she received in 1980 for her humanitarian work with the poor and sick in Kolkata. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields, and Mother Teresa's dedication to social welfare and medical care made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor. While other women have received this award after her, Mother Teresa holds the distinction of being the first female recipient, making her historically significant in the context of Indian civilian awards. Other options like female athletes, scientists, or political figures may have received the award later, but none preceded Mother Teresa in receiving this honor.

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A. Indira Gandhi

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B. Savitribai Phule

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C. Jeannette Rankin

Question 2

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories was founded by which industrialist who is known as the 'Father of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry'?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Dr. Kallam Anji Reddy — Dr. Kallam Anji Reddy founded Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) in 1984 and is credited as a pioneer in the Indian pharmaceutical industry, significantly contributing to India's emergence as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse. His company became one of the world's largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturers and APIs producers. His vision of affordable medicines for common people transformed the pharmaceutical landscape and earned him recognition as a visionary industrialist.

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A. Aditya Birla

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B. Dhirubhai Ambani

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D. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Question 3

Which island nation is the most populous in the world?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. Indonesia — Indonesia is the most populous island nation with over 270 million people spread across more than 17,000 islands.

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A. Philippines

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B. Japan

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D. Madagascar

Question 4

Which two countries signed the AUKUS security pact in 2021 with Australia, focusing on Indo-Pacific stability?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. United States and United Kingdom — The AUKUS pact was signed by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to enhance security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

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A. France and Germany

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C. Canada and Japan

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D. India and Japan

Question 5

The Silk Road historically connected which two major regions?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Asia and Europe — The Silk Road was an ancient trade route network connecting Asia and Europe, facilitating trade and cultural exchange for centuries.

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A. Europe and Africa

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C. Americas and Europe

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D. Africa and Asia

Question 6

Which country did not join the BRICS expansion announced in 2023?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. Indonesia — Indonesia declined to join BRICS expansion in 2023. Argentina, Iran, Egypt, and UAE were invited; Argentina later declined under new leadership.

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A. Argentina

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B. Iran

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C. Egypt

Question 7

Which country became the 193rd UN member state in 2023?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Palestine — Palestine was granted UN observer state status in 2012 but achieved full membership recognition status upgrade discussions continued in 2023-24.

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B. Kosovo

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C. South Sudan

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D. East Timor

Question 8

Which landlocked country is surrounded by 14 other nations?

Accepted Answer

Correct answer: D. China — # Solution: Landlocked Countries and Their Borders A landlocked country has no coastline and is completely surrounded by other nations, with the number of bordering countries varying significantly. **Step 1: Understanding Landlocked Countries** Landlocked nations are isolated from oceans and depend entirely on neighboring countries for maritime access. China, despite being a major world power, is landlocked in its western regions but actually has extensive Pacific coastlines—however, the question refers to countries completely surrounded by land borders. **Step 2: Analyzing Border Countries** China shares land borders with 14 nations: Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, and North Korea. This makes it tied for one of the highest numbers of bordering countries in the world. Zambia borders 8 countries, Niger borders 7 countries, and Nepal borders only 2 countries (China and India). **Answer: (D) China** — surrounded by 14 bordering nations.

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A. Zambia

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B. Niger

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C. Nepal

General Knowledge - MCQ Practice Questions