Basics of General Knowledge: Essential Questions and Answers

General Knowledge (GK) forms the foundation of our understanding of the world around us. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including history, geography, science, politics, and culture. Whether you're preparing for competitive exams, quizzes, or just want to expand your knowledge, mastering basic GK is crucial. In this article, we'll explore some fundamental GK questions and their answers, covering various categories that are essential for everyone to know.

1. History: Key Events and Figures

Q1. Who was the first President of the United States?

A1. George Washington was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797.

Q2. What was the year of India’s independence?

A2. India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.

Q3. Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize?

A3. Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and later the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911.

Q4. What ancient civilization built the pyramids?

A4. The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids, with the most famous ones located in Giza.

2. Geography: Understanding Our Planet

Q5. What is the largest continent on Earth?

A5. Asia is the largest continent on Earth, both in terms of area and population.

Q6. Which is the longest river in the world?

A6. The Nile River in Africa is traditionally considered the longest river in the world, stretching about 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles).

Q7. Which country has the most time zones?

A7. France has the most time zones (12), due to its various overseas territories around the world.

Q8. What is the capital city of Japan?

A8. Tokyo is the capital city of Japan.

3. Science: Basic Concepts and Discoveries

Q9. What is the chemical symbol for water?

A9. The chemical symbol for water is H₂O, representing two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.

Q10. Who is known as the father of modern physics?

A10. Albert Einstein is often referred to as the father of modern physics, particularly for his theory of relativity.

Q11. What planet is known as the Red Planet?

A11. Mars is known as the Red Planet due to its reddish appearance, which is caused by iron oxide on its surface.

Q12. What is the speed of light?

A12. The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (186,282 miles per second).

4. Politics and Governance: Global Systems and Leaders

Q13. Who was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

A13. Margaret Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990.

Q14. Which organization is known as the UN?

A14. The UN stands for the United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries.

Q15. Who is the current President of the United States?

A15. As of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, the current President of the United States is Joe Biden, who took office on January 20, 2021.

Q16. What is the highest law of the land in India?

A16. The Constitution of India is the highest law of the land, laying down the framework for political principles, procedures, and powers of government.

5. Culture and Literature: The Essence of Humanity

Q17. Who wrote the play "Romeo and Juliet"?

A17. "Romeo and Juliet" was written by William Shakespeare, one of the greatest playwrights in history.

Q18. What is the national sport of Canada?

A18. Canada has two national sports: ice hockey (winter) and lacrosse (summer).

Q19. Which country is known as the Land of the Rising Sun?

A19. Japan is known as the Land of the Rising Sun, symbolizing its geographical location to the east of the Asian continent.

Q20. Who painted the Mona Lisa?

A20. The Mona Lisa was painted by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci.

6. Current Affairs: Keeping Up with the World

Q21. Which country hosted the 2020 Summer Olympics?

A21. The 2020 Summer Olympics were hosted by Japan, in Tokyo, although they were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q22. What is the name of the global movement addressing climate change led by young people?

A22. The global movement is known as "Fridays for Future," started by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

Q23. What is Brexit?

A23. Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, which was finalized on January 31, 2020.

Q24. Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021?

A24. The 2021 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.

7. Technology: The Driving Force of Modern Life

Q25. Who is known as the father of the computer?

A25. Charles Babbage is known as the father of the computer for his concept of the programmable computer.

Q26. What does "HTTP" stand for in a web address?

A26. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web.

Q27. Which company is known for the iPhone?

A27. Apple Inc. is the company known for creating and selling the iPhone.

Q28. What is the most widely used social media platform as of 2023?

A28. As of 2023, Facebook remains the most widely used social media platform globally.

Conclusion: The Importance of General Knowledge

General Knowledge is not just about memorizing facts; it's about understanding the world we live in. Whether you're a student, professional, or curious learner, having a solid foundation in GK helps you stay informed and engaged in conversations about global issues. By regularly updating your knowledge, you can enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and overall awareness of the world around you. Keep exploring, stay curious, and never stop learning!