Which country’s president’s official residence is “Queen’s House”?
- (A) President of Sri Lanka
- (B) Indian President
- (C) President of Belgium
- (D) British Prime Minister
Check Answer
- (A) President of Sri Lanka
Explanation
The “President’s House” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was officially known as “Queen’s House” (or “King’s House,” according to which monarch it was named after) until Sri Lanka became a republic in 1972.
President of Sri Lanka: It was known as Queen’s House and was home to 29 British Governors and Governors-General before becoming known as “President’s House” after Sri Lanka became a republic.
The Indian president considers Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi his home; it is his official residence and was once known as the Viceroy’s House.
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy. The King works out of his office in the Royal Palace in Brussels, but his official residence is at the Castle of Laeken.
For the Prime Minister of Great Britain, it is 10 Downing Street.
In Italy which famous wonder is located?
- (A) Hanging Garden
- (B) Great Wall
- (C) Leaning Tower
- (D) Buddha Statue
Check AnswerExplanation
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or “Torre pendente di Pisa” in Italian, is in Pisa, Italy. It is one of the world’s most famous architectural wonders. It is actually a freestanding bell tower (campanile) for Pisa Cathedral. It is known for its unintended tilt of four degrees, which was caused by soft and unstable ground during its construction in the 12th century.
Hanging Garden: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and were believed to be in Babylon, which is currently in Iraq.
Great Wall: The Great Wall is a series of fortifications in China.
Buddha Statue: There are many famous Buddha statues around the world; however, none of them relate to Italy’s “wonders.” They can all be found in various countries in Asia like China, Thailand, Japan, etc.
“Latakia” is the seaport of:
- (A) Syria
- (B) Turkey
- (C) Libya
- (D) Jordan
Check AnswerExplanationLatakia is also known as Al-Ladhiqiyah. It is the major seaport of Syria. It is located in the northwest part of Syria on the Mediterranean Sea and is an important hub of international commerce. It is the capital of the Latakia Governorate and is the major port of commerce.
Which ancient city is known as “Pearl of Gandhara Civilization”?
- (A) Peshawar
- (B) Taxila
- (C) Harappa
- (D) Mahenjodaro
Check AnswerExplanationTaxila is often referred to as the “Pearl of Gandhara Civilization” owing to its rich history as an important center of Buddhist study, art, and culture. In ancient South Asia, it served as an important crossroads of commerce and learning.
Name the capital of Austria?
- (A) Cape Town
- (B) Vienna
- (C) Baku
- (D) Canberra
Check AnswerExplanation
The capital of Austria is Vienna. Located in the eastern part of Austria, along the Danube River, Vienna is the biggest city in Austria, known for its rich musical history, its imperial palaces, and its role as an important global city.
Cape Town – legislative capital of South Africa
Vienna – capital of Austria
Baku – capital of Azerbaijan
Canberra – capital of Australia
The battle in which English won and later captured Lahore is:
- (A) Battle of Sobraon
- (B) War of Independence
- (C) Battle of Punjab
- (D) Battle of Lahore
Check AnswerExplanationThe Battle of Sobraon, which took place on the 10th of February, 1846, marked the last and final battle of the First Anglo-Sikh War. Following this victory, British forces of the East India Company entered Lahore without resistance on the 20th of February, 1846. The British forces, led by Sir Hugh Gough, defeated the Sikh Khalsa Army at Sobraon, resulting in over 10,000 Sikh casualties. After the defeat at Sobraon, the Sikh state could no longer resist; the British occupied Lahore and subsequently forced the Treaty of Lahore on March 9, 1846. This treaty effectively placed the Sikh Empire under British protection, established a British Resident in Lahore, and led to the annexation of several territories.
Fahrenheit 9/11 is a:
- (A) Book
- (B) Documentary Film
- (C) Document
- (D) Report
Check AnswerExplanationFahrenheit 9/11 is a documentary film. It was released in 2004 and is directed by, written by, and starring Michael Moore. It is a critique of George W. Bush’s presidency, the events of September 11th, and the Iraq War. It is known for being the highest-grossing documentary film of all time.
Right to vote in elections is also termed as:
- (A) Franchise
- (B) Privilege
- (C) Initiative
- (D) Consent
Check AnswerExplanation
The right to vote in elections is called Franchise or electoral franchise. It is defined as “the legal authority given to citizens to participate in elections by voting to choose their elected representatives”.
Privilege – a special advantage given to an individual;
Initiative – a method through which citizens get to introduce legislation;
Consent – an agreement or opinion on a matter;
International organization “United Nations” is based in:
- (A) New York
- (B) Geneva
- (C) Washington
- (D) London
Check AnswerExplanation
The United Nations is located in New York City, United States of America. The central part of the United Nations is called the United Nations Headquarters.
Quick Info: The major offices of the United Nations are located in:
Geneva, Switzerland
Vienna, Austria
Nairobi, Kenya
Which is the Britain’s oldest university?
- (A) St. Andrews
- (B) Oxford
- (C) Cambridge
- (D) St. Helena
Check AnswerExplanation
The University of Oxford is recognized as Britain’s oldest university and the English-speaking world’s first. Although its exact founding dates back, it is recorded that there was already teaching in 1096.
Cambridge is a bit younger, established in 1209 by those who broke away from Oxford.
St. Andrews is from 1413 and is Scotland’s oldest university.
Quick aside: St. Helena is a British Overseas Territory and not a university.
