← AAO (Treasury) & Field Facilitator
Past Questions
Writer of the famous book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”
A)
Maya Angelou
B)
JK Rowlings
C)
Joyce Meyers
D)
Arundhati Roy
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Identify the book: 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' is a world-renowned non-fiction autobiography published in 1969. 2. Identify the author: The book was written by Maya Angelou, an American poet and civil rights activist. It describes her childhood and early adulthood, focusing on themes of identity, trauma, and resilience. 3. Evaluate other options: (b) JK Rowling is the author of the 'Harry Potter' series. (c) Joyce Meyer is a Christian author and speaker. (d) Arundhati Roy is an Indian author known for 'The God of Small Things'. Therefore, option 'a' is the only correct answer.
What is the height of Statue of Unity?
A)
162 meters
B)
172 meters
C)
182 meters
D)
192 meters
The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue depicting the Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It is located in the state of Gujarat, India. The total height of the statue is 182 meters (approximately 597 feet). This specific height was chosen because it corresponds to the number of seats in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.
Breaking down the options:
- Option a (162m), b (172m), and d (192m) are incorrect numerical values that do not match the official architectural specifications of the monument.
- Option c (182m) is the precise and officially recorded height of the statue.
Which airport is set to become the first airport in Asia to introduce face recognition based passage system technology from 2019?
A)
Delhi
B)
Chennai
C)
Bengaluru
D)
Mumbai
The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi was the first airport in Asia to introduce a face recognition-based passage system (DigiYatra) to streamline the passenger experience. This technology allows passengers to use their facial biometrics for identity verification at various touchpoints, including entry gates, security checks, and boarding gates, reducing the need for physical documents. While other major Indian airports like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai have since adopted similar biometric systems, Delhi was the pioneer in implementing this specific technology on this scale starting around 2019-2020.
In India, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) works under which union ministry?
A)
Ministry of Defense
B)
Ministry of Finance
C)
Ministry of External Affairs
D)
Ministry of Police
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a specialized financial investigation agency in India. It is tasked with enforcing economic laws and fighting financial crimes. Specifically, it operates under the Department of Revenue, which is a part of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Its primary mandates include investigating offenses under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) Ministry of Defense: Responsible for national security and the armed forces; it does not oversee financial crime investigation agencies.
- Option (c) Ministry of External Affairs: Responsible for India's foreign relations and diplomatic missions.
- Option (d) Ministry of Police: There is no 'Ministry of Police' at the Union level in India; law and order is primarily a State subject, and central agencies like the CBI fall under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
The country’s first queueless polling station was introduced in the State’s Assembly elections of Mizoram in the district of -
A)
Kolasib
B)
Lunglei
C)
Aizawl
D)
Serchhip
The concept of a 'queueless polling station' was introduced to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process by managing voter flow through a systematic appointment or slot-based system, thereby eliminating long queues. In the context of Mizoram's Assembly elections, this innovative model was implemented in the Aizawl district. This initiative was part of the Election Commission's efforts to enhance voter convenience and ensure a dignified voting experience, particularly in urban centers where voter density is higher. Therefore, Aizawl is the correct district.
The European Union has recently announced to become the world’s first climate neutral economy by which year?
A)
2040
B)
2050
C)
2060
D)
2070
The European Union (EU) has formally committed to becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This goal is a central part of the 'European Green Deal', a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the overarching aim of making the EU economy sustainable. To achieve this, the EU aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, meaning any remaining emissions will be balanced by carbon removals.
Analysis of other options:
- 2040: While the EU has set an intermediate target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), the ultimate goal for full climate neutrality is 2050.
- 2060: This is the target year set by other nations, such as China, to achieve carbon neutrality.
- 2070: This is the target year set by India to achieve net-zero emissions (announced at COP26).
Full form of BMW is -
A)
Barclays Motor Works
B)
Bayer Motorist Workshop
C)
Bayerische Motoren Warke AG
D)
Bolivian Motor Works
BMW is a world-renowned German luxury vehicle and motorcycle manufacturer. The full form of BMW is 'Bayerische Motoren Werke AG'. In the provided options, option (c) 'Bayerische Motoren Warke AG' is the closest match, despite a slight typographical error ('Warke' instead of 'Werke'). 'Bayerische Motoren Werke' translates from German to English as 'Bavarian Motor Works'. Options (a) Barclays, (b) Bayer Motorist, and (d) Bolivian are entirely incorrect and have no association with the company's origin or name.
Who is the Author of the book “Casual Vacancy”?
A)
Jeffrey Archer
B)
Sidney Sheldon
C)
Suzane Collins
D)
J.K.Rawling
The book 'The Casual Vacancy' is a novel published in 2012. It was written by J.K. Rowling (misspelled as 'Rawling' in the options), who is globally famous for the Harry Potter series. This novel marked her first major venture into adult fiction.
Analysis of other options:
- Jeffrey Archer is known for thrillers and historical novels like 'Kane and Abel'.
- Sidney Sheldon is famous for page-turning suspense novels like 'The Other Side of Midnight'.
- Suzanne Collins is the author of 'The Hunger Games' trilogy.
Which State has become the India’s first State to treat Hepatitis-C patients through oral medicine?
A)
Telangana
B)
Punjab
C)
Karnataka
D)
Haryana
Telangana became the first state in India to provide free treatment for Hepatitis-C patients using oral medications (Direct-Acting Antivirals or DAAs). The state government launched this initiative to make the treatment accessible and affordable, moving away from older, more invasive, and less effective interferon-based therapies. By providing these oral medicines through government hospitals, Telangana aimed to reduce the burden of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis associated with Hepatitis-C. Options b, c, and d are incorrect as they were not the first to implement this specific state-wide oral medicine treatment program for Hepatitis-C.
Which country has successfully tested world’s largest unmanned transport drone “FH-98” October 2018?
A)
China
B)
Germany
C)
Indonesia
D)
Japan
In October 2018, China successfully tested the FH-98, which was reported as the world's largest unmanned transport drone at that time. The FH-98 was developed to transport heavy cargo and personnel autonomously, marking a significant milestone in China's aerospace and defense technology.
- Option (a) China is correct as the FH-98 is a Chinese-developed aircraft.
- Option (b) Germany, (c) Indonesia, and (d) Japan are incorrect as they were not the developers of the FH-98 drone.
A country also known as ‘Land of White Elephants’
A)
Malaysia
B)
Cambodia
C)
Thailand
D)
Vietnam
Thailand is widely known as the 'Land of White Elephants'. In Thai culture, white elephants are considered sacred symbols of royal power, prosperity, and good fortune. Historically, the possession of a white elephant by the monarch was seen as a sign of a righteous and successful reign.
Analysis of other options:
- Malaysia: Known for its diverse rainforests and multicultural society, but not associated with white elephants.
- Cambodia: Known for the Angkor Wat temple complex and its rich Khmer history.
- Vietnam: Known for its distinct geography (like Ha Long Bay) and history, but not referred to by this specific moniker.
Which city is named as the most liveable city by 2018 Global Liveability Index?
A)
London
B)
Budapest
C)
Venice
D)
Vienna
The Global Liveability Index is an annual survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). In the 2018 report, Vienna, the capital of Austria, was ranked as the most liveable city in the world. The index evaluates cities based on five main categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Vienna consistently scores high in these areas, particularly in infrastructure and stability. London, Budapest, and Venice, while significant global cities, did not hold the top spot in the 2018 rankings.
Inventor of ATM machines-
A)
Roger Bacon
B)
Giovani Batista
C)
AH Taylor
D)
Shepherd- Barron
The Automated Teller Machine (ATM) was invented by John Shepherd-Barron. He conceived the idea of a 'cash dispenser' and worked with De La Rue to develop the first machine, which was installed by Barclays Bank in Enfield, North London, in 1967.
Analysis of other options:
- Roger Bacon: A 13th-century English philosopher and Franciscan friar, often associated with early scientific methods, not modern electronics.
- Giovani Batista: Likely referring to Giambattista della Porta or other historical figures, none of whom are associated with the ATM.
- AH Taylor: Not a recognized inventor of the ATM machine.
The country that hosted the 2018 UN Climate Change Conference (COP24).
A)
France
B)
Poland
C)
Germany
D)
Hungary
The 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place from December 2 to December 15, 2018. It was hosted in Katowice, Poland. The primary objective of COP24 was to finalize the 'COP24 Rulebook,' which provided the guidelines for implementing and operating the Paris Agreement (signed in 2015).
Analysis of other options:
- France: Hosted COP21 in 2015, which resulted in the landmark Paris Agreement.
- Germany: While a major player in climate policy, it did not host COP24.
- Hungary: Did not host the 2018 UN Climate Change Conference.
Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as the new
A)
Chairman of SBI
B)
Governor of RBI
C)
Chairman of ISRO
D)
Governor of J&K
Shaktikanta Das is a distinguished Indian bureaucrat and economist who was appointed as the 25th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on December 12, 2018. He succeeded Urjit Patel.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) Chairman of SBI: The Chairman of the State Bank of India is a different administrative role; Shaktikanta Das has never held this position.
- Option (b) Governor of RBI: Correct. He currently serves as the Governor of the central bank of India.
- Option (c) Chairman of ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is led by a Chairman (currently S. Somanath), which is a scientific/technical role.
- Option (d) Governor of J&K: The Governor/Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir is a political appointment made by the President of India, not a role held by Shaktikanta Das.
Who was the first person to reach South Pole?
A)
Amundsen
B)
Robert Peary
C)
Tasman
D)
Kepler
The first person to reach the South Pole was the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. He led a successful expedition that arrived at the South Pole on December 14, 1911. He beat the British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott, who arrived about a month later.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Robert Peary: He is credited with being one of the first people to reach the North Pole (though this is historically debated), not the South Pole.
- c. Tasman: Abel Tasman was a Dutch explorer known for being the first European to reach Tasmania and New Zealand in the 17th century.
- d. Kepler: Johannes Kepler was a mathematician and astronomer known for his laws of planetary motion, not an explorer.
Kacheguda railway station was declared as India’s first Energy-Efficient ‘A1 Category’ Railway Station. It is situated in which city?
A)
Hyderabad
B)
Kolkata
C)
Ahmedabad
D)
New Delhi
Kacheguda railway station is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It gained significant recognition for being the first 'A1 Category' railway station in India to be declared energy-efficient. This was achieved through the installation of a large-scale solar power plant on its premises and the implementation of energy-saving lighting and electrical systems, reducing its dependence on the conventional power grid.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Kolkata: While it has major stations like Howrah and Sealdah, Kacheguda is not located here.
- Ahmedabad: This city is known for the Sabarmati station and other infrastructure projects, but not Kacheguda.
- New Delhi: The capital has the New Delhi Railway Station, which is one of the busiest in the country, but Kacheguda is specifically located in Hyderabad.
Which city has launched India’s first Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System (FFEWS)?
A)
Chennai
B)
Hyderabad
C)
Kochi
D)
Kolkata
Kochi, in Kerala, launched India's first city-specific Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System (FFEWS). This system was developed to mitigate the impact of urban flooding, which is a recurring problem in the city due to its coastal geography and heavy monsoon rainfall. The system utilizes a network of sensors, rain gauges, and hydrological models to provide real-time data and early warnings to the municipal authorities and the public, allowing for timely evacuation and disaster management. While cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata have various flood management plans and drainage projects, Kochi is credited with the implementation of this specific first-of-its-kind integrated FFEWS for an urban center in India.
The State popularly known as the ‘Apple Kingdom’ of India.
A)
Haryana
B)
Himachal Pradesh
C)
Gujarat
D)
Maharastra
Himachal Pradesh is popularly known as the 'Apple State' or 'Apple Kingdom' of India because it is one of the leading producers of apples in the country. The state's temperate climate, high altitude, and well-drained soils in the Himalayan region provide the ideal environment for apple cultivation.
Analysis of other options:
- Haryana: Primarily known for wheat, rice, and sugarcane; it does not have the climatic conditions for commercial apple farming.
- Gujarat: A leader in cotton, groundnut, and dairy production, but not apples.
- Maharashtra: Famous for Alphonso mangoes, grapes, and citrus fruits, but not apples.
Which country is set to become the world’s first country to make all its public transport free by 2019?
A)
Switzerland
B)
Luxembourg
C)
Qatar
D)
Bhutan
Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport free of charge. The initiative was officially implemented on March 29, 2020, although the legislation and announcement were made in 2018/2019 to prepare for the rollout. The goal of this policy was to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and make commuting more accessible for all citizens and visitors.
Analysis of other options:
- Switzerland: While it has an excellent and highly integrated public transport system, it is not free nationwide.
- Qatar: While it provides high-quality infrastructure (especially for the FIFA World Cup), it does not have a nationwide free public transport policy.
- Bhutan: Focuses on 'Gross National Happiness' and environmental conservation, but does not provide free nationwide public transport.
Which State received the award for Best State in Promoting Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for the year 2018?
A)
Jharkhand
B)
Chhattisgarh
C)
Telangana
D)
Karnataka
The award for the 'Best State in Promoting Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities' is presented by the Government of India (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. For the year 2018, Karnataka was recognized as the best state for its initiatives, policies, and implementation of schemes aimed at the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities. While other states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have implemented various social welfare schemes, Karnataka's specific performance metrics in disability empowerment earned it the top honor for that specific year.
Which of the following States has become the India’s first State to have four international airports?
A)
Maharastra
B)
Andra Pradesh
C)
Kerala
D)
Madhya Pradesh
Kerala became the first state in India to have four international airports. The four international airports located in Kerala are: 1. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 2. Cochin International Airport (Kochi), 3. Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode), and 4. Kannur International Airport. The addition of the Kannur International Airport (which commenced operations in December 2018) solidified Kerala's position as the first state to achieve this milestone in aviation infrastructure. Other states like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have multiple airports, but Kerala was the first to reach the count of four operational international airports.
Which country hosts the 18th Asian Games 2018?
A)
India
B)
Indonesia
C)
Malaysia
D)
Sri Lanka
The 18th Asian Games were held in 2018. The host city was Jakarta, with some events taking place in Palembang, both located in Indonesia. The games took place from August 18 to September 2, 2018.
Analysis of options:
- a. India: India has hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982, but not in 2018.
- b. Indonesia: Correct. Jakarta and Palembang hosted the 2018 edition.
- c. Malaysia: Malaysia hosted the Asian Games in 1998.
- d. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has never hosted the Asian Games.
The Signature Bridge is recently inaugurated in which city of India?
A)
Chennai
B)
Mumbai
C)
Kolkatta
D)
Delhi
The Signature Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge located in Delhi, India. It was inaugurated in 2018 and spans across the Yamuna River. It is designed to provide a faster connection between Wazirabad and the Outer Ring Road, reducing traffic congestion in North Delhi. The bridge is named 'Signature Bridge' because of its unique architectural design, featuring an asymmetric pylon that resembles a signature.
Comparing with other options:
- Chennai: Known for bridges like the Napier Bridge, but not the Signature Bridge.
- Mumbai: Known for the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, but not the Signature Bridge.
- Kolkatta: Known for the Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu, but not the Signature Bridge.
Winner of the prestigious 2018 Men’s Ballon d’Or award is
A)
Lionel Messi
B)
Cristiano Ronaldo
C)
NeymarJr
D)
Luka Modric
The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by France Football. In 2018, the award was won by Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. Modric was recognized for his exceptional performance with Real Madrid, helping them win their third consecutive UEFA Champions League title, and for leading the Croatia national team to the Final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he also won the Golden Ball (best player of the tournament). This win was significant as it broke the decade-long dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Option (a) Lionel Messi: While he has won the most Ballon d'Ors in history, he did not win in 2018.
- Option (b) Cristiano Ronaldo: He dominated the award from 2008-2017 but did not win in 2018.
- Option (c) Neymar Jr: Despite his talent and high market value, he has never won the Ballon d'Or.