41. Which state has introduced AI, STEM, and robotics laboratories in government schools as part of the ‘VijAIpatha’ programme?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Karnataka introduced AI, STEM, and robotics labs in government schools through the VijAIpatha programme. The initiative is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project by the Cyient Foundation. It was launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December 2025. The labs have been set up in schools in Hosapete Taluka, Vijayanagara district. The programme aims to provide future-ready skills, enhance digital literacy, and foster innovation among students in the public education system.
42. Which state is the host of Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026?
[A] Odisha
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) logo, theme song, and mascot were unveiled at Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The Games are scheduled from 14 February 2026. Chhattisgarh is the first state to host these Games. Morveer is the official mascot of the inaugural edition. The mascot ‘Morveer’ combines ‘Mor’ (mine/our own) and ‘Veer’ (courage/valour), symbolising tribal pride and spirit. The Games are organised jointly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations, and Chhattisgarh state committee.
43. What is the theme of the fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries?
[A] Atmanirbhar Bharat
[B] Digital India for All
[C] Cooperative Federalism
[D] Human Capital for Viksit Bharat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Human Capital for Viksit Bharat]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries. It was held in New Delhi from December 26–28, 2025. The theme is “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat,” focusing on developing citizens as human capital rather than just a demographic dividend. The conference aims to strengthen Centre–State cooperation and create a unified roadmap for inclusive, future-ready growth.
44. INS Vagsheer, that was recently seen in news, belongs to which class of submarines?
[A] Arihant-class
[B] Kalvari-class
[C] Chakra-class
[D] Shishumar-class
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalvari-class]
Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu undertook her maiden submarine sortie on December 28. She boarded the Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar naval base. With this, she became the second President of India to go on a submarine sortie. The first Indian President to do so was Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. INS Vaghsheer is a Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy. The event highlights civilian leadership’s close engagement with India’s naval forces. It reflects confidence in India’s indigenously built and advanced submarine capabilities
45. Which ministry launched the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) to address air travellers’ grievances?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Civil Aviation
[C] Ministry of Transport
[D] Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Civil Aviation]
Notes:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, launched the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR). Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) aims to improve promptness and effectiveness in resolving air travellers’ grievances. It functions as an integrated hub with officials from Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), airline operators, and other stakeholders. It is located at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi. Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) monitors aviation operations, attends passenger calls, and coordinates real-time assistance and grievance resolution.
46. Rohtasgarh Fort, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
An under-construction ropeway to improve access to historic Rohtasgarh Fort in Rohtas district of Bihar collapsed during a trial run recently. Rohtasgarh Fort, also called Rohtas Fort, is located on the banks of the Sone River in Bihar. It is one of the largest forts in India and the world, spread over about 26 miles. The fort is situated on a hill around 1500 metres high with massive defensive walls. The complex has gates, palaces, temples and reservoirs showing Indo-Afghan architecture. It was built by Raja Harishchandra of the Solar dynasty and named after his son Rohitashva
47. Which country has become the first in the world to administer the one-time gene therapy ITVISMA for spinal muscular atrophy?
[A] Australia
[B] Germany
[C] United Arab Emirates
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United Arab Emirates]
Notes:
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE),’s Sheikh Khalifa Medical City became the first hospital worldwide to administer ITVISMA gene therapy. ITVISMA is a one-time gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), given on 28 December 2025. It replaces the defective Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. This enables production of survival motor neuron protein, targeting the root genetic cause. It is approved for patients aged two years and above, including adults. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, progressive neuromuscular disorder causing muscle weakness and life-threatening complications. The therapy may improve motor function and reduce long-term treatment dependence.
48. According to recent data, which three countries have the largest rare earth oxide (REO) reserves in the world?
[A] China, Brazil and India
[B] Myanmar, Chile, Peru
[C] France, Germany, Australia
[D] New Zealand, Singapore, Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China, Brazil and India]
Notes:
According to recent 2025 data, the three countries with the largest rare earth oxide (REO) reserves are China, Brazil, and India. India has the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves with about 6.9 million tonnes of Rare Earth Oxide (REO). It ranks after China with 44 million tonnes and Brazil with 21 million tonnes of reserves. Despite this, India produced only 2,900 tonnes of rare earths in 2024, ranking seventh globally. China led production with 270,000 tonnes, followed by the United States with 45,000 tonnes. India holds 6–7% of global reserves but contributes less than 1% of global production.
49. Gandikota Canyon, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Gandikota Canyon, located in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, is emerging as a major geological and heritage tourist site, often called the Grand Canyon of India. A canyon is a deep, narrow valley with cliffs, formed mainly by long-term erosion from rivers and other natural forces, exposing rock layers that reveal geological history. Gandikota Canyon lies within the Erramala Hills on the banks of the Penna River, forming a deep gorge carved through red sandstone and granite over millions of years. It is part of the Rayalaseema plateau, within the Deccan peninsular system.
50. Where was the DHRUV-NG next-generation civil helicopter inaugurated in December 2025?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru]
Notes:
The next-generation civil helicopter DHRUV-NG was inaugurated at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru. The inaugural flight of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) DHRUV-NG, a civil variant showcased at Aero India 2025, was flagged off. DHRUV-NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter designed for diverse Indian terrain and global civil aviation standards. The helicopter focuses on enhanced safety, improved performance, and passenger comfort, marking a milestone in India’s indigenous rotary-wing aviation.