31. Which state government has launched KATALYST, an Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) cell, to support Global Capability Centers (GCCs)?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Odisha
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Karnataka launched KATALYST, an Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) cell, to support Global Capability Centers (GCCs) under the GCC Policy 2024-29. It will act as a single-window platform to streamline investments and fast-track approvals. Announcement was made during Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025. Karnataka contributes 44% of India’s software exports and aims to add 500 GCCs by 2029, creating 3.5 lakh jobs and generating $50 billion output.
32. Udyam Sakhi Portal was launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]
Notes:
Udyam Sakhi Portal was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) with an expenditure of ₹43.52 lakh. Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje informed Rajya Sabha that it is helping women entrepreneurs start, build, and expand businesses, fostering self-reliance. It provides women entrepreneurs information on financial schemes, policies, and programmes of the MSME sector. The portal nurtures entrepreneurship and creates business models for low-cost products and services. It empowers women to become self-reliant and self-sufficient.
33. What is the name of the operation in which the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a hydroponic weed smuggling syndicate?
[A] Operation WeedOut
[B] Operation Suraksha
[C] Operation Chanakya
[D] Operation GreenLeaf
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Operation WeedOut]
Notes:
Operation “WeedOut” by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a pan-India syndicate trafficking hydroponic weed. The crackdown took place across Bengaluru, Bhopal, and New Delhi from August 19–21, 2025. On 20th August 2025, DRI intercepted passengers at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station (Bengaluru) and Bhopal Junction. 29.88 kg of hydroponic weed was recovered in Bengaluru from Rajdhani train 22691 passengers. The operation included multiple simultaneous seizures and arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
34. Kuttiyadi coconut is mainly cultivated in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Goa
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kerala]
Notes:
Kuttiyadi coconut from Kerala is seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It is mainly cultivated in the Kuttiyadi region of Kozhikode, Kerala. The variety is high-yielding and starts producing coconuts within five years of planting. The tree trunk is stronger than other coconut varieties and resists most pests and drought. The tree has a life expectancy of over 100 years. The fruit is larger and heavier, with a thicker kernel, producing more oil than other varieties. The GI tag will recognise its unique agricultural and economic value.
35. Which department has released India’s first-ever guidelines for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals?
[A] Department of Biotechnology
[B] Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[C] Department of Food and Public Distribution
[D] Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying]
Notes:
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, released India’s first Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals. The guidelines provide a structured framework for animal transfusion medicine, covering donor selection, blood collection, component processing, storage, transfusion, monitoring, and safety. India has 537 million livestock and 125 million companion animals, with livestock contributing 5.5% to national GDP and over 30% to agricultural GDP. The guidelines aim to strengthen clinical care, save animal lives, protect livelihoods, and advance animal welfare nationwide.
36. Which institute has launched the AI-based mental health and wellness program “Never Alone”?
[A] IIT Delhi
[B] AIIMS Delhi
[C] NIMHANS Bengaluru
[D] IIT Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [AIIMS Delhi]
Notes:
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi launched the AI-based mental health and wellness program “Never Alone.” It was launched on World Suicide Prevention Day to address student suicides and mental health challenges. The program provides 24/7 virtual and offline consultations with mental health experts via a web-based app accessible on WhatsApp. It offers personalised and secure mental health screening at a cost of 70 paise per student per day for institutions with 5,000 students. It aims to reduce stigma around suicide and spread awareness among students. As per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 data, over 1.7 lakh suicides occurred in India, with 35% among 18–30-year-olds.
37. Which northeastern state capital was connected to the national railway network for the first time with the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang rail line?
[A] Imphal
[B] Kohima
[C] Aizawl
[D] Shillong
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aizawl]
Notes:
Prime Minister inaugurated Mizoram’s first-ever railway line, the Bairabi–Sairang broad-gauge project. It connects Bairabi on the Assam–Mizoram border to Sairang, 20 km from Aizawl, the state capital. Aizawl becomes the fourth northeastern state capital linked to India’s railway network after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar. The rail line is 51.38 km long, passing through hilly and challenging terrain.
38. Which railway station has been renamed as Ahilyanagar to honour Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in Maharashtra?
[A] Daund railway station
[B] Ahmednagar railway station
[C] Manmad railway station
[D] Solapur railway station
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ahmednagar railway station]
Notes:
The Ahmednagar railway station of Pune division in Maharashtra has been renamed as Ahilyanagar to honour Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. The change was approved by the Union Home Ministry after a Maharashtra Government proposal. The renaming aligns the station’s name with the district, which was officially renamed Ahilyanagar earlier this year. Central Railway confirmed the update on 16th September 2025. The station code ANG will remain unchanged.
39. The Sujalam Bharat Summit is a national initiative led by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[C] Ministry of Environment
[D] Ministry of Tourism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Jal Shakti]
Notes:
The Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti organised a virtual workshop on “Technology for Efficient Water Management” in the Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025. The Sujalam Bharat Summit is a national initiative led by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and coordinated by NITI Aayog. It focuses on water management, sanitation, and sustainable practices. The summit aims to bring grassroots perspectives into national policy-making in line with the Prime Minister’s vision.
40. Which state’s police launched “Operation Shikanja” in October 2025 to arrest absconding economic offenders?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Uttar Pradesh Police launched Operation Shikanja from 9th to 13th October 2025. The operation led to the arrest of 23 absconding economic offenders across the state. The main objective was to catch long-time absconders involved in major financial scams in Uttar Pradesh. It aimed to recover misused public funds and strengthen the rule of law against white-collar crimes. The drive shows a statewide crackdown on financial crimes, enhancing public trust and economic justice in Uttar Pradesh