31. Which state government has announced one per cent reservation for orphans in education and government jobs in December 2025?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced one per cent reservation for orphans in education and government jobs. He called the decision a “historic milestone” and a step towards social justice and equal opportunity. The policy was first introduced during his earlier term in 2018. The initiative is guided by Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s vision of equal access for all sections of society.
32. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) works under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Defence]
Notes:
Defence Minister dedicated 125 new projects built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), marking the highest number and value of projects inaugurated in a single day. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a road construction force that supports the Indian Armed Forces (IAF – Indian Armed Forces). It was brought fully under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2015. It builds and maintains roads, bridges, tunnels, airfields and marine structures in 19 states and 3 Union Territories (UTs), including Andaman and Nicobar Islands. BRO also operates in friendly neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.
33. Which state has been declared Naxalism-free in December 2025?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh government announced that the state is now free of Naxalism following the surrender of two Maoist militants in Balaghat district. The achievement is credited to the national mission to eliminate Naxalism by 2026, supported by central guidance. The announcement was made under the ‘Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation’ campaign, aimed at reintegrating surrendered Naxalites into mainstream society.
34. Which ministry introduced the APAAR ID system?
[A] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[B] Ministry of Skill Development
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Education
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
The Orissa High Court directed state and central education authorities to amend the consent form used for generating APAAR IDs. The court mandated inclusion of a clear and explicit opt-out option for students and parents. The direction reinforces the principle of informed and voluntary consent in student data collection. APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. It was introduced by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is part of the “One Nation, One Student ID” initiative under NEP 2020.
35. Which state government launched the ‘Abhaya Brigade’ to ensure the safety of girls and women near schools, colleges, and coaching centres?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar government launched the ‘Abhaya Brigade’ to ensure the safety of girls and women near schools, colleges, and coaching centres. The initiative was flagged off by East Champaran Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat on directions from the police headquarters. Those harassing or making lewd remarks toward female students will be arrested and sent to jail. Special Abhaya Brigade teams have been formed in nearly all 50 police stations across the district. Each team consists of one female officer, two female constables, and one male constable.
36. Which district in Uttar Pradesh is home to Purvanchal’s first Yarn Processing Plant?
[A] Baliya
[B] Varanasi
[C] Mirzapur
[D] Bhadohi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mirzapur]
Notes:
The first Yarn Processing Plant of Purvanchal will be set up in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh. The plant will provide locally processed yarn to the carpet industry, reducing dependence on other states. The Mirzapur–Bhadohi belt is a major hub for handmade carpet production and export. The project is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with an estimated investment of ₹8 crore. Local weavers and carpet manufacturers will benefit from lower raw material costs and timely yarn supply. The plant is expected to be completed by April 2026 and is supported by the Uttar Pradesh Textile & Garmenting Policy 2022.
37. Which city is currently aiming to become India’s first slum-free city with a population of 70–80 lakh?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Lucknow
[C] Mumbai
[D] Surat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Surat]
Notes:
Surat is set to become India’s first slum-free city with a population of over 70 lakh. Currently, Chandigarh is India’s first slum-free city with a population of 10 lakh. In 2006, 36% of Surat’s population lived in slums; it has now reduced to 5%. The government plans phased, result-oriented efforts and proper housing to achieve full slum-free status.
38. The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is planned to operate between which two cities?
[A] Delhi – Mumbai
[B] Guwahati – Howrah
[C] Chennai – Bengaluru
[D] Patna – Kolkata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Guwahati – Howrah]
Notes:
Indian Railways will introduce its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, upgrading overnight rail travel in India. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that testing and certification are fully completed. The inaugural route will run between Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (West Bengal). The train will have 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and AC First Class, carrying about 823 passengers. It features ergonomic berths, new suspension, and modern safety systems for comfortable overnight journeys. The service will boost regional connectivity and offer Assamese and Bengali cuisine on board.
39. Which state celebrated “Dhiyan Di Lohri” to honour newborn girls?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Haryana
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Punjab]
Notes:
In Punjab, ‘Dhiyan Di Lohri’ (Lohri of Daughters) was celebrated in a Jalandhar village, honouring 5,100 newborn girls. Similar celebrations are being organized in various villages across the state. The celebrations aim to strengthen the national ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ movement. Celebrating the birth of daughters as a festival reflects progressive social change and promotes saving, educating, and empowering the girl child in society.
40. Which institution launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0?
[A] National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
NITI Aayog launched ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0’, a 3-month campaign from 28th January to 14th April 2026, to saturate key indicators in Aspirational Districts and Blocks. The campaign builds on Sampoornata Abhiyan 2024, targeting 112 Aspirational Districts and 513 Aspirational Blocks under the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme. Districts/Blocks will develop 3-month action plans, track monthly progress, conduct awareness campaigns, and perform concurrent monitoring visits. NITI Aayog, Central Ministries, States, and UTs will coordinate for planning, capacity building, and sustainable service delivery.