51. Where was the foundation stone for India’s first Public–Private Partnership (PPP) medical college laid?
[A] Bihar
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
In December 2025, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav laid foundation stones for India’s first Public–Private Partnership (PPP) medical colleges in tribal districts Dhar and Betul, Madhya Pradesh. These colleges are part of four planned PPP-based medical colleges in MP: Dhar, Betul, Katni, and Panna, linked to district hospitals to strengthen healthcare services. Under the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) PPP model, the state provides land and administrative oversight, while private partners construct and manage academic and clinical infrastructure.
52. Which state government launched the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative to promote industrial hemp cultivation?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] Punjab
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative to promote industrial hemp. The initiative aims to make Himachal self-reliant by 2027 and turn hemp into a valuable industrial and medicinal resource. Hemp grows in Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba, and has applications in pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper, cosmetics, biofuels, and eco-friendly construction. It requires 50% less water than traditional crops and grows in marginal soils, helping farmers facing wildlife damage. The ‘Hemp-Hub’ vision aims to make Himachal a centre for hemp-based products like hempcrete, textiles, and Ayurvedic medicines.
53. Which organisation has released the Know Your Survey: A User Guide to the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE)?
[A] Reserve Bank of India
[B] National Statistics Office
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Statistics Office ]
Notes:
The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, released Know Your Survey: A User Guide to the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE). It is the first user guide specifically designed to engage data users and explain ASUSE processes in a transparent, simple, and user-friendly way. ASUSE provides official statistics on India’s unincorporated non-agricultural sector, crucial for employment, livelihoods, economic output, and value chains. The guide explains survey concepts, coverage, methodology, data collection, processing, validation, estimation, and quality assurance frameworks.
54. Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Programme is an initiative of which ministry?
[A] World Bank
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] Reserve Bank of India
[D] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]
Notes:
The President of India graced a special programme under Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Programme. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The programme aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning into school education and training systems. It prepares students and teachers for a fast-changing digital world and AI-based careers. The government has allocated ₹500 crore to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education.
55. The 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) project is led by which institute?
[A] Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
[B] Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
[C] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
[D] Indian Space Research Organization
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune]
Notes:
Recently, Indian scientists began developing indigenously manufactured Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) using 3D-printing technology. The initiative is part of Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore programme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to strengthen weather observation and forecasting. The first batch of 3D-printed AWS will be installed in major cities, starting with Delhi, from February. The project is led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. AWS automatically measure and transmit weather data like temperature, wind, humidity, and rainfall, reducing operational costs.
56. Sanskaar Shaala, a value-based education programme for children aged 4–14 years, was launched by which state government?
[A] Assam
[B] Mizoram
[C] Manipur
[D] Tripura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
Sanskaar Shaala, a value-based programme for children aged 4–14 years, was inaugurated in Guwahati by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya. Sanskaar Shaala is a value-based programme aimed at developing ethical, social, and cultural awareness among children. The programme is implemented across Assam under the guidance of the Governor’s office with support from educational institutions. It uses interactive learning methods such as hands-on sessions, workshops, and skill-development activities. The initiative promotes holistic growth, social responsibility, and a deep understanding of Indian cultural and ethical values from an early age.
57. Which state has launched the International Spice Routes Heritage Network to promote cultural tourism and research?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala launched the International Spice Routes Heritage Network to promote cultural tourism and research. The initiative leverages Kerala’s historic role in maritime spice trade to drive economic and tourism growth. The platform supports collaborative research, heritage conservation, archaeology, documentation, and museum development. The project aims to reconnect ancient trade routes, revive historical memories, and foster cross-border partnerships. Muziris and Kochi’s historical ports are highlighted as centres of global exchange of spices, ideas, and culture.
58. Which city officially declared a waterborne disease outbreak as an epidemic after several deaths in the Bhagirathpura area?
[A] Bhopal
[B] Indore
[C] Satna
[D] Gwalior
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indore]
Notes:
Indore declared a waterborne disease outbreak as an epidemic after reported fatalities in Bhagirathpura, marking a serious public health emergency. The declaration prompted immediate emergency containment and response measures. Special teams from central and state agencies were deployed to identify the source of contamination. Experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (ICMR-NIRBI) assisted in the investigation. Authorities are examining whether pipeline leaks caused single or multiple contamination points, emphasizing the need for infrastructure safety.
59. Womaniya is a flagship initiative of which platform?
[A] Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
[B] Startup India
[C] National Small Industries Corporation
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Government e-Marketplace (GeM)]
Notes:
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) marked seven years of the Womaniya initiative, which promotes women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in public procurement. The Womaniya initiative was launched by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). It was launched on 14 January 2019, Womaniya provides a direct, transparent, fully digital platform for women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). As of 14 January 2026, over two lakh women-led MSEs are registered on GeM. These enterprises have secured orders worth over ₹80,000 crore, accounting for 4.7% of total GeM procurement, exceeding the mandated 3%.
60. Which city is the host of India’s first city-led climate action initiative?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Chennai
[C] Kolkata
[D] Mumbai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mumbai]
Notes:
Mumbai will host India’s first city-led climate action initiative, Mumbai Climate Week 2026, from 17 to 19 February 2026. The initiative highlights that climate action is a fundamental child rights issue. UNICEF India and YuWaah are official youth engagement partners, collaborating with Project Mumbai. The event empowers children and youth to become agents of change, linking grassroots participation with civic leadership. The Youth Green Innovation Challenge for ages 16–24 will showcase sustainable solutions in food systems, urban resilience, and energy transition.