Free daily practice · Prelims and Mains
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 29 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz · Free
How it works
- 20 questions from 29 October’s current affairs, 20 minutes.
- Test timer counts down and submits at zero; a clock on each question shows your time.
- +2 for right, −0.67 for wrong; blanks carry no penalty.
- Answers, explanations and your time per question appear after you submit.
- Your first attempt today is ranked (ties go to less time); later attempts are practice.
- Free, no login. Mains practice with model answers is below.
Mains practice
2 questions · write first, then compareGS-215 marks250 words
Q1. Panchayats in India remain dependent on grants and lack the capacity to plan for local development. In the light of the newly approved Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, discuss how capacity building and digital tools can make panchayats effective units of local governance.
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Introduction: The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, a ₹7,395.55 crore Centrally Sponsored Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31. It upgrades the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and aims to train about 32 lakh elected representatives across 2.55 lakh panchayats.
The problem: Three decades after the Seventy-third Amendment, many panchayats lack funds, functions and staff. Most depend on grants, own-source revenue is small, plans are often copied, and training is scheme-wise and scattered.
How capacity building helps: (1) Holistic training on planning, accounts and communication, instead of separate modules for each scheme. (2) 'Digital handholding' so members use real data on schemes, assets and gaps. (3) Better Gram Sabha participation, so villagers set priorities.
How digital tools help: (1) 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans a year on eGramSwaraj join Central and State schemes in one plan. (2) Online audit plans through AuditOnline improve accountability. (3) A common digital platform on schemes, beneficiaries and assets helps find gaps and track progress.
Limits: Digital tools cannot replace real devolution of funds, functions and functionaries by States. Internet access and skills vary. Training must reach women and first-time members.
Way forward: States should transfer subjects of the Eleventh Schedule with funds; panchayats should raise property tax and fees; State Finance Commissions should be set up on time; and results should be measured by outcomes on local Sustainable Development Goals.
Conclusion: With trained members, clean accounts and real powers, panchayats can become the true focal point of local governance, as the scheme intends.
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GS-315 marks250 words
Q2. India is facing evening power shortages even as its solar capacity grows. Explain the reasons and suggest measures to ensure reliable electricity supply during peak hours.
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Introduction: Six States (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Keralam) have floated short-term tenders for extra power in November and December, paying ₹8.99 to ₹41.50 per unit. The evening shortfall touched 5.8 gigawatts in October, and most States could not buy all the power they wanted.
Reasons: (1) Solar gap: solar output falls after sunset while demand stays high. (2) Little storage: battery and pumped-storage capacity is still small, so daytime solar power cannot be shifted to the evening. (3) Weather: unusual weather linked to El Niño, higher irrigation demand and more industrial activity make demand hard to forecast. (4) Contract mismatch: long-term power purchase agreements of up to 25 years were not designed for sharp evening peaks.
Measures: (1) Storage: fast-track battery energy storage and pumped-storage hydropower, with viability gap support. (2) Flexible supply: keep some gas and hydro capacity ready for peak hours. (3) Planning: better demand forecasting and early, longer short-term contracts. (4) Demand side: time-of-day tariffs, efficient appliances and shifting farm pumping to solar hours. (5) Markets: deeper power exchanges and inter-State transmission so surplus regions can help others. (6) Healthier power distribution companies that can pay and plan.
Conclusion: India's clean energy shift needs storage and flexibility as much as new solar panels. Planning for the evening peak is key to energy security, affordable power and climate goals.
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