Daily Current Affairs — 29 September 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 29 September 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
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Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था प्रश्नोत्तरी
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Economy
Drought Management in India
The Maharashtra Government has declared drought conditions in 265 out of 358 talukas, covering nearly 74% of the state's landmass, due to deficient monsoon rainfall.
- With India supporting nearly 18% of the global population with only 4% of the world's freshwater resources
- Drought in India is a multidimensional challenge involving rainfall variability
- About: Drought is generally considered a deficiency in rainfall/precipitation over an extended period
- Drought Scenario in India: According to the Drought Atlas of India (1901–2020), nearly two-thirds of India is drought-prone
Show 6 more facts
- However, regions with high rainfall now face severe scarcities
- Meteorological Drought: It refers to a deficiency in precipitation compared with the long-term average over an extended period
- It may develop even when rainfall is normal or above normal if water withdrawal and consumption exceed the available water reserves
- In India, it is defined as 4 consecutive weeks of severe meteorological drought
- However, to facilitate early determination, the Manual for Drought Management, 2009 recommends four standard monitoring tools.
- Rainfall Deficiency: Drought can be declared if the total rainfall from June-September is less than 75% of the average
Which of the following statements about Drought Management in India is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Environment
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was celebrated extensively across the project areas of the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).
- Background: In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declared 17th June as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
- It highlights that desertification is largely driven by human activities and climate change, making it a preventable and reversible challenge.
- About: Rangelands are vast, open landscapes covered by natural vegetation such as grasslands, shrublands, deserts, and tundras.
- Geographical Scale: Rangelands are the world's largest land-use category
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- Extent in India: Rangelands cover about 1.21 million sq
- The Scale of At-Risk Land: Up to 50% of the world's rangelands are currently degraded or facing severe ecological stress.
- Evolution: The scheme originated as the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Integrated Watershed Management Programme' (IWMP) in 2009-10
- Current Phase: The Government of India approved its continuation as 'WDC-PMKSY 2.0' for the project period of 2021-2026.
- Targets: It aims to cover a physical target of 49.50 lakh hectares.
- Diversifying farming systems to increase rural incomes.
3. What is the significance of the International Year of Rangelands
Which of the following statements about World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
State Disaster Response Fund
Recently, the Centre has released the first instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to States, in the wake of the second wave of Covid-19 that has claimed thousands of lives since April 2021.
- Normally, the first instalment is released in June as per the recommendations of the Finance Commission.
- About: SDRF has been constituted under Section 48 (1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005
- The Centre contributes 75% of the SDRF allocation for general category States and Union Territories and 90% for special category States
- The annual Central contribution is released in two equal installments as per the recommendation of the Finance Commission.
Show 1 more facts
- A State Government may use up to 10% of the funds available under the SDRF for providing immediate relief to the victims of natural disasters
Which of the following statements about State Disaster Response Fund is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Polity
National Disaster Response Fund
The Central Government has allowed contributions from any person or institution in the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as per Section 46(1)(b) of the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005.
- Formation: National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) was renamed as National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
- It is defined in Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act).
- It is placed in the "Public Account" of Government of India under "reserve funds not bearing interest"
- Expenditures from it are not required to be approved by the Parliament.
Show 5 more facts
- It is managed by the Central Government for meeting the expenses for emergency response
- It supplements the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in case of a disaster of severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in the SDRF
- The Centre contributes 75% of the SDRF allocation for general category States and Union Territories
- Currently, a National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) is levied to finance the NDRF and additional budgetary support is provided as
- NCCD is levied in the case of goods specified in the Seventh Schedule (goods manufactured or produced).
With reference to National Disaster Response Fund, consider the following statements:
- Formation: National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) was renamed as National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
- It is defined in Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2007 (DM Act)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
Polity
Right to Safe Travel on National Highways under Article 21
The Supreme Court has declared that the safety of commuters against road accidents and the right to safe passage on highways are part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Alarming Statistics: National Highways (NHs) comprise merely 2% of India's total road network but account for nearly 30% of all road fatalities
- Constitutional Interpretation: The Court held that Article 21 imposes a positive obligation on the State to ensure a safe environment
- Strict Parking Regulations: Heavy and commercial vehicles are strictly prohibited from parking or stopping on any National Highway
- Enforcement Actions: District Magistrates have been directed to demolish or remove all unauthorized structures within 60 days
Which of the following statements about Right to Safe Travel on National Highways under Article 21 is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
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Economy
Minimum Support Prices: From Safety Net to Self-Sufficiency
The Government of India has approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026–27, with an estimated procurement of 297 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT).
- Definition: MSP is the price at which the government procures crops directly from farmers
- Determination: MSPs are recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs
- Since 2018–19, MSPs have been fixed at 1.5 times the cost of production, ensuring a minimum 50% profit margin for farmers.
- MSP is declared for 22 mandated crops — including 14 Kharif crops
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- Cereals and coarse cereals: Procured by Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies.
- Higher MSPs for crops like ragi, nigerseed, and mustard aim to promote climate-resilient farming, reducing the over-dependence on water-intensive
- The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme
- India aims for self-sufficiency in pulses by 2027, with the government committed to procure 100% of major pulse production until 2028-29.
- Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.
- Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity but the occurrence of such phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
W – Wider Crop Diversification: Align MSP incentives with sustainable cropping systems, encouraging diversification toward millets, pulses, and oilseeds to reduce environmental impacts from monocropping.
Which of the following statements about Minimum Support Prices: From Safety Net to Self-Sufficiency is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Geography
India’s Water Scarcity
India's water crisis is a complex paradox where abundant annual rainfall of nearly 4,000 billion cubic metres is offset by inadequate storage.
- India faces a stark population-resource paradox, supporting 18% of humanity with only 4% of freshwater.
- While the Ministry of Jal Shakti leads national missions, the crisis is deepened by irrational crop patterns and 70% surface water contamination.
- Sustaining growth requires a circular water economy and community-led groundwater budgeting.
- Population-Resource Paradox: India supports nearly 18% of the world's population but possesses only 4% of global freshwater resources
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- Southern India has seen the steepest drop, with several reservoirs reaching critically low levels, while North-Eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh
- Recent assessments by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) show
- State List (List II) – Entry 17: Water is primarily a State subject
- It allows Parliament to exclude the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court or any other court regarding these disputes.
- Article 48A: Directs the State to endeavor to protect and improve the environment.
- Article 51A(g): Imposes a Fundamental Duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including lakes and rivers.
Which of the following statements about India’s Water Scarcity is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Environment
CGWB Report on Groundwater Contamination
The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) report reveals a troubling rise in groundwater contamination across India, with more districts showing excessive nitrate levels.
- Increase in Nitrate Contamination: As of 2023, 440 districts reported excessive nitrate levels in groundwater, up from 359 districts in 2017
- Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are showing notable levels of nitrate contamination, with growing concerns in central
- However, there has been an improvement in the availability of groundwater
- About: The CGWB, established under the Ministry of Water Resources, (now Ministry of Jal Shakti), is the apex body
Show 6 more facts
- The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), constituted under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, regulates groundwater development to ensure its
- Agricultural Practices: Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture leads to nitrate and phosphate leaching into the soil
- Health Risks: Contaminants such as fluoride, nitrates, and heavy metals pose serious health risks and lead to Waterborne Diseases
- Contaminants in groundwater can cause soil contamination and salinization.
- Groundwater contamination can spread to surface water, worsening water quality
- Pollution Control Programs: Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB)
What are the impacts of groundwater contamination in India?
Which of the following statements about CGWB Report on Groundwater Contamination is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
India’s Millet Standards Recognised at Codex Alimentarius Commission
India's leadership in developing a group standard.
- About: CAC is an international food standards body established jointly by the FAO
- It sets standards for all major foods (processed
- Since 2014, India has chaired the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs
- Millets: Millets, also known as Shree Anna, are small cereal grains grown mainly as a Kharif crop and belong to the Poaceae (grass) family.
Show 6 more facts
- Significance: The United Nations General Assembly, based on a proposal by India, declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM)
- As climate-resilient crops, millets require less water and can grow in poor soils, making them ideal for sustainable agriculture.
- The total area under millet cultivation in FY24 was 12.19 million hectares, producing 15.38 million metric tonnes.
- Rajasthan leads in both area and production, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
- Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) (2022–2027): The PLISMBP incentivizes companies producing Ready-to-Eat/Cook
- Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (Millets) under NFSM: Covers 28 States and 2 UTs, promoting major, minor, and pseudo-millets like buckwheat and amaranth
Which of the following statements about India’s Millet Standards Recognised at Codex Alimentarius is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
History
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the inclusion of the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project in Uttarakhand under.
- The Project involves the construction of a Dam near Jamrani village, across the River Gola, a tributary of the River Ram Ganga
- About: PMKSY was launched in 2015 with the goal of enhancing access to water for farming
- It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (Core Scheme), where Centre- States share will be 75:25
- Improve on – farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent.
Show 4 more facts
- Ensure the integrated development of rainfed areas using the watershed approach towards soil and water conservation
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): It was launched in 1996 with the aim of accelerating the implementation of irrigation projects
- It has sub components: Command Area Development (CAD)
- Decentralized implementation through State Irrigation Plan and District Irrigation Plan.
With reference to Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, consider the following statements:
- The Project involves the construction of a Dam near Jamrani village, across the River Gola, a tributary of the River Ram Ganga
- About: PMKSY was launched in 2020 with the goal of enhancing access to water for farming
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
Indian History MCQ Quiz · भारतीय इतिहास प्रश्नोत्तरी
A second members-only subject quiz – lock in today's study session
Current affairs alone will not clear Prelims. Close the day on the static syllabus with this members-only quiz.
