DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ – 3 January, 2026

Explanation
Shifting greater financial burden to States without adequate fiscal transfers creates stress. States have varying revenue capacities and social needs. Such shifts can affect scheme implementation and equity. Cooperative federalism requires balanced responsibility and resources. Persistent fiscal stress may weaken welfare delivery. Therefore, the challenge is fiscal federalism stress.

Explanation
SDG 15 focuses on protecting terrestrial ecosystems, forests, and biodiversity. Unregulated tourism threatens wildlife habitats and species survival. Photo tourism, when poorly managed, accelerates ecological degradation. Regulation helps balance conservation with livelihood needs. Protecting ecosystems is central to SDG 15. Hence, SDG 15 is most directly relevant.

Explanation
India’s energy transition requires reliable baseload power alongside renewables. Nuclear energy provides low-carbon, stable electricity. Reforms aim to attract investment, improve safety, and expand capacity. This supports climate goals and energy security simultaneously. Nuclear power complements intermittent solar and wind energy. Hence, baseload stability and clean transition are the primary drivers.

Explanation
Digital grievance platforms enable citizens to directly raise complaints with the administration. They improve transparency, monitoring, and response timelines. Technology allows higher authorities to track performance and accountability. While centralised, such systems enhance citizen-state interaction. They reflect the shift towards e-governance and outcome monitoring. Therefore, they represent technology-driven accountability.

Explanation
Microplastics originate from tyre wear, construction dust, plastic waste, and synthetic materials. Poor segregation, weak enforcement of waste rules, and unregulated urban growth exacerbate the problem. Airborne microplastics pose health and environmental risks. Existing pollution control frameworks inadequately address this emerging threat. The issue highlights weaknesses in municipal governance and environmental regulation. Thus, urban waste management is the core governance gap.