Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 12, 2026

Answer: B [Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I]
Explanation:

Statement-1 is correct: Under Article 243K of the Constitution (73rd Amendment), the State Election Commission (SEC) has the power to superintend, direct and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Panchayats.

Statement-2 is also correct: Under Article 243D, State Legislatures provide by law for reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Panchayats in proportion to their population in the Panchayat area.

However, Statement-2 does NOT explain Statement-1. Reservation of seats has no logical or legal connection with the powers of the State Election Commission over elections.

Answer: C [2 and 3 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 243E clearly provides that a Panchayat formed after premature dissolution shall serve only the remaining period of the dissolved Panchayat, not a fresh five-year term.

Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 243I, the Governor shall constitute a State Finance Commission every five years to review Panchayat finances.

Statement 3 is correct: The Eleventh Schedule (inserted by the 73rd Amendment) lists 29 subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats.

Answer: A [Only one]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Panchayats depend heavily on State transfers and grants and have limited own revenue sources, making financial constraint a major challenge.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Panchayats do not have full autonomy. Their powers depend on devolution by State governments, and many States retain strong control over funds, functions and functionaries.

Statement 3 is correct: There is a shortage of trained staff, technical experts and administrative capacity at the Panchayat level, which affects implementation of schemes.

Answer: A [1, 2 and 3 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 added Part IX-A to the Constitution (Articles 243P–243ZG), which constitutionally recognises municipalities and provides their framework and functions (through the Twelfth Schedule).

Statement 2 is correct: Municipalities are empowered by State laws (Article 243X) to levy and collect taxes, such as property tax, profession tax, user charges, and other local taxes. (Earlier octroi existed; now it is mostly replaced by other local levies after GST.)

Statement 3 is correct: The Twelfth Schedule lists “urban planning including town planning” as a core municipal function.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Promotion of cultural, educational and aesthetic aspects is only one among many municipal functions (Twelfth Schedule). It is not an exclusive responsibility; municipalities also handle water supply, sanitation, roads, housing, slum improvement, etc.

Answer: D [Once a Municipality is dissolved, fresh elections must be held within two years to reconstitute it.]
Explanation:

Option A is correct: If a Municipality is dissolved prematurely, the new Municipality continues only for the remaining period of the original five-year term.

Option B is correct: A municipality can be dissolved by the State Legislature before completion of its term, but it must be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

Option C is correct: If the remaining period is less than six months, no fresh elections are required for that short remaining duration.

Option D is incorrect: Fresh elections must be held within six months, not two years, from the date of dissolution to reconstitute the Municipality.