✅ Answer: (B) 2 only

The correct answer is option B (statement 2 only).
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the government to lay down standards for emission and discharge of pollutants[1], making statement 2 correct. The EPA gave authority to the Centre to issue direct orders to close, prohibit or regulate any industry, and as an enabling law, it delegates wide powers to the executive, allowing it to make rules to manage different issues[2].
However, statement 1 is incorrect because the Act itself does not explicitly empower the government to state requirements for public participation in environmental protection processes. While public participation features in subsequent notifications like the EIA Notification (where provisions include reduction in the public hearing period from 30 to 20 days[3]), this is not a direct empowerment under the original EPA 1986. The Act primarily focuses on pollution control standards, regulatory powers, and enforcement mechanisms rather than mandating public participation procedures.


Sources

[1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > Environmental Protection act, 1982 > p. 15
[2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Environmental Legislation > p. 725
[3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment > Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification zooz > p. 131

────────────────────

🔄 Now here's the interesting part.

This exact concept appeared in IAS 2014 and IAS 2022 — almost the same question, just reframed.

If you had practiced these PYQs, today's question would've been a free mark. Expand below to see ↓

🔴 Similar Questions from Past Papers

• IAS 2014
Consider the following statements :

1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.

3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
✅ B. 2 and 3 only
C. 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

• IAS 2022
Consider the following statements:

1. Attorney General of India and Solicitor General of India are the only officers of the Government who are allowed to participate in the meetings of the Parliament of India.
2. According to the Constitution of India, the Attorney General of India submits his resignation when the Government which appointed him resigns.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
✅ D. Neither 1 nor 2

💡 Pattern Insight
EPA 1986's scope on public participation vs. standard setting.
2019 tests direct EPA powers; 2014 probes bodies under it; 2022 tests Parliament officer roles (unrelated but tests nuance).
Remember: EPA 1986 *explicitly* empowers standard setting, public participation is often through *rules* framed under it.

📖 15,000+ PYQs with deep linkage and connection → examrobot.com/analysis
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🌟 Good Evening, Future Civil Servants!

This morning we shared 2026-04-13's important current affairs with you. Hope you had a chance to go through them carefully.

Now let's put your understanding to the test! 💪

🧠 Daily CA Quiz • 10 Questions
Based on today's news articles — covers the key facts, numbers, and concepts you should know.

💡 Tip: If you score below 70%, revisit the morning articles and pay attention to the Key Points and Exam Angles.

────────────────────────
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🗞 Daily Current Affairs
📅 2026-04-14 • 12 Important News Items
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

📖 For complete details and extensive coverage:
examrobot.com/current-affairs-carta

🏛 Polity & Governance • 2026-04-14 • 1/12

🔥 Parliament to amend Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam

Parliament is scheduled to hold a special three-day session (April 16–18) to amend the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023), aiming to implement 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies by 2029. The proposed mechanism involves expanding the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats, with 273 seats reserved for women and delimitation based on the 2011 Census within each state.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
Amendment to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for women's reservation.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ The special session is scheduled for April 16–18.
▸ The amendment aims for 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies by 2029.
▸ The proposal includes expanding the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats, with 273 seats reserved for women.
▸ Delimitation would be based on the 2011 Census within each state.

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🏛 Polity & Governance • 2026-04-14 • 2/12

🔥 Amendment to BBMB Rules Ends Punjab and Haryana Hegemony

The Central government has amended the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Rules, 1974, to end the dominance of Punjab and Haryana in the selection of top administrative posts. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (Amendment) Rules, 2026, open the positions of Member (Power) and Member (Irrigation) to officers from across India.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
Amendment to BBMB Rules ends Punjab and Haryana hegemony.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ The Central government has officially notified an amendment to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Rules, 1974.
▸ The newly titled Bhakra Beas Management Board (Amendment) Rules, 2026, open the critical positions of Member (Power) and Member (Irrigation) to officers from across India.
▸ The amendment notes that preference will still be given to experienced candidates from the respective departments of Punjab and Haryana.
▸ Stringent technical criteria, including a minimum of 20 years of experience and at least one year as a Chief Engineer, is expected to facilitate the entry of professionals from other states.

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🛡 Defense & Security • 2026-04-14 • 3/12

🔥 India, US ink pact on fighter jet engine tech transfer

India and the United States have reached an agreement on the transfer of fighter jet engine technology. The deal involves co-production of the F-414 jet engine in India, with nearly 80 per cent of the manufacturing technology and intellectual property rights being transferred from US-based General Electric to India.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
India, US ink pact on fighter jet engine tech transfer.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ India and the United States have reached a landmark agreement on the transfer of fighter jet engine technology.
▸ The deal involves co-production of the F-414 jet engine in India.
▸ Nearly 80 per cent of the manufacturing technology and intellectual property rights being transferred from US-based General Electric to India.
▸ General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), India's public sector aviation company, have already reached an agreement on technical matters regarding engine production.
▸ The HAL-GE agreement specifically covers the F-414 aero engine, which will power the next-generation TEJAS MK-2 fighter jet.
▸ General Electric has announced plans to establish a repair and maintenance facility in India for the F404-IN20 engines currently powering the TEJAS fleet.
▸ This facility will support the 35 TEJAS jets already in service with the Indian Air Force, as well as the upcoming 180 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft.

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📰 Schemes & Programs • 2026-04-14 • 4/12

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 notified

The Indian government has officially notified the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0) with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore to boost the domestic startup ecosystem by mobilizing venture and growth capital. This scheme aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and imports by funding startups that build globally competitive products. It is also expected to generate high-quality jobs by scaling up technology-driven manufacturing and services.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
Startup India FoF 2.0 aims to boost startup ecosystem.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ Startup India FoF 2.0 has a ₹10,000 crore corpus.
▸ The fund contributes to the corpus of SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

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🌿 Environment • 2026-04-14 • 5/12

Bengaluru faces groundwater crisis

Bengaluru is facing a severe groundwater crisis due to over-extraction, with Bengaluru East Taluka drawing 378% of sustainably extractable groundwater. A 2026 study found the crisis has spread to Koramangala and Hebbal, and nearly half of 14,000 borewells went dry in 2024 after a weak monsoon.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
Bengaluru faces groundwater crisis due to over-extraction.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ Bengaluru East Taluka is drawing 378% of sustainably extractable groundwater.
▸ Nearly half of 14,000 borewells went dry in 2024.

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🌍 International Relations • 2026-04-14 • 6/12

India Assumes BRICS Presidency, Focuses on Global South

In 2026, India assumed the BRICS presidency, prioritizing South-South cooperation and giving developing nations a greater voice, building upon its G20 presidency in 2023. India will focus on health, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, energy, and supply chains, aiming to strengthen the New Development Bank for sustainable infrastructure projects. Despite external challenges, India aims to balance its alliances to ensure BRICS remains a force for stability.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
India assumes BRICS presidency in 2026, focusing on Global South.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ India assumed BRICS presidency in 2026.
▸ Theme: 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability'.
▸ BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and others.
▸ India will prioritize collaborations in health, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, energy, and supply chains.
▸ New Development Bank (NDB) will be bolstered for funding sustainable infrastructure.

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🏛 Polity & Governance • 2026-04-14 • 7/12

Possible increase in Lok Sabha seats

The Modi government is considering increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
Government considering increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ Modi govt moves to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850.

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🌾 Agriculture • 2026-04-14 • 8/12

India Aims for Fertilizer Self-Reliance Using AI and Precision Tech

India is pursuing self-reliance in fertilizer production by leveraging artificial intelligence, precision nutrient management, and sensor-based systems to optimize fertilizer use and reduce import dependence. The Soil Health Card scheme will be strengthened, and a mission mode program will promote organic manures.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
India aims for fertilizer self-reliance using AI and precision tech.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ A comprehensive approach spanning short, medium and long-term strategies is needed to reduce India's dependence on fertiliser imports.
▸ A Mission Mode Programme should be launched to promote Integrated Nutrient Supply and Management (INSAM), with a goal to replace at least 25 per cent of current mineral fertiliser use with organic manures within the next three years.
▸ The Union Budget 2026-27 has proposed 'Bharat-VISTAAR', a multilingual AI platform integrating AgriStack portals with ICAR's agricultural practices database to provide customised advisories and reduce farm risks.

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📰 Schemes & Programs • 2026-04-14 • 9/12

SVAMITVA scheme boosts rural credit access

India's SVAMITVA scheme, which formalizes rural property rights, has boosted financial access in rural areas, with a 23% rise in loan amounts post-implementation. By 2026, 3.06 crore property cards were issued, significantly aiding low-income and marginalized groups.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
SVAMITVA scheme increased rural loan amounts by 23%.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ 3.06 crore property cards were issued by 2026 under the SVAMITVA scheme.

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🌿 Environment • 2026-04-14 • 10/12

IMD forecasts below-normal monsoon rainfall

India Meteorological Department has forecast 'below-normal' monsoon rainfall at 92% of Long Period Average (LPA). A developing El Niño, marked by warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean, is likely to suppress monsoon rainfall.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
IMD forecasts below-normal monsoon rainfall at 92% of LPA.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ India Meteorological Department has forecast 'below-normal' monsoon rainfall at 92% of Long Period Average (LPA).
▸ LPA for India's southwest monsoon (June–September) is 87 cm, based on the 1971–2020 average.
▸ A developing El Niño, marked by warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean, is likely to suppress monsoon rainfall.
▸ IMD classifies rainfall below 90% of LPA as “deficient,” often associated with drought conditions.
▸ ~60% farmers dependent on the monsoon face risk to Kharif crop productivity.

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🌍 International Relations • 2026-04-14 • 11/12

India's Stance at WTO: Calls for Reform, Resists New Items

At the 14th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, India advocated for time-bound reforms and expressed concerns over the paralyzed dispute settlement mechanism. India opposed including the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement and resisted extending the moratorium on e-commerce customs duties. It also pushed for consensus on agriculture issues and supported finalizing rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
India at WTO calls for reforms, resists new items.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called for time-bound reform of the WTO.
▸ India opposed the inclusion of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement.
▸ India resisted extending the moratorium on customs duties on e-commerce.
▸ New Delhi pushed for consensus on public stockholding for food security.
▸ India supported efforts to finalize rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies.

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🌍 International Relations • 2026-04-14 • 12/12

US Blockade of Strait of Hormuz Impacts India's Oil Imports

The US blockade of Iranian ports, including the Strait of Hormuz, is disrupting India's crude oil supply chain, as India imports over 85% of its crude oil, mainly from the Gulf region, through this strait. Although India-flagged vessels are allowed passage due to diplomatic ties with Tehran, the situation has prompted India to increase its purchase of Russian oil with Washington's permission. The Iranian blockade triggered a global energy crisis and surge in oil prices.

🎯 UPSC Exam Angle
US blockade of Strait of Hormuz impacts India's oil imports.

📌 KEY POINTS
▸ India imports over 85% of its crude oil.
▸ The majority of India's oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
▸ The US has initiated a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
▸ Iran's blockade of the strait has triggered a global energy crisis and surge in oil prices.
▸ India is restarting its purchase of Russian oil.

────────────────────────
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👋 Good Afternoon, Future Civil Servants!

Quick thought — you spend weeks reading textbooks, hundreds of pages, just to get one tricky MCQ right on exam day.

But what if that question already appeared before? Same concept, slightly reworded. If you had just practiced past year papers carefully, you'd spot it in seconds.

Let's test this. Try solving the question below ↓

✅ Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only

The correct answer is option A (statements 1 and 2 only).
**Statement 1 is correct**: The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 declares that certain offices of profit under the Government shall not disqualify the holders thereof for being chosen as (or for being) members of Parliament.[1] This clearly shows the Act exempts several posts from disqualification on grounds of 'Office of Profit'.
**Statement 2 is correct**: The Act has been amended five times since its enactment in 1959, which is a factual matter regarding the legislative history of this Act.
**Statement 3 is incorrect**: The expression 'office of profit under the Government' occurring in sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article 102 has not been defined in the Constitution.[2] Additionally, the law does not clearly define what constitutes an office of profit but the definition has evolved over the years[3] through judicial interpretation.
Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making option A the right answer.


Sources

[1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 81: Election Laws > OTHER ACTS RELATING TO ELECTIONS > p. 580
[2] https://cms.rajyasabha.nic.in/UploadedFiles/Procedure/RajyaSabhaAtWork/English/30-85/CHAPTER3.pdf
[3] https://prsindia.org/theprsblog/explained-law-on-holding-an-%E2%80%98office-of-profit%E2%80%99?page=52&per-page=1

────────────────────

🔄 Now here's the interesting part.

This exact concept appeared in IAS 2025 and IAS 2023 — almost the same question, just reframed.

If you had practiced these PYQs, today's question would've been a free mark. Expand below to see ↓

🔴 Similar Questions from Past Papers

• IAS 2025
Consider the following statements :

I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under the 10th Schedule, the President's decision in accordance with the opinion of the Council of Union Ministers shall be final.

II. There is no mention of the word 'political party' in the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. I only
B. II only
C. Both I and II
✅ D. Neither I nor II

• IAS 2023
Consider the following statements :

1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances.

2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention.

3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.

How many of the above statements are correct?
A. Only one
✅ B. Only two
C. All three
D. None

💡 Pattern Insight
'Office of Profit' disqualification & constitutional definitions.
IAS 2025 tested 10th Schedule (President's role, not Council's opinion) & 'political party' absence; IAS 2023 tested state protection & preventive detention rights.
Remember: Parliament Act 1959, NOT Constitution, defines 'Office of Profit' exceptions, and President acts on Election Commission's opinion for disqualification.

📖 15,000+ PYQs with deep linkage and connection → examrobot.com/analysis
📢 @examrobot_upsc

🌟 Good Evening, Future Civil Servants!

This morning we shared 2026-04-14's important current affairs with you. Hope you had a chance to go through them carefully.

Now let's put your understanding to the test! 💪

🧠 Daily CA Quiz • 9 Questions
Based on today's news articles — covers the key facts, numbers, and concepts you should know.

💡 Tip: If you score below 70%, revisit the morning articles and pay attention to the Key Points and Exam Angles.

────────────────────────
📢 @examrobot_upsc