Daily Current Affairs — 14 November 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 14 November 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
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Indian Geography MCQ Quiz · भारतीय भूगोल प्रश्नोत्तरी
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Environment
Balancing Economic Growth and Air Quality in India
The debate over balancing economic growth with environmental protection has gained attention following India's poor performance in the 2026.
- A study published in Nature Sustainability found that aerosol pollution reduced India's solar power generation by 9.6% in 2023
- India must balance economic development with air quality improvement
- The way forward lies in clean technology, airshed-based governance, stronger emission standards, affordable clean energy
- Economic Growth with Air Quality Conflict: The core activities that drive India's development industries
Show 6 more facts
- In July 2025, the Union government relaxed mandatory Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) emission norms for several coal-fired power plants
- However, SO2 is a primary precursor to the highly toxic PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), illustrating the tough trade-offs policymakers face.
- The city-by-city approach creates a collective-action problem where one city suffers from the pollution generated by a neighboring state (e.g.
- Smog reduced India's solar power generation by 9.6% in 2023 by blocking sunlight.
- According to a Dalberg Advisors–Clean Air Fund assessment
- Falling PM10 does not guarantee a falling PM2.5 trend.
Which of the following statements about Balancing Economic Growth and Air Quality 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
Environmental Performance Index 2026
India is ranked 176th out of 177 countries in the Yale Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2026.
- Environmental Performance Index (EPI): The EPI is a biennial global index
- India has remained among the five worst-performing countries since 2022.
- Areas of Concern: India ranked near the absolute bottom in critical areas like environmental health
With reference to Environmental Performance Index 2026, consider the following statements:
- Environmental Performance Index (EPI): The EPI is a biennial global index
- India has remained the only the five worst-performing countries since 2022
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.
History
IEA Full Membership for India
The International Energy Agency (IEA) welcomed progress on India's request for full membership, marking a significant step in integrating the world's 3rd-largest energy consumer into global energy governance.
- India, an IEA associate member since 2017, faces a complex path to full membership as the IEA framework restricts it to Organisation
- About IEA: The IEA is an intergovernmental body established in 1974 by 17 OECD countries in response to the global oil crisis caused by the Arab oil
- In 2015, the IEA introduced the associate member category for non-OECD countries, and it currently has 13 associate members
Which of the following statements about IEA Full Membership for 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
Reviewing FGD Rules for Coal Power Plants
A study commissioned by the Principal Scientific Adviser's Office recommended rolling back the 2015 mandate requiring Indian coal-fired plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems.
- Under a 2022 notification, penalties for non-compliance increase based on the delay in implementation
- About: FGD is a process that removes sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from exhaust gases (flue gas) produced by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil)
- Common reagents used include limestone (CaCO₃), lime (CaO), and ammonia (NH₃).
- Types: FGD systems are mainly of three main types: Dry Sorbent Injection: It uses limestone to remove SO₂ from flue gas before dust control systems
Show 6 more facts
- Wet Limestone-Based System: It is suitable for large-scale flue gas treatment, using low-cost limestone to remove SO₂ efficiently and produce gypsum.
- Seawater-Based System: It uses alkaline seawater to reduce SO₂ by 70–95%
- High Costs: FGD installation costs Rs 1.2 crore per MW
- Low Sulphur Content: 92% of Indian coal has low sulphur content (0.3%–0.5%), making FGD less critical.
- Existing Pollution Control Norms: Thermal plants' stack heights (220m) and India's climate already dilute SO₂ emissions
- Minimal Acid Rain Threat: IIT-Delhi's 2024 study (cited in the current research) found acid rain was "not a significant issue" in India.
Which of the following statements about Reviewing FGD Rules for Coal Power Plants 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
Air Pollution in India
An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
- Bengaluru was the only megacity to keep its air quality slightly below the NAAQS limit, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 39 g/m³.
- Southern and Central/Northeastern India performed the best
- Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5): Microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the atmosphere
- It is not emitted directly but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
Show 6 more facts
- They are emitted from paints, solvents, vehicle exhaust, and industrial processes, and play a major role in smog formation.
- Photochemical Smog: A brownish-gray haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation on an atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons
- Air Quality Index (AQI): A color-coded tool for effective communication of air quality status to people
- In India, NAAQS covers 12 pollutants (the 8 in AQI plus Benzene, Benzo(a)Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel).
- GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan): An emergency set of anti-pollution measures implemented in the Delhi-NCR region
- The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
Which of the following statements about Air Pollution 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.
Current Affairs MCQ | 4th January, 2020 The Hindu
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Economy
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), aimed at providing LPG gas cylinders to rural and deprived households, has faced challenges in ensuring consistent usage among beneficiaries.
- Out of 9.58 crore Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana households, 1.18 crore bought no refills in 2022-23, and another 1.51 crore bought one refill.
- Low refill rates raise concerns about the scheme's ability to ensure sustained usage among beneficiaries.
- Limited Refill Consumption: Data reveals that the average PMUY beneficiary refilled fewer than four LPG cylinders during 2022-23.
- One in four PMUY beneficiaries did not use any LPG cylinders or took just one refill in 2022-2023
Show 6 more facts
- Steep price increases in LPG cylinders, even with subsidies, have made them less affordable for rural and deprived households
- Between January 2018 and March 2023, rates for subsidised LPG cylinders increased by 82%, reaching ₹903 in March 2023 from ₹495.64 in January 2018
- About: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG)
- The scheme provides a financial support of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection to the BPL households.
- Along with a deposit-free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 will provide the first refill and a hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries.
- The beneficiaries also receive a subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders.
With reference to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, consider the following statements:
- Out of 9.58 crore Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana households, 1.18 crore bought no refills in 2022-23, and another 0.9 crore bought one refill
- Low refill rates raise concerns about the scheme's ability to ensure sustained usage among beneficiaries
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.
Environment
National Clean Air Programme
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to modify the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) which proposes 20-30% reduction of air pollution by 2024.
- NCAP: It was launched by the MoEFCC in January 2019.
- It is the first-ever effort in the country to frame a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.
- It seeks to cut the concentration of coarse (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or less
- The plan includes 102 non-attainment cities, across 23 states
Show 6 more facts
- The enforcement of the 'Sustainable Development' principle
- The timeline to reduce air pollution by 20-30% by 2024 needs to be reduced.
- The target of reduction needs to be increased.
- It directed the state pollution control boards to ensure the assessment
- It also directed an expert team of the Central Pollution Control Board to design a model for source apportionment
- Carrying Capacity: The concept of "carrying capacity" addresses the question as to how many people can be permitted into any area without the risk of
Which of the following statements about National Clean Air Programme 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
SO₂ Mitigation from Coal Plants
A comprehensive study by IIT Delhi, published in the Nature journal, reveals that India could prevent over 1.24 lakh annual deaths by fully mitigating Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) emissions from Coal-Fired Power Plants (CFPP).
- Rising Emission Trends: Contrary to global declines
- Secondary Pollutant Formation: The study emphasizes that SO₂ emissions are a primary precursor to Secondary Inorganic Aerosols (sulphates
- Geographic Hotspots: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka face the highest avoidable mortality due to population density, while Chhattisgarh
- Environmental Equity: The research utilizes National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data to show that Scheduled Castes (SC)
Show 5 more facts
- Technology Debate: The study advocates for the mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems
- About: FGD is a pollution control technology used to remove SO₂ from the exhaust flue gases of coal-fired power plants
- Working of FGD: The core principle of an FGD system is Chemical Absorption
- The Reaction: Inside the scrubber, a slurry of limestone (CaCO3) is sprayed onto the gas
- The By-product: The gypsum produced is a valuable commercial material often sold to the construction industry for making drywall and cement.
Which of the following statements about SO₂ Mitigation from Coal Plants 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
Stubble Burning in India
To address the Delhi pollution crisis, the Supreme Court directed Punjab, Haryana.
- About: It refers to the practice of setting fire to the leftover straw after harvesting crops like paddy and wheat
- This practice is most prevalent in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh during this period.
- Air Pollution: Stubble burning releases major air pollutants like PM10
- Technology and Infrastructure Gaps: Standard combine harvesters leave behind 10–15 cm of stubble
Show 4 more facts
- The high silica content in paddy straw can damage machinery when used as feedstock
- Ex-Situ Crop Residue Utilization: Encourages alternative uses of paddy straw
- Chhattisgarh: Gauthans-village plots where collected stubble is converted into organic fertilizer using cow dung and natural enzymes
- Legal Reforms: A parliamentary standing committee has proposed setting a MSP for paddy residue to reduce stubble burning
Which of the following statements about Stubble Burning 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
New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines
Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs).
- This is the first-ever update of WHO since 2005. The goal of the guideline is for all countries to achieve recommended air quality levels.
- By striving to achieve these guideline levels, countries will be both protecting health as well as mitigating global climate change.
- WHO's new guidelines recommend air quality levels for 6 pollutants, where evidence has advanced the most on health effects from exposure
- Effect of Air Pollution on Human Health: According to WHO
Show 6 more facts
- Every year, exposure to air pollution is estimated to cause 7 million premature deaths and result in the loss of millions more healthy years of life.
- In children, this could include reduced lung growth and function, respiratory infections and aggravated asthma.
- In adults, heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of premature death attributable to outdoor air pollution
- Disparities in air pollution exposure are increasing worldwide
- India continues to remain one of the most polluted areas in the world, with pollutant levels several times higher than recommended levels
- In Mumbai, pollution levels were eight times higher; in Kolkata, over nine times higher; and in Chennai, over five times higher.
Which of the following statements about New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines 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.
Indian Economy MCQ Quiz · भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था 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.
