Executive Power and Prime Minister's Role

Statement 1 is incorrect because the executive power of the Union is vested in the President under Article 53, not the Prime Minister. However, the President exercises this power on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Statement 2 is correct: the Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and also chairs the Civil Services Board, though this is largely a ceremonial role in modern practice. Thus, only statement 2 is correct. > Executive power vests in President (on PM's advice), but PM chairs Civil Services Board ex officio. Answer: (b).