Ministry Of Power
Official policy releases, schemes, circulars, and Prelims practice questions from Ministry Of Power distilled for UPSC Civil Services Examination.
🎯 Ministry Of Power UPSC Practice Questions
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
The sharp rise in average cost of supplying power by state‑owned distribution companies (discoms) in 2022‑23 was primarily attributed to which of the following factors?
- [A] A four‑fold increase in overall financial losses of discoms
- [B] A 10% rise in electricity demand during the year
- [C] Higher coal imports at elevated global prices increasing the cost of electricity purchase
- [D] Accumulated losses of over three lakh crore rupees since 2017‑18
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
✓ Correct Option: [C] Higher coal imports at elevated global prices increasing the cost of electricity purchase
The text states that higher electricity demand required increased coal imports at higher global prices, which significantly contributed to the rising cost of electricity purchase for discoms, driving up the average cost per unit. The other options describe outcomes or unrelated factors, not the direct cause of the cost increase.
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🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Which of the following is NOT a structural issue faced by state‑owned power distribution companies (discoms) as mentioned in the report?
- [A] Long‑term power purchase agreements lock in high costs
- [B] Delayed subsidies create cash‑flow constraints
- [C] Tariffs are revised infrequently
- [D] Rising coal import costs
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
✓ Correct Option: [D] Rising coal import costs
The report lists long‑term PPAs, delayed subsidies and infrequent tariff revisions as structural problems that keep discoms in deficit. Rising coal import costs, while a major contributor to losses, is a market‑driven factor and not a structural issue. Hence option D is the correct answer.
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Official Policy Notifications & Dossiers
9 Briefs-
PIB
Maharashtra Government Implements Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme to Promote Social Integration and Eradicate Caste Discrimination
- The Maharashtra government implements the 'अंतर-जातीय विवाह प्रोत्साहन योजना' to encourage inter-caste marriages and promote a caste-discrimination-free society.
- The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible couples to help them overcome initial financial and social challenges after marriage.
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PIB
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana strengthens integrated care and support systems to empower senior citizens nationwide.
- Each Regional Resource and Training Centre receives an annual financial assistance of 19 lakh 58 thousand rupees to improve service accessibility, capacity building, and service delivery.
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PIB
PM-DAKSH Scheme Trains 1,87,305 Marginalized Youth and Secures Employment for 96,162 Candidates from 2020 to 2024
- The scheme aims to provide skill training to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, Denotified Tribes, and Safai Karamcharis through listed training institutes.
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PIB
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Implements the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction for Comprehensive Substance Abuse Rehabilitation
- The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide institutional support, in-patient treatment, medical care, and psychological counseling.
- The scheme facilitates systematic rehabilitation, enabling individuals struggling with substance use disorders to achieve emotional stability, better behavior management, and family reintegration.
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PIB
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to Launch Eight-Day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Guwahati Tomorrow
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organizing an 8-day 'Shilp Samagam Mela 2026' in Guwahati, featuring 75 artisans including 31 women showcasing about 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products.
- The event focuses on promoting the 'Bharat-Tulip' initiative to help artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai mitras, and Denotified Tribes reach physical shops and e-commerce platforms.
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PRS
What is Fuelling Power Sector Losses?
- State‑owned power distribution companies incurred Rs 68,832 crore losses in 2022‑23, quadrupling 2021‑22 losses, largely due to rising coal import costs and high generation expenses.
- Coal imports rose 27 million tonnes in 2022‑23, with price increasing 51 % from Rs 8,300 to Rs 12,500 per tonne, driven by the Russia‑Ukraine war and global demand.
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PRS
Financial Health and Structural Reform of State Power Discoms in India
- State-owned power distribution companies (discoms) reported financial losses amounting to Rs 68,832 crore in 2022-23, a four-fold increase over 2021-22, with accumulated losses exceeding three lakh crore rupees between 2017-18 and 2022-23.
- The increase in discom losses was driven by rising costs, with the average cost of supplying power increasing from 7.6 rupees per unit in 2021-22 to 8.6 rupees per unit in 2022-23.
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LIVEMINT
India's retail inflation firms up to 3.93% in May, provisional data shows
- India's retail inflation has increased to 3.93% in May, marking a firming up from previous levels.
- This inflation rate is driven by rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict and a fading base effect contributing to a 3.93% rate.
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LIVEMINT
Weak monsoon, El Niño to take a tenth of India’s hydro power generation offline
- India's hydro power generation is expected to decline by approximately 10% this year due to a weak monsoon and the increased threat of El Niño.
- The expected reduction in hydro power generation translates to a loss of around 10% of the total power output compared to last year.