Thermal & Hydroelectric Power Sector GK Questions & Answers
The conventional power sector in India forms the base-load foundation of the national electricity architecture, administered under the regulatory framework of the Electricity Act of 2003. Thermal generation remains the primary power source, led by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), established as a Maharatna public sector undertaking in 1975. NTPC operates major coal-fired facilities including the Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station in Madhya Pradesh, Singrauli in Uttar Pradesh, and Korba in Chhattisgarh, alongside advancing supercritical boiler technology and biomass co-firing to mitigate greenhouse emissions. In the hydro domain, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), also founded in 1975, develops large-scale hydroelectric and pumped-storage projects across the Himalayan river systems. Key installations include the 2,400 MW Tehri Hydro Power Complex on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand and the 1,960 MW Koyna Hydroelectric Project in Maharashtra. Power transmission and system reliability achieved complete synchronization through the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and Grid Controller of India (Grid-India), fulfilling the 'One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency' mandate to enable seamless inter-regional electricity transfer across northern, eastern, western, southern, and north-eastern regional grids.
High-yield conceptual summaries for competitive exams and rapid revision.
Thermal power, anchored by Maharatna CPSU NTPC (founded 1975), provides the predominant share of India's continuous baseline electricity supply.
The Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station in Madhya Pradesh (4,760 MW) is NTPC's largest operational coal-fired thermal plant in India.
NHPC Limited (founded 1975) spearheads major hydroelectric development, operating high-capacity projects in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
The Tehri Hydro Power Complex (2,400 MW) on the Bhagirathi River features India's tallest dam (260.5 m) and significant pumped storage generation.
The 'One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency' architecture, managed by Grid-India and PGCIL, synchronized all five regional grids by December 2013.
Showing 25 Curated Questions113 Total in Bank
1ID: GK-ENRG-00074
easySolar, Wind & Green Hydrogen Missions
In India, hydroelectric power projects up to what maximum station generation capacity are officially classified as 'Small Hydro Power' (SHP) under the purview of MNRE?
Verified Explanation
In India, hydro projects with a generation capacity of up to 25 MW are categorized as Small Hydro Power (SHP) and fall under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Hydroelectric stations exceeding 25 MW capacity are classified as Large Hydro and are managed by the Ministry of Power.
2ID: GK-DIPLO-00083
mediumPanchsheel, Neighborhood First & Act East Policy
The 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest export-oriented hydropower generation plants under construction in Nepal, is being developed by which Indian public sector undertaking?
Verified Explanation
The 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project located on the Arun River in Sankhuwasabha district of eastern Nepal is being executed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of India's SJVN Limited. The project follows a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) concession model.
3ID: GK-DIPLO-00087
hardPanchsheel, Neighborhood First & Act East Policy
The landmark 1,020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project, a flagship run-of-the-river power station developed in Bhutan through Government of India financing, is constructed on which river system?
Verified Explanation
The 1,020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project is located on the Wangchu (Raidak) River in Chukha Dzongkhag, Bhutan. Commissioned between 2006 and 2007 with 60% grant and 40% soft loan assistance from India, it was developed by the Tala Hydroelectric Project Authority (THPA) and remains a cornerstone of Indo-Bhutan cross-border power trade.
4ID: GK-DIPLO-00262
mediumNeighborhood First Policy & Act East Initiatives
Which 720 MW India-assisted hydroelectric project in Bhutan was awarded the prestigious Brunel Medal by the UK-based Institution of Civil Engineers in 2020 for engineering excellence?
Verified Explanation
The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project on the Mangdechhu River in Trongsa Dzongkhag, central Bhutan, was developed jointly by India and Bhutan. In 2020, it won the Brunel Medal from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), London, for its environmental efficiency and social impact.
5ID: GK-DIPLO-00316
easyNeighborhood First Policy & Act East Initiatives
Which Indian public sector enterprise is executing the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project located in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal?
Verified Explanation
The 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project on the Arun River in Sankhuwasabha district of eastern Nepal is being constructed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN Limited (a Mini-Ratna PSU under the Ministry of Power, India).
6ID: GK-DIPLO-00387
hardNeighborhood First Policy & Act East Initiatives
The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project, developed with Indian assistance in Trongsa district of Bhutan, was awarded which prestigious civil engineering medal by the UK Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in 2020?
Verified Explanation
The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Plant in Bhutan, funded through a 70% loan and 30% grant from India, received the prestigious Brunel Medal in 2020 from the UK Institution of Civil Engineers for civil engineering excellence and environmental sustainability.
7ID: GK-DIPLO-00481
mediumLines of Credit, Development Aid & Global Diaspora
The 42 MW Salma Dam hydroelectric and irrigation project, built by India as a major bilateral developmental grant project and inaugurated in June 2016, is located in which province of Afghanistan?
Verified Explanation
The Salma Dam (officially named the Afghan-India Friendship Dam) is a 42 MW hydroelectric and irrigation dam built on the Hari River in Chisht-e Sharif District of Herat Province, western Afghanistan. Constructed entirely under Government of India funding by WAPCOS Ltd at a cost of over $290 million, it was jointly inaugurated on 4 June 2016.
8ID: GK-DIPLO-00507
hardNeighborhood First Policy & Act East Initiatives
Which 600 MW hydroelectric project in Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag marked the first joint venture hydropower development model established between DGPC of Bhutan and India's SJVN?
Verified Explanation
The 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project was the first run-of-the-river venture undertaken via a 50:50 joint venture between Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and SJVN Limited. The concession agreement was signed in June 2020 in the presence of the Foreign Ministers of both countries.
9ID: GK-DIPLO-00557
easyNeighborhood First Policy & Act East Initiatives
The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project, constructed with Indian assistance and awarded the Brunel Medal in 2020, is located in which neighboring country?
Verified Explanation
The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-river plant on the Mangdechhu River in Trongsa Dzongkhag, central Bhutan. Funded by India through a bilateral financial framework (grant and loan), it received the prestigious Brunel Medal from the UK Institute of Civil Engineers in 2020.
10ID: GK-DIPLO-00566
hardNeighborhood First Policy & Act East Initiatives
Which Indian Public Sector Enterprise is executing the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project on the Arun River in the Sankhuwasabha district of eastern Nepal?
Verified Explanation
SJVN Limited (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam), a Miniratna CPSE under the Ministry of Power, is developing the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project in Nepal through its wholly-owned subsidiary SJVN Lower Arun Power Development Company (SAPDC) on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis for 30 years.
11ID: GK-WATR-00014
mediumMultipurpose Dams & Hydropower Projects
The Baglihar and Salal Hydroelectric Power Projects are constructed on which Himalayan river in Jammu and Kashmir?
Verified Explanation
Both Baglihar (Ramban district) and Salal (Reasi district) are run-of-the-river hydroelectric power projects built across the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
12ID: GK-WATR-00037
hardNatural Lakes, Saline Lagoons & Waterfalls
Which waterfall on the Kaveri River in Mandya district of Karnataka was the site of one of Asia's first major hydroelectric generating stations, commissioned in 1902?
Verified Explanation
Shivasamudram Falls on the Kaveri River in Karnataka hosts the historic hydroelectric power station established in 1902 by the Diwan of Mysore (K. Seshadri Iyer) to supply electricity to the Kolar Gold Fields.
13ID: GK-WATR-00155
mediumMultipurpose Dams & Hydropower Projects
The Koyna Hydroelectric Project, which generates power across four underground stages, is situated in which district of Maharashtra?
Verified Explanation
The Koyna Dam and Hydroelectric Project is located near Koynanagar in Satara district of Maharashtra, constructed on the Koyna River.
14ID: GK-WATR-00172
hardMultipurpose Dams & Hydropower Projects
The Ranganadi Hydroelectric Project (405 MW), utilizing a run-of-the-river scheme that diverts water from the Ranganadi basin into the Dikrong basin, is located in which state?
Verified Explanation
The 405 MW Ranganadi Stage-I Hydroelectric Project on the Ranganadi River near Yazali in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh is operated by NEEPCO.
15ID: GK-WATR-00211
mediumMultipurpose Dams & Hydropower Projects
India's first major commercial hydroelectric generating station was established in 1902 at which waterfall on the Cauvery River to supply power to Kolar Gold Fields?
Verified Explanation
The Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Plant was established on the Cauvery River in Mysore State in 1902 by Diwan K. Seshadri Iyer, transmitting electricity over 147 km to Kolar Gold Fields.
16ID: GK-WATR-00398
hardNatural Lakes, Saline Lagoons & Waterfalls
The Shivanasamudra Falls on the Kaveri River, splitting into the Gaganachukki and Bharachukki cascades, was the site of Asia's first major hydroelectric project commissioned in which year?
Verified Explanation
The Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Power Station at the Bluff in Karnataka was commissioned in 1902 by the Kingdom of Mysore to supply power to the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).
17ID: GK-WATR-00429
easyWorld Major Rivers, Waterfalls & Maritime Canals
The Salal Hydroelectric Power Project, constructed on a rock-fill and concrete gravity dam, is located across which river in Jammu and Kashmir?
Verified Explanation
The Salal Hydroelectric Project (690 MW) is located on the Chenab River in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Commissioned by NHPC, it was the first major hydropower project built by India in J&K under the Indus Waters Treaty.
18ID: GK-DIPLO-00069
hardDiaspora Diplomacy, MEA & Lines of Credit
The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project in Trongsa Dzongkhag, Bhutan, which won the prestigious Brunel Medal in 2020, was developed with financial assistance from India through which funding model?
Verified Explanation
The 720 MW Mangdechhu project was inaugurated in August 2019 by the Prime Ministers of India and Bhutan. It was funded through a bilateral agreement under which the Government of India provided 70% of the project cost as a concessional loan and 30% as a grant.
19ID: GK-DIPLO-00207
hardPanchsheel, Neighborhood First & Act East Policy
The landmark Mahakali Treaty signed between India and Nepal in February 1996 incorporates agreements on the Sarada Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage, and which proposed mega-hydroelectric project?
Verified Explanation
The Mahakali Treaty of 1996 covers the integrated development of the Mahakali River, specifically governing the Sarada Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage, and the planned 4,800 MW Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on the India-Nepal border.
20ID: GK-RECD-00508
mediumMan Made Structures
What is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world by power generation capacity (22,500 megawatts), spanning the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China?
Verified Explanation
The Three Gorges Dam has 32 main turbines producing 22.5 GW of power and spans 2,335 meters across the Yangtze River.
21ID: GK-RECD-00560
mediumMan Made Structures
Which massive hydroelectric dam on the Yangtze River in Hubei, China, holds the record as the world's largest power station by installed generation capacity (22,500 MW)?
Verified Explanation
The Three Gorges Dam spans 2,335 metres across the Yangtze River and has an installed capacity of 22,500 MW from 32 main turbines, generating over 100 TWh annually.
22ID: GK-WATR-00147
mediumHimalayan & Peninsular River Systems
The Ratle, Salal, and Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Projects are run-of-the-river power projects located on which major Himalayan river in Jammu & Kashmir?
Verified Explanation
The Chenab River in Kishtwar and Reasi districts of J&K hosts several major run-of-the-river projects including Ratle (850 MW), Salal (690 MW), and Pakal Dul (1,000 MW).
23ID: GK-WATR-00206
mediumWorld Major Rivers, Waterfalls & Maritime Canals
Which run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station is constructed across the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir?
Verified Explanation
Salal Power Station (690 MW) was built on the Chenab River near Reasi in J&K, developed by NHPC under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.
24ID: GK-WATR-00290
hardMultipurpose Dams & Hydropower Projects
Koyna Dam, which houses the largest completed hydroelectric power project in India (1,960 MW), is built across which river in Maharashtra?
Verified Explanation
Koyna Dam is a rubble-concrete dam on the Koyna River (a tributary of the Krishna) in Satara district, Maharashtra, commissioned in 1964.
25ID: GK-WATR-00309
easyMultipurpose Dams & Hydropower Projects
The Koyna Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest completed hydroelectric power plants in India (1,960 MW), is built across which tributary of the Krishna in Maharashtra?
Verified Explanation
The Koyna Dam is a rubble-concrete dam on the Koyna River in Satara district, Maharashtra, forming the Shivajisagar Lake and generating 1,960 MW of power.
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