UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Cabinet approves scheme on ‘Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31’

Q1. The 'Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31', which provides differential Central Financial Assistance, was approved by which one of the following?

  • A. The Union Cabinet
  • B. The Central Electricity Authority
  • C. NITI Aayog
  • D. The Forum of Regulators

Q2. Among the financial parameters of the SHP Development Scheme (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31), which one is the single largest monetary figure?

  • A. Total Central outlay of the scheme
  • B. Expected private investment to be mobilised
  • C. Amount earmarked for preparation of DPRs
  • D. Per-project CFA cap for NE/border-district projects

Q3. Which one of the following ministries is the implementing (nodal) ministry for the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31)?

  • A. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • B. Ministry of Power
  • C. Ministry of Jal Shakti
  • D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q4. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is steering India towards its target of 500 GW of installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity, to be achieved by which target year (as committed at COP26)?

  • A. 2030
  • B. 2025
  • C. 2027
  • D. 2035

Q5. The SHP Development Scheme is described as a 'Central Sector Scheme'. Which one of the following best describes a Central Sector Scheme?

  • A. A scheme funded entirely (100%) by the Central Government and implemented through central machinery
  • B. A scheme funded on a fixed 60:40 cost-sharing basis between the Centre and the States
  • C. A scheme funded on a 90:10 basis for all States, with the larger share borne by the States
  • D. A scheme funded by the States but executed under guidelines issued by the Centre

Q6. Under the SHP Development Scheme (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31), the enhanced Central Financial Assistance of ₹3.6 crore/MW (or 30% of project cost) applies precisely to which category of locations?

  • A. North-Eastern States and districts having an international border
  • B. All Himalayan and hilly States of India
  • C. All aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog
  • D. All States with assessed small hydro potential above the national average