UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Coal stocks critically low as power demand rises in India

Q1. With reference to an El Niño event, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The easterly trade winds across the equatorial Pacific weaken.
  2. The rising branch of the Pacific Walker circulation shifts eastward, while sinking motion increases over the Maritime Continent.
  3. It is identified by cooler-than-normal sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. With reference to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is a non-statutory attached office of the Ministry of Power, created by an executive resolution.
  2. It advises the Central Government on national electricity policy and formulates plans for developing the electricity system.
  3. It specifies technical standards for the construction of electrical plants and for connectivity to the grid.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only

Q3. Coal-stocking norms for thermal power plants are expressed in days of consumption, calculated at an assumed reference Plant Load Factor (PLF). In this context, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Two plants holding the same number of days of stock can hold very different tonnages of coal.
  2. A plant running at a load factor above the reference PLF will use up a given stock in fewer days than its 'days of stock' figure suggests.
  3. Other things being equal, raising the reference PLF would increase the tonnage a plant must hold to meet the same number of days.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Under the criterion used in 2026, a thermal power plant is classed as 'critical' if its coal stock is below 25% of its normative stock or is enough for less than three days of generation. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. A non-pithead plant can be classed as 'critical' even when it holds enough coal for more than three days of generation.
  2. A plant's normative stock requirement is calculated from its actual average consumption over the preceding week.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q5. Suppose a State Legislature enacts a law on the supply of electricity to consumers that contains a provision repugnant to an earlier Act of Parliament on electricity. In this context, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The State law can prevail in that State if it was reserved for the consideration of the President and has received the President's assent.
  2. The State law is void from the outset, because a State cannot legislate on electricity once Parliament has occupied the field.
  3. Even after the State law receives such assent, Parliament can later enact a law on the same matter that amends or repeals it.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3