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Quick scan: small hydro power
खबर में क्यों?
Where does small hydro end and large hydro begin? The 25 MW line GS3 energy answers rely on
Hydro projects up to 25 MW are classed as small hydro in India.
Why it matters: asked in UPSC 2008; factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 मिनट
In India, hydro projects with a capacity of up to 25 MW are classed as small hydro power projects and are handled by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Larger hydro stations are treated as large hydro.
स्रोत: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
मुख्य तथ्य
Remember these
- In India, hydro projects up to 25 MW are classed as small hydro power (SHP) projects
- Small hydro is handled by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Hydro stations above 25 MW are treated as large hydro
- Small hydro counts as a renewable energy source in the GS3 energy syllabus
- Large hydro is administered separately from the MNRE's small hydro programme
प्रीलिम्स · मेन्स
How the exam will ask it
प्रीलिम्स
- Statement: In India, hydro projects with capacity up to 25 MW are classified as small hydro power projects. (Correct)
- Statement: Small hydro power projects in India are handled by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (Correct)
- Statement: Hydro stations above 25 MW are treated as large hydro. (Correct)
मेन्स
GS3 (Energy - renewable sources): India's renewable mix includes small hydro, defined as projects up to 25 MW and overseen by MNRE, while larger stations are classed as large hydro. Small hydro offers decentralised, low-footprint generation for remote and hilly areas. The way forward is to support such projects with clear policy, adequate financing and careful siting.
PYQ connection
A question UPSC has already asked on this
Consider the following pairs regarding current power generation in India:
- Solar energy : India has the fifth-largest solar power capacity in the world
- Wind energy : India has the fourth-largest wind power capacity in the world
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
उत्तर देखें
उत्तर: B
Why this matters: today's issue is directly connected to a concept UPSC has already tested. Read the story with this question in mind.
Practise this PYQ →Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Section 3(d) of the Patents Act, 1970, which bars patents on new forms of a known substance without enhanced efficacy, is meant to prevent:
- Parallel imports
- Compulsory licensing
- Patent pooling
- Evergreening
उत्तर देखें
उत्तर: D — The correct answer is Evergreening. Section 3(d) blocks evergreening, where minor modifications extend patent protection.
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