Telangana Current Affairs Archives

Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026: CURE, PURE, RARE Explained

The Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026 is a Rs 200-crore initiative to convert 18,766 petrol and diesel autos into electric vehicles within Hyderabad’s Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area. This note explains the Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme and the CURE–PURE–RARE planning zones for TGPSC prelims.

Why in News?

The Telangana Cabinet approved the scheme with an outlay of Rs 200 crore to retrofit/replace 18,766 internal-combustion auto-rickshaws with EVs in the CURE area, cutting urban air pollution and fuel costs for drivers.

Drivers get a subsidy (about Rs 1.5 lakh per vehicle) with the balance through bank finance.

Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme: Key Facts for Prelims

CURE (Core Urban Region Economy): the core metropolitan territory of Hyderabad extending up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR), designed for unified urban planning and governance.
Scheme aligns with the Telangana Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Policy (road-tax and registration-fee exemptions) and the state’s clean-air goals for Hyderabad.
Retrofitment kits must be approved under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (AIS-123 standards).
Autos in Hyderabad largely run on LPG/petrol/diesel; three-wheelers are the fastest-electrifying segment in India under FAME-II / PM E-DRIVE.

Interconnected concept: Telangana’s three planning tiers

CURE – Core Urban Region Economy: up to the Outer Ring Road.
PURE – Peri-Urban Region Economy: from the ORR to the Regional Ring Road (RRR).
RARE – Rural Agriculture Region Economy: from the RRR to the state border.
Institutions: HMDA (Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority), the proposed Future City (Net Zero) south of ORR, and the RRR (~340 km, northern part approved as NH-161AA).

National EV schemes – static points

PM E-DRIVE (2024–26): Rs 10,900 crore; replaced FAME-II; supports e-2W, e-3W, e-ambulances, e-trucks and chargers.
PM e-Bus Sewa: 10,000 e-buses; National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020; GST on EVs 5%.

Quick Revision Table: Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme

Point	Detail
Scheme	Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026
Outlay	Rs 200 crore
Vehicles	18,766 petrol/diesel autos
Area	CURE (Hyderabad core up to ORR)
PURE	ORR to Regional Ring Road
RARE	RRR to state border
Central EV scheme	PM E-DRIVE (2024–26)

Trap / Confusing Points: Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme

Confusion	Correct Position
CURE extends up to the Regional Ring Road	No – up to the Outer Ring Road; PURE is ORR to RRR
Scheme covers the whole state	No – only CURE area of Hyderabad
FAME-II is still the central EV scheme	No – replaced by PM E-DRIVE from October 2024
RARE means Rural Agriculture Region Economy up to the ORR	No – RRR to the state border

5 Practice MCQs on Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme

1. The CURE area in Telangana’s planning framework extends up to the:
a. Regional Ring Road
b. Outer Ring Road
c. Inner Ring Road
d. State border
Ans: B
Explanation: Core Urban Region Economy covers Hyderabad up to the Outer Ring Road.

2. How many auto-rickshaws are targeted under the Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026?
a. 8,766
b. 12,000
c. 18,766
d. 25,000
Ans: C
Explanation: 18,766 petrol and diesel autos in the CURE area.

3. The zone between the Outer Ring Road and the Regional Ring Road is called:
a. CURE
b. PURE
c. RARE
d. SURE
Ans: B
Explanation: PURE – Peri-Urban Region Economy.

4. Which central scheme replaced FAME-II for electric mobility?
a. PM E-DRIVE
b. PM e-Bus Sewa
c. NEMMP
d. PLI-ACC
Ans: A
Explanation: PM E-DRIVE (2024–26) with Rs 10,900 crore replaced FAME-II.

5. The outlay of the Telangana auto EV conversion scheme is:
a. Rs 100 crore
b. Rs 200 crore
c. Rs 500 crore
d. Rs 1,000 crore
Ans: B
Explanation: Rs 200 crore approved by the state Cabinet.

Exam tip: Revise Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.

To know more about the auto EV conversion scheme, Click here.

Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026: CURE, PURE, RARE Explained Read More »

AgriStack: Telangana Gets Rs 175 Crore Incentive – Farmer ID & DPI Facts

AgriStack – India’s digital public infrastructure for agriculture – earned Telangana a fresh incentive of Rs 175 crore from the Centre for completing the first milestone of an AgriStack-based fertiliser distribution system. This note explains AgriStack components and the Digital Agriculture Mission for prelims.

Why in News?

Telangana received Rs 175 crore from the Union Government for completing the first milestone in implementing an AgriStack-based fertiliser distribution system, which links fertiliser sales to the Farmer ID and land records.

it: Key Facts for Prelims

AgriStack is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture creating a unified database of farmers, land and crops – the agricultural analogue of Aadhaar/UPI.
Farmer Registry: each farmer gets a unique Aadhaar-linked digital Farmer ID (Kisan Pehchaan Patra) tied to demographic and land-ownership data.
Crop Sown Registry: seasonal crop data from mobile-based Digital Crop Surveys, geotagging and satellite/drone imagery.
Geo-referenced village maps: cadastral maps linked to land records (Bhu-Naksha style).
Uses: targeted subsidies and DBT, PM-KISAN, crop insurance, credit (Kisan Credit Card), MSP procurement and fertiliser rationalisation.
Incentives to states are released under the Digital Agriculture Mission for milestone-based Farmer ID saturation and integration.

Digital Agriculture Mission – static points

Approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024 with an outlay of Rs 2,817 crore (Central share Rs 1,940 crore).
Three DPIs: it, Krishi Decision Support System (geospatial), and Soil Profile Maps.
Targets: Farmer IDs for 11 crore farmers; Digital Crop Survey in all districts.
Related: PM-KISAN (Rs 6,000/year), PMFBY (crop insurance), e-NAM, Kisan Credit Card, Fertiliser DBT via PoS devices (2018).

Quick Revision Table: AgriStack

Point	Detail
Incentive to Telangana	Rs 175 crore (first milestone)
Purpose	it-linked fertiliser distribution
AgriStack type	Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture
Farmer ID	Aadhaar-linked Kisan Pehchaan Patra
Crop data	Crop Sown Registry via Digital Crop Survey
Parent mission	Digital Agriculture Mission (2024, Rs 2,817 cr)
Ministry	Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Trap / Confusing Points: it

Confusion	Correct Position
AgriStack is a single mobile app	No – a set of registries/DPI layers used by many apps
Farmer ID replaces Aadhaar	No – it is linked to Aadhaar
Digital Agriculture Mission is under MeitY	No – Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Fertiliser subsidy goes directly to farmers’ bank accounts	No – DBT in fertilisers pays companies after PoS sale to farmers

5 Practice MCQs on it

1. AgriStack is best described as:
a. A farm mechanisation scheme
b. A Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture
c. A crop insurance scheme
d. A fertiliser subsidy scheme
Ans: B
Explanation: it is a set of digital registries – farmer, crop and land – forming DPI for agriculture.

2. The unique identity issued to farmers under AgriStack is called:
a. Kisan Credit Card
b. Kisan Pehchaan Patra
c. Soil Health Card
d. Bhu-Aadhaar
Ans: B
Explanation: Farmer ID / Kisan Pehchaan Patra is Aadhaar-linked and tied to land records.

3. The Digital Agriculture Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in:
a. 2021
b. 2022
c. 2024
d. 2025
Ans: C
Explanation: Approved in September 2024 with Rs 2,817 crore outlay.

4. Which of the following is NOT one of the three DPIs under the Digital Agriculture Mission?
a. it
b. Krishi Decision Support System
c. Soil Profile Maps
d. e-NAM
Ans: D
Explanation: e-NAM is a separate online agri-marketing platform launched in 2016.

5. The Crop Sown Registry under AgriStack is populated mainly through:
a. Census data
b. Digital Crop Survey with geotagging
c. Bank records
d. Fertiliser sales
Ans: B
Explanation: Mobile-based digital crop surveys with geotagging and satellite imagery feed the registry.

Exam tip: Revise it together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.

To know more about Telangana’s AgriStack incentive, Click here.

AgriStack: Telangana Gets Rs 175 Crore Incentive – Farmer ID & DPI Facts Read More »

MPLADS: Telangana MPs Use Only 23.8% of Funds – 7 Facts for TGPSC & UPSC

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

MPLADS – the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme – is in the news because Telangana’s 23 MPs utilised only 23.8% of their allocated funds over two years. This note explains MPLADS rules, jurisdiction and the recent data for prelims.

Why in News?

Telangana’s 23 MPs (17 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha, with vacancies) spent only Rs 94 crore of the Rs 394.8 crore available under MPLADS over two years – a utilisation of about 23.8%.

MPLADS: Key Facts for Prelims

Central Sector Scheme, 100% funded by the Union Government; launched in December 1993 (P.V. Narasimha Rao government).
Nodal ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) since October 1994 (initially Rural Development).
Rs 5 crore per MP per year, released in two instalments of Rs 2.5 crore; funds are non-lapsable and carry forward.
Role of MP is recommendatory; the District Authority (Collector/DM) sanctions, executes and monitors works.
Works must create durable community assets (drinking water, education, health, roads, sanitation); at least 15% for SC areas and 7.5% for ST areas.
Scheme was suspended in April 2020 (COVID-19) and restored in November 2021; revised guidelines from 2023 moved to an e-SAKSHI digital platform.

Geographical jurisdiction (frequently asked)

Lok Sabha MPs: works only within their own constituency.
Rajya Sabha MPs: anywhere within the state that elected them.
Nominated MPs (both Houses): anywhere in India.
MPs may recommend works up to Rs 25 lakh per year outside their constituency/state for natural calamities (Rs 1 crore for severe calamities anywhere in India).

Related constitutional facts

Telangana sends 17 Lok Sabha and 7 Rajya Sabha members; Andhra Pradesh sends 25 and 11.
State-level equivalents: MLA Local Area Development schemes (Telangana: Rs 5 crore per MLA/MLC under Assembly Constituency Development Programme).

Quick Revision Table: it

Point	Detail
Launched	December 1993
Type	Central Sector Scheme (100% central)
Nodal ministry	MoSPI (since 1994)
Entitlement	Rs 5 crore/MP/year, two instalments
Fund nature	Non-lapsable
Executing authority	District Collector / DM
Telangana utilisation	Rs 94 cr of Rs 394.8 cr (23.8%)

Trap / Confusing Points: MPLADS

Confusion	Correct Position
it is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme	No – Central Sector Scheme, fully central
MPs directly execute works	No – MPs only recommend; District Authority executes
Unspent funds lapse each year	No – non-lapsable
Nodal ministry is Rural Development	No – MoSPI since 1994

5 Practice MCQs on MPLADS

1. The nodal ministry for it is:
a. Ministry of Rural Development
b. Ministry of Finance
c. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
d. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Ans: C
Explanation: MoSPI has administered MPLADS since October 1994.

2. Under it, a Rajya Sabha MP can recommend works:
a. Only in his/her district
b. Anywhere in the state from which elected
c. Anywhere in India
d. Only in the state capital
Ans: B
Explanation: Rajya Sabha MPs may choose works anywhere in their electing state; nominated MPs anywhere in India.

3. The annual MPLADS entitlement per MP is:
a. Rs 2 crore
b. Rs 2.5 crore
c. Rs 5 crore
d. Rs 10 crore
Ans: C
Explanation: Rs 5 crore per year, released in two instalments of Rs 2.5 crore.

4. Under it, the authority responsible for sanctioning and executing works is:
a. The MP
b. The District Authority (Collector/DM)
c. The State Finance Department
d. NITI Aayog
Ans: B
Explanation: The MP’s role is purely recommendatory; the District Authority executes.

5. MPLADS was launched in:
a. 1991
b. 1993
c. 1996
d. 2001
Ans: B
Explanation: Launched in December 1993 during the P.V. Narasimha Rao government.

Exam tip: Revise it together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.

MPLADS: Telangana MPs Use Only 23.8% of Funds – 7 Facts for TGPSC & UPSC Read More »

Market Borrowings: Telangana Raises Rs 2,000 Crore via RBI Auction – SDL Concepts

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

Market borrowings are in the news as the Telangana government raised Rs 2,000 crore through the RBI’s auction of state government securities. This note explains market borrowings, State Development Loans and the constitutional limits on state debt for prelims.

Why in News?

Telangana raised Rs 2,000 crore in three tranches (Rs 1,000 crore, Rs 500 crore, Rs 500 crore) through the RBI’s price auction of State Government Securities at an interest rate of about 7.7%, to meet immediate financial commitments.

market borrowings: Key Facts for Prelims

Market borrowings = domestic rupee loans the government raises from the public and financial institutions by issuing marketable securities.
Instruments: Government Securities (G-Secs) for the long term (dated securities) and Treasury Bills (91/182/364 days) for the short term – only the Centre issues T-bills; states issue dated securities called State Development Loans (SDLs).
RBI is the banker and debt manager for both the Centre and the states (under RBI Act and agreements); auctions are held on its E-Kuber platform, usually on Tuesdays for states.
States’ borrowing calendar is announced quarterly by RBI in consultation with the states; annual net borrowing limit is fixed by the Centre (3% of GSDP under the FRBM framework, with conditional extra room).
SDLs qualify as SLR securities for banks; investors include banks, insurance companies, provident funds and mutual funds.

Constitutional and institutional links

Article 292: borrowing by the Union; Article 293: borrowing by states – a state needs the Centre’s consent if it owes any loan to the Centre.
State borrowing is within the country only (no direct external borrowing); the Centre can borrow abroad.
Other state resources: Ways and Means Advances and Special Drawing Facility from RBI for temporary mismatches; Overdraft regulations.
Telangana’s FRBM Act, 2005; the 15th Finance Commission recommended fiscal deficit of 3% of GSDP for states.

Quick Revision Table: market borrowings

Point	Detail
Amount raised	Rs 2,000 crore (3 tranches)
Route	RBI auction of State Government Securities
Interest	About 7.7%
State instrument	State Development Loans (dated)
Short-term central instrument	Treasury Bills
Debt manager	RBI
Constitutional article	Article 293

Trap / Confusing Points: market borrowings

Confusion	Correct Position
States can issue Treasury Bills	No – only the Centre; states issue SDLs
States may borrow abroad directly	No – only domestic borrowing; external loans route via the Centre
RBI lends the market borrowing itself	No – RBI conducts the auction; investors lend
Article 292 covers state borrowing	No – Article 292 is Union; Article 293 is states

5 Practice MCQs on market borrowings

1. State Development Loans (SDLs) are:
a. Loans given by the Centre to states
b. Dated securities issued by state governments
c. Short-term bills issued by states
d. Loans from the World Bank to states
Ans: B
Explanation: SDLs are dated market securities issued by states through RBI auctions.

2. Which Article of the Constitution deals with borrowing by state governments?
a. Article 280
b. Article 292
c. Article 293
d. Article 360
Ans: C
Explanation: Article 293 governs state borrowing and requires Central consent where a state is indebted to the Centre.

3. Treasury Bills in India are issued by:
a. State governments
b. The Central Government
c. Commercial banks
d. NABARD
Ans: B
Explanation: Only the Union government issues T-bills (91, 182, 364 days).

4. The electronic platform on which RBI conducts government securities auctions is:
a. NDS-OM
b. E-Kuber
c. CCIL
d. RTGS
Ans: B
Explanation: E-Kuber is RBI’s core banking solution used for primary auctions.

5. Ways and Means Advances are provided to states by:
a. Finance Commission
b. Reserve Bank of India
c. NITI Aayog
d. Ministry of Finance
Ans: B
Explanation: RBI gives WMA to bridge temporary mismatches in state cash flows.

Exam tip: Revise market borrowings together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.

To know more about Telangana’s market borrowing, Click here.

Market Borrowings: Telangana Raises Rs 2,000 Crore via RBI Auction – SDL Concepts Read More »

Singareni Gold Exploration in Devadurga: SCCL’s First Non-Coal Venture (TGPSC)

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

The Singareni gold exploration programme has begun at the Devadurga block in Karnataka, marking the coal miner SCCL’s entry into gold and copper. This note covers the Singareni gold exploration facts and the mining-law background for TGPSC and UPSC prelims.

Why in News?

The Telangana government launched a gold and copper exploration programme at the Devadurga block, Raichur district, Karnataka, where Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) secured exploration rights through central government auctions.

Singareni gold exploration: Key Facts for Prelims

Executing agency: SCCL – traditionally a coal company – diversifying into non-coal minerals.
Block area: about 199.13 sq km in Raichur district; the region lies in the gold-bearing Hutti–Maski greenstone belt of the Dharwar craton.
Rights obtained via the Centre’s composite licence / exploration licence auctions under the amended MMDR Act.
Significance: first gold–copper exploration venture by a state PSU of Telangana; boosts critical-mineral self-reliance.

SCCL – static points

Singareni Collieries Company Limited: joint venture of the Government of Telangana (51%) and Government of India (49%); HQ Kothagudem, Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
Origin: Hyderabad (Deccan) Company Ltd (1886), renamed SCCL in 1920; mines the Godavari Valley coalfield across seven districts.
Also runs the Singareni Thermal Power Plant at Jaipur (Mancherial) and solar plants.

Gold in India – static points

Karnataka is the largest gold producer – Hutti Gold Mines (Raichur) is India’s only major producing gold mine; Kolar Gold Fields closed in 2001.
Other gold belts: Ramagiri (Anantapur, AP), Sonbhadra (UP), Jonnagiri (Kurnool, AP – new private mine).
MMDR Amendment Act, 2023 introduced the exploration licence for deep-seated and critical minerals and allowed private exploration; National Mineral Exploration Trust funds exploration.

Quick Revision Table: Singareni gold exploration

Point	Detail
Agency	SCCL (Telangana 51%, Centre 49%)
Block	Devadurga, Raichur district, Karnataka
Area	199.13 sq km
Minerals	Gold and copper
Rights via	Central government auction
SCCL HQ	Kothagudem
Nearby gold mine	Hutti (Raichur)

Trap / Confusing Points: Singareni gold exploration

Confusion	Correct Position
Devadurga block is in Telangana	No – Raichur district, Karnataka
SCCL is a central PSU	No – Telangana holds 51%; Centre 49%
Kolar Gold Fields is still operating	No – closed in 2001; Hutti is the main producing mine
Exploration rights were allotted by Karnataka	Secured through central government auctions

5 Practice MCQs on Singareni gold exploration

1. The Devadurga gold and copper exploration block is located in which district?
a. Bellary
b. Raichur
c. Kolar
d. Dharwad
Ans: B
Explanation: Devadurga is in Raichur district, Karnataka, near the Hutti gold belt.

2. Singareni Collieries Company Limited is jointly owned by:
a. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
b. Telangana (51%) and Government of India (49%)
c. Coal India and Telangana
d. Telangana and NTPC
Ans: B
Explanation: SCCL is a Telangana-majority JV with the Union government.

3. India’s only major operating gold mine, Hutti, is in:
a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Jharkhand
c. Karnataka
d. Rajasthan
Ans: C
Explanation: Hutti Gold Mines Ltd operates in Raichur district, Karnataka.

4. The ‘exploration licence’ for deep-seated and critical minerals was introduced by:
a. MMDR Amendment Act, 2015
b. MMDR Amendment Act, 2021
c. MMDR Amendment Act, 2023
d. Mines Act, 1952
Ans: C
Explanation: The 2023 amendment created exploration licences for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals.

5. The headquarters of SCCL is at:
a. Hyderabad
b. Kothagudem
c. Warangal
d. Ramagundam
Ans: B
Explanation: SCCL is headquartered at Kothagudem in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

Exam tip: Revise Singareni gold exploration together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.

To know more about Singareni’s Devadurga exploration, Click here.

Singareni Gold Exploration in Devadurga: SCCL’s First Non-Coal Venture (TGPSC) Read More »

Telangana Breakfast Scheme for Government School Students | UPSC Notes

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

Why in News?

The Telangana government has launched a Breakfast Scheme for students from pre-primary to Class 12 in government schools and junior colleges, expanding nutritional support beyond the existing Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

Key Facts for UPSC Prelims

Scheme covers students from pre-primary (KG) to Class 12 (Intermediate)
Implemented in 1,269 government schools across Telangana
Beneficiaries: 1.44 lakh students (including school and intermediate students)
Mid-Day Meal Scheme extended to students in government junior colleges (Class 11 and 12)
The scheme targets government institutions only

Static/Exam Connect: PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)

PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme): Renamed as PM Poshan Shakti Nirman in 2021.
Originally launched in 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education.
Current Central coverage: Classes 1–8 (Primary and Upper Primary) in government and government-aided schools.
Objective: Improve enrollment, retention, attendance and nutrition among school children.
Administered by: Ministry of Education.
Telangana’s extension is notable — it expands coverage beyond Central norms to include pre-primary and Class 11–12 students.

Quick Revision Table

Fact	Detail
Scheme Name	Telangana Breakfast Scheme
Coverage	Pre-primary to Class 12
Schools covered	1,269 government schools
Beneficiaries	1.44 lakh students
PM POSHAN original launch	1995
PM POSHAN renamed	2021
PM POSHAN ministry	Ministry of Education
PM POSHAN Central coverage	Classes 1–8
Tamil Nadu Breakfast Scheme launched	2022 (Classes 1–5)

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Confusion	Correct Fact
PM POSHAN covers up to Class 10	PM POSHAN (Central) covers only Classes 1–8; states can expand independently
Mid-Day Meal was launched in 2001	It was launched in 1995; 2001 saw its Supreme Court-ordered expansion
PM POSHAN is under Ministry of Women & Child Development	No — it is under the Ministry of Education
Telangana scheme covers private schools	The scheme covers only government institutions

Practice MCQs

1. The Telangana Breakfast Scheme covers students up to which class?

a. Class 8
b. Class 10
c. Class 12
d. Class 5

Ans: C
The Telangana Breakfast Scheme covers students from pre-primary to Class 12 (Intermediate) in government schools.

2. PM POSHAN Shakti Nirman is the renamed version of which scheme?

a. Integrated Child Development Services
b. Mid-Day Meal Scheme
c. National Nutrition Mission
d. Anganwadi Nutrition Scheme

Ans: B
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme was renamed PM Poshan Shakti Nirman in 2021. It is administered by the Ministry of Education.

3. PM POSHAN at the Central level covers students of:

a. Pre-primary to Class 12
b. Classes 1 to 10
c. Classes 1 to 8
d. Classes 1 to 5 only

Ans: C
The Central PM POSHAN scheme covers Classes 1–8 (Primary and Upper Primary). States can expand coverage on their own.

4. When was the Mid-Day Meal Scheme originally launched in India?

a. 2001
b. 1995
c. 1990
d. 2004

Ans: B
The scheme was launched in 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education. In 2001, the Supreme Court directed its expansion.

5. Which ministry administers the PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) scheme?

a. Ministry of Women & Child Development
b. Ministry of Health
c. Ministry of Rural Development
d. Ministry of Education

Ans: D
PM POSHAN is administered by the Ministry of Education (formerly HRD Ministry), not Women & Child Development.

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.

To know more about the Telangana Breakfast Scheme, Click here.

Telangana Breakfast Scheme for Government School Students | UPSC Notes Read More »

Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary: Safari Tours & Key Facts for UPSC

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Environment and Ecology Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

Why in News?

The Telangana Forest Department has announced plans to launch safari tours at Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary near Paloncha in Kothagudem district, boosting eco-tourism in the region.

Key Facts: Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana (erstwhile Khammam district)
River Basin: Located on the right bank of the Godavari River
Total Area: Approximately 635.4 sq km
Parent Forest Region: Integral part of the historic Dandakaranya Forest
Kinnerasani River: A perennial river flowing through the sanctuary; a major tributary of the Godavari River
Located near Paloncha town in Kothagudem district

Static/Exam Connect: Protected Areas in India

Wildlife Sanctuaries declared under Section 26A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
National Parks declared under Section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Key difference: In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited human activities (like grazing) may be permitted; in a National Park, no such activities are allowed.
Dandakaranya Forest: One of the largest forest tracts in Central India, spanning Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Named in the Ramayana.
Godavari River: Longest river in Peninsular India (~1,465 km); originates at Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra.

Other Important Wildlife Sanctuaries in Telangana

Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary — known for tigers and leopards
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary — part of the Dandakaranya region
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary — core area under Project Tiger
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve — largest tiger reserve in India by area

Quick Revision Table

Fact	Detail
Sanctuary Name	Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
State	Telangana
District	Bhadradri Kothagudem
River (flows through)	Kinnerasani River (tributary of Godavari)
River Bank	Right bank of Godavari
Area	~635.4 sq km
Parent Forest Region	Dandakaranya Forest
Largest Tiger Reserve in India	Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
WPA Section for Sanctuary	Section 26A, Wildlife Protection Act 1972

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Confusion	Correct Fact
Kinnerasani is in Khammam district	After bifurcation, it is in Bhadradri Kothagudem district (erstwhile Khammam)
Kinnerasani River is a tributary of Krishna	It is a tributary of the Godavari River
Wildlife Sanctuaries allow no human activity	National Parks disallow human activity; Sanctuaries can permit limited activities
Dandakaranya is only in Chhattisgarh	Dandakaranya spans Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, AP, and Maharashtra

Practice MCQs

1. Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which district of Telangana?

a. Warangal
b. Bhadradri Kothagudem
c. Adilabad
d. Nizamabad

Ans: B
Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is in Bhadradri Kothagudem district (formerly part of Khammam district).

2. The Kinnerasani River, which flows through the sanctuary, is a tributary of:

a. Krishna River
b. Mahanadi River
c. Godavari River
d. Tungabhadra River

Ans: C
The Kinnerasani is a perennial river that is a major tributary of the Godavari.

3. Wildlife Sanctuaries in India are declared under which Section of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?

a. Section 18
b. Section 26A
c. Section 35
d. Section 38

Ans: B
Section 26A deals with Wildlife Sanctuaries; Section 35 covers National Parks. Section 38 deals with Tiger Reserves.

4. The Dandakaranya Forest region, of which Kinnerasani is a part, spans across:

a. Only Chhattisgarh and Odisha
b. Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, AP, and Maharashtra
c. MP, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand
d. Telangana, AP, and Karnataka

Ans: B
Dandakaranya is one of Central India’s largest forest tracts, spanning five states.

5. Which is the largest tiger reserve in India by area?

a. Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
b. Kaziranga National Park
c. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
d. Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Ans: C
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Telangana/AP is the largest tiger reserve in India by area (~3,728 sq km).

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.

To know more about Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, Click here.

Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary: Safari Tours & Key Facts for UPSC Read More »

Telangana Tourism Master Plan: 8 Key Zones & 27 STAs | UPSC Notes

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

Telangana Tourism Master Plan: 8 Key Zones Announced

Telangana Tourism Minister directed officials to prepare comprehensive master plans for eight key Telangana tourism regions as part of Phase 1 of the state’s broader plan to develop 27 Special Tourism Areas (STAs). This Telangana tourism initiative aims to transform the state into a global tourist destination through heritage, eco-tourism, adventure, and spiritual circuits.

Key Facts for Prelims

Total Special Tourism Areas (STAs) identified: 27
Phase 1 areas: 8 regions (master plans being prepared first)
Ramappa Temple (Warangal): UNESCO World Heritage Site — inscribed in 2021
Pochampally: Famous for Pochampally Ikat sarees — GI-tagged traditional weaving
Nagarjunasagar: One of the world’s largest masonry dams on the Krishna River
Yadadri: Dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy — major spiritual tourism site
Bhadrachalam: Located on the Godavari River; famous for Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple
Adilabad: Tribal belt — part of tiger reserve landscape in northern Telangana

Phase 1 Telangana Tourism Zones — Complete List

#	Zone	Tourism Focus
1	Vikarabad	Eco-tourism and adventure activities
2	Somasila-Alampur	River cruises, water sports & eco-tourism along the Krishna River
3	Warangal-Ramappa	UNESCO World Heritage Site (Ramappa Temple), temples, waterfalls
4	Nagarjunasagar	Spiritual and nature-based tourism
5	Yadadri-Pochampally	Spiritual tourism + traditional handloom (Ikat) promotion
6	Adilabad Tribal Cluster	Immersive tribal culture, tiger landscapes, waterfalls
7	Bhadrachalam	River and religious tourism (Godavari)
8	Kaleshwaram	Eco-tourism and spiritual circuits

Static Linkage — Heritage & GI Tags for Prelims

Ramappa Temple (Rudreswara Temple): Built by Kakatiya dynasty; UNESCO WHS (2021). Located in Mulugu district, Telangana.
Pochampally Ikat: Distinctive resist-dyeing technique before weaving; holds GI tag. Also called “Bhoodan Pochampally” or “Silk City of India.”
Nagarjunasagar Dam: Constructed on Krishna River (1955–1967); used for irrigation and hydro power. Shared between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Kaleshwaram: Apart from the famous lift irrigation project, it hosts a prominent Shiva-Parvati temple at the confluence of Pranahita and Godavari rivers.

Quick Revision Table

Zone	Key Highlight
Vikarabad	Eco-tourism, adventure
Somasila-Alampur	Water sports, river cruises (Krishna River)
Warangal-Ramappa	UNESCO WHS (Ramappa/Rudreswara Temple, 2021)
Nagarjunasagar	World’s largest masonry dam; Krishna River
Yadadri-Pochampally	Spiritual (Lakshmi Narasimha) + Pochampally Ikat (GI tagged)
Adilabad Tribal Cluster	Tribal culture, tiger reserves, waterfalls
Bhadrachalam	Religious tourism; Sita Ramachandra Temple on Godavari
Kaleshwaram	Eco-tourism + Shiva-Parvati temple (Godavari confluence)
Total STAs in Telangana	27 (8 in Phase 1)

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Misconception	Correct Fact
All 27 STAs are being developed simultaneously	Only 8 are taken up in Phase 1; total plan covers 27 STAs
Ramappa is a river or dam	Ramappa (Rudreswara Temple) is a UNESCO WHS in Mulugu district, Telangana
Nagarjunasagar is entirely in Telangana	The dam and reservoir are shared between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Pochampally is known only for silk	Pochampally Ikat weaving (GI tagged) applies to cotton and silk both
Kaleshwaram refers only to the irrigation project	Kaleshwaram also has a Shiva-Parvati temple at the Pranahita-Godavari confluence
Ramappa Temple inscribed as UNESCO WHS in 2019	Ramappa Temple was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021

Practice MCQs

1. Ramappa Temple, part of the Telangana tourism master plan, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year?

a. 2019
b. 2020
c. 2021
d. 2022

Ans: C

Ramappa Temple (Rudreswara Temple) in Mulugu district, built during the Kakatiya dynasty, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

2. The Somasila-Alampur Telangana tourism zone focuses on water sports along which river?

a. Godavari
b. Tungabhadra
c. Krishna
d. Bhima

Ans: C

Somasila-Alampur zone targets river cruises and water sports along the Krishna River.

3. Pochampally, under the Yadadri-Pochampally zone, is famous for which GI-tagged craft?

a. Dhokra metal craft
b. Kalamkari textile
c. Pochampally Ikat weaving
d. Bidri work

Ans: C

Pochampally is renowned for Pochampally Ikat — a distinctive resist-dyeing-before-weaving technique that carries a GI tag.

4. How many Special Tourism Areas has Telangana identified in total?

a. 8
b. 15
c. 21
d. 27

Ans: D

Telangana has identified 27 Special Tourism Areas (STAs) in total under its Tourism Policy 2025–2030. Eight zones are in Phase 1.

5. Which describes the Adilabad Tribal Cluster tourism zone?

a. River tourism and heritage temples
b. Tribal culture, tiger landscapes, and waterfalls
c. Handloom and spiritual tourism
d. Adventure water sports and river cruises

Ans: B

The Adilabad Tribal Cluster offers immersive tribal culture, tiger reserve landscapes, and scenic waterfalls in northern Telangana.

Telangana tourism development under the 27 STA framework is a key state affairs topic for TGPSC and UPSC aspirants. The Telangana tourism policy 2025–2030 focuses on heritage, eco-tourism, and tribal culture zones to position the state as a global destination.

To know more about Telangana tourism development plans, Click here.

To learn current affairs from an exam point of view, Click here.

Telangana Tourism Master Plan: 8 Key Zones & 27 STAs | UPSC Notes Read More »

Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

Why in News?

Telangana Chief Minister announced a special drive to fast-track the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS), pledging to make it fully operational within 30 months. The announcement also commits extended fund support to benefit the erstwhile Mahbubnagar and other South Telangana districts.

About Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS)

PRLIS is a multi-stage lift irrigation project on the Krishna River in Telangana, designed to address severe drought conditions in South Telangana.

Objective

Irrigate over 12.3 lakh acres of parched uplands
Secure drinking water for 1,226 villages, Hyderabad city, and local industries
Designed to lift 90 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of flood water over 60 days during the flood season

Working Mechanism — The 5-Stage Lift System

Water is pumped through 5 distinct stages up to the highest elevation at K.P. Laxmidevipally village, from where it flows by gravity.

Stage 1 (Lift-1): Draws water from Srisailam into the Anjanagiri (Narlapur) Reservoir
Stage 2 (Lift-2): Pumps water forward into the Veeranjaneya (Yedula) Reservoir
Stage 3 (Lift-3): Conveys water to the Vattem Reservoir
Stage 4 (Lift-4): Lifts water to the Karivena and Udandapur Reservoirs
Stage 5 (Lift-5): Reaches the K.P. Laxmidevipally Reservoir — feeds gravity canals onwards

Interconnected Static Concepts for Prelims

Krishna River — Key Facts

Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra (Western Ghats)
Flows through: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Drains into: Bay of Bengal (near Hamasaladeevi, AP)
Length: ~1,400 km (4th longest river in India)
Major tributaries: Tungabhadra, Bhima, Musi, Ghatprabha, Malaprabha
Major dams: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Srisailam Dam, Almatti Dam
Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal: KWDT-I (1969) and KWDT-II (2004)

Srisailam Dam

Location: Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh (on Krishna River)
One of the largest hydroelectric projects in India
Shared project between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Lift Irrigation vs. Gravity Irrigation

Lift Irrigation: Water is mechanically pumped uphill — used in hilly/upland areas
Gravity Irrigation: Water flows naturally from a higher point via canals

Quick Revision Table

Parameter	Key Fact
Project Name	Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS)
River	Krishna River
State	Telangana
Water Source	Srisailam Reservoir
Number of Lift Stages	5 stages
Final Elevation Point	K.P. Laxmidevipally village
Flood Water Capacity	90 TMC over 60 days
Area to be Irrigated	12.3 lakh acres
Villages to get Drinking Water	1,226 villages + Hyderabad city
Beneficiary Districts	Erstwhile Mahbubnagar (South Telangana)

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Confusion	Correct Fact
PRLIS draws water from Nagarjuna Sagar	❌ Draws from Srisailam Reservoir
Krishna originates in Karnataka	❌ Originates in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
PRLIS uses gravity throughout	❌ Uses mechanical lift for 5 stages; only final distribution is gravity-fed
PRLIS is in Andhra Pradesh	❌ It is in Telangana (though on the shared Krishna River)
90 TMC = 90 Thousand Million Litres	❌ TMC = Thousand Million Cubic Feet

Practice MCQs

1. The Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) draws water from which reservoir?
a. Nagarjuna Sagar
b. Srisailam
c. Tungabhadra
d. Almatti

Ans: B
PRLIS draws flood water from the Srisailam Reservoir on the Krishna River. Stage 1 lifts water from Srisailam into the Anjanagiri (Narlapur) Reservoir.

2. How many lift stages does the Palamuru-Rangareddy LIS consist of?
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. 7

Ans: C
PRLIS has 5 distinct lift stages, pumping water progressively uphill to K.P. Laxmidevipally village, from where water flows by gravity.

3. The Krishna River originates from which location?
a. Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra
b. Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
c. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
d. Kudremukh, Karnataka

Ans: C
The Krishna River originates at Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar is the origin of the Godavari; Amarkantak is for the Narmada.

4. PRLIS aims to lift how much flood water during the flood season?
a. 60 TMC in 90 days
b. 90 TMC in 60 days
c. 120 TMC in 45 days
d. 75 TMC in 75 days

Ans: B
PRLIS is designed to lift 90 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of flood water over a span of 60 days during the flood season.

5. Which of the following is NOT a major tributary of the Krishna River?
a. Tungabhadra
b. Bhima
c. Musi
d. Indravati

Ans: D
Indravati is a tributary of the Godavari River, not the Krishna. Major Krishna tributaries include Tungabhadra, Bhima, Musi, Ghatprabha, and Malaprabha.

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here

To know more about the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, Click here

Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme Read More »

Adilabad Airport: Telangana’s Largest Joint Airfield After Shamshabad

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

Why in News?

Adilabad is set to become Telangana’s largest joint airfield after Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad. The proposed airport is a joint-user facility being developed by the Indian Defence Ministry and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), designed for dual usage — commercial passenger flights and Indian Air Force (IAF) training activities.

Key Facts for Prelims

The Adilabad Airport is a joint-user (dual-use) facility — serves both civilian (commercial) and military (IAF training) purposes.
Developed jointly by the Ministry of Defence and Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Telangana’s largest airport currently: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad (Hyderabad).
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced two more airports in Telangana: Warangal and Adilabad.
AAI (Airports Authority of India) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, established under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994.

Interconnected Exam Concepts

Airports Authority of India (AAI): Statutory body under Ministry of Civil Aviation. Manages 137+ airports. Formed by merging the National Airports Authority and International Airports Authority of India in 1995.
Joint-user airfields: Airports shared between civilian aviation and defence/military use — common in India (e.g., Leh, Srinagar, Port Blair).
UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik): Regional connectivity scheme under Ministry of Civil Aviation. New airports like Adilabad and Warangal align with this initiative.
Greenfield Airport Policy: A policy for new airport development in areas not served by existing airports.

Quick Revision Table

Parameter	Key Fact
Proposed Airport	Adilabad Airport, Telangana
Type	Joint-user (dual-use) facility
Developed By	Ministry of Defence + AAI
Usage	Commercial flights + IAF training
Largest Airport in Telangana (current)	Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad
Other Announced Telangana Airports	Warangal and Adilabad
AAI Governing Act	Airports Authority of India Act, 1994
AAI Under	Ministry of Civil Aviation

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Confusion	Correct Fact
AAI manages all airports including private ones	AAI manages govt/public airports; private airports (like RGIA Hyderabad) are managed by private entities under concession
Adilabad will be Telangana’s first airport	Hyderabad’s Shamshabad already exists; Adilabad will be the largest joint airfield after it
AAI was established in 1994	The Act is 1994; AAI was operationally formed in 1995 after merger
Joint-user airport = managed only by Defence	It is jointly managed by Defence + AAI for dual purposes

Practice MCQs

1. The proposed Adilabad Airport is being developed jointly by which two bodies?

a. Ministry of Civil Aviation and NITI Aayog
b. Ministry of Defence and Airports Authority of India
c. Indian Air Force and Ministry of External Affairs
d. State Government and DRDO

Ans: B
Adilabad Airport is a joint-user facility being developed by the Indian Ministry of Defence and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), serving both commercial and IAF training purposes.

2. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) was constituted under which Act?

a. Air Corporations Act, 1953
b. Aircraft Act, 1934
c. Airports Authority of India Act, 1994
d. Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2000

Ans: C
AAI was constituted under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994 and became operational in 1995 after the merger of two earlier bodies.

3. Which of the following is currently the largest airport in Telangana?

a. Adilabad Airport
b. Warangal Airport
c. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad
d. Begumpet Airport

Ans: C
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad, Hyderabad, is currently the largest airport in Telangana. Adilabad will be the largest joint airfield after this.

4. The UDAN scheme is associated with which Ministry?

a. Ministry of Railways
b. Ministry of Road Transport
c. Ministry of Civil Aviation
d. Ministry of Commerce

Ans: C
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is a regional connectivity scheme under the Ministry of Civil Aviation to make air travel affordable to common citizens.

5. Which of the following best describes a “joint-user airfield” in India?

a. An airport exclusively used by the Indian Air Force
b. An airport shared between civilian aviation and military/defence use
c. An airport jointly managed by two state governments
d. An airport under Public-Private Partnership only

Ans: B
A joint-user airfield serves both civilian (commercial) aviation and military/defence purposes. Examples include Leh, Srinagar, and Port Blair airports.

To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.

To know more about Adilabad Airport development and Telangana’s aviation growth, Click here.

Adilabad Airport: Telangana’s Largest Joint Airfield After Shamshabad Read More »