Correct Answer: (c) 10
Solution:On October 23, 2019, the Central Government accorded Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. Maharatna status. Now the total number of Maharatna companies has gone up to 10. Other 8 companies are- BHEL, CIL, GAIL, IOCL, NTPC Ltd., ONGC Ltd., SAIL and BPCL. The 'Maharatna Scheme' was launched in February 2010. On October 12, 2021, the Central Government accorded the Public Sector Company 'Power Finance Corporation Ltd. Maharatna status. With this, the total number of Maharatna companies has now gone up to 11.