1. Which model of infrastructure investment allows the private player to recover costs through user charges (tolls) over a concession period?
Item Rate Contract
HAM (Hybrid Annuity Model)
EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction)
BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) - Toll
Explanation:
In the BOT-Toll model, the private partner builds, operates, and maintains the infrastructure and recovers the investment by collecting tolls from users. In EPC, the government funds the project.
2. Which of the following forms of "Social Infrastructure"?
Roads and Bridges
Ports and Airports
Schools and Hospitals
Power Plants
Explanation:
Social infrastructure refers to structures that support social services like healthcare (hospitals) and education (schools), improving the quality of human capital. Roads and power are "Physical Infrastructure".
3. Under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), the funding sharing pattern between the Centre, States, and Private Sector is targeted to be approximately:
39 : 39 : 22
50 : 30 : 20
40 : 40 : 20
30 : 30 : 40
Explanation:
The NIP envisages an investment of ?111 lakh crore with a funding share of 39% by the Centre, 40% (revised to 39%) by States, and 21-22% by the Private Sector to boost infrastructure.
4. What is a "Sovereign Green Bond"?
A bond issued by foreign nations to invest in India.
A bond issued by private companies for green projects.
A bond issued by the RBI to print green currency notes.
A bond issued by the government to fund projects with positive environmental impacts.
Explanation:
Sovereign Green Bonds are issued by the government to mobilize resources for green infrastructure projects (like renewable energy, clean transport) that help reduce carbon intensity.
5. Which of the following is NOT one of the Eight Core Industries in India?
Textiles
Fertilizers
Cement
Coal
Explanation:
The Eight Core Industries are: Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity. Textiles is not part of this group.
6. Which of the following correctly defines the "Brownfield Investment" in infrastructure?
Investment in existing infrastructure assets for upgrade or expansion.
Investment in a completely new project from scratch.
Investment in agricultural land development.
Investment in digital infrastructure only.
Explanation:
Brownfield projects involve purchasing or leasing existing production facilities/infrastructure to launch a new production activity. This contrasts with Greenfield investments, which involve building new facilities from the ground up. Brownfield is often faster but may come with legacy issues.