Core Infrastructure Financing

Q1.With reference to the classification of infrastructure, consider the following statements: 1. Economic infrastructure, also known as hard infrastructure, primarily focuses on human resource development. 2. Social infrastructure generally requires a comparatively lower capital investment than economic infrastructure. 3. Critical infrastructure can encompass both interconnected physical assets like transportation networks and virtual components like cybersecurity systems. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q2.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The development of infrastructure is considered a *sine qua non* for the economic development of a nation. Statement-II: Infrastructure projects possess externalities, where the benefits derived by society, such as enhanced productivity and social transformation, exceed the costs involved in their generation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q3.Consider the following statements regarding the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP): 1. The NMP is based on the principle of transferring ownership of government assets to the private sector to raise funds. 2. The NMP primarily focuses on monetising greenfield assets to attract new private investment in nascent sectors. 3. Under the NMP, the funds generated are intended to be used for creating new infrastructure assets across the country. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q4.Consider the following statements regarding the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF): 1. The NIIF is an organ of NITI Aayog, established to channel funds into infrastructure projects. 2. The Government of India holds a majority stake of 51% in the NIIF, with the rest held by private and institutional investors. 3. The NIIF's 'Fund of Funds' is the primary vehicle for direct investment in core infrastructure assets like roads and ports. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q5.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), the combined share of funding from the Central and State Governments is substantially greater than the share from the private sector. Statement-II: The NIP's funding structure mandates that State Governments contribute a larger share of the investment than the Central Government. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q6.Consider the following statements regarding India's infrastructure and logistics policies: 1. The National Logistics Policy (NLP) is a digital platform designed to bring numerous Central Ministries together for the integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure projects. 2. A primary target of the PM Gati-Shakti initiative is to reduce the cost of logistics in India to be comparable to global benchmarks by 2030. 3. The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) and the Integration of Digital Systems (IDS) are among the key features for the implementation of the National Logistics Policy. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q7.Examine the following two statements: Statement-I: Poor functioning of PPP investment models, characterized by significant time and cost overruns, is a present challenge in India's infrastructure sector. Statement-II: The PM Gati-Shakti initiative, by bringing multiple ministries onto a single digital platform for integrated planning, aims to enhance synchronisation and optimise project execution. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q8.With reference to the LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2024 Report, consider the following pairings of states with their performance classification: 1. Coastal Group: Andhra Pradesh - Achiever 2. Landlocked Group: Uttar Pradesh - Achiever 3. North-East Group: Assam - Fast Mover How many of the above pairings are correctly matched?

Q9.With reference to global infrastructure initiatives, consider the following statements: 1. The Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) is a G20 initiative developed by the Global Infrastructure Hub. 2. The Global Infrastructure Outlook (GIO) is a report launched by the World Bank to forecast infrastructure investment needs. 3. One of the core principles of the GIF is to complement the efforts of individual partners by supplementing existing resources. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q10.Consider the following statements regarding the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) and the Global Infrastructure Outlook (GIO): 1. In India, the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) has supported projects in the ports and telecom sectors to address their investment gaps. 2. The Global Infrastructure Outlook (GIO) forecasts investment needs across seven key sectors, which include airports, ports, and water. 3. As per the GIO report, the infrastructure investment gap in Asia is primarily driven by China, which accounts for almost 30% of the global infrastructure investment gap. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q11.Consider the following statements regarding India's energy sector policies and bodies: 1. The SHAKTI scheme, which deals with the auction and allocation of coal linkages for the power sector, was introduced by the Ministry of Power. 2. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) regulates all aspects of the hydrocarbon value chain, including the production of crude oil and natural gas. 3. The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) is responsible for administering subsidies on PDS Kerosene and domestic LPG. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q12.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2021, allows mining companies operating previously designated 'captive mines' to sell their mineral output in the open market. Statement-II: The 2021 amendment removed the legal distinction between captive and non-captive mines, where captive mines were previously restricted to supplying output exclusively for the owning company's consumption. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q13.Consider the following statements regarding sources of energy in India: 1. Firewood and agricultural waste are classified as commercial sources of energy because they have a command price and an international market. 2. Coal and petroleum products are considered non-commercial sources of energy as they are mainly used for domestic and consumption purposes. 3. The key distinction between commercial and non-commercial sources is that the former generally do not have a command price, while the latter do. How many of the above statements are incorrect?

Q14.Consider the following statements about India's hydrocarbon sector: 1. India's domestic crude oil production has seen a continuous increase since 2014-15 due to the successful implementation of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP). 2. The government has set a target to decrease the share of natural gas in the energy mix to 7% by 2030 to promote renewable energy. 3. The National Gas Grid is an initiative to connect gas sources to major demand centres across the country. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q15.With reference to the Bharatmala Pariyojana, consider the following statements: 1. The programme's target includes developing 10,000 km of residual National Highways Development Project (NHDP) stretches. 2. The targeted development length for National Corridor Efficiency Improvement is greater than that for Inter-corridor and Feeder routes. 3. The development of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) under a hub and spoke model is a key initiative being implemented under this Pariyojana. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q16.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, provides greater autonomy to the Boards of Major Ports, including the authority to fix tariffs for services and use of port assets. Statement-II: The Inland Vessels Act, 2021, which established a unified law and a central database for vessel registration, is the primary legislation that facilitates the increased autonomy for Major Ports mentioned in Statement-I. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q17.With reference to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, consider the following statements: 1. The Act mandates that penalties for various motor vehicle-related offences are to be increased by 10 per cent every year. 2. The Act provides for the creation of a National Road Safety Board whose advice on road safety and traffic management is binding on both the central and state governments. 3. The Act increased the minimum compensation for death in hit-and-run cases to ₹2,00,000. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q18.Consider the following statements: **Statement-I:** The Government of India announced a relief package for the telecom sector, which included measures like a moratorium on payment of statutory dues and allowing 100 per cent FDI through the automatic route. **Statement-II:** The Supreme Court's ruling in favour of the Department of Telecommunications' definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), which included revenue from non-telecom services, created a huge financial demand on telecom companies. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q19.With reference to the National Digital Communication Policy, 2018, consider the following statements: 1. One of its primary objectives is to enhance the contribution of the digital communication sector to 8 per cent of India’s GDP from 6.5 per cent. 2. The 'Fibre First Initiative' is a key component of the PM WANI scheme to provide last-mile internet connectivity. 3. A major strategy under the policy is to establish a National Digital Grid by creating a National Fibre Authority. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q20.Consider the following statements regarding indices launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: 1. The Ease of Living Index assesses the performance of municipalities based on five enablers: service, finance, planning, technology, and governance. 2. The Municipal Performance Index is designed to assess the ease of living of citizens across three pillars: Quality of Life, Economic Ability, and Sustainability. 3. The selection of cities under the Smart City Mission was conducted through a challenge competition. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q21.With reference to infrastructure financing in India, consider the following statements: 1. Asset monetisation, as a policy, primarily involves the outright sale and complete transfer of ownership of public assets to private entities. 2. The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) exclusively focuses on greenfield infrastructure projects to attract fresh private investment. 3. The NITI Aayog is the nodal body for preparing the National Monetisation Pipeline in consultation with infrastructure ministries. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Q22.Consider the following statements regarding Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs): 1. The GCT policy was formulated by the Ministry of Railways to encourage private participation in developing cargo terminals. 2. The development of these terminals is exclusively undertaken on land owned by the Indian Railways. 3. These terminals are designed to function as standalone rail-based hubs, separate from other transport modes like ports or airports. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Q23.With reference to India's logistics sector, consider the following statements: 1. A key objective of recent infrastructure initiatives is to increase the share of roadways in freight transport to reduce costs. 2. The 'Engine-on-Load' system in modern cargo terminals aims to increase the detention time of trains for thorough cargo inspection. 3. Shifting freight from road to rail is a strategic measure intended to lower both logistics costs and carbon emissions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q24.Consider the following statements regarding the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan: Statement-I: The plan aims to provide a single digital platform for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure projects. Statement-II: This is primarily achieved through its 'Analytical' pillar, which enables cross-sectoral interactions among ministries to identify critical gaps and prioritize projects. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q25.With reference to the challenges in India's infrastructure sector, consider the following statements: 1. A significant challenge is the excessive burden on the railway network for freight transport, which accounts for the majority of goods movement. 2. The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment models have faced significant challenges, including time and cost overruns in key sectors. 3. A substantial portion of existing railway equipment is considered obsolete, necessitating large-scale replacement and modernization. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q26.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Deregulation and privatization in India's transport sector have consistently led to increased market competition and enhanced consumer welfare by reducing prices. Statement-II: Chronic under-funding of public transport services, coupled with a focus on private sector expansion, has resulted in systemic issues like overcrowding and service unreliability. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q27.Consider the following as pillars of the PM Gati-Shakti initiative: 1. Comprehensiveness 2. Prioritisation 3. Competitiveness 4. Dynamic How many of the above are officially recognized pillars?

Q28.With reference to recent transformations in India's logistics and infrastructure sector, consider the following statements: 1. The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) serves as the national master plan for guiding the integrated implementation of the PM Gati Shakti initiative. 2. India's logistics cost as a percentage of GDP has recently declined to a single-digit figure, marking a substantial reduction from earlier estimates. 3. A primary strategy in railway modernization involves segregating freight and passenger traffic through dedicated corridors to enhance overall network efficiency. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q29.With reference to the institutional framework of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, consider the following statements: 1. The NITI Aayog functions as the permanent secretariat and the Technical Support Unit for the Network Planning Group. 2. An Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, is the apex body for overseeing the implementation. 3. The Multimodal Network Planning Group (NPG) is composed of representatives from infrastructure ministries and excludes user ministries like Agriculture from its core composition. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Q30.Consider the following statements regarding the coal sector in India: 1. Coal India Limited is the sole entity legally permitted for commercial coal mining. 2. Coal transportation is the largest contributor to the freight earnings of Indian Railways. 3. Coal India Limited holds the 'Maharatna' status among Central Public Sector Enterprises. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Q31.With reference to the classification and characteristics of coal found in India, consider the following statements: 1. Anthracite, the highest grade of coal, is predominantly found in Jharkhand and Odisha. 2. Compared to Bituminous coal, Lignite is characterized by higher moisture content and lower heating value. 3. Lignite's high carbon content makes it stable for long-distance transportation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q32.Examine the following two statements: Statement-I: A rapid transition to renewable energy sources requires the immediate cessation of coal-based power to maintain grid stability. Statement-II: Financial proceeds from the coal sector are being strategically channelled to support the development of India's renewable energy infrastructure. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q33.With reference to the status of India's energy sector, consider the following statements: 1. India is the world's second-largest primary energy consumer, primarily driven by its industrial and transport sectors. 2. Coal continues to be the dominant source in India's primary energy mix, constituting the largest single share of total energy supply. 3. Following near-universal household electrification, India's per capita electricity consumption has recently surpassed the global average. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Q34.Consider the following statements regarding minerals designated as 'critical' by the Government of India for ensuring economic development and national security: 1. Coking coal, essential for steel production, is included in India's official list of critical minerals. 2. Phosphorus and Potash are designated as critical primarily due to their indispensable role in the semiconductor and advanced electronics manufacturing sectors. 3. A key criterion for a mineral's inclusion in the critical list is its high concentration of global production and processing in a few countries. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Q35.With reference to the economic structure of Indian Railways, consider the following statements: 1. Passenger services consistently generate a larger share of the total operational revenue compared to freight services. 2. The transportation of bulk commodities like coal and cement forms the backbone of railway freight earnings. 3. The primary objective of developing Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) is to enhance the speed and capacity of passenger trains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q36.Consider the following statements regarding infrastructure and economic competitiveness: Statement-I: Investment in modernizing railway logistics, such as creating Dedicated Freight Corridors, ultimately increases overall supply chain costs for industries. Statement-II: Efficient and widespread transportation networks are fundamental for reducing logistical bottlenecks and enhancing the competitiveness of a nation's manufacturing sector. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q37.With reference to the institutional framework of Indian Railways, consider the following statements: 1. Indian Railways operates as a statutory body established by a special Act of Parliament, granting it full autonomy from the executive. 2. The financing for all railway infrastructure projects is exclusively met through gross budgetary support from the Union Government. 3. The organization's logistical capabilities are leveraged for strategic purposes during national emergencies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q38.With reference to the challenges and characteristics of urban transport in India, consider the following statements: 1. Private vehicles, serving a majority of urban commuters, occupy a disproportionately small share of road space, leading to congestion. 2. A significant proportion of urban trips are short-distance, making them potentially suitable for Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) if adequate infrastructure is provided. 3. Financial constraints of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) often hinder sustainable transport development, partly due to their limited ability to leverage innovative financing. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Q39.Consider the following statements regarding India's framework for regulating market power: Statement-I: The Competition Act, 2002, primarily prohibits the existence of a dominant market position, irrespective of a firm's conduct. Statement-II: The Act empowers the Competition Commission of India to investigate anti-competitive practices such as predatory pricing and denial of market access. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q40.With reference to the Indian telecom sector, consider the following statements: 1. The definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) upheld by the judiciary includes revenues from both core telecom and non-telecom services. 2. To alleviate financial stress, the government has permitted 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector through the government approval route. 3. Persistently low data tariffs have been a primary contributor to the financial viability challenges faced by telecom service providers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q41.Regarding the regulation of market competition in India, consider the following statements: 1. India's competition law framework primarily adopts an ex-ante approach by preventing firms from achieving a dominant position. 2. Predatory pricing, a practice of selling below cost to eliminate competitors, is considered an abuse of dominant position. 3. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) evaluates mergers based on whether they cause an 'Appreciable Adverse Effect on Competition'. How many of the statements given above are correct?