Ramesh Singh Test: Industry & Infrastructure- 2 - UPSC MCQ

Statement-I is correct as it highlights how the NHAI utilizes fuel cess and borrowings for NHDP funding. Statement-II is also accurate as it mentions the loans obtained by NHAI from international institutions for NHDP projects. Additionally, Statement-II explains Statement-I as it provides further context on the financing mechanisms employed by the NHAI, complementing the information presented in Statement-I.

1. SAMARTH: Correctly matched. SAMARTH is an initiative to promote technological solutions in manufacturing through awareness and demonstrations.

2. UDAY Scheme: Incorrectly matched. The UDAY scheme was launched in November 2015, not in 2020, to reduce AT&C losses in DISCOMs and ensure their financial and operational turnaround.

3. Train 18: Correctly matched. Train 18, rechristened Vande Bharat Express, is India’s first engine-less semi high-speed train, launched in February 2019.

4. Bharat Abhiyan: Incorrectly matched. Bharat Abhiyan, launched in May 2020, aimed at promoting self-reliance in various sectors, not specifically in defense imports.

Thus, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations with a population of 500 persons and above in plain areas and 250 persons and above in hill states, tribal areas, desert areas, and LWE-affected districts. This initiative focuses on improving rural connectivity and accessibility, thereby enhancing the overall development and connectivity of these regions.

The primary objective of the UDAY scheme is to enhance the operational efficiency of DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) in India's power sector. This initiative aims to bring about a financial and operational turnaround for DISCOMs, reducing their interest burden, cost of power, and Aggregate Transmission & Technical (AT&C) losses. By improving the efficiency of DISCOMs, the scheme seeks to ensure a sustainable and permanent solution to the challenges faced by the power distribution sector.

Statement-I correctly describes the objective of the Make in India initiative, which indeed aims to attract both capital and technological investment in India to make it a favorable destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). This aligns with the vision of making India a top global FDI destination.

However, Statement-II incorrectly attributes the primary focus of the Start-Up India scheme. While the Start-Up India initiative does aim to nurture innovation, drive economic growth, and create job opportunities, it extends beyond just the technology sector to various other sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect as it oversimplifies the scope of the Start-Up India scheme.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) indeed involves a cost-sharing ratio where the government contributes 40% and the private player contributes 60%.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Swiss Challenge Model is a flexible method of giving contracts and can be used in both PPP and non-PPP projects, not exclusively for PPP projects.

3. Statement 3 is correct: The EPC Model was introduced as a better way to promote infrastructure projects when the government noticed a declining interest of private players in road projects around 2010.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3 only.

- Statement 1: Incorrect. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) targets providing all-weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations having a population of 500 persons and above in plain areas and 250 persons and above in hill states, tribal areas, desert areas, and LWE-affected districts, not 1,000 persons.
- Statement 2: Correct. The National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is indeed financed through a part of the fuel cess imposed on petrol and diesel, which is allocated to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
- Statement 3: Correct. The Bharatmala Pariyojana focuses on optimizing the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country by developing Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors and Feeder Routes, National Corridor Efficiency Improvement, Border and International connectivity roads, Coastal and Port connectivity roads, and Green-field expressways.

Thus, only Statements 2 and 3 are correct.

1. BOT-TOLL: Private bidder builds, operates, maintains the road, and collects toll. - Correct. The BOT-TOLL model involves the private bidder building, maintaining, and operating the road while collecting toll from the vehicular traffic.

2. EPC Model: Government and private players share project cost in a 40:60 ratio. - Incorrect. The EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) model involves the government bearing the entire project cost and the private player executing the project. The 40:60 ratio is specific to the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), not the EPC model.

3. Swiss Challenge Model: Used for redevelopment of railway stations. - Correct. The Swiss Challenge Model is a flexible method used for public procurement and was announced by the Government of India for the redevelopment of railway stations.

4. HAM: Mix of EPC and BOT-ANNUITY models, with project cost shared by government and private player. - Correct. The Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) is indeed a mix of EPC and BOT-ANNUITY models, where the project cost is shared by the government and the private player in a 40:60 ratio.

Pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 2 is incorrectly matched.

The primary objective of the Make in India initiative is to attract both capital and technological investment in India, aiming to make it the top global destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), surpassing even countries like China and the United States. This initiative seeks to enhance manufacturing capabilities and boost entrepreneurship not only in manufacturing but also in relevant infrastructure and service sectors, fostering economic growth and job creation.

1. Ease of Doing Business Report: Published by World Bank Group

- Correctly matched. The Ease of Doing Business Report is an annual publication by the World Bank Group.

2. Make in India: Launched in 2016

- Incorrectly matched. Make in India was launched in September 2014, not 2016.

3. Start-Up India: Focuses only on the technology sector

- Incorrectly matched. Start-Up India extends to a wide array of sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education, beyond just the technology sector.

4. Assemble in India for the World: Related to Make in India

- Correctly matched. "Assemble in India for the World" is a component of the Make in India initiative, aiming to position India as a global manufacturing hub.

So, pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.