Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, often called MSMEs, are a vital part of the Indian economy but many of them use outdated and energy intensive technologies. To support energy efficiency improvements in this sector, India has collaborated with international financial institutions and signed specific grant and loan agreements. This question asks which institution partnered with India for additional financing under the Financing Energy Efficiency at MSMEs Project Programmatic Framework for Energy Efficiency.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The project is named Financing Energy Efficiency at MSMEs Project Programmatic Framework for Energy Efficiency.
- India signed a Grant Agreement for Additional Financing for this project.
- The options are ADB, IFAD, EBRD, and IBRD.
- We assume the student is aware that IBRD is part of the World Bank Group and often funds such projects.
Concept / Approach:
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is often involved in financing infrastructure and development projects, including energy efficiency in emerging economies. The specific project mentioned is associated with the World Bank, and the grant agreement for additional financing was signed with IBRD. Recognising the link between the project and the World Bank allows us to pick the correct option.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Connect the term additional financing for energy efficiency at MSMEs with World Bank supported programmes.
Step 2: Recall that IBRD is the main lending arm of the World Bank for middle income and creditworthy low income countries.
Step 3: Note that IFAD focuses on agricultural development, ADB is a regional bank for Asia, and EBRD focuses mainly on Europe and surrounding regions.
Step 4: Match the specific project name and pattern with typical World Bank or IBRD funded programmes.
Step 5: Select the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative Check:
Descriptions of the Financing Energy Efficiency at MSMEs Project in government press releases and World Bank documents identify IBRD as the institution providing additional financing. The project aims to encourage investment in energy efficient technologies in key MSME clusters, and IBRD support is a common feature in such large scale energy projects. This external confirmation reinforces that IBRD is the correct option among the four listed institutions.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Asian Development Bank (ADB): Although ADB supports infrastructure and energy projects in Asia, the specific project name in the question refers to an IBRD or World Bank associated initiative, not an ADB project.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): IFAD funding is focused on rural poverty and agricultural development rather than industrial MSME energy efficiency projects.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD): EBRD concentrates mainly on Europe, Central Asia, and nearby regions, and is not the partner named in the Indian MSME energy efficiency project.
Common Pitfalls:
One common error is to pick ADB because it is a well known development bank in Asia and often appears in exam questions. Another mistake is to choose IFAD whenever agriculture or rural development is mentioned, but this project is clearly focused on MSME energy efficiency. Carefully reading the full project title and linking it with known World Bank or IBRD initiatives helps avoid these traps.
Final Answer:
India signed the Grant Agreement for Additional Financing in this MSME energy efficiency project with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
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