CAPF AC 2020 Q59: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
Which one of the following Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) is recognized as Miniratnas?
- (a) Airport Authority of India
- (b) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
- (c) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- (d) Steel Authority of India Limited
Answer: (a) Airport Authority of India
Explanation
Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna
How to think: the three biggest names in the options are giant companies.
Giants are Maharatna or Navratna.
The one left is the Miniratna.
| Company | Status at the time of the paper (2020) |
|---|---|
| Airports Authority of India | Miniratna (Category I) |
| Indian Oil Corporation Limited | Maharatna |
| Hindustan Aeronautics Limited | Navratna (made a Maharatna in 2024) |
| Steel Authority of India Limited | Maharatna |
The three classes:
| Class | Started | Freedom to invest without Government approval |
|---|---|---|
| Maharatna | 2010 | Up to ₹5,000 crore in one project |
| Navratna | 1997 | Up to ₹1,000 crore |
| Miniratna Category I | 1997 | Up to ₹500 crore |
Answer: (a) Airport Authority of India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Airports Authority of India is a Miniratna Category I undertaking.
- (b) Incorrect. Indian Oil Corporation is a Maharatna.
- (c) Incorrect. Hindustan Aeronautics was a Navratna and is now a Maharatna.
- (d) Incorrect. Steel Authority of India is a Maharatna.
Key point
Maharatna (2010): Indian Oil, SAIL, ONGC, NTPC. Navratna (1997). Miniratna Category I: Airports Authority of India. Status gives freedom to invest without Government approval.
Remember
Airports Authority of India = Miniratna; Indian Oil and SAIL = Maharatna.
Common mistakes
- Thinking Miniratna is the top class because of the word ratna; it is the lowest of the three.
- Placing Hindustan Aeronautics among Miniratnas; it was a Navratna.
- Forgetting that the Maharatna class came later, in 2010.
Exam tip
Educated guess: oil, steel and aircraft makers are giants. An authority running airports is the smaller one.
Sources
- Department of Public Enterprises — List of Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna CPSEs
- Department of Public Enterprises, Government of India — Guidelines on Delegation of Powers to Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna Central Public Sector Enterprises