Debentures and .......... can be used interchangeably.

Bonds

The correct answer is option 1- Bonds.

Debenture is a written instrument acknowledging a debt under the common seal of the company. It contains a contract for repayment of principal after a specified period or at intervals or at the option of the company and for payment of interest at a fixed rate payable usually either half-yearly or yearly on fixed dates. According to section 2(30) of The Companies Act, 2013 ‘Debenture’ includes Debenture Inventory, Bonds and any other securities of a company whether constituting a charge on the assets of the company or not.

Bond is also an instrument of acknowledgement of debt. Traditionally, the Government issued bonds, but these days, bonds are also being issued by semi-government and non-governmental organisations. The terms ‘debentures’ and ‘Bonds’ are now being used inter-changeably.