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Q99 (IAS/2014) International Relations & Global Affairs › Global Indices, Reports & Agreements › Global economic reports Official Key

Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as World Economic Outlook?

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The World Economic Outlook is usually published twice a year by IMF ([1]usually April and October). It showcases the staff economists' analysis and forecasts of global economic developments and policies in the member countries of IMF during the near and medium term.[1] The report also indicates the risks and uncertainty that may threaten growth of member countries.[1] IMF publishes two periodic reports in this regard 'World Economic Outlook' and 'Global Financial Stability Report'.[2] Therefore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is the organization that brings out the World Economic Outlook publication, making option A the correct answer.

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
  2. [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
50%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as World Economic Outlook? [A] The International Monetary Fund [B…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 5/10 · 5/10

This is a 'Sitter' category question—a fundamental fact that every serious aspirant must know. It falls under the classic 'Reports & Indices' theme. If you get this wrong, you are effectively handing your seat to a competitor. No deep analysis needed, just rote memory of the 'Big 4' institutions and their flagship publications.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does the International Monetary Fund publish the publication titled "World Economic Outlook"?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
Presence: 5/5
“• Usually published twice a year by IMF (usually April and October). • Showcases the staff economists' analysis and forecasts of global economic developments and policies in the member countries of IMF during the near and medium term. • The report also indicates the risks and uncertainty that may threaten growth of member countries. • As per the last published October 2020 World Economic Outlook report: • Due to COVID-19 pandemic, global GDP growth is projected to decline to -4%. This October 2020 report was titled 'A long and Difficult Ascent'.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly names 'World Economic Outlook (WEO)' and states it is 'Usually published twice a year by IMF'.
  • Describes WEO as IMF staff economists' analysis and forecasts of global economic developments, linking the report directly to IMF activity.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
Presence: 5/5
“• It looks upon the international monetary system and monitors the economic and financial policies, thereby highlighting the possible risks to stability and advises member countries on the same. • IMF publishes two periodic reports in this regard 'World Economic Outlook' and 'Global Financial Stability Report'.”
Why this source?
  • States that IMF publishes two periodic reports and explicitly lists 'World Economic Outlook' alongside 'Global Financial Stability Report'.
  • Positions WEO within IMF's surveillance/reporting functions, confirming IMF authorship.
Statement 2
Does the United Nations Development Programme publish the publication titled "World Economic Outlook"?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"World Economic Outlook, October 2023: Navigating Global Divergences"
Why this source?
  • This page is the official IMF publications page for the World Economic Outlook, showing the WEO content is hosted by the IMF.
  • Listing of WEO issues and updates on an IMF URL indicates the IMF publishes the World Economic Outlook, not UNDP.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"©IMF, 2025 World Economic Outlook [Current Report]"
Why this source?
  • Contains IMF branding and an explicit ©IMF line tied to the World Economic Outlook.
  • Shows WEO reports and database on IMF pages, confirming IMF authorship.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Country group aggregates and growth rates in the World Economic Outlook (International Monetary Fund)"
Why this source?
  • Refers to the 'World Economic Outlook (International Monetary Fund)', explicitly attributing WEO to the IMF.
  • Includes WEO in a list of publications by international organizations, naming IMF as the publisher.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
Strength: 5/5
“• Usually published twice a year by IMF (usually April and October). • Showcases the staff economists' analysis and forecasts of global economic developments and policies in the member countries of IMF during the near and medium term. • The report also indicates the risks and uncertainty that may threaten growth of member countries. • As per the last published October 2020 World Economic Outlook report: • Due to COVID-19 pandemic, global GDP growth is projected to decline to -4%. This October 2020 report was titled 'A long and Difficult Ascent'.”
Why relevant

Explicit description says 'World Economic Outlook' is usually published twice a year by IMF, identifying the IMF as the WEO publisher.

How to extend

A student could combine this with basic knowledge that the IMF issues major global economic forecasts to conclude IMF — not UNDP — is the likely publisher of WEO.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
Strength: 5/5
“• It looks upon the international monetary system and monitors the economic and financial policies, thereby highlighting the possible risks to stability and advises member countries on the same. • IMF publishes two periodic reports in this regard 'World Economic Outlook' and 'Global Financial Stability Report'.”
Why relevant

States that the IMF publishes two periodic reports including 'World Economic Outlook', reinforcing the IMF as the WEO issuer.

How to extend

Use this pattern (IMF publishes periodic global economic surveillance reports) to rule out other UN agencies as WEO publishers unless evidence shows otherwise.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 8: Inclusive growth and issues > 3. Human Development Index > p. 282
Strength: 4/5
“United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publishes its annual report called "Human Development Report" (HDR), which captures the HDI. Since 2010, the HDR also includes Inequality-adjusted HDI, Gender Inequality Index (GII) and Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI).”
Why relevant

Clarifies that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publishes the annual 'Human Development Report', showing UNDP has its own distinct flagship report.

How to extend

A student can infer that UNDP focuses on human development reporting, so would be less likely to publish an IMF-style global economic forecast like the WEO.

FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Human Development > MEASURING HUMAN DEVELOPMENT > p. 18
Strength: 4/5
“Since 1990, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been publishing the Human Development Report every year. This report provides a rank-wise list of all member countries according to the level of human development. The Human Development index and the Human Poverty index are two important indices to measure human development used by the UNDP. It is a non-income measure. The probability of not surviving till the age of 40, the adult illiteracy rate, the number of people who do not have access to clean water, and the number of small children who are underweight are all taken into account to show the shortfall in human development in any region.”
Why relevant

NCERT notes UNDP's long-standing publication of the Human Development Report, illustrating the institutional pattern of specific agencies owning particular flagship reports.

How to extend

Combine this institutional-pattern idea with knowledge of which agencies focus on macroeconomic surveillance (IMF) vs. human development (UNDP) to judge who publishes WEO.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Development Report > p. 526
Strength: 3/5
“• It is published annually since 1978 by IBRD or World Bank. • The report provides an in-depth analysis of a specific aspect of the economic development.”
Why relevant

Gives an example of another institution (World Bank/IBRD) publishing its own signature report ('World Development Report'), supporting the pattern that major international bodies each produce distinct flagship reports.

How to extend

Apply this pattern to reason that WEO is likely the flagship of whichever institution is known for global economic forecasts (IMF), not UNDP.

Statement 3
Does the World Economic Forum publish the publication titled "World Economic Outlook"?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Country group aggregates and growth rates in the World Economic Outlook (International Monetary Fund)"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly identifies the World Economic Outlook as being from the International Monetary Fund, not the World Economic Forum.
  • Shows how other organizations (e.g., World Bank, WEF) reference the WEO as an IMF publication.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"©IMF, 2025 World Economic Outlook"
Why this source?
  • Page header and copyright explicitly attribute the World Economic Outlook to the IMF.
  • Provides links and materials for the World Economic Outlook on an IMF domain, confirming IMF authorship/publishing.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
Strength: 5/5
“• Usually published twice a year by IMF (usually April and October). • Showcases the staff economists' analysis and forecasts of global economic developments and policies in the member countries of IMF during the near and medium term. • The report also indicates the risks and uncertainty that may threaten growth of member countries. • As per the last published October 2020 World Economic Outlook report: • Due to COVID-19 pandemic, global GDP growth is projected to decline to -4%. This October 2020 report was titled 'A long and Difficult Ascent'.”
Why relevant

Explicitly states World Economic Outlook (WEO) is usually published twice a year by the IMF and describes its content.

How to extend

A student can take this rule (WEO = IMF publication) and check major institutions' publication lists or memory to see that WEF is not listed as WEO's publisher.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
Strength: 5/5
“• It looks upon the international monetary system and monitors the economic and financial policies, thereby highlighting the possible risks to stability and advises member countries on the same. • IMF publishes two periodic reports in this regard 'World Economic Outlook' and 'Global Financial Stability Report'.”
Why relevant

Says IMF publishes two periodic reports in surveillance: 'World Economic Outlook' and 'Global Financial Stability Report', linking WEO directly to IMF's surveillance role.

How to extend

Use the pattern that IMF authors WEO as part of its surveillance reports to judge that another institution (WEF) would not be the issuer of this IMF-linked report.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > 13. Which one of the following issues 'Global Economic Prospects' report periodically? > p. 556
Strength: 4/5
“• (a) The Asian Development Bank • (b) The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development • (c) The US Federal Reserve Bank • (d) The World Bank • 14. Which of the following organisations brings out the publication 'World Economic Outlook'? • (a) The International Monetary Fund • (b) The United Nations Development Programme • (c) The World Economic Forum • (d) The World Bank”
Why relevant

Contains an objective-style question listing organisations and asking which brings out 'World Economic Outlook', with 'The International Monetary Fund' as an option.

How to extend

Recognize that examination materials treat WEO as associated with IMF rather than WEF, so a student could infer WEF is unlikely the publisher and verify on IMF/WEF sites.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION INDEX > p. 444
Strength: 4/5
“• It is published annually by World Economic Forum (WEF) after comparing the energy sectors ۰ of 115 countries.• The index is based on a country's effort to balance the Energy Triangle, which is: energy security and access, economic development and growth, and environmental sustainability”
Why relevant

Shows the World Economic Forum publishes specific named reports (e.g., Global Energy Transition Index), illustrating that WEF has its own distinct publications.

How to extend

By comparing lists—WEO named under IMF while WEF has other named reports—a student can distinguish which institution issues which publication.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > 2020 > p. 554
Strength: 3/5
“The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the (a) International Monetary Fund (b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (c) World Economic Forum (d) World Bank No question • 5. Consider the following statements: • 1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO. • 2. TFA is a part of WTO's Bali Ministerial Package of 2013. • 3. TFA came into force in January 2016. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 3 only 6. With reference to the 'National Intellectual Property Rights Policy', consider the following statements: 1.”
Why relevant

Notes the Global Competitiveness Report is published by (options include) World Economic Forum, exemplifying that WEF publishes different flagship reports.

How to extend

Use this example to form the rule 'WEF publishes reports like Global Competitiveness, not WEO' and then check publishers for WEO to test the statement.

Statement 4
Does the World Bank publish the publication titled "World Economic Outlook"?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
Presence: 5/5
“• Usually published twice a year by IMF (usually April and October). • Showcases the staff economists' analysis and forecasts of global economic developments and policies in the member countries of IMF during the near and medium term. • The report also indicates the risks and uncertainty that may threaten growth of member countries. • As per the last published October 2020 World Economic Outlook report: • Due to COVID-19 pandemic, global GDP growth is projected to decline to -4%. This October 2020 report was titled 'A long and Difficult Ascent'.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the 'World Economic Outlook' is usually published twice a year by the IMF.
  • Describes the WEO as IMF staff economists' analysis and forecasts, linking authorship to the IMF.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
Presence: 5/5
“• It looks upon the international monetary system and monitors the economic and financial policies, thereby highlighting the possible risks to stability and advises member countries on the same. • IMF publishes two periodic reports in this regard 'World Economic Outlook' and 'Global Financial Stability Report'.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies the IMF as the publisher of two periodic reports, explicitly naming 'World Economic Outlook'.
  • Directly attributes the WEO to the IMF rather than the World Bank.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC consistently asks 'Who publishes X?' for major global reports. The pattern is cyclical: they rotate between IMF, World Bank, WEF, and UNDP. The focus is usually on reports that track macro-economic stability, human development, or competitiveness.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from standard sources like Nitin Singhania (Ch. 18) or any basic Current Affairs compilation.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: International Economic Institutions (IMF, WB, WTO) and their surveillance/monitoring mandates.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Confusing Twins': IMF publishes 'World Economic Outlook' & 'Global Financial Stability Report'. World Bank publishes 'Global Economic Prospects' & 'World Development Report'. WEF publishes 'Global Competitiveness Report' & 'Global Gender Gap Report'.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not study reports in isolation. Create a comparative table: Column A (Organization), Column B (Flagship Reports), Column C (Key Focus). Specifically, distinguish between 'Outlook' (IMF) and 'Prospects' (World Bank) to avoid exam-hall paralysis.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 World Economic Outlook (WEO) — IMF's flagship report
💡 The insight

The question asks which institution publishes WEO; references directly identify WEO as an IMF publication and describe its purpose.

High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask which international body issues major reports. Knowing WEO's publisher, purpose (global forecasts/risks) and periodicity (biannual) helps answer both direct 'which organisation' and contextual questions about global economic monitoring. Learn by tabulating major reports and their issuing institutions, and practise recall.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
🔗 Anchor: "Does the International Monetary Fund publish the publication titled "World Econo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 IMF periodic reports (e.g., GFSR, External Sector Report)
💡 The insight

References group WEO with other IMF periodic reports (Global Financial Stability Report) and reference IMF's External Sector Report, showing IMF's reporting remit.

Useful for comparative/linked questions: UPSC may ask matching reports to institutions or ask about IMF's surveillance role. Memorise lists of core IMF reports and their focus areas (macroeconomic forecasts, financial stability, external positions).

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > External Sector Report > p. 520
🔗 Anchor: "Does the International Monetary Fund publish the publication titled "World Econo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 IMF's surveillance role and its publications
💡 The insight

Evidence connects IMF surveillance to publications (WEO and GFSR) used to monitor risks and advise members.

Conceptually important for polity/economy sections: understanding IMF functions (surveillance, lending, technical assistance) and the reports that embody surveillance helps answer conceptual and applied questions on global economic governance. Integrate this with study of IMF objectives and instruments.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
🔗 Anchor: "Does the International Monetary Fund publish the publication titled "World Econo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 IMF's World Economic Outlook (WEO)
💡 The insight

WEO is the specific publication named in the statement; multiple references identify which organisation publishes WEO.

High-yield factual item: UPSC often asks which international body issues flagship economic reports. Knowing WEO is an IMF report helps answer direct MCQs and interpret IMF surveillance functions. Prepare by memorising flagship reports and their publishers and linking them to the institution's mandate.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
🔗 Anchor: "Does the United Nations Development Programme publish the publication titled "Wo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 UNDP's Human Development Report (HDR)
💡 The insight

The statement mentions UNDP; the references instead attribute a different flagship annual report (HDR) to UNDP, useful for contrast.

Important to distinguish between similar-sounding organisations and their flagship reports. UPSC questions frequently test matching reports to agencies (e.g., HDR → UNDP). Study by making a two-column list of organisations and their key publications.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 8: Inclusive growth and issues > 3. Human Development Index > p. 282
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Human Development > MEASURING HUMAN DEVELOPMENT > p. 18
🔗 Anchor: "Does the United Nations Development Programme publish the publication titled "Wo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Flagship reports of international organisations (mapping reports to publishers)
💡 The insight

Several references list flagship reports (World Development Report, World Oil Outlook, SOFI) alongside their publishers, illustrating the broader pattern needed to evaluate the statement.

Broad mapping is often tested—matching reports to institutions is a recurring UPSC theme across GS papers. Learning these associations enables quick elimination in MCQs and supports answers in polity/economy essays. Build a revision chart of organisations vs. flagship publications.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Development Report > p. 526
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) > p. 549
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020 (SOFI 2020) > p. 339
🔗 Anchor: "Does the United Nations Development Programme publish the publication titled "Wo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Major IMF Publications (World Economic Outlook & Global Financial Stability Report)
💡 The insight

The references identify 'World Economic Outlook' and 'Global Financial Stability Report' as reports published by the IMF, directly addressing who issues WEO.

UPSC often asks which international body publishes specific reports. Memorising IMF flagship reports helps answer questions on global economic surveillance and macroeconomic outlooks; link these to IMF's role in surveillance and forecasting. Prepare by compiling and revising a short list of IMF periodic reports and their frequencies.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > World Economic Outlook (WEO) > p. 519
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Surveillance > p. 514
🔗 Anchor: "Does the World Economic Forum publish the publication titled "World Economic Out..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Global Economic Prospects' report is the logical sibling often confused with WEO. While WEO is IMF (short/medium-term macro surveillance), Global Economic Prospects is World Bank (focusing on development impact). Another shadow fact: The 'Fiscal Monitor' is also an IMF publication.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the 'Mandate Logic': IMF is the world's 'Crisis Monitor'—it looks at stability and future risks (hence 'Outlook' and 'Stability'). World Bank is the 'Development Bank'—it looks at long-term growth and poverty (hence 'Development' and 'Prospects'). WEF is a private club—it looks at business metrics (hence 'Competitiveness' and 'Gap').

🔗 Mains Connection

Use WEO data in GS-3 Mains answers. When writing about 'Indian Economy's Resilience' or 'Global Headwinds', quoting 'As per IMF's latest WEO, India is projected to grow at X%...' adds authoritative weight that generic statements lack.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

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“World Development Report” is an annual publication of

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The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the

IAS · 2001 · Q74 Relevance score: 1.56

Consider the following organisations : I. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development II. International Finance Corporation III. International Fund for Agricultural Development IV. International Monetary Fund Which of these are agencies of the United Nations ?

CDS-II · 2006 · Q76 Relevance score: 0.87

Which organization was setup in November, 1966 following the recommendation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East to foster economic growth and cooperationin the region of Asia and the Far East ?

IAS · 2015 · Q21 Relevance score: 0.83

Which one of the following issues the 'Global Economic Prospects' report periodically?