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Q100 (IAS/2023) International Relations & Global Affairs › International Organisations & Groupings › Global economic governance Official Key

Consider the following statements about G-20 : 1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the international economic and financial issues. 2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India's G-20 priorities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 (Both 1 and 2) because both statements accurately describe the evolution and current focus of the G-20.

  • Statement 1 is correct: The G-20 was established in 1999 in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis. It was initially conceived as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to deliberate on global economic stability and financial regulation. It was only elevated to the level of Heads of State/Government in 2008 following the global financial crisis.
  • Statement 2 is correct: During its 2023 Presidency, India centered its agenda on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). India successfully advocated for the "G20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure," emphasizing how digital identity, payment systems, and data exchange can drive financial inclusion and sustainable development.

Since both the historical origin and the contemporary priority mentioned are factually accurate, Option 3 is the right choice.

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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. Consider the following statements about G-20 : 1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and …
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 5/10 · 5/10

This is a classic 'Static + Dynamic' combo. Statement 1 is standard textbook history (International Orgs), while Statement 2 is the headline theme of the year (India's G20 Presidency). If India hosts a summit, you must know the specific agenda pillars, not just the venue.

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
Was the G-20 originally established as a platform for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > B G<sub>20</sub> > p. 547
Presence: 5/5
“1100004 • It was established in 1999 to bring together systematically important industrialised and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy. • India is a member of G20. di. • It includes the finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries ö and EU. • Together the member countries represent around 90 per cent of the global GDP, 80 per × cent of world trade as well as two-thirds of the world's population.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states G20 was established in 1999 to bring together major industrialised and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy.
  • Specifies the grouping includes the finance ministers and central bank governors of member countries (plus the EU), linking membership to those office-holders.
  • Combines purpose (discussing global economic issues) with composition (FMs and central bank governors), matching the claim that it was a platform for those officials.
Statement 2
Did India list "digital public infrastructure" as one of its G-20 priorities during its 2023 G-20 presidency?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"E. TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION AND DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE ............................... 22 BUILDING DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................... 22"
Why this source?
  • This is the official G20 New Delhi document's table of contents listing a dedicated theme on technological transformation and 'Digital Public Infrastructure', indicating it was a named priority area.
  • The presence of headings like 'BUILDING DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE' shows DPI was part of the presidency's agenda structure.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Building Digital Public Infrastructure 56. We recognize that safe, secure, trusted, accountable and inclusive digital public infrastructure, respectful of human rights, personal data, privacy and intellectual property rights can foster resilience, and enable service delivery and innovation. To this end, we: i. Welcome the G20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure, a voluntary"
Why this source?
  • The New Delhi Leaders' Declaration explicitly discusses 'Building Digital Public Infrastructure' and welcomes a G20 framework on DPI.
  • The declaration affirms the importance of safe, secure, trusted and inclusive digital public infrastructure — showing substantive treatment of the topic under India's G20.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Its priorities include green development, climate finance, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive growth."
Why this source?
  • An independent summary of India's G20 presidency explicitly lists 'digital public infrastructure' among India's stated priorities.
  • This supports the interpretation that DPI was a named priority during India's G20 term.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 15: Budget and Economic Survey > 15.2 Economic Survey 2022-23 > p. 450
Strength: 5/5
“8. Digital Public Infrastructure: Besides the push to physical infrastructure, the government's emphasis on developing public digital infrastructure during the last few years has been a game changer in enhancing the economic potential of individuals and businesses. With its strong forward linkages to the non-digital sectors, digitalization strengthens potential economic growth through various channels such as higher financial inclusion, greater formalization, increased efficiencies and enhanced opportunities. Based on the pillars of a digital identity Aadhar, linking bank accounts with PM-Jan Dhan Yojana, and the penetration of mobile phones (JAM Trinity), the country has witnessed significant progress in financial inclusion in recent years.”
Why relevant

Defines and highlights 'Digital Public Infrastructure' (JAM trinity, Aadhaar, bank linkages, mobile penetration) as a recent government priority with economic linkages.

How to extend

A student could note that a national priority with explicit economic benefits is a plausible topic to elevate to an international forum like the G20 and therefore check official G20 2023 priority documents for inclusion.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > Part V: Government Reforms and Enablers > p. 622
Strength: 4/5
“• Implementation of National Digital Health Blueprint through National Digital \Health Mission to be undertaken. • Education sector: • A programme PM eVIDYA to be launched for multi-mode access to digital/online education. It is to consist of: • 1. DIKSHA (one nation, one digital platform) for school education in States/UTs: In this regard, e-content and QR-coded energised textbooks for all grades to be launched. • 2. Special e-content to be ensured for visually and hearing impaired. • To exclude COVID-19-related debt from the definition of 'default' under the Indian Bankruptcy Code, 2016. • Private companies which list non-convertible debentures on stock exchanges not to be regarded as listed companies. • Public sector enterprises (PSEs) related: • In strategic sectors, private sector to be allowed.”
Why relevant

Lists several national digital initiatives (National Digital Health Blueprint, PM eVIDYA, DIKSHA) showing a pattern of India packaging concrete digital public programs as policy priorities.

How to extend

One could infer India had substantive digital-program content to present internationally and thus compare G20 summit themes or ministerial communiqués to see if such items appear.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Digital India: a Step Forward in e-Governance > p. 778
Strength: 4/5
“One of the basic aims of the Modi government was to encourage electronic governance. Considering the importance of reducing the paperwork involved in the public - government interface and thereby lowering the corruption levels, the Modi government launched the Digital India campaign within three months of taking office, in August 2014. The success of several socio-economic and governance programmes, existing as well as intended to be launched, depended upon the efficacy of Digital India. The idea was to electronically empower the Indian citizen and the economy. The programme was designed to get all government departments and the people of India to connect with each other digitally or electronically, so that governance could be improved.”
Why relevant

Explains the Digital India campaign as a core e‑governance priority of the Modi government, indicating long‑standing emphasis on digital public services.

How to extend

Combine this with the general fact that G20 presidencies often project domestic flagship initiatives abroad to hypothesize that Digital India-related concepts (e.g., DPIs) may have featured in India’s 2023 G20 outreach, then verify against G20 records.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > National Digital Communication Policy, 2018 > p. 463
Strength: 3/5
“• Objectives of the policy include: • Provisioning of broadband for all. • Creating 4 million additional jobs in the digital communication sector. • Enhancing the contribution of the digital communication sector to 8 per cent of India's GDP from 6.5 per cent. • Propelling India to the top 50 nations in the ICT Development Index of ITU. • Enhancing India's contribution to global value chains.”
Why relevant

National Digital Communication Policy objectives (broadband, ICT growth) show a policy framework for scaling digital infrastructure, consistent with the concept of public digital infrastructure.

How to extend

Use this as evidence India has policy language and targets that could be framed as G20 priority material; check G20 digital/technology tracks (ministerial statements) for matching language.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 14: Infrastructure and Investment Models > 14.20 PM Gati Shakti > p. 442
Strength: 3/5
“• It is the National Master Plan for infrastructure development and multi-modal connectivity (connecting various modes of transport like road, rail, airway, shipping etc.) which signals a paradigm shift in our approach to development planning.• Gati Shakti is a digital platform which will bring several Ministries including Railways and Roadways together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation and execution of infrastructure connectivity projects. It will be a game changer in interministerial and inter-departmental cooperation in infrastructure planning.• Gati-Shakti will incorporate the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, UDAN etc.”
Why relevant

Describes PM Gati Shakti as a digital platform for integrated infrastructure planning, showing the government frames infrastructure initiatives as including digital platforms.

How to extend

A student might extend the pattern that India integrates 'digital' into major infrastructure priorities, so they should examine G20 infrastructure/digital agendas from 2023 for similar integrative framing.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC validates your depth by checking if you know the 'Origin Story' (Why was it made?) and the 'Current Story' (What are we doing now?). Always prepare the founding year/reason for major bodies alongside current summits.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Statement 1 is in every standard economy book (Singhania/Ramesh Singh). Statement 2 was the biggest news of 2023. Source: Nitin Singhania (Ch. 18) + The Hindu.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: International Economic Institutions & Summits. Specifically, the evolution of G20 from a 'Crisis Manager' to a 'Global Steering Committee'.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the G20 Timeline: Founded 1999 (post-Asian Financial Crisis) for FMs/Central Bankers -> Upgraded to Heads of State in 2008 (post-Global Financial Crisis). Key Terms: Troika (Past-Present-Future presidencies), Sherpa Track vs. Finance Track, Global Biofuels Alliance, African Union inclusion (2023).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: The 'Host Protocol': When India hosts a multilateral event (G20, SCO, etc.), the exam will ask about India's specific contributions (DPI, LiFE, Millets). Do not stop at 'India hosted it'; list the 3-4 specific outcomes India pushed.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 G20 origin, membership and purpose
💡 The insight

G20 was created in 1999 to convene major economies for discussion of key global economic issues and is composed of finance ministers and central bank governors plus the EU.

High-yield for UPSC because questions commonly ask about the genesis, composition and objectives of major international groupings; connects to international economic governance and India’s role in multilateral forums. Mastering this enables quick answers to 'origin and purpose' and 'composition' style questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > B G<sub>20</sub> > p. 547
🔗 Anchor: "Was the G-20 originally established as a platform for Finance Ministers and Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Role of Finance Ministers vs Central Bank Governors in international fora
💡 The insight

Finance ministers and central bank governors are the designated representatives who meet in international settings to address monetary, fiscal and financial stability issues.

Important for distinguishing political (fiscal/ policy) and technical (monetary/financial stability) responsibilities in exam questions; links to IMF/World Bank functions and to governance questions on who negotiates economic policy internationally. Useful for 'distinguish', 'explain roles', and current affairs linkage questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > B G<sub>20</sub> > p. 547
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Board of Governors > p. 513
🔗 Anchor: "Was the G-20 originally established as a platform for Finance Ministers and Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Bretton Woods institutions and their mandates
💡 The insight

The IMF and World Bank were established after WWII to manage international monetary relations and reconstruction/development, forming the backbone of global financial architecture discussed in multilateral fora.

Core syllabus topic frequently asked in prelims and mains (origins, objectives, differences); understanding these institutions helps contextualise why bodies like G20 discuss global economic and financial stability. Enables comparative and analytical answers on global economic governance.

📚 Reading List :
  • India and the Contemporary World – II. History-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: The Making of a Global World > 4.1 Post-war Settlement and the Bretton Woods Institutions > p. 75
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > BRETTON WOODS INSTITUTIONS > p. 512
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.14 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank > p. 396
🔗 Anchor: "Was the G-20 originally established as a platform for Finance Ministers and Cent..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its economic role
💡 The insight

Digital Public Infrastructure is described as a game-changer that strengthens growth via higher financial inclusion, formalisation, efficiencies and opportunities.

High-yield for UPSC questions on economic reforms, digital governance and inclusive growth. Mastering DPI helps answer questions on how digital systems affect fiscal transfers, financial sector reforms and MSME formalisation; it links economy, governance and technology topics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 15: Budget and Economic Survey > 15.2 Economic Survey 2022-23 > p. 450
🔗 Anchor: "Did India list "digital public infrastructure" as one of its G-20 priorities dur..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 JAM Trinity (Aadhaar–Jan Dhan–Mobile) as an enabler of DPI
💡 The insight

The Aadhaar–Jan Dhan–Mobile linkage is presented as the core pillar supporting financial inclusion and DPI-enabled public services.

Essential for questions on direct benefit transfers, financial inclusion and DBT efficiency. Understanding JAM clarifies policy design for welfare delivery, fiscal leakages prevention and digital identity issues; it connects to social justice and public finance topics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 15: Budget and Economic Survey > 15.2 Economic Survey 2022-23 > p. 450
🔗 Anchor: "Did India list "digital public infrastructure" as one of its G-20 priorities dur..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 National digital platforms for integrated governance (e.g., PM Gati Shakti, Digital India)
💡 The insight

National digital platforms are highlighted as instruments to integrate ministries, improve planning and enable e-governance.

Valuable for questions on infrastructure policy, inter-ministerial coordination and e-governance reforms. Knowing these platforms helps explain implementation mechanisms, PPP roles and smart-city/urban governance linkages across GS papers and essays.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 14: Infrastructure and Investment Models > 14.20 PM Gati Shakti > p. 442
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Digital India: a Step Forward in e-Governance > p. 778
🔗 Anchor: "Did India list "digital public infrastructure" as one of its G-20 priorities dur..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Upgrade' Trap: G20 started in 1999 for Ministers, but was upgraded to the 'Leaders' Summit' (Heads of State) only in 2008 due to the Global Financial Crisis. UPSC will likely swap these dates or reasons in a future question.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use 'Flagship Logic' for Statement 2: India is globally renowned for UPI and Aadhaar. It is logically impossible for India to host the G20 and NOT make its biggest success story (Digital Infrastructure) a priority. Positive assertions about India's strong suits in international forums are almost always Correct.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (IR) & GS-3 (Tech): India is using 'Digital Public Infrastructure' (India Stack/UPI) as a tool of 'Soft Power Diplomacy' to lead the Global South, offering low-cost governance solutions to developing nations.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

NDA-I · 2011 · Q79 Relevance score: 2.76

Consider the following statements : 1. The G20 was established in 2008 in the wake of the global financial crisis led by the USA 2. It brings together the major advanced and emerging economies to stabilize the global financial market 3. India’s stand on Mutual Assessment Process (MAP) for measuring imbalances between surplus and deficit economies in the Seoul conference of G20 in the year 2010 was firmly endorsed by all the nations Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

CAPF · 2025 · Q22 Relevance score: 1.12

Which one among the following statements is not correct? (a) The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was set up in 2010. (b) The National Logistics Policy (NLP) was launched in 2022. (c) The Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) was instituted in NABARD during 1995-96. (d) The G20 was formed in 2001 as a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors.

IAS · 2022 · Q94 Relevance score: 0.25

With reference to the "G20 Common Framework", consider the following statements : 1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club. 2. It is an initiative to support Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2016 · Q56 Relevance score: -1.22

With reference to Financial Stability and Development Council', consider the following statements : 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog. 2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister. 3. It monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2016 · Q15 Relevance score: -1.41

With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements : 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy, and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work. 2. The World Bank participates as observer in IMFC's meetings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?