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Q67 (IAS/2025) International Relations & Global Affairs › International Organisations & Groupings › International financial institutions Answer Verified

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) : I. It provides loans and guarantees to middle income countries. II. It works single-handedly to help developing countries to reduce poverty. III. It was established to help Europe rebuild after the World War II. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

IBRD was established in 1944 as one of the Bretton Woods Institutions to help Europe rebuild after World War II[1], making statement III correct. After Europe's reconstruction, IBRD shifted its focus towards middle income and creditworthy poorer countries[1], and it lends money to government of middle income countries and creditworthy LICs[2], confirming statement I is correct.

However, statement II is incorrect because IBRD does not work "single-handedly." Together, IBRD and IDA make up the World Bank[3], and the term 'World Bank Group' refers to a group of five institutions[4], indicating that poverty reduction is a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions, not IBRD working alone.

Therefore, only statements I and III are correct, making option C the right answer.

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > World Bank > p. 399
  2. [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Functions of IBRD > p. 524
  3. [3] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > International Development Association (IDA) > p. 400
  4. [4] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Important Facts > p. 523
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Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) : I. It provides loans …
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a textbook 'Sitter' question directly solvable from standard Economy resources like Vivek Singh or Nitin Singhania. The presence of the extreme modifier 'single-handedly' in Statement II makes this an easy elimination play, even if you recall only the basic structure of the World Bank Group.

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 Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) provide loans and guarantees to middle-income countries?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > World Bank > p. 399
Presence: 5/5
“The World Bank includes two institutions IBRD and IDA: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) • IBRD was established in 1944 as one of the Bretton Wood Institutions to help Europe rebuild after World War II.• But as Europe rapidly rebuilt its economies, IBRD shifted its focus towards middle income and credit worthy poorer countries to promote sustainable, equitable and job creating growth, reduce poverty and address issues of regional and global importance.• IBRD was established to function as self-sustaining business and provide loans and advice to middle income and creditworthy poor countries. Its resources are used exclusively for the benefit of the members.• IBRD raises most of its funds from the world financial/capital markets.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states IBRD shifted focus toward middle‑income and creditworthy poorer countries.
  • Says IBRD was established to provide loans and advice to middle‑income and creditworthy poor countries.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Functions of IBRD > p. 524
Presence: 5/5
“• It lends money to government of middle income countries and creditworthy LICs. ۵• It provides long-term loans in large volumes, with longer maturity and low rate of ۰ interest.• It promotes key policy and institutional reforms such as safety net or anti-corruption a reforms.• It helps preserve borrowers' financial strength (by supporting them during their o. financial crisis).”
Why this source?
  • Specifically notes IBRD lends money to governments of middle‑income countries and creditworthy low‑income countries.
  • Describes IBRD's lending terms (long‑term, large volumes, low interest), reinforcing its lending role for middle‑income countries.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.14 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank > p. 396
Presence: 4/5
“The following is a comparison between the World Bank and IMF: Objective: | Objective: • World Bank:  Reconstruction of war affected countries (achieved) To promote development to raise standard of living in developing countries (& LDC also) To eliminate poverty To promote investment in developing countries by providing finance, technical assistance (related to development programmes, environment and infrastructure) and guarantees; IMF:  To promote international monetary cooperation (facilitate payments transactions) To assist member countries to overcome Balance of Payment problems To ensure exchange rate stability To ensure balanced international trade To minimize restrictions on convertibility of currencies Surveillance (it reviews economic policies of member countries and assess risks especially financial risks) Provides technical assistance like training to officials, related to banking, finance, BoP Policy advice to governments and Central Banks based on analysis of economic trends and cross-country experiences. • World Bank: Source of Funds: Share capital (subscribed by member countries based on share in GDP) Issuance of bonds in international financial markets (main source of funds); IMF: Source of Funds: Quota (subscribed by member countries) (main source of funds) o 25% in Gold or foreign currency o 75% in Domestic currency Borrowings from specific countries • World Bank: Lending Usually long term loans of 25 to 30 years to developing and LDC countries Usually concessional loans without condition Lends for both policy reforms and projects; IMF: Lending Usually conditional short-term loans to all member countries to reform those things which resulted in crisis Usually non concessional loans Lends for only policy reforms and not for specific projects • World Bank: Votes: Votes = Basic votes + 1 vote for each Share (1 share = $ One lakh); IMF: Votes: Votes = Basic votes + 1 vote for each Quota of SDR one lakh • World Bank: Basic votes are equally allotted to all member countries; IMF: Basic votes are equally allotted to all member countries”
Why this source?
  • Describes World Bank instruments as including finance, technical assistance and guarantees used to promote investment.
  • Links the World Bank's use of guarantees to the broader institution that includes IBRD, supporting the inference that IBRD can be associated with guarantees as part of World Bank operations.
Statement 2
Does the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) work single-handedly to help developing countries reduce poverty?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Important Facts > p. 523
Presence: 5/5
“• The term 'World Bank' generally refers to IBRD and IDA as they have the same head and management, while the term 'World Bank Group' refers to a group of five institutions, namely • 1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) • 2. International Development Association (IDA) • 3. International Finance Corporation (IFC) • 4. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) • 5.”
Why this source?
  • Defines 'World Bank' as IBRD and IDA while distinguishing the broader 'World Bank Group' of five institutions, implying multiple agencies share development roles.
  • Shows IBRD is one of several institutions involved in development, not the sole actor.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > World Bank > p. 399
Presence: 4/5
“The World Bank includes two institutions IBRD and IDA: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) • IBRD was established in 1944 as one of the Bretton Wood Institutions to help Europe rebuild after World War II.• But as Europe rapidly rebuilt its economies, IBRD shifted its focus towards middle income and credit worthy poorer countries to promote sustainable, equitable and job creating growth, reduce poverty and address issues of regional and global importance.• IBRD was established to function as self-sustaining business and provide loans and advice to middle income and creditworthy poor countries. Its resources are used exclusively for the benefit of the members.• IBRD raises most of its funds from the world financial/capital markets.”
Why this source?
  • States the World Bank includes two institutions, IBRD and IDA, indicating IBRD operates within a multi-institution framework.
  • Describes IBRD's shifted focus but within the context of the World Bank's structure, implying collaboration with other entities.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > International Development Association (IDA) > p. 400
Presence: 4/5
“• IDA is funded largely by contributions from the governments of its member countries. Additional funds come from IBRD and International Finance Corporation (IFC).• Together, IBRD and IDA make up the World Bank. The voting power of the member countries in the World Bank is based on the economic size (GDP) in addition to their contribution to the IDA. World Bank gives loan to member countries/Govt. and private agencies in the member countries.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly notes IDA and IBRD together make up the World Bank and that IDA receives funds from governments and from IBRD/IFC, showing inter-institution financial cooperation.
  • Demonstrates shared functions and funding relationships between IBRD and sister institutions in poverty-reduction efforts.
Statement 3
Was the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) established to help Europe rebuild after World War II?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > World Bank > p. 399
Presence: 5/5
“The World Bank includes two institutions IBRD and IDA: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) • IBRD was established in 1944 as one of the Bretton Wood Institutions to help Europe rebuild after World War II.• But as Europe rapidly rebuilt its economies, IBRD shifted its focus towards middle income and credit worthy poorer countries to promote sustainable, equitable and job creating growth, reduce poverty and address issues of regional and global importance.• IBRD was established to function as self-sustaining business and provide loans and advice to middle income and creditworthy poor countries. Its resources are used exclusively for the benefit of the members.• IBRD raises most of its funds from the world financial/capital markets.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states IBRD was established in 1944 to help Europe rebuild after World War II.
  • Clarifies IBRD's initial mission before it later shifted focus to other countries.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference) > p. 376
Presence: 5/5
“Hence, the conference proposed the following: • 1. Creation of an International Trade Organization (ITO) to establish rules and regulations for international trade.• 2. Creation of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to help in the reconstruction of nations devastated by the 2nd World War.• 3. Creation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) to monitor exchange rates and lend reserve currencies to nations with trade deficits.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies creation of IBRD at the Bretton Woods conference to help reconstruct nations devastated by World War II.
  • Directly links IBRD's founding purpose to post-war reconstruction.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > 18.14 Indian Economy > p. 524
Presence: 5/5
“The initial objective of establishing IBRD was to assist the Second World War ravaged countries in their reconstruction. Later, economic development of developing and poor nations became the goal. \sim 50 \pm • India is the founding member of IBRD. • Currently IBRD has 189 members (Headquarters: Washington DC).”
Why this source?
  • States the initial objective was to assist Second World War–ravaged countries in their reconstruction.
  • Notes that IBRD's goals later evolved toward economic development of poorer countries.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves splitting 'umbrella' organizations into their specific components. If a question names a specific arm (IBRD), check if the function described actually belongs to a sister arm (like IDA or IFC). Also, extreme modifiers in institutional roles are usually traps.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from standard Economy sources (Vivek Singh Ch-13 / Nitin Singhania Ch-18).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Bretton Woods Institutions & International Financial Organizations (The distinction between IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 5 Arms: 1) IBRD (Middle-income govts, hard loans), 2) IDA (Poorest countries, 'soft' loans/grants), 3) IFC (Private sector investment), 4) MIGA (Political risk insurance), 5) ICSID (Dispute settlement - India is NOT a member).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not study 'World Bank' as a monolith. Always create a 3-column table for the 5 arms: Target Audience (Govt vs Private), Income Level (Middle vs Poor), and Instrument (Loan vs Guarantee vs Insurance).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 IBRD lending target: middle‑income and creditworthy poorer countries
💡 The insight

IBRD primarily lends to middle‑income countries and creditworthy poorer countries.

High‑yield for UPSC because questions often ask which multilateral bank lends to which income groups; mastering this clarifies distinctions between IBRD and IDA and helps answer questions on external financing and development assistance.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > World Bank > p. 399
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Functions of IBRD > p. 524
🔗 Anchor: "Does the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) provide lo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 World Bank instruments: loans, technical assistance and guarantees
💡 The insight

The World Bank uses loans, technical assistance and guarantees to promote investment and development.

Important for answering questions on policy instruments of multilateral development banks, differentiating the World Bank's project‑level tools from IMF policy lending; useful for questions on how development projects are financed and de‑risked.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.14 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank > p. 396
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > International Development Association (IDA) > p. 400
🔗 Anchor: "Does the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) provide lo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 IBRD and IDA form the core 'World Bank' unit
💡 The insight

IBRD is paired with IDA as the principal arms of the World Bank, so IBRD does not act alone in development and poverty reduction.

High-yield for questions on international financial institutions: explains internal structure of the World Bank, clarifies roles in lending and concessional finance, and helps answer comparison-type questions about institutional responsibilities and cooperation.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > World Bank > p. 399
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > International Development Association (IDA) > p. 400
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Important Facts > p. 523
🔗 Anchor: "Does the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) work singl..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 World Bank Group versus 'World Bank' distinction
💡 The insight

The World Bank Group comprises several institutions (IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, etc.), meaning multiple bodies contribute to development efforts beyond IBRD alone.

Useful for UPSC questions that ask to differentiate institutions and their mandates; links to topics on multilateral development banks, private-sector instruments, and guarantees, enabling clear mapping of which agency handles which function.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > Important Facts > p. 523
🔗 Anchor: "Does the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) work singl..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Different funding streams and instruments within the World Bank system
💡 The insight

IBRD raises funds from capital markets while IDA is funded by member contributions and complementary transfers, showing diversified financing for poverty reduction.

Important for policy and economy questions on development finance: explains why different arms of the World Bank target different borrower categories and use different lending terms (market-based vs concessional), aiding analysis of suitability and impact of financial instruments.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > World Bank > p. 399
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > International Development Association (IDA) > p. 400
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > 13.14 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank > p. 396
🔗 Anchor: "Does the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) work singl..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Bretton Woods institutions (IMF & IBRD)
💡 The insight

IBRD was created as one of the Bretton Woods institutions to address post‑World War II reconstruction.

High yield for UPSC because questions often ask about the post‑war international economic order and institutional origins; links to topics on international finance, post‑war diplomacy, and global governance. Mastering this helps answer chronology and purpose-based questions on multilateral institutions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference) > p. 376
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > CHAPTER SUMMARY > p. 552
🔗 Anchor: "Was the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) established..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 IBRD's original mission and later shift
💡 The insight

IBRD initially focused on reconstructing war‑ravaged countries and later shifted to promoting development in middle‑income and poorer nations.

Important for questions comparing original mandates versus current roles of international organizations; connects to development policy, lending practices, and evolution of multilateral agencies. Enables answers on institutional adaptation and policy priorities over time.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 13: International Organizations > World Bank > p. 399
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 18: International Economic Institutions > 18.14 Indian Economy > p. 524
🔗 Anchor: "Was the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) established..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

India is a founding member of IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA, but it is NOT a member of ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes). This exclusion is a high-probability future trap.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Monopoly' Test: In international relations, no single organization works 'single-handedly' to solve a global issue like poverty. The existence of the UN, NGOs, and local governments makes Statement II logically impossible. Eliminate II → Answer is (C).

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Global Groupings): Link IBRD's weighted voting structure (based on financial contribution) to the demand for 'Democratization of Global Governance' and the rise of alternative banks like NDB (BRICS) and AIIB.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2001 · Q74 Relevance score: 3.16

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 ?

IAS · 1995 · Q48 Relevance score: 2.13

Which of the following constitute the World Bank ? I. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development II. International Finance Corporation III. International Development Association IV. International Monetary Fund. Choose the correct answer from the codes given below : Codes :

CDS-II · 2014 · Q49 Relevance score: 1.74

Consider the following statements relating to the World Bank : 1. The World Bank was established in 1946, which is headquartered in New York. 2. The World Bank Group has set for itself the goal to end extreme poverty from the World by 2030. 3. The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. It is not a bank in the ordinary sense but a unique partner- ship to reduce poverty and support development. 4. The World Bank Group comprises five institutions managed by their member countries in order to promote shared prosperity by fostering the income growth of the bottom 40% for every country. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

IAS · 1996 · Q89 Relevance score: 1.57

Consider the following statements: Most international agencies which fund development programmes in India on intergovernmental bilateral agreements, mainly provide I. Technical assistance. II. Soft loans which are required to be paid back with interest. III. Grants, not required to be paid back. IV. Food assistance to alleviate poverty. Of these statements

IAS · 1998 · Q16 Relevance score: 0.36

Consider the following statements : The price of any currency in international market is decided by the I. World Bank. II. demand for goods/services provided by the country concerned. III. stability of the government of the concerned country. IV. economic potential of the country in question. Of these statements :