📘 Q.12 IAS Prelims 2025 — Economy (International Institutions | IBRD)

🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk


📌 The Question:

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?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III

Correct Answer: (c) I and III only


🧠 Curiosity Raiser

Why does the World Bank have multiple arms instead of one single institution fighting poverty?
Because development problems differ by income level, creditworthiness, and risk.


📘 Enrichment Notes (Institutional Clarity)

🔹 About IBRD

  • Established in 1944 (Bretton Woods Conference)
  • Original mandate: Reconstruction of Europe after World War II
  • Today’s role:
    • Provides loans, guarantees, risk management & advisory services
    • Target group:
      • Middle-income countries
      • Creditworthy low-income countries

Statement I is correct
Statement III is correct


🔹 Why Statement II is incorrect

  • IBRD does not work single-handedly
  • It works along with:
    • IDA (for poorest countries)
    • IFC, MIGA
    • Governments, private sector, multilateral agencies
  • Together, these form the World Bank Group

Statement II is incorrect


🔑 Prelims Memory Hook

  • IBRD = middle-income + creditworthy
  • IDA = poorest
  • World Bank Group = collective effort

🧘‍♂️ IAS Monk Whisper

Rebuilding nations requires not one hand, but a coordinated embrace of many.

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