📘 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.
