International Economic Organisations

1.Bretton Woods Conference

• Bretton Woods Conference: Background and ParticipantsImportance 3/5UPSC 2008
  Understand why the 1944 conference was called, with reference to the gold standard, the Great Depression, competitive devaluation and protectionism. Remember when and where it met, how many Allied nations took part, and the two leading figures who shaped it.
• Institutions Proposed at Bretton WoodsImportance 4/5UPSC 2008
  Which three institutions were proposed at Bretton Woods, and what was each meant to do? Understand how short-term balance of payments support differs from long-term development lending. Which one never came into being, and what filled the gap?
• Bretton Woods Fixed Exchange Rate System and Its CollapseImportance 3/5
  How did the Bretton Woods exchange rate system work, and what was it meant to prevent? Remember the roles of the dollar and gold. Understand when and why the system ended, including the Triffin dilemma.

2.International Monetary Fund

• Establishment, Purpose and Objectives of the IMFImportance 3/5UPSC 2001
  How does the 1944 agreement at Bretton Woods differ from the date the IMF formally came into existence and the date it began financial operations? Where is its headquarters? Remember its stated objectives, including those on monetary cooperation and exchange rate stability.
• Functions of the IMFImportance 4/5UPSC 1999, 2005
  Be clear about the IMF's three main functions and what each involves. Understand surveillance, including Article IV consultations and the Financial Sector Assessment Program. Does the IMF lend for specific projects?
• IMF Flagship ReportsImportance 4/5UPSC 2014, 2016
  Know the IMF's flagship reports: the World Economic Outlook, the Global Financial Stability Report and the Fiscal Monitor. Be clear which publications belong to the IMF and which to the World Bank.
• Governance of the IMFImportance 3/5UPSC 2016
  Who holds the highest power in the IMF? Remember the roles of the Executive Board, the Managing Director, the IMFC and the Development Committee. Does the IMFC take decisions, and does the World Bank sit in on its meetings? Is the Managing Director coming from Europe a rule or a convention?
• IMF Membership and the Link to World Bank MembershipImportance 3/5
  Can any country join the IMF? Understand why IMF membership matters for joining the World Bank (the IBRD), and why the two institutions are called the Bretton Woods twins.
• IMF Quota: Formula and What It DeterminesImportance 4/5
  Remember the four factors in the quota formula and the weight of each. What four things does a member's quota decide? Understand the unit in which quotas are expressed.
• Quota Subscription and Voting Power in the IMFImportance 2/5
  How does a member pay its quota subscription, and in what forms? Learn how votes are counted from basic votes and quota. Why is the United States said to have an effective veto on decisions that need an 85% majority?
• India's Quota and Voting Share in the IMFImportance 2/5
  Where does India rank in IMF quota and in voting power at present? Know the latest figures, since they change with quota reviews. Understand why a member's voting share can differ from its quota share.
• IMF Quota Reviews and Governance ReformImportance 3/5
  Learn what a general review of quotas does and how often one must be held. Understand what the 16th review agreed and why it has not yet taken effect. Why are emerging and developing economies under-represented, and why is realigning quotas hard?
• Special Drawing RightsImportance 5/5UPSC 2010, 2016
  Is the SDR a currency? Understand why it is called "paper gold" and who can hold it. Remember when it was created, which currencies form its basket and how the basket is reviewed. Know how SDRs are allocated and exchanged, and where they count in forex reserves.
• Reserve Tranche PositionImportance 4/5UPSC 2020
  How freely can a member use its Reserve Tranche Position, and must it repay? Understand where it counts in a country's foreign exchange reserves. The "gold tranche" is another name for it: which institution does it belong to, and why is it neither a World Bank loan nor an operation of a central bank?
• IMF Lending FacilitiesImportance 4/5UPSC 2005, 2011, 2022
  Learn the main IMF facilities: SBA, EFF, FCL, PLL, SLL and RFI, the concessional PRGT windows (ECF, SCF and RCF), and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Understand which are short-term, medium-term, precautionary or emergency support, and which carry conditions. Are SDRs and the reserve tranche lending facilities?
• IMF Conditionality and BailoutsImportance 2/5
  Which conditions does IMF lending usually carry? Understand why such conditions are criticised, for example for forcing spending cuts in a downturn and limiting a country's freedom to set its own policy.
• India and the IMFImportance 4/5UPSC 2001, 2007
  Remember India's history with the IMF: its founding membership, the 1991 crisis loan and its conditions, and when India last borrowed. When did India accept the IMF's Article VIII obligations (current account convertibility) and subscribe to the SDDS? Why is India now seen as a lender to the Fund?

3.World Bank Group

• World Bank and the World Bank Group: Meaning and CompositionImportance 4/5UPSC 1995, 2001
  What is the difference between the "World Bank" and the "World Bank Group"? Remember which institutions make up each, the year and role of every member of the Group, and the Group's purpose and headquarters.
• International Bank for Reconstruction and DevelopmentImportance 3/5UPSC 2025
  Has the IBRD's role changed since its early years? Understand who its clients are now. Where does it raise most of its funds, and why can it borrow cheaply?
• International Development AssociationImportance 4/5UPSC 1995, 1999, 2010
  Who does the IDA serve, and in what form does it give aid? Understand how it differs from the IBRD in clients and terms, and where its funds come from. Remember when it was set up. What does India's graduation from IDA mean?
• International Finance CorporationImportance 4/5UPSC 2001, 2016
  Whom does the International Finance Corporation lend to, and why is it described as the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group? Remember when it was set up and the other services it offers.
• Multilateral Investment Guarantee AgencyImportance 3/5UPSC 2010
  Understand what the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency offers and to whom. Why does this kind of cover matter for foreign investment in developing countries? Remember when it was formed.
• ICSID and India's PositionImportance 3/5UPSC 2010
  What kind of disputes does ICSID deal with, and by what methods? Remember when it was set up. Is India a member? Understand India's position and the reasons behind it, with reference to the 2016 Model BIT and the rule on local remedies.
• Governance, Voting and Leadership of the World BankImportance 2/5
  Remember how votes are allotted in the World Bank, who the largest shareholders are, and where India stands at present. Does the Bank's head come from a particular country by rule or by convention? Who is the current President?
• World Bank Lending Instruments and India's EngagementImportance 3/5UPSC 1996, 2017
  Does the World Bank lend only for projects? Understand investment project financing, development policy loans and Program-for-Results. Why does India, a middle-income country, still borrow from the IBRD?
• World Bank ReportsImportance 5/5UPSC 7 Years
  Learn the World Bank's main reports: the World Development Report, Human Capital Index, Global Economic Prospects and International Debt Statistics. The Ease of Doing Business report has been discontinued. What replaced it?
• IMF and World Bank ComparedImportance 4/5UPSC 1999
  Compare the IMF and the World Bank on objective, source of funds, type of lending, borrowers, voting and leadership. Be clear which gives short-term balance of payments support and which gives long-term development finance. Which part of each gives concessional lending?
• Reforms Sought by India in the Bretton Woods InstitutionsImportance 2/5
  Be clear about India's reform demands for the IMF and World Bank, for example on the choice of heads and on voting. Understand why developing countries feel under-represented.

4.GATT and the World Trade Organization

• International Trade Organization and the Havana CharterImportance 2/5
  Why did the International Trade Organization, proposed at Bretton Woods, never come into being? Understand the part played by the United States and the worry about sovereignty. Remember what the Havana Charter was meant to cover.
• GATT 1947: Origin and Provisional CharacterImportance 2/5
  How did GATT begin? Remember when and where it was signed, how many countries founded it, and why it applied only provisionally. Did it cover services, and why was it meant to be part of the ITO?
• GATT Rounds and the Package ApproachImportance 2/5
  What is a GATT round, and why are issues bundled into a package? Understand how a round gets its name. How many rounds were held under GATT?
• Uruguay Round and the Marrakesh AgreementImportance 5/5UPSC 1995, 1996, 1998
  Which new areas did the Uruguay Round bring into the trading system beyond goods? Remember the years of the round, the Marrakesh signing and the date the WTO began. Learn the main agreements that came out of it.
• Why the WTO Replaced GATT (GATT 1947 versus GATT 1994)Importance 3/5UPSC 2001
  Why was GATT not enough? Understand its weaknesses in status, coverage and dispute handling. What is the difference between GATT 1947 as an arrangement and GATT 1994 as an agreement inside the WTO?
• Most-Favoured-Nation TreatmentImportance 4/5
  What does Most-Favoured-Nation treatment require of a member? Be clear how it differs from National Treatment, and which comparison each one makes.
• Exceptions to MFNImportance 4/5
  Understand the permitted exceptions to MFN: free trade agreements and customs unions, the security exception (Article XXI) and preferences for developing countries (GSP and the Enabling Clause). What conditions does GATT Article XXIV set for FTAs, and are FTA preferences extended to other WTO members? How did India use one of these in 2019 against Pakistan?
• National TreatmentImportance 4/5
  Does National Treatment apply before a good enters the market? Is a customs duty on imports a breach of it? Understand what it requires for goods, services and intellectual property. Remember the Paris Convention as an early source of the idea.
• Progressive Liberalisation, Binding Commitments and TransparencyImportance 3/5
  How does the WTO let members open their markets step by step? Understand what a bound tariff means and what happens if a member wants to raise it. How is transparency ensured, including through the Trade Policy Review Mechanism?
• Single UndertakingImportance 3/5
  Can a country join only the WTO agreements it likes? Understand what the single undertaking means for members, and which agreements, such as the ITA, stand outside it.
• WTO Membership and ObserversImportance 3/5UPSC 2024
  Who can be a WTO member? Understand why the European Union is a member and how observers differ. Know the current number of members and observers.
• Ministerial Conference and General CouncilImportance 3/5UPSC 2000
  Which is the highest body of the WTO, and how often does it meet? Which body acts between its meetings, and which two other roles does that body also perform?
• Councils Under the General CouncilImportance 2/5
  Learn which councils work under the General Council and what each handles. Remember the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on TRIMs as examples of committees.
• Decision-Making by Consensus and VotingImportance 2/5
  Does the WTO decide by vote or by consensus? Understand when voting is allowed and how votes are counted. Why does consensus slow decisions in a body with many members?
• Dispute Settlement Mechanism: DSB, Panels and the Appellate BodyImportance 4/5UPSC 2017
  Understand how a WTO dispute moves from the Dispute Settlement Body through panels and appeal to adoption of the ruling. What is the Appellate Body's role, legal basis and size? In what ways was GATT's process weaker?

5.WTO Agreements

• Structure of the WTO AgreementsImportance 2/5
  How are the WTO agreements arranged under the agreement that set up the WTO? Learn how goods, services and intellectual property each have their own agreement, and where dispute settlement and the Trade Policy Review Mechanism fit. What are schedules of commitments?
• General Exceptions Under GATT Article XXImportance 2/5
  On what grounds does GATT Article XX let a member restrict trade? Understand the public health, safety and environment exceptions, and the condition that the measure must not be disguised protection.
• Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures AgreementImportance 4/5UPSC 2010
  What may a country do under the SPS Agreement about food safety and animal and plant health? Understand the conditions on its standards. When may it set a higher standard than the international one? What forms can such measures take?
• Agreement on Agriculture: Aim and PillarsImportance 4/5UPSC 2015
  What is the aim of the Agreement on Agriculture, and what are its three pillars? Which special safeguard tool for import surges exists today, and which is still only under negotiation?
• Domestic Support Boxes: Green, Blue and AmberImportance 5/5UPSC 2016
  Remember what goes into the Green, Blue and Amber Boxes and which are exempt from reduction. Learn examples for each, including public stocks for food security. Which box holds MSP-based price support? What are the development measures under Article 6.2?
• Aggregate Measurement of Support and the De Minimis LimitImportance 4/5
  How is price support counted in the Aggregate Measurement of Support? Remember the de minimis limits for developing and developed countries, and the duty to notify the Committee on Agriculture. Why does the reference price used in the calculation cause a problem for India?
• Public Stockholding for Food Security and the Peace ClauseImportance 5/5
  Why can India's food procurement at MSP breach the WTO subsidy cap? Understand what the Peace Clause (Bali, 2013) protects and how the 2014 decision changed it. Which conditions and limits apply? Why is a permanent solution still pending, and how has India used the clause?
• Export Subsidies in Agriculture After NairobiImportance 3/5
  What did the Nairobi decision of 2015 require on agricultural export subsidies? Understand how the deadlines differ for developed and developing members, and why support for India's sugar exports became an issue.
• India's Positions and Challenges Under the Agreement on AgricultureImportance 3/5UPSC 2010
  Understand India's main demands and difficulties in agriculture talks, such as flexibility for developing countries (special and differential treatment) and delays in notifying subsidy data.
• Information Technology AgreementImportance 3/5UPSC 1997
  Why is the ITA called plurilateral? Understand what participants must do about duties on listed products, what India agreed to, and why India stayed out of ITA-II. What was the dispute over India's tariffs on mobile phones about?
• Subsidies Under the SCM Agreement and the Export Subsidy DisputeImportance 3/5
  How do prohibited subsidies differ from actionable subsidies under the SCM Agreement? Why did India replace the MEIS export scheme with RoDTEP?
• Trade-Related Investment MeasuresImportance 4/5UPSC 2020
  Is a local content requirement allowed under the TRIMs Agreement? Why are such investment conditions seen as distorting trade? Which other measures are on the prohibited list, and which committee monitors the agreement?
• General Agreement on Trade in Services and Modes of SupplyImportance 4/5
  What does GATS cover, and what does it leave out? Understand whether it forces privatisation, how government services are treated, and how countries choose which sectors to open. What are the four modes of supply, and which matter most to India?

6.TRIPS and Intellectual Property Rights

• Meaning and Purpose of Intellectual Property RightsImportance 2/5
  Why are intellectual property rights given only for a limited period? Understand the trade-off between higher prices in the short term and benefits in the long term. Which Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is their basis?
• Categories of Intellectual Property Under TRIPSImportance 2/5
  Which categories of intellectual property does TRIPS cover? Be clear how it treats plant varieties: must members use patents to protect them?
• Copyright and the Copyright Act 1957Importance 3/5
  Does copyright protect an idea or its expression? Understand why it arises without registration. Learn how long it lasts in India under the Copyright Act 1957, and how this differs from the minimum term TRIPS asks for.
• Patents and the Patents Act 1970Importance 4/5
  Remember the tests an invention must pass to be patented, the length of a patent and the date from which it runs. Must a patent be registered? Understand how a patent differs from copyright in what it protects.
• Trademarks and the Trade Marks Act 1999Importance 2/5
  Can a trademark be transferred, and how long does its protection last? Understand what a trademark is and which Act governs it. Be clear about service, collective and certification marks.
• Trade SecretsImportance 2/5
  Which conditions must information meet to count as a trade secret under TRIPS? Is registration needed, and how long can protection last? Does India have a dedicated trade-secrets law, and what did the Law Commission recommend in 2024?
• Geographical Indications and the GI Act 1999Importance 4/5UPSC 2010, 2018
  What is a geographical indication, and who has the right to use it? Does a GI stop others from using the same technique? Remember the GI Act 1999, the registration period, who the Registrar is, and examples of Indian GI products.
• Industrial Designs and Layout Designs of Integrated CircuitsImportance 2/5
  Is registration needed to protect an industrial design? Learn what design law protects and the term under the Designs Act 2000. Which separate law covers layouts of integrated circuits?
• Plant Varieties and the PPVFR Act 2001Importance 3/5
  Why does TRIPS let members choose their own special (sui generis) system for plant varieties? Remember what the PPVFR Act 2001 protects, including farmers' rights.
• TRIPS Agreement: Minimum Standards, Enforcement and Technology TransferImportance 4/5
  How does TRIPS relate to the Paris and Berne Conventions? Understand its minimum standards, its enforcement duties and the technology transfer provisions for least developed countries. Remember when it came into force.
• India's TRIPS Compliance: From Process to Product PatentsImportance 3/5
  By what date did India have to comply with TRIPS? Understand the change from process patents to product patents, especially for drugs. What did each of the Patents Act amendments of 1999, 2002 and 2005 do, including the interim mailbox and exclusive marketing rights arrangement?
• Evergreening and Section 3(d)Importance 4/5
  Understand what evergreening is and why it matters for medicines. How does Section 3(d) of the Patents Act deal with it, and when can a new form of a known substance still get a patent?
• Generic Drugs, Voluntary and Compulsory LicensingImportance 4/5
  What is a generic drug? Be clear how a voluntary licence differs from a compulsory one. When can a compulsory licence be given under Sections 84 and 92, and is the patent owner still paid? What does TRIPS leave to members, and what was the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health?
• WIPO and Its TreatiesImportance 3/5UPSC 2002
  Which treaties does WIPO run for patents, trademarks and designs? Remember World IP Day and when India joined WIPO.
• Paris and Berne ConventionsImportance 2/5
  Remember which kind of property each of the Paris and Berne Conventions covers, the year each began, and when India joined each. Which principle does the Paris Convention set for foreign nationals?
• National IPR Policy 2016Importance 3/5UPSC 2017
  When was the National IPR Policy released, and what is its slogan? Learn its objectives and which department coordinates it. What are the main criticisms of the policy?
• IPR Administration in IndiaImportance 3/5UPSC 2017
  Under which ministry and department is IPR handled in India? Which office deals with patents, designs, trademarks and GIs?

7.WTO Negotiations and Current Issues

• Doha Development AgendaImportance 4/5UPSC 2017
  When and where was the Doha Round launched, and what makes it a "development" round? Understand the areas it covers, and why it has missed deadline after deadline, with reference to agriculture, market access and safeguards.
• Bali Package and the Trade Facilitation AgreementImportance 3/5UPSC 2017
  What came out of the WTO's Bali conference of 2013? Remember the Peace Clause and the Trade Facilitation Agreement. What does the Trade Facilitation Agreement aim to do, and is it in force?
• Outcomes of the Twelfth Ministerial Conference (2022)Importance 3/5
  Remember the decisions of the Twelfth Ministerial Conference (Geneva, June 2022) on Covid-19 vaccines and TRIPS, food security, World Food Programme purchases and WTO reform. Fisheries are covered separately.
• Agreement on Fisheries SubsidiesImportance 3/5
  What does the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies ban, and what flexibilities do developing members get? Understand how it enters into force and what its present status is. What was decided about further "Fish 2" talks at MC14?
• Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic TransmissionsImportance 4/5
  Why does India oppose making the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions permanent? Understand what the moratorium is and how long it has applied. What happened to it at MC14? Know its present status, as it may have changed since.
• MC13 and MC14: OutcomesImportance 3/5
  Where and when were the 13th and 14th Ministerial Conferences held? What did MC14 (Yaoundé, 2026) adopt, and which items did it send back to the General Council in Geneva?
• Appellate Body Crisis and the MPIAImportance 4/5
  Why has the Appellate Body stopped working, and what is an "appeal into the void"? Understand what this does to the WTO's credibility. What is the MPIA, and why has India not joined it? Know the current position of both, as it can change.
• India in WTO DisputesImportance 2/5
  What were India's WTO disputes with the United States over poultry imports (avian influenza), solar measures (DS456 and DS510) and steel tariffs about, and who brought each? How did each end: a ruling, an appeal into the void, or the 2023 settlement? Be careful, as popular summaries of these outcomes are often wrong.
• Challenges to the WTO and the Reform DebateImportance 4/5
  Think about the main criticisms of the WTO: consensus deadlock, new issues such as digital trade and climate, regional agreements, the pandemic, and the dispute over special and differential treatment. Remember the elements of India's reform proposal. How do US tariffs and the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) add pressure?
• G-33 and Negotiating CoalitionsImportance 2/5
  What is the G-33, and what does it want in agriculture talks? Understand why India belongs to it, with reference to food security, special products and the special safeguard mechanism.
• Plurilateral Initiatives and India's StandImportance 2/5
  Why does India object to plurilateral initiatives such as the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the e-commerce talks? Link its objection to consensus and the single undertaking.

8.Free Trade Agreements and Regional Groupings

• Levels of Economic IntegrationImportance 4/5UPSC 1996
  What are the five levels of economic integration, from the loosest to the deepest? Understand what each level adds to the one before. How does a free trade area differ from a customs union? Remember one example of each, and whether India is in any customs union.
• Types of Trade Agreements Signed by India (PTA, FTA, CECA, CEPA, ECTA, TEPA)Importance 3/5
  How do a Preferential Trade Agreement, a Free Trade Agreement, a CECA and a CEPA differ in coverage? Remember an Indian example of each. Where do ECTA and TEPA fit?
• Rules of Origin and Sensitive ListsImportance 2/5
  Why do FTAs need rules of origin? Understand how they stop goods being routed through a partner country, and why strict rules can lower use of the FTA. What are sensitive lists, and why do farm and labour-intensive goods dominate them?
• Impact of India's FTAs on TradeImportance 2/5
  Did India's FTAs raise its imports or its exports more? Understand the gravity idea behind trade flows (size and distance), and why India's high starting tariffs matter for the answer.
• India's Earlier Trade AgreementsImportance 2/5
  Remember the type and year of India's earlier agreements with Sri Lanka, SAFTA members, Singapore, Japan, Korea and MERCOSUR. Why did most of them focus on Asia and on goods?
• India–ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and Its ReviewImportance 3/5UPSC 2018
  When did the India–ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement come into force? Why has India's trade deficit with ASEAN widened since, and what lesson does this give about FTAs? Know the latest position on the agreement's review.
• India–UAE CEPAImportance 3/5
  Be clear about when the India–UAE CEPA took effect, what it covers beyond goods, and which labour-intensive sectors gain most.
• India–Australia ECTAImportance 3/5
  Understand how the India–Australia ECTA treats tariff lines: what does each side offer the other? Remember when it began. Know whether talks on a broader agreement are continuing.
• India–EFTA TEPAImportance 4/5
  Which countries make up EFTA? When was the India–EFTA TEPA signed, and when did it take effect? Among India's agreements, what was new about its commitment on investment and jobs?
• India–UK CETAImportance 4/5
  When was the India–UK CETA signed, and when did it take effect? Learn what it offers Indian exports and what the companion Double Contributions Convention does. What issues have been raised in its implementation, such as the UK's carbon border measure?
• India–Oman CEPA and India–New Zealand FTAImportance 3/5
  Remember when the India–Oman CEPA was signed and when talks on the India–New Zealand FTA concluded. Understand the main gains for Indian exports and services from each. Know the current stage of both agreements, as it may have moved on.
• India–EU Free Trade AgreementImportance 4/5
  Why is the India–EU FTA seen as significant? Remember when talks began, restarted and ended. Understand which steps are still needed before it takes effect, where the Investment Protection and GI agreements stand, and which sensitive areas were kept out.
• India–US Trade RelationsImportance 3/5
  How have India–US trade tensions developed since 2018 (the US steel tariffs and India's WTO case) and since 2025? Which sectors are central to the talks? Know the current state of the trade-deal negotiations, as it keeps changing.
• RCEP and India's WithdrawalImportance 4/5UPSC 2016
  Which countries negotiated RCEP, and when was it signed and when did it take effect? Why did India leave the talks in 2019? Think about trade deficits, China, rules of origin, dairy, services, the auto-trigger and the base year. What does staying out cost India?
• Indo-Pacific Economic FrameworkImportance 3/5
  Who launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, and when? What are its four pillars, and which one did India stay out of? Why?
• BRICSImportance 3/5
  How has BRICS grown beyond its founding members? What is its "partner country" category? Understand the role of the NDB and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, and how India balances its interests within the group.
• Shanghai Cooperation OrganisationImportance 2/5
  What are the economic aims of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? Remember when it was formed, where it is based and who its members are today. How does the International North-South Transport Corridor connect to India's role?
• SAARC and BIMSTECImportance 3/5UPSC 2006
  Understand how SAARC and BIMSTEC differ in membership and activity. Remember when each began and how SAFTA links to SAARC. Why is BIMSTEC often seen as more useful to India?
• Other Trade Blocs (EU, EFTA, MERCOSUR, CPTPP, USMCA, AfCFTA)Importance 3/5UPSC 2023
  Learn what kind of grouping each of these is and remember their members at a basic level. Why is India not part of CPTPP?

9.AIIB and New Development Bank

• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Establishment and MembershipImportance 4/5UPSC 2019
  Where is the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank based, and which countries can join it? How does the year its Articles took effect differ from the year it began operations? Remember what it finances, and India's place among its founders and shareholders.
• AIIB Governance, Voting and Projects in IndiaImportance 2/5
  How is the AIIB governed, and how are votes decided? Understand its two kinds of lending, sovereign and non-sovereign. Which projects in India has it funded?
• New Development Bank: Establishment and MembersImportance 4/5UPSC 2016
  Know which countries founded the New Development Bank and where it is based. Understand the difference between the year its agreement was made and the year it began work. Learn its current members, as new countries have been joining.
• NDB Capital, Voting and LendingImportance 3/5
  Why can the BRICS share of votes in the NDB never fall below a set minimum? Understand how capital is shared among the founders and how votes follow shares. What does the bank lend for, and which Indian projects has it funded?
• BRICS Contingent Reserve ArrangementImportance 2/5
  What is the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, and what is it for? Remember how members' commitments form the reserve pool. What part of the access is linked to an IMF programme?
• AIIB and NDB Compared with the Bretton Woods InstitutionsImportance 2/5
  Do the AIIB and NDB decide votes differently from the IMF and World Bank? Do they complement or rival the older institutions? Understand what India wants from fairer voting.

10.Other Organisations

• UNCTAD and Its ReportsImportance 3/5UPSC 2010
  Remember when and by whom UNCTAD was set up and its aim. Which is its highest body, and which body acts between its sessions? Which main reports does it publish?
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentImportance 3/5UPSC 2008
  Is India a member of the OECD? Remember when it was formed and what its main reports are. Is membership limited to high-income countries?
• Bank for International SettlementsImportance 3/5UPSC 2010
  Why is the BIS called the bank for central banks? Remember when and where it was founded. Understand its link to the Basel Committee and whether Basel norms are legally binding.
• Financial Stability Board and Standard-Setting BodiesImportance 3/5
  What does the Financial Stability Board do, and under which group was it created? Which Indian bodies represent India in it? Understand the roles of IOSCO and IAIS, and what the G-SIB lists are.
• G20 and G7Importance 3/5
  Remember the G7 members and how G20 membership differs. When and in what form did the G20 begin, and why did it hold its first leaders' summit in 2008? Are the decisions of either binding? What did India's G20 presidency in 2023 achieve?
• Asian Development BankImportance 3/5UPSC 2008
  Where and when was the Asian Development Bank set up? Remember its largest shareholders and where India stands. Which kinds of projects has it funded in India?
• Other Development Partners in India (JICA, EIB, GCF, UNIDO)Importance 2/5
  Know what JICA, the European Investment Bank, the Green Climate Fund and UNIDO are, what each does, and one project each has supported in India. Which Indian rail project is JICA known for?
• B3W and Blue Dot NetworkImportance 2/5
  Who launched Build Back Better World and the Blue Dot Network, and when? Why are both seen as responses to China's Belt and Road Initiative? What later happened to B3W?
• Global Financial Safety Net and the G20 Common FrameworkImportance 2/5
  What are the four layers of the Global Financial Safety Net? Why is sovereign debt restructuring slow, and what is the G20 Common Framework meant to do?

1. 1.

   Consider the following statements about Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) of the International Monetary Fund:
   1. SDRs are issued as notes and coins that central banks hold as a reserve currency.
   2. Private entities cannot hold SDRs.
   3. A general allocation of SDRs is distributed to members in proportion to their quota shares in the IMF.
   How many of the statements given above are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
2. 2.

   With reference to domestic support under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, consider the following statements:
   1. Amber Box support is trade-distorting and is subject to reduction commitments.
   2. India's Minimum Support Price programme, which guarantees fixed prices for crops, falls under the Green Box.
   3. The Green Box includes non-trade-distorting subsidies such as research and pest control.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
3. 3.

   Consider the following statements:
   Statement-I: Under the Peace Clause agreed after the Bali Ministerial Conference (December 2013), pending a permanent solution, WTO members cannot challenge a developing country for exceeding the 10% subsidy cap on its public stockholding programmes.
   Statement-II: The Peace Clause also shields new subsidies introduced by developing countries after the decision.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
   4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
4. 4.

   Under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, trade-distorting domestic support up to a certain share of the value of agricultural production is treated as de minimis and needs no reduction. What are these limits for developing countries and developed countries respectively?

   1. A5% and 10%
   2. B15% and 10%
   3. C10% and 15%
   4. D10% and 5%
5. 5.

   Consider the following pairs:

   Term	Description
   1. GATT 1947	Signed in Geneva on 30 October 1947 by 23 founding members
   2. Marrakesh Agreement	Signed on 15 April 1994; the WTO came into effect on 1 January 1995
   3. Uruguay Round	The seventh round of GATT negotiations, named after the venue of its first meeting

   Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
6. 6.

   Consider the following statements regarding National Treatment in the WTO:
   1. It applies only once a product, service or item of intellectual property has entered the market.
   2. Charging customs duty on an import is a violation of National Treatment if locally produced goods are not charged an equivalent tax.
   3. It applies only to goods and not to services or to trademarks, copyrights and patents.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A2 only
   2. B1 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D2 and 3 only
7. 7.

   Which one of the following is not a part of the World Bank Group?

   1. AInternational Development Association
   2. BMultilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
   3. CInternational Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
   4. DBank for International Settlements
8. 8.

   Consider the following statements comparing the IMF and the World Bank:
   1. The IMF does not lend for specific projects.
   2. The main source of the IMF's funds is bonds issued in international financial markets.
   3. By convention, the President of the World Bank is always from Europe and the Managing Director of the IMF is always from the United States.
   How many of the statements given above are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
9. 9.

   Consider the following statements regarding the Bretton Woods Conference of July 1944:
   1. It proposed an International Monetary Fund to monitor exchange rates and lend reserve currencies to nations with trade deficits.
   2. It proposed an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to help rebuild nations devastated by the Second World War.
   3. It proposed an International Trade Organization, which never came into being because the United States declined to ratify the Havana Charter.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
10. 10.

    Consider the following statements regarding patents:
    1. The term of a patent is generally 20 years from the date of filing of the application.
    2. Like copyright, a patent arises automatically and need not be registered.
    3. Patents protect ideas, whereas copyright protects the expression of ideas.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll three
    4. DNone
11. 11.

    With reference to Geographical Indications (GIs) in India, consider the following statements:
    1. Registration of a GI is for a period of ten years, but may be renewed from time to time.
    2. A protected GI enables its holder to prevent others from making the product using the same techniques set out in the standards for that indication.
    3. The Controller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
12. 12.

    Which one of the following statements about compulsory licensing under India's Patents Act, 1970 is correct?

    1. ASection 92 allows the Government to notify compulsory licences in a national emergency, and the licensee pays royalty as decided by the Government.
    2. BSection 84 allows a compulsory licence only after the 20-year term of the patent has expired.
    3. CSection 84 allows a manufacturer to obtain a compulsory licence without first trying to negotiate a voluntary licence.
    4. DSection 92 licences are granted free of royalty because of the national emergency.
13. 13.

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Section 3(d) of India's Patents Act, 1970 prevents the patenting of known substances unless they show significant enhancement in efficacy.
    Statement-II: Evergreening, the practice of obtaining new patents for minor modifications of existing drugs, delays the entry of generic drugs into the market.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
14. 14.

    The Doha Round of WTO trade negotiations, also called the Doha Development Agenda, was officially launched at the WTO's Fourth Ministerial Conference held in

    1. ASingapore in December 1996
    2. BSeattle in December 1999
    3. CCancun in September 2003
    4. DDoha in November 2001
15. 15.

    Consider the following statements about levels of economic integration:
    1. A customs union is a free trade agreement in which members apply a common external tariff to imports from non-members.
    2. A common market is a customs union in which factors of production move relatively freely among members.
    3. In a free trade area, members apply a common external tariff against non-members.
    4. India is a member of a customs union.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll four
16. 16.

    With reference to India and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), consider the following statements:
    1. India pulled out of the RCEP deal in November 2019.
    2. India sought an auto-trigger mechanism to raise tariffs when imports of a product crossed a threshold, but the member countries did not agree.
    3. India's demand to use 2014 as the base year for tariff reduction was accepted by the RCEP members.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. CAll three
    4. DNone
17. 17.

    Consider the following pairs:

    Agreement	Description
    1. India–EFTA TEPA	EFTA comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
    2. India–UK CETA	Came into force on 15 July 2026
    3. India–EFTA TEPA	EFTA states committed to investment of USD 100 billion in India over 10 years

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
18. 18.

    Consider the following statements regarding the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement:
    1. The EU relaunched negotiations with India for a Free Trade Agreement in June 2022 and launched separate negotiations for an Investment Protection Agreement.
    2. The Free Trade Agreement negotiations were concluded on 27 January 2026.
    3. As of September 2026, the Free Trade Agreement had been signed and had entered into force.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
19. 19.

    Consider the following statements about the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB):
    1. It is headquartered in Beijing.
    2. Its membership is restricted to countries of the Asian region.
    3. It offers both sovereign and non-sovereign financing.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
20. 20.

    Match List I (Report) with List II (Publisher):

    List I (Report)	List II (Publisher)
    A. World Development Report	1. World Bank
    B. Global Financial Stability Report	2. International Monetary Fund
    C. World Investment Report	3. UNCTAD
    D. Better Life Index	4. OECD

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. AA-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
    2. BA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
    3. CA-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
    4. DA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
21. 21.

    Match List I (Institution) with List II (Headquarters):

    List I (Institution)	List II (Headquarters)
    A. Bank for International Settlements	1. Beijing
    B. Asian Development Bank	2. Basel
    C. New Development Bank	3. Manila
    D. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank	4. Shanghai

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. AA-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
    2. BA-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
    3. CA-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
    4. DA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
22. 22.

    With reference to the quota of a member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), consider the following statements:
    1. The quota formula gives the highest weight to a member's openness.
    2. A member's quota determines its voting power and its borrowing capacity.
    3. Quotas are denominated in Special Drawing Rights.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
23. 23.

    With reference to the Reserve Tranche Position (the "gold tranche") of a member country in the International Monetary Fund, which one of the following is correct?

    1. AA concessional loan extended by the World Bank to low-income countries
    2. BAn open market operation conducted by a central bank
    3. CA part of the member's IMF quota that can be drawn only under IMF conditionality
    4. DA part of the member's IMF quota that it can use at its own discretion, and which counts in its foreign exchange reserves
24. 24.

    With reference to the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization, consider the following statements:
    1. It hears appeals from panel reports.
    2. It is composed of five members.
    3. As of September 2026, it has been non-functional since 2019 because the appointment of new members has been blocked.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
25. 25.

    Consider the following organisations:
    1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
    2. New Development Bank
    3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
    4. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
    India is a member of how many of the above?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll four

1. 1.

   UPSC 2016

   With reference to 'IFC Masala Bonds', sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct?
   1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.
   2. They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 only
   3. CBoth 1 and 2
   4. DNeither 1 nor 2
2. 2.

   UPSC 2017

   The term 'Domestic Content Requirement' is sometimes seen in the news with reference to

   1. ADeveloping solar power production in our country
   2. BGranting licences to foreign T.V. channels in our country
   3. CExporting our food products to other countries
   4. DPermitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country
3. 3.

   UPSC 2025

   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?

   1. AI and II only
   2. BII and III only
   3. CI and III only
   4. DI, II and III
4. 4.

   UPSC 2024

   Consider the following statements :
   1. India is a member of the International Grains Council.
   2. A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 only
   3. CBoth 1 and 2
   4. DNeither 1 nor 2
5. 5.

   UPSC 2023

   Consider the following statements :
   The 'Stability and Growth Pact' of the European Union is a treaty that
   1. limits the levels of the budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union
   2. makes the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilities
   3. enables the countries of the European Union to share their technologies
   How many of the above statements are correct?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. CAll three
   4. DNone
6. 6.

   UPSC 2022

   “Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by which one of the following ?

   1. AAsian Development Bank
   2. BInternational Monetary Fund
   3. CUnited Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative
   4. DWorld Bank
7. 7.

   UPSC 2020

   “Gold Tranche” (Reserve Tranche) refers to

   1. Aa loan system of the World Bank
   2. Bone of the operations of a Central Bank
   3. Ca credit system granted by WTO to its members
   4. Da credit system granted by IMF to its members
8. 8.

   UPSC 2020

   With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct ?
   1. Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.
   2. They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services.
   3. They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below :

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B2 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
9. 9.

   UPSC 2019

   The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the

   1. AInternational Monetary Fund
   2. BUnited Nations Conference on Trade and Development
   3. CWorld Economic Forum
   4. DWorld Bank
10. 10.

    UPSC 2019

    With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements :
    1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations.
    2. India is the largest shareholder in AIIB.
    3. AIIB does not have any members from outside Asia.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
11. 11.

    UPSC 2019

    Which one of the following is not a sub-index of the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business Index'?

    1. AMaintenance of law and order
    2. BPaying taxes
    3. CRegistering property
    4. DDealing with construction permits
12. 12.

    UPSC 2018

    India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to

    1. AILO
    2. BIMF
    3. CUNCTAD
    4. DWTO
13. 13.

    UPSC 2018

    Consider the following countries :
    1. Australia
    2. Canada
    3. China
    4. India
    5. Japan
    6. USA
    Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ASEAN ?

    1. A1, 2, 4 and 5
    2. B3, 4, 5 and 6
    3. C1, 3, 4 and 5
    4. D2, 3, 4 and 6
14. 14.

    UPSC 2017

    With reference to the 'National Intellectual Property Rights Policy', consider the following statements :
    1. It reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
    2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
    Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
15. 15.

    UPSC 2017

    The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an

    1. AASEAN initiative to upgrade infrastructure in Asia and financed by credit from the Asian Development Bank.
    2. BWorld Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of private sector and institutional investor capital.
    3. CCollaboration among the major banks of the world working with the OECD and focused on expanding the set of infrastructure projects that have the potential to mobilize private investment.
    4. DUNCTAD funded initiative that seeks to finance and facilitate infrastructure development in the world.
16. 16.

    UPSC 2017

    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 ?

    1. A1 and 2 only
    2. B1 and 3 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
17. 17.

    UPSC 2016

    In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms 'amber box, blue box and green box' in the news?

    1. AWTO affairs
    2. BSAARC affairs
    3. CUNFCCC affairs
    4. DIndia-EU negotiations on FTA
18. 18.

    UPSC 2016

    Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF's SDR?

    1. ARouble
    2. BRand
    3. CIndian Rupee
    4. DRenminbi
19. 19.

    UPSC 2016

    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?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
20. 20.

    UPSC 2016

    India's ranking in the 'Ease of Doing Business Index' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?

    1. AOrganization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
    2. BWorld Economic Forum
    3. CWorld Bank
    4. DWorld Trade Organization (WTO)
21. 21.

    UPSC 2016

    Consider the following statements :
    1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC.
    2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
22. 22.

    UPSC 2016

    'Global Financial Stability Report' is prepared by the

    1. AEuropean Central Bank
    2. BInternational Monetary Fund
    3. CInternational Bank for Reconstruction and Development
    4. DOrganization for Economic Cooperation and Development
23. 23.

    UPSC 2016

    The term 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership' often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as

    1. AG20
    2. BASEAN
    3. CSCO
    4. DSAARC
24. 24.

    UPSC 2015

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

    1. AThe Asian Development Bank
    2. BThe European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
    3. CThe US Federal Reserve Bank
    4. DThe World Bank
25. 25.

    UPSC 2015

    The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the

    1. AFood and Agriculture Organization
    2. BUnited Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
    3. CWorld Trade Organization
    4. DUnited Nations Environment Programme
26. 26.

    UPSC 2014

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

    1. AThe International Monetary Fund
    2. BThe United Nations Development Programme
    3. CThe World Economic Forum
    4. DThe World Bank
27. 27.

    UPSC 2011

    Regarding the International Monetary Fund, which one of the following statements is correct?

    1. AIt can grant loans to any country
    2. BIt can grant loans to only developed countries
    3. CIt grants loans to only member countries
    4. DIt can grant loans to the central bank of a country
28. 28.

    UPSC 2010

    In the context of the affairs of which of the following is the phrase “Special Safeguard Mechanisms” mentioned in the news frequently ?

    1. AUnited Nations Environment Programme
    2. BWorld Trade Organisation
    3. CASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement
    4. DG-20 Summits
29. 29.

    UPSC 2010

    In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/differences between a “Trade Mark” and a Geographical Indication is/are
    1. A Trade Mark is an individual or a company’s right whereas a Geographical Indication is a community’s right.
    2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a Geographical Indication cannot be licensed.
    3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured goods whereas the Geographical Indication is assigned to the agricultural goods/products and handicrafts only.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
30. 30.

    UPSC 2010

    Consider the following countries:
    1. Brazil
    2. Mexico
    3. South Africa According to UNCTAD, which of the above is/are categorized as “Emerging Economies”?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 3 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
31. 31.

    UPSC 2010

    Which one of the following is not related to United Nations?

    1. AMultilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
    2. BInternational Finance Corporation
    3. CInternational Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
    4. DBank for International Settlements
32. 32.

    UPSC 2010

    Which of the following is/are treated as artificial currency?

    1. AADR
    2. BGDR
    3. CSDR
    4. DBoth ADR and SDR
33. 33.

    UPSC 2010

    As regards the use of international food safety standards as reference point for the dispute settlements, which one of the following does WTO collaborate with?

    1. ACodex Alimentarius Commission
    2. BInternational Federation of Standards Users
    3. CInternational Organization for Standardization
    4. DWorld Standards Cooperation
34. 34.

    UPSC 2010

    The International Development Association, a lending agency, is administered by the

    1. AInternational Bank for Reconstruction and Development
    2. BInternational Fund for Agricultural Development
    3. CUnited Nations Development Programme
    4. DUnited Nations Industrial Development Organization
35. 35.

    UPSC 2008

    India is a member of which of the following?
    1. Asian Development Bank
    2. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
    3. Colombo Plan
    4. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. A1 and 3 only
    2. B2 and 4 only
    3. C1, 2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2, 3 and 4
36. 36.

    UPSC 2008

    How is the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference wherein the agreements were signed to set up IBRD, GATT and IMF, commonly known?

    1. ABandung Conference
    2. BBretton Woods Conference
    3. CVersailles Conference
    4. DYalta Conference
37. 37.

    UPSC 2007

    Who among the following served as the Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund?

    1. AAshok Lahiri
    2. BSumantra Ghosal
    3. CSaumitra Chaudhuri
    4. DRaghuram Rajan
38. 38.

    UPSC 2005

    Consider the following statements :
    1. Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) has been established by the International Development Association (IDA) to provide further assistance to low-income countries facing high level of indebtedness.
    2. Singapore Regional Training Institute (STI) is one of the institutes that provide training in macroeconomics analysis and policy, and related subjects as a part of programme of the IMF Institute.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
39. 39.

    UPSC 2002

    "World Development Report" is an annual publication of

    1. AUnited Nations Development Programme
    2. BInternational Bank of Reconstruction and Development
    3. CWorld Trade Organisation
    4. DInternational Monetary Fund
40. 40.

    UPSC 2002

    Consider the following statements:
    1. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is a specialised agency of United Nations System of Organisations
    2. WIPO has its headquarters at Rome
    3. The Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement is binding on all WTO members
    4. Least-developed country members of WTO are not required to apply the provisions of TRIPS Agreements for a period of 20 years from the general date of application of the Agreement
    Which of these statements are correct?

    1. A1, 2, 3 and 4
    2. B2, 3 and 4
    3. C1, 2 and 4
    4. D1 and 3
41. 41.

    UPSC 2001

    The theme of the World Development Report, 2001 is

    1. AFrom Plan to Market
    2. BKnowledge for Development
    3. CAttacking Poverty
    4. DThe State in the Changing World
42. 42.

    UPSC 2001

    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?

    1. AI and II
    2. BII and III
    3. CIII and IV
    4. DI, II, III and IV
43. 43.

    UPSC 2001

    The earlier name of WTO was

    1. AUNCTAD
    2. BGATT
    3. CUNIDO
    4. DOECD
44. 44.

    UPSC 2000

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
    List I
    I. Development Programme
    II. National Council of Applied Economic Research
    III. Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research
    IV. World Bank
    List II A) UN India Human Development Report B) India Development Report C) World Development Report D) Human Development Report
    Codes:

    1. AI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C
    2. BI-D, II-B, III-A, IV-C
    3. CI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
    4. DI-B, II-A, III-D, IV-C
45. 45.

    UPSC 2000

    Consider the following statements: The Ministerial Meeting of the WTO held in December 1999 was unsuccessful because it attempted to link trade with
    1. Labour related issues.
    2. Environment related issues.
    3. Terrorism related issues.
    4. Debt related issues.
    Which of these statements are correct?

    1. A1, 3 and 4
    2. B1 and 2
    3. C2 and 3
    4. D2 and 4
46. 46.

    UPSC 2000

    Which one of the following countries occupies the first place in the “Global Competitive Report” of World Economic Forum?

    1. AUSA
    2. BSingapore
    3. CHong Kong
    4. DFrance
47. 47.

    UPSC 1999

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists:
    List I
    I. WTO
    II. IDA
    III. IMF
    IV. IBRD
    List II A) Provides loans to address short-term balance of payment problems B) Multi-lateral trade negotiation body C) Sanction of soft loans D) Facilitating lending and borrowings for reconstruction and development

    1. AI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
    2. BI-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D
    3. CI-C, II-B, III-D, IV-A
    4. DI-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
48. 48.

    UPSC 1998

    The economist who was associated with the WTO draft document is

    1. AA.K. Sen
    2. BT.N. Srinivasan
    3. CJ.N. Bhagwati
    4. DAvinash Dixit
49. 49.

    UPSC 1998

    According to the World Development Report, low-income economies are those for which the per capita GNP in 1994 was

    1. AUS $ 925 or less
    2. BUS $ 825 or less
    3. CUS $ 725 or less
    4. DUS $ 525 or less
50. 50.

    UPSC 1997

    One of the important agreements reached in the 1996 Ministerial Conference of WTO relates to

    1. ACommerce in Information Technology
    2. BMultilateral Agreement on Investment
    3. CMulti-fibre Agreement
    4. DExchange of Technical Personnel
51. 51.

    UPSC 1996

    The emerging trading blocs in the world, such as NAFTA, ASEAN and the like, are expected to

    1. Aact as constrictions in free trade across the world
    2. Bpromote free trade on the lines laid down by the WTO
    3. Cpermit transfer of technology between member countries
    4. Dpromote trade in agricultural commodities between countries of the North and South
52. 52.

    UPSC 1996

    Which of the following were the aims behind the setting up of the World Trade Organization (WTO)?
    I. Promotion of free trade and resource flows across countries.
    II. Protection of intellectual property rights.
    III. Managing balanced trade between different countries.
    IV. Promotion of trade between the former East Bloc countries and the western world.
    Select the correct answer by using the codes given below:

    1. AI, II, III and IV
    2. BI and II
    3. CII and III
    4. DI and IV
53. 53.

    UPSC 1996

    Consider the following statements: Most international agencies which fund development programmes in India on inter-governmental 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 —

    1. AI and IV are correct
    2. BI, II and III are correct
    3. CI, II and IV are correct
    4. DIII and IV are correct
54. 54.

    UPSC 1995

    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:

    1. AI, II and III
    2. BI and II
    3. CIII and IV
    4. DI, II, III and IV
55. 55.

    UPSC 2001

    Consider the following statements regarding Reserve Bank of India:
    I. It is a banker to the Central Government.
    II. It formulates and administers monetary policy.
    III. It acts as an agent of the Government in respect of India’s membership of IMF.
    IV. It handles the borrowing programme of Government of India.
    Which of these statements are correct?

    1. AI and II
    2. BII, III and IV
    3. CI, II, III and IV
    4. DIII and IV
56. 56.

    UPSC 2006

    Consider the following statements:
    1. The agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) came into effect from 1st December 2005.
    2. As per SAFTA agreement terms, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have to decrease their custom duties to the level of 0 % to 5 % by the year 2013.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 only
    3. CBoth 1 and 2
    4. DNeither 1 nor 2
57. 57.

    UPSC 1995

    Which of the following benefits are likely to accrue to India from the World Trade Organisation?
    I. India’s share in the world trade is to go up from the present 600 million US dollars to 5 billion US dollars by 2000 A.D.
    II. It will help boost exports of agricultural commodities from India.
    III. India’s share in the world trade is likely to triple by the year 2000 A.D.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. AI, II and III
    2. BI and II
    3. CI and III
    4. DII and III