World Bank Group
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries for development projects. It was established at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference.
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries for development projects. It was established at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference.
The five institutions
The World Bank Group has five arms: the IBRD (loans to middle-income countries), IDA (concessional finance to the poorest), IFC (private sector), MIGA (guarantees) and ICSID (investment dispute settlement).
Reports
The Bank publishes influential reports and data, and funds infrastructure, health, education and poverty-reduction projects worldwide, including in India.
Why it matters for UPSC
The World Bank's arms (especially IBRD and IDA) and its Bretton Woods origin are standard Economy Prelims content.
Practise related UPSC PYQs
See how this topic has actually been asked. Solve real UPSC Prelims previous year questions with answers and explanations — free.
Practise PYQs →Frequently asked questions
How many institutions make up the World Bank Group?
Five — IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA and ICSID.
Which World Bank arm lends to the poorest countries?
The International Development Association (IDA).