GS PrelimsEconomyForeign Exchange2013

Which one of the following groups of items is included in India's foreign-exchange reserves?

A

Foreign-currency assets, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and loans from foreign countries

B

Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and SDRs

C

Foreign-currency assets, loans from the World Bank and SDRs

D

Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and loans from the World Bank

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. India's foreign-exchange reserves (also called Forex reserves) are assets held by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) denominated in foreign currencies. 2. The main components included in India's foreign-exchange reserves are: a. Foreign-currency assets (FCA): These are the largest component and include assets like foreign government securities (e.g., US Treasury bills) and deposits with foreign central banks and commercial banks, held in major currencies like the US dollar, Euro, Pound sterling, Japanese yen, etc. b. Gold holdings of the RBI: The RBI holds a certain amount of gold as part of its reserves. c. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): These are reserve assets created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and allocated to member countries. India's holdings of SDRs form part of its reserves. d. Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) in the IMF: This represents a portion of the required quota of currency each member country must provide to the IMF that can be utilized for its own purposes. 3. Loans from foreign countries (A), loans from the World Bank (C, D), or other international institutions are liabilities, not reserve assets held by the RBI. 4. Therefore, the correct group of items included in India's foreign-exchange reserves among the options is Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI, and SDRs.

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