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Topics / Economy

Monetary Policy

Asked 4 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 2014 · last asked 2023

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Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In the post-pandemic recent past, many Central Banks worldwide had carried out interest rate hikes. Statement-II: Central Banks generally assume that they have the ability to counteract the rising consumer prices via monetary policy means. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2023Economy
ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Explanation

Central Banks worldwide did not carry out interest rate hikes in the post-pandemic recent past; in fact, they mostly maintained low-interest rates to support economic recovery. Central Banks use monetary policy tools to influence inflation, but they do not always assume they can fully counteract rising consumer prices.

Consider the following statements: 1. Tight monetary policy of US Federal Reserve could lead to capital flight. 2. Capital flight may increase the interest cost of firms with existing External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs). 3. Devaluation of domestic currency decreases the currency risk associated with ECBs. Which of the statements given above are correct?

2022Economy
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Tight monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve can lead to capital flight, where investors move their assets to other countries with higher returns. Capital flight can increase the interest cost for firms with existing External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) due to higher risk perception by lenders. This explains why statements 1 and 2 are correct.

In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation?

2022Economy
ADepartment of Consumer Affairs
BExpenditure Management Commission
CFinancial Stability and Development Council
DReserve Bank of India

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is responsible for maintaining price stability in India by controlling inflation. It achieves this through various monetary policy tools such as repo rate, reverse repo rate, and open market operations. By regulating the supply of money and credit in the economy, the RBI aims to keep inflation in check and promote economic stability.

If the interest rate is decreased in an economy, it will

2014Economy
Adecrease the consumption expenditure in the economy
Bincrease the tax collection of the Government
Cincrease the investment expenditure in the economy
Dincrease the total savings in the economy

Explanation

When the interest rate in an economy decreases, businesses are more likely to increase their spending on capital goods such as factories and equipment.