Comprehension
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:
Money is the commonly accepted medium of exchange. The first and foremost role of money is that it acts as a medium of exchange. Economic exchanges without the mediation of money are referred to as barter exchanges. The central bank has several important functions. It issues the currency of the country. India got its central bank in 1935. Its name is the ’Reserve Bank of India.’ It controls money supply of the country through various methods, like bank rate, open market operations, and variations in reserve ratios. It acts as a banker to the government. It is the custodian of the foreign exchange reserves of the economy. It also acts as a bank to the banking system. Currency issued by the Central Bank can be held by the public or by the commercial banks and is called the ’high-powered money’ or ’reserve money’ or ’monetary base’ as it acts as a basis for credit creation.
Question: 1

The Reserve Bank of India was established in which year?

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • 1935
  • 1934
  • 1951
  • 1949
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Established in 1935, the Reserve Bank of India functions as a central bank. Its key roles include currency issuance, monetary supply control, and providing banking services to the government and the financial sector. The text confirms India's central bank was established in 1935 and identified as the 'Reserve Bank of India'. Consequently, 1935 is the accurate response.

Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 2

RBI controls money supply through the following measures except:

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • Open market operations
  • Fiscal spending
  • Variations in reserve ratios
  • Bank rate
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) employs multiple strategies to regulate the nation's money supply. An examination of the provided text reveals the following methods:

  • Open market operations: The RBI engages in the purchase and sale of government securities on the open market to influence the money supply and economic liquidity.
  • Variations in reserve ratios: By adjusting the proportion of deposits banks are mandated to hold as reserves, the RBI affects the lending capacity of banks, thereby controlling the money supply.
  • Bank rate: Modifications to the bank rate, which is the interest rate at which the central bank provides funds to commercial banks, impact borrowing expenses and consequently the money supply.
  • Fiscal spending: Fiscal policy, encompassing government expenditure, falls under the purview of the government's treasury department or finance ministry, not the RBI. Consequently, fiscal spending is not a tool the RBI utilizes for money supply control.

Therefore, based on this analysis, fiscal spending is the strategy not employed by the RBI for money supply management.

Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 3

Choose the incorrect statement concerning the RBI:

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • It is the custodian of the foreign exchange reserves of the company
  • It also acts as a bank to the banking system
  • It directly deals with the public
  • It controls money supply of the country through various methods like bank rate, open market operations and variations in reserve ratios
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a vital role in India's economy. To identify the incorrect statement, examine the RBI's established functions and duties as described:

  1. Guardian of Foreign Exchange Reserves: The RBI is responsible for managing the nation's foreign exchange reserves to maintain financial stability.
  2. Banker to Banks: The RBI serves as the banker for other financial institutions, offering essential services and ensuring the stability of the banking sector.
  3. Management of Money Supply: The RBI controls the money supply through instruments like the bank rate, open market operations, and adjustments to reserve requirements.
  4. Direct Transactions with the Public: The RBI does not engage in direct transactions with the general public. Its activities are primarily directed towards banks and the government.

Consequently, the assertion "It directly deals with the public" is false. The RBI functions as a central bank focused on macroeconomic goals and financial stability, rather than providing daily banking services to individuals.

Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 4

Currency issued by the central bank can be held by the public or by the commercial banks, and is known by various terms except:

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • High-powered money
  • Monetary base
  • Special Drawing Rights
  • Reserve money
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The query seeks a term unrelated to central bank-issued currency held by the public or commercial banks. We will analyze each provided option:

  • High-powered money: This term denotes central bank-issued currency, forming the basis for economic credit creation.
  • Monetary base: This is synonymous with central bank-supplied currency, encompassing circulating notes and coins plus bank reserves held at the central bank.
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): These are international reserve assets established by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), not originating from a specific country's central bank. SDRs are utilized by IMF member countries to augment their national reserves.
  • Reserve money: This term also signifies money created by the central bank and held by the public and the banking system.

Consequently, the term that does not pertain to central bank-issued currency is Special Drawing Rights, as they represent an international reserve asset rather than national currency.

Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 5

The primary function (first and foremost role) of money is that it acts as:

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • Convenient unit of account
  • Store of value
  • A medium of exchange
  • Reserve money
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The principal economic role of money is to function as a medium of exchange. This is its most essential purpose. This concept arises from the necessity to streamline transactions, avoiding the difficulties inherent in barter. Barter involves the direct trade of goods and services for other goods and services, which can be inefficient due to requirements like the double coincidence of wants.

As a medium of exchange, money establishes a standardized measure of value, thereby enhancing trade efficiency. It simplifies the acquisition of goods and services and overcomes barter's limitations. Consequently, while money performs various functions, including acting as a store of value and a unit of account, its paramount role remains that of a medium of exchange, simplifying economic exchanges.

Among the provided options:

  • Convenient unit of account: This function supports the medium of exchange by providing a standard unit to measure value intersubjectively.
  • Store of value: While money does serve as a store of value, this is considered a secondary role that allows people to save purchasing power for future use.
  • Reserve money: This refers to currency issued by a central bank considered the monetary base. Though important, it is not referred to as the primary function.
  • A medium of exchange (Correct Answer): As explained, it is the primary function of money, facilitating economic transactions by providing a widely accepted medium.

Therefore, the correct answer is: A medium of exchange.

Was this answer helpful?
0
Question: 6

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the slowdown of growth in Pakistan?

Updated On: Apr 2, 2026
  • Political instability
  • Over-dependence on remittances and foreign aid
  • Volatile performance of agriculture
  • Mixed economic system
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

This inquiry concerns the identification of an option that does not impede Pakistan's growth from the provided list. An examination of each choice is necessary to ascertain its relevance.

  1. Political instability: This is frequently a major cause of economic distress in numerous nations, including Pakistan. It can destabilize governance, lead to inconsistent policies, and discourage both internal and external investment.
  2. Over-dependence on remittances and foreign aid: A strong reliance on these external sources can be unsustainable and obstruct economic independence, thereby contributing to economic stagnation.
  3. Volatile performance of agriculture: As a vital sector in Pakistan's economy, fluctuations in agricultural output can significantly affect overall economic performance, potentially decelerating growth.
  4. Mixed economic system: This system integrates capitalist and socialist elements, permitting private enterprise while ensuring government oversight in critical public welfare sectors. It is typically not a direct contributor to economic slowdown, as it can foster stable growth through regulatory equilibrium.

In comparison, a "Mixed economic system" is not inherently a cause for Pakistan's growth deceleration. Unlike other factors that directly impact economic progress, a mixed economic system offers a structural framework that balances governmental intervention with private enterprise, generally aiming for sustained economic expansion. Consequently, this option does not contribute to economic slowdown in the manner of the others.

Was this answer helpful?
0