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G20 (Group of Twenty)

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The G20 is a crucial platform for India to influence global economic governance, contribute to discussions on global economic growth and stability, and advance its perspectives on contemporary global economic challenges, directly impacting India's economic interests and international standing.

The G20 (Group of Twenty) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union, working to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. It serves as a premier forum for international economic cooperation and decision-making.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Formation

Formed in 1999 in response to the Asian financial crisis.

Global Representation

Represents approximately two-thirds of the world's population, 85% of global GDP, and 75% of global trade.

Membership Diversity

Includes both developed and developing countries, making it a diverse platform for global dialogue.

Operational Tracks

Operates through two main tracks: the Finance Track (Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors) and the Sherpa Track.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations
Conceptual areaIndian Economy

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
G20Forum
Ministry of Finance, IndiaRepresents india
Reserve Bank of IndiaRepresents india
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Premier forum for international economic cooperation.
  • Comprises 19 countries and the European Union.
  • Addresses global economic, financial, and developmental issues.
  • India actively participates to shape global agenda and promote its interests.
  • Operates through Finance and Sherpa Tracks.

Elimination traps

Body vs treaty — Distinguish G20 as a forum for policy coordination from a legally binding international treaty.

Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.

High-confidence PYQs

2025Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): I. It provides loans and guarantees to mid...

EconomyOpen question
2023Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements about G-20: 1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor...

International RelationsOpen question
2022Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

International RelationsOpen question
2019Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements : 1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations. 2. India is the...

International RelationsOpen question

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

EconomyOpen question
2019Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements : 1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations. 2. India is the...

International RelationsOpen question

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

EconomyOpen question
2016Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements: 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affectin...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following statements with reference to ‘IFC Masala Bonds’ - 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of th...

EconomyOpen question
2016Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements: 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affectin...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following statements with reference to ‘IFC Masala Bonds’ - 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of th...

EconomyOpen question
2015Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

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

EconomyOpen question

Topic timeline

International RelationsIndian Economy
Prelims 2015· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

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

Open question
Prelims 2016· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements: 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affectin...

Open question

Consider the following statements with reference to ‘IFC Masala Bonds’ - 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of th...

Open question
Prelims 2016· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements: 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affectin...

Open question

Consider the following statements with reference to ‘IFC Masala Bonds’ - 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of th...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements : 1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations. 2. India is the...

Open question

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

Open question
Prelims 2019· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements : 1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations. 2. India is the...

Open question

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

Open question
Prelims 2022· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements about G-20: 1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): I. It provides loans and guarantees to mid...

Open question

FM Sitharaman lands in U.S. for six-day visit for G-20 talks and meeting with business leaders

29 Aug 2026 · The G20 is the leading forum for international economic cooperation, bringing together major economies to address global challenges. India's active participation is vital for shaping global economic policies and promoting its national interests.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

G20 (Group of Twenty)

Often confused with

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Open notesOften confused with

BRICS

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on G20 (Group of Twenty) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on G20 (Group of Twenty)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following statements about G-20: 1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor...

2023·International Relations
Solve

With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements: 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affectin...

2016·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): I. It provides loans and guarantees to mid...

2025·Economy
Solve

Consider the following statements with reference to ‘IFC Masala Bonds’ - 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of th...

2016·Economy
Solve

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

2015·Economy
Solve

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

2022·International Relations
Solve

With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements : 1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations. 2. India is the...

2019·International Relations
Solve

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

2019·Economy
Solve

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