Q. Consider the following statements about G-20 :
- The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the international economic and financial issues.
- Digital public infrastructure is one of India's G-20 priorities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2023)
Answer:
Both 1 and 2
Notes: The correct answer is
[C] Both 1 and 2. Both statements accurately describe the evolution and current priorities of the G20, especially during India's presidency.
- Statement 1 (Correct): The G20 (Group of Twenty) was established in 1999 in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis. It was originally designed as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial stability. It was only elevated to the level of Heads of State/Government in 2008 in response to the global financial crisis.
- Statement 2 (Correct): Under India’s G20 Presidency (2023), Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) was a core priority. India promoted the "India Stack" (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker) as a global model for financial inclusion, healthcare, and education. The G20 adopted the "G20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure" to help countries, especially in the Global South, build secure and interoperable digital systems.
The G20 has since expanded its agenda beyond finance to include climate change, sustainable energy, agriculture, and anti-corruption, while maintaining its primary focus on global economic cooperation.