Why in News? 

On April 25, the Government of India cited the World Bank’s April 2025 "Poverty and Equity Brief," highlighting that 171 million people had been lifted out of extreme poverty over the past decade.

About World bank

• Established in 1944 as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), alongside the IMF. 
• IBRD later evolved into the World Bank. 
• The World Bank Group consists of five institutions focused on reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in developing nations. 
• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations. 

Membership  

• The World Bank has 189 member countries. 
• India is one of its member nations. 

Major Reports 

• Ease of Doing Business (now discontinued) 
• Human Capital Index 
• World Development Report 

Shareholding Pattern 

• United States holds the largest share with 16.41% voting power. 
• Followed by 
  • Japan: 7.87% 
  • Germany: 4.49% 
  • United Kingdom: 4.31% 
  • France: 4.31% 
• Remaining shares are distributed among other member countries.