Which one of the following is likely to be the most inflationary in its effect?
- A.Repayment of public debt
- B.Borrowing from the public to finance a budget deficit
- C.Borrowing from banks to finance a budget deficit
- D.Creating new money to finance a budget deficit
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. Creating new money to finance a budget deficit
Creating new money to finance a budget deficit directly increases the money supply without a corresponding increase in the production of goods and services. This leads to a situation where 'too much money chases too few goods,' driving up prices. While borrowing from banks can also expand the money supply through credit creation, and repayment of debt might involve printing money or drawing from reserves, directly printing money is generally considered the most potent inflationary measure.
Source: UPSC gs1 2013