The economic crisis in the latter half of 1990s most seriously affected Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea. The cause of the crisis was
- Amismanagement of the financial resources and financial sector, in generalCorrect
- Bthe prolonged over-valuation of local currencies vis-a-vis the western currencies
- Cthe downswing and recession in the western economies which earlier provided export market to these export-oriented countries
- DNone of the above
Explanation
The 1997 East Asian financial crisis was primarily caused by the mismanagement of financial resources and the banking sector. In the years leading up to the crisis, these nations experienced a massive influx of foreign capital which was often directed into unproductive assets like real estate or speculative projects. Weak regulatory oversight and crony capitalism led to a buildup of risky short-term foreign debt. When investors lost confidence and began withdrawing their capital, the fragile financial systems could not sustain the pressure, leading to a collapse of their currencies and economies. While currency values and export markets played a role, the structural flaws within their financial sectors were the fundamental cause.

Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 1999GS1economy
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I List II I. WTO A) Provides loans to address short-term balance of payment problems II. IDA B) Mult…
- Prelims 1999GS1economy
Assertion (A): Devaluation of a currency may promote export. Reason (R): Price of the country’s products in the international market may fall due to devaluation.
- Prelims 1999GS1economy
From the balance sheet of a company, it is possible to
- Prelims 1999GS1economy
Persons below the poverty line in India are classified as such based on whether
- Prelims 1999GS1economy
Consider the following statements: Regional disparities in India are high and have been rising in recent years because I. there is persistent investment over time only in select locales. II. some area…
- Prelims 1999GS1economy
Consider the following statements: Industrial development in India, to an extent, is constrained by I. lack of adequate entrepreneurship and leadership in business. II. lack of savings to invest. III.…