Correct Answer: Central bank

Solution : The correct answer is (b) Central bank.

The central bank of a country is responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy. The central bank's main objective is to achieve price stability, promote sustainable economic growth, and maintain financial stability within the economy.

As part of its monetary policy, the central bank uses various tools to influence the money supply, interest rates, and overall financial conditions in the economy. These tools include setting benchmark interest rates, conducting open market operations (buying or selling government securities), adjusting reserve requirements for commercial banks, and providing liquidity support to the banking system.

The central bank's actions and decisions regarding monetary policy are independent of the government's fiscal policy. While the government is responsible for fiscal policy decisions, such as taxation and government expenditure, the central bank focuses on controlling the money supply and influencing interest rates to achieve its monetary policy objectives.