Which of the following countries is notably absent from the list of World Bank members?

The identification of North Korea as notably absent from the list of World Bank members is accurate because North Korea has not been a member of this international financial institution. The World Bank provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects, which requires a commitment to various political and economic policies that North Korea does not align with or accept.

In contrast, Malta, Brazil, and India are all member countries of the World Bank. They have participated actively in its initiatives, benefiting from its funding and contributing to its goals. The World Bank's involvement typically necessitates a framework of cooperation, which has not been established with North Korea due to its unique political and economic situation, particularly with its isolationist policies and lack of cooperation with global economic institutions. This underscores the specific geopolitical considerations that influence membership in such organizations.