Chapter 6 – International Organisations
Q1. What are international organisations?
They are global institutions formed by countries to address issues like peace, security, development, human rights, and environment through cooperation and collective decision-making.
Q2. What is the United Nations (UN)?
Founded in 1945, the UN is the largest international organisation promoting peace, security, human rights, and development through various bodies like the General Assembly and Security Council.
Q3. What are the six main organs of the UN?
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council
- International Court of Justice
- Secretariat
- Trusteeship Council
Q4. What is the UN General Assembly?
It’s a deliberative body where all 193 member countries have equal voting rights. It discusses global issues and passes non-binding resolutions.
Q5. What is the UN Security Council (UNSC)?
The UNSC maintains international peace and security. It has 15 members—5 permanent (with veto) and 10 elected for two years.
Q6. Name the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
USA, UK, France, Russia, and China — all have veto power and significant influence in global decision-making.
Q7. What is veto power?
A special right held by permanent UNSC members to block any substantive resolution, even if all other members agree.
Q8. Why is the UN important?
It helps prevent wars, promotes development, coordinates global health, responds to disasters, and upholds human rights and international law.
Q9. What are UN Peacekeeping Missions?
UN deploys military, police, and civilian personnel to conflict zones to monitor ceasefires, protect civilians, and support political transitions.
Q10. Give two examples of successful UN peacekeeping missions.
- Namibia (1989): Helped conduct free elections.
- Cambodia (1992): Supervised transition to democracy.
Q11. What are the criticisms of the UN?
Lack of reform, unequal power distribution (due to veto), slow response to crises, and limited enforcement capabilities are major criticisms.
Q12. Why is reform in the UN necessary?
To reflect present realities, include emerging powers, improve efficiency, transparency, and ensure fair representation in decision-making bodies like the Security Council.
Q13. Why does India demand a permanent seat in the UNSC?
India is the world’s largest democracy, contributes significantly to peacekeeping, and represents a large part of the global population.
Q14. What are India’s contributions to the UN?
India has sent over 200,000 troops for peacekeeping, supports UN policies, and promotes global peace, health, and development initiatives.
Q15. What is the WHO?
World Health Organization — a UN agency that coordinates international public health responses and disease control efforts globally.
Q16. What is UNESCO?
UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — promotes education, heritage preservation, cultural cooperation, and scientific collaboration worldwide.
Q17. What is the IMF?
International Monetary Fund — provides financial assistance and economic advice to member countries facing balance-of-payment problems.
Q18. What is the World Bank?
An international financial institution that offers loans and grants to developing countries for infrastructure and poverty reduction.
Q19. What is the WTO?
World Trade Organization — governs international trade rules, resolves trade disputes, and promotes free and fair trade among nations.
Q20. What is the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
ICJ settles legal disputes between countries and gives advisory opinions on legal issues under international law.
Q21. What is the role of the UN Secretary-General?
He is the chief administrative officer, spokesperson, and peace promoter of the UN, currently António Guterres (as of 2025).
Q22. What is UNHCR?
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees — protects and supports refugees, stateless people, and those displaced by conflict or persecution.
Q23. What is UNICEF?
UN Children’s Fund — works to improve children’s health, education, nutrition, and emergency relief across the globe.
Q24. What are Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?
Eight goals set by the UN in 2000 to address poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, and health by 2015.
Q25. What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Seventeen goals adopted in 2015 aiming to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030.
Q26. What is the UN’s role in climate change?
The UN organizes global climate talks like COP, facilitates agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement), and helps countries adopt green technologies and adaptation strategies.
Q27. What are regional international organisations?
Groups like EU, ASEAN, and SAARC work regionally for peace, trade, and cooperation among neighboring countries.
Q28. What is the importance of international organisations in today’s world?
They solve global issues, prevent conflict, coordinate responses to pandemics, promote human rights, and support economic development across countries.
Q29. How does the UN promote global health?
Through WHO, it combats diseases, leads vaccination programs, responds to health emergencies, and improves healthcare systems in poor nations.
Q30. What is India’s vision for a reformed UN?
India advocates for democratic decision-making, inclusion of developing countries, permanent UNSC membership, and a UN that reflects 21st-century realities.