Short Answer Questions.
Q1: What were the main objectives of the United Nations when it was established?
Ans: The main objectives were to maintain peace, settle disputes peacefully, promote friendly relations among nations, remove poverty and unemployment, improve living standards, and respect human rights.
Q2: Who coined the term 'United Nations,' and when did the organization come into existence?
Ans: Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the term 'United Nations.' The organization came into existence on October 24, 1945.
Q3: How many countries were initially part of the United Nations, and where is its headquarters located?
Ans: Initially, 51 countries were part of the United Nations. Its headquarters is located in New York.
Q4: What is the main function of the United Nations Security Council?
Ans: The main function of the Security Council is to maintain peace in the world by making decisions that all countries must follow.
Q5: Name two organs of the United Nations and briefly describe their functions.
Ans: Two organs are the General Assembly (world parliament, discusses global matters) and the Security Council (maintains peace, has veto power).
Q6: Who is the head of the United Nations Secretariat, and what is its main function?
Ans: The head is the Secretary-General. The Secretariat's main function is to implement UN programs and policies effectively.
Q7: List two past Secretary-Generals of the United Nations.
Ans: Trygve Lie and Dag Hammarskjöld were past Secretary-Generals.
Q8: Name an agency of the United Nations that deals with health-related issues.
Ans: World Health Organization (WHO) deals with health-related issues.
Q9: In which year was the International Labour Organization (ILO) set up, and what is its aim?
Ans: ILO was set up in 1919, and its aim is to improve the condition of workers globally.
Q10: What is India's contribution to the United Nations, and give an example of India's participation in peacekeeping missions?
Ans: India supports UN principles and has sent armed forces for peacekeeping, e.g., in Cyprus, the Middle East, Korea, Congo, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Sri Lanka.
Long Answer Questions.
Q1: Explain the background and circumstances that led to the formation of the United Nations.
Ans: The two World Wars in the first half of the 20th century led to the destruction of mankind and surroundings. After the failure of the League of Nations, the devastation caused by the Second World War prompted nations to form the United Nations to promote peace and prevent future wars.
Q2: Describe the main principles of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security.
Ans: The principles include respecting the sovereignty of each other, avoiding threats or use of force, using peaceful means to settle disputes, and active participation in UN-related activities.
Q3: Discuss the functions of the General Assembly and why it is considered a world parliament.
Ans: The General Assembly functions as a world parliament where every member has one vote. It discusses important international matters, and world leaders address it, making decisions on global issues.
Q4: Explain the significance of the Security Council and the veto power held by its permanent members.
Ans: The Security Council is powerful and aims to maintain world peace. Its decisions are final, and the veto power of permanent members (USA, UK, Russia, China, France) allows them to block decisions, impacting global affairs.
Q5: Describe the role of the International Court of Justice in settling international disputes.
Ans: The International Court of Justice deals with international legal matters and resolves disputes between countries. It is located in The Hague, Netherlands, and judges are elected for a nine-year term.
Q6: Discuss the functions of the Economic and Social Council and its role in addressing global issues.
Ans: The Economic and Social Council works to solve economic and social problems, providing aid to poor countries during natural calamities. It plays a crucial role in improving global conditions.
Q7: Explain the role of the Trusteeship Council and why it was set up.
Ans: The Trusteeship Council was set up to look after trust territories. Its role became obsolete, and it suspended its operations in 1994 after the independence of Palau.
Q8: Describe the role and responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the significance of their position.
Ans: The Secretary-General is the head of the Secretariat, implementing UN programs and policies. Nominated by the Security Council and appointed by the General Assembly, they serve as the spokesperson for the United Nations.
Q9: Discuss India's contributions to the United Nations, including its involvement in peacekeeping missions.
Ans: India supports UN principles and has sent armed forces for peacekeeping in places like Cyprus, the Middle East, Korea, Congo, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Sri Lanka.
Q10: Name and briefly explain the functions of three important agencies of the United Nations.
Ans:
- WHO (World Health Organization): Deals with health-related issues, established in 1948.
- FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization): Aims to end hunger and improve food production, headquartered in Rome.
- UNESCO (UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization): Works in education, science, and culture, headquartered in Paris.
