CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6: International Organisations NCERT Solutions

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This chapter delves into the crucial role of International Organisations in the contemporary world, focusing on the United Nations (UN) and its various organs and specialized agencies. It explores the structure, functions, and significance of bodies like the Security Council, General Assembly, International Court of Justice, and others. The solutions cover key concepts such as the veto power, the UN's role in maintaining peace and security, humanitarian efforts, and the functioning of economic and trade organizations like the WTO. Understanding these organizations is vital for comprehending global politics and India's position within the international system. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations to help students grasp the complexities of international relations and prepare effectively for their examinations.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectPolitical Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterPart 1 - 6. International Organisations

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on International Organisations, primarily the United Nations. It covers the structure and functions of UN organs like the Security Council and General Assembly, the concept of veto power, and the roles of specialized agencies. The solutions also touch upon global economic bodies like the WTO and IMF, and India's aspirations for a permanent seat in the UNSC. The exercises are designed to test understanding of these key international bodies and their impact on global affairs.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the structure and functions of the United Nations and its principal organs.
  • Explain the concept and implications of the veto power in the UN Security Council.
  • Identify the roles of specialized agencies in areas like health, economy, and nuclear technology.
  • Analyze the significance of international organizations in maintaining global peace and security.
  • Evaluate India's position and aspirations within international organizations.
  • Differentiate between various international organizations and their specific mandates.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • United Nations (UN)
  • UN Security Council
  • Veto Power
  • UN General Assembly
  • International Court of Justice
  • Specialized Agencies (WHO, IAEA, UNHCR)
  • World Trade Organisation (WTO)
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  • India's role in International Organisations
  • Maintaining International Peace and Security
  • Economic and Social Council
  • Secretariat

Important topics

  • United Nations Structure and Functions
  • Veto Power in the Security Council
  • Role of Specialized Agencies
  • World Trade Organisation (WTO)
  • India's Aspirations for UNSC Membership
  • Maintaining Global Peace and Security

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the veto power in the UN Security Council:

(a) Only the permanent members of the Security Council possess the veto power.

(b) It's a kind of negative power.

(c) The Secretary General uses this power when not satisfied with any decision.

(d) One veto can stall a Security Council resolution.

Solution:

(a) Correct. The veto power is a special privilege granted only to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

(b) Correct. The veto power is considered a negative power because it allows a permanent member to block the adoption of any substantive resolution, even if all other members agree.

(c) Wrong. The Secretary-General does not possess or use the veto power. This power is exclusively vested in the permanent members of the Security Council.

(d) Correct. A single veto cast by any of the permanent members on a substantive matter can prevent a resolution from being adopted by the Security Council, effectively stalling it.

Question 2

Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the way the UN functions:

(a) All security and peace related issues are dealt within the Security Council.

(b) Humanitarian policies are implemented by the main organs and specialised agencies spread across the globe.

(c) Having consensus among five permanent members on security issues is vital for its implementation.

(d) The members of the General Assembly are automatically the members of all other principal organs and specialised agencies of the UN.

Solution:

(a) Correct. The UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, including investigating disputes and recommending settlement methods.

(b) Correct. The UN system, through its various main organs and numerous specialized agencies like WHO, UNICEF, and UNHCR, implements a wide range of humanitarian policies globally.

(c) Correct. For the effective implementation of decisions related to security issues, consensus or at least the absence of a veto from the five permanent members of the Security Council is crucial.

(d) Wrong. While all UN member states are members of the General Assembly, membership in other principal organs (like the Security Council) and specialized agencies is often separate and may require specific conditions or elections.

Question 3

Which among the following would give more weightage to India's proposal for permanent membership in the Security Council?

(a) Nuclear capability

(b) It has been a member of the UN since its inception.

(c) It is located in Asia.

(d) India's growing economic power and stable political system.

Solution:

The correct answer is (d) India's growing economic power and stable political system. While India's long-standing membership (since inception) and its status as a major Asian power are relevant, its increasing economic strength and the stability of its political system are considered more significant factors in bolstering its claim for permanent membership in the UN Security Council in the current global context.

Question 4

The UN agency concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology is:

(a) The UN Committee on Disarmament

(b) International Atomic Energy Agency

(c) UN International Safeguard Committee

(d) None of the above.

Solution:

The correct answer is (b) International Atomic Energy Agency. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the UN-affiliated organization responsible for promoting the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing its diversion for military purposes.

Question 5

WTO is serving as the successor to which of the following organisations:

(a) General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs

(b) General Arrangement on Trade and Tariffs

(c) World Health Organisation

(d) UN Development Programme

Solution:

The correct answer is (a) General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. The World Trade Organisation (WTO), established in 1995, is the successor organization to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT), which was a provisional agreement and trade organization founded in the aftermath of World War II.

Question 6

Fill in the blanks:

(a) The prime objective of UN is _______________

(b) The highest functionary of the UN is called _______________

(c) The UN Security Council has ______ permanent and ______ non-permanent members.

(d) _______________ is the present UN Secretary General.

Solution:

(a) The prime objective of the UN is to maintain international peace and security.

(b) The highest functionary of the UN is called the Secretariat (headed by the Secretary-General).

(c) The UN Security Council has 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members.

(d) António Guterres is the present UN Secretary General. (Note: Ban Ki-moon was the Secretary-General at the time the source material was likely created, but António Guterres is the current holder of the office).

Question 7

Match the principal organs and agencies of the UN with their functions:

A. Organisations:

  1. Economic and Social Council
  2. International Court of Justice
  3. International Atomic Energy Agency
  4. Security Council
  5. UN High Commission for Refugees
  6. World Trade Organisation
  7. International Monetary Fund
  8. General Assembly
  9. World Health Organisation
  10. Secretariat

B. Functions:

  1. Oversees the global financial system.
  2. Reservation of international peace and security.
  3. Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member countries.
  4. Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
  5. Resolves disputes between and among member countries.
  6. Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies.
  7. Debates and discusses global issues.
  8. Administration and coordination of UN affairs.
  9. Providing good health for all.
  10. Facilitates free trade among member countries.
Solution:

Here is the correct matching of the UN organs/agencies with their functions:

  • 1. Economic and Social Council matches with (c) Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member countries.
  • 2. International Court of Justice matches with (e) Resolves disputes between and among member countries.
  • 3. International Atomic Energy Agency matches with (d) Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
  • 4. Security Council matches with (b) Reservation of international peace and security.
  • 5. UN High Commission for Refugees matches with (f) Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies.
  • 6. World Trade Organisation matches with (j) Facilitates free trade among member countries.
  • 7. International Monetary Fund matches with (a) Oversees the global financial system.
  • 8. General Assembly matches with (g) Debates and discusses global issues.
  • 9. World Health Organisation matches with (i) Providing good health for all.
  • 10. Secretariat matches with (h) Administration and coordination of UN affairs.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the roles of different UN organs and specialized agencies.
  • Misunderstanding the conditions and implications of the veto power.
  • Incorrectly identifying the successor organization to GATT.
  • Overlooking the importance of economic and political factors for UNSC membership.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding the specific functions of each UN organ and agency listed.
  • Pay close attention to the explanation of the veto power and its impact.
  • Review the roles of organizations like WTO and IAEA in detail.
  • Consider India's perspective and its stated goals regarding international organizations.
  • Use the matching exercise to reinforce the connection between organizations and their functions.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which UN organ is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security?

Q2. The veto power in the UN Security Council is exclusively held by:

Q3. Which UN agency is concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology?

Q4. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) succeeded which earlier agreement?

Q5. Which of the following factors would most strongly support India's bid for permanent UNSC membership?

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the United Nations?

The prime objective of the UN is to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and achieve international cooperation in solving global problems.

Who holds the veto power in the UN Security Council?

The veto power is held exclusively by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

What is the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN and is responsible for resolving legal disputes submitted to it by states and giving advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.

Which organization is the successor to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT)?

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) serves as the successor to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT).

What are the key factors supporting India's claim for permanent membership in the Security Council?

India's growing economic power, its stable political system, its large population, and its significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations are key factors supporting its claim for permanent membership.

What is the function of the UN Secretariat?

The Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General, handles the day-to-day administration and coordination of UN affairs, providing support to other UN organs.

Important links

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