UPSC CSE GS-2 | MASTER NOTES SERIES

UNITED NATIONS ORGANISATION (UNO)

Objectives, Principles, Composition, Functions & Role in World Peace

Analytical | Theory-Linked | Current Affairs 2024–25 | PYQ-Mapped | India-

Focused
UN Charter | Security Council | Peacekeeping | Reform | India's UNSC Bid | Summit of the
Future

GS Paper Marks Weight Type Key Subtopics By

GS-2 (IR) 15–25 Analytical/ Charter+Reform Diptanu
Evaluative
SECTION 1 — CORE CONTEXT & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction & Relevance

The United Nations Organisation (UNO), established on October 24, 1945 — now celebrated annually
as UN Day — is humanity's foremost experiment in collective security and multilateral cooperation.
Born from the ashes of two World Wars and the failure of the League of Nations, the UN embodies the
liberal internationalist conviction that sovereign states can and must cooperate through institutions to
prevent war, protect human rights, and promote development. For India — a founding member, the
world's largest democracy, and an aspiring permanent UNSC member — the UN is simultaneously a
vehicle of national interest, a platform for global leadership, and a system in urgent need of reform.

1.2 Historical Background

YEAR MILESTONE
1919 League of Nations established — first experiment in collective security; India a
founding member (as British dominion)
1939–45 World War II — League's failure exposed; 55 million dead; need for a stronger,
universal organisation
June 1945 San Francisco Conference — 50 nations sign the UN Charter (24 Oct 1945 = UN
Day)
1945 UN founded with 51 original members; India among founding members
1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) — foundational human rights
document
1971 People's Republic of China replaces Republic of China in UNSC permanent seat
1991 USSR dissolved; Russian Federation assumes USSR's UNSC P5 seat
2005 World Summit Outcome — R2P (Responsibility to Protect) doctrine adopted
2015 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) adopted — 17 goals, 169 targets, 2030
deadline
Sept 2024 UN Summit of the Future — 'Pact for the Future' adopted; AI governance, digital
rights, climate

1.3 India & the UN — Historical Relationship

• Founding member: India signed the UN Charter in 1945 — one of only 50 original members.
• Non-Alignment: India used UN as a platform for NAM, anti-colonialism, and Afro-Asian solidarity.
• UNSC non-permanent member: 8 times elected (most recently 2021–22); part of the G4 for
permanent seat.
• UN Peacekeeping: India is the largest cumulative contributor to UN peacekeeping operations —
2,50,000+ troops since 1956.
• India's Chandrashekharan Nair, Shashi Tharoor, Viswanathan Anand — prominent Indians at UN
leadership.
• Current: India seeking UNSC permanent membership; active at Summit of the Future (2024);
Voice of Global South at UNGA.
SECTION 2 — OBJECTIVES & PRINCIPLES OF THE UN (Charter-
Based)

2.1 UN Charter — Structure

The UN Charter (signed 26 June 1945, San Francisco; in force 24 Oct 1945) is the UN's
constitutive treaty — 111 Articles, 19 Chapters. It is binding on all 193 member states
and supersedes all other international obligations (Article 103). India ratified it as a
founding member.

2.2 Objectives of the UN (Article 1)

A OBJECTIVE OPERATIONAL MEANING + INDIA ANGLE
rt
.
1 Maintain international Collective security mechanism; UNSC primary responsibility; India as
( peace & security net security provider
1
)
1 Develop friendly Sovereign equality; self-determination; India's NAM legacy; anti-
( relations among nations colonialism
2
)
1 Achieve international Economic, social, cultural, humanitarian cooperation; UN development
( cooperation agencies (UNDP, UNICEF)
3
)
1 Harmonise actions of UN as coordinating body; prevent bilateralism from undermining
( nations multilateral norms
4
)

2.3 Principles of the UN (Article 2)

A PRINCIPLE SIGNIFICANCE + CURRENT APPLICATION
rt
.
2 Sovereign equality of all All 193 states = 1 vote in UNGA; India uses this to champion
( members Global South
1
)
2 Fulfilment of obligations in Pacta sunt servanda; India's treaty compliance track record
( good faith
2
)
2 Settle disputes by peaceful Arbitration, mediation, ICJ — India-Pakistan, India-China disputes
( means
3
)
2 Refrain from threat or use of Absolute prohibition (except self-defence Art.51 + UNSC
( force authorisation); violated by Russia (Ukraine 2022), Israel (Gaza
4 2023–25)
)
2 Assist UN in enforcement Member states must cooperate; India's peacekeeping
( action contributions
5
)
2 UN to ensure non-members Universal applicability; addresses rogue states
( comply
6
)
2 Non-interference in domestic India invokes this: Kashmir, J&K; China invokes: Taiwan, Tibet,
( affairs Xinjiang
7
)

2.4 Other Key Charter Provisions

• Article 51 — Right to individual/collective self-defence; India invokes for border conflicts (LAC,
LoC).
• Article 99 — Secretary-General can bring any matter threatening peace to UNSC attention —
proactive SG role.
• Article 103 — UN Charter obligations prevail over all other international agreements.
• Article 108 — Amendment requires 2/3 UNGA ratification + all P5 ratification — makes UNSC
reform near-impossible.
• Chapter VI — Pacific Settlement of Disputes: negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation,
arbitration, judicial settlement.
• Chapter VII — Action with respect to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression
— gives UNSC binding enforcement powers.
SECTION 3 — COMPOSITION: SIX PRINCIPAL ORGANS OF THE UN

3.1 Overview of the Six Principal Organs

ORGAN ESTABLISH KEY FUNCTION
ED
General Assembly 1945 Plenary — all 193 members; one nation one vote; non-binding
(UNGA) resolutions; budget approval
Security Council 1945 Primary peace & security responsibility; 15 members (5 P5 + 10
(UNSC) elected); binding decisions ([Link])
International Court 1945 Principal judicial organ; 15 judges; advisory opinions +
of Justice (ICJ) contentious cases
Secretariat 1945 Administrative backbone; headed by Secretary-General;
implements mandates
Economic & Social 1945 Coordinates economic, social, cultural, health, educational work;
Council (ECOSOC) 54 members
Trusteeship 1945 Supervised 11 trust territories; suspended 1994 when Palau
Council (suspended became independent
1994)

3.2 UNSC — Deep Dive (Most Important for UPSC)

The Security Council is the UN's executive arm — the only body whose decisions
under Chapter VII are legally binding on all member states. Its composition and veto
structure are the single most debated aspect of global governance reform.

UNSC Composition
MEMBER TYPE COMPOSITION KEY FEATURES
Permanent Members USA, UK, France, Veto power on substantive matters; unelected;
(P5) Russia, China permanent since 1945; REFORM DEMANDED
Non-Permanent 10 elected by UNGA 2-year terms; regional rotation; NO veto; India
Members elected 8 times (last 2021–22)
Voting — Procedural 9 of 15 votes No veto applicable — any member can request
procedural vote
Voting — Substantive 9 of 15 incl. all P5 VETO: any single P5 'No' vote = Resolution
concurring blocked
Presidency Monthly rotation Alphabetical; no country holds it permanently

Veto Use — Critical Data (2024)

P5 MEMBER TOTAL RECENT VETOES (2022–25)
VETOES
USA ~80+ Multiple Gaza ceasefire resolutions (2023–24); protected Israel
from accountability
Russia ~120+ Ukraine invasion resolutions (2022–25); blocked humanitarian
corridors
China ~20+ Myanmar, North Korea accountability; joint vetoes with Russia
UK ~30+ Historical; Middle East; recent very limited
France ~18+ Historical; recent very limited; supports EU multilateral positions

3.3 UNGA — Key Functions

• Discussion forum: Every state has one vote — platform for India's 'Voice of Global South'
leadership.
• Budget approval: Approves UN regular budget (biennial); assessed contributions; India
contributes ~1% (as per GNI formula).
• Elects: Non-permanent UNSC members, ECOSOC members, ICJ judges, Secretary-General (on
UNSC recommendation).
• Uniting for Peace Resolution (1950): UNGA can meet in emergency special session if UNSC is
paralysed by veto — used for Korea, Gaza (2023).
• Advisory opinions: Can request ICJ advisory opinions — used for Palestine wall (2004), Kosovo
independence.
• Treaty adoption: Major multilateral treaties adopted here — NPT, CTBT, SDGs, Climate
Agreements.

3.4 Secretary-General — Current Context

• António Guterres (Portugal): 2nd term (2022–2026); former PM of Portugal and UNHCR head.
• Key recent initiatives: 'Our Common Agenda' (2021); Summit of the Future (2024); AI governance
advocacy.
• SG's role: Chief administrative officer (Art.97); 'World's conscience' — can speak out on peace
threats (Art.99).
• India's position: India has historically supported Guterres; advocates for Global South SG after his
term.

3.5 ICJ — Key Recent Cases

• ICJ Advisory Opinion on Israeli Occupation (July 2024): ICJ ruled Israeli occupation of Palestinian
territories is unlawful; 14-1 vote; non-binding but politically significant.
• Kulbhushan Jadhav Case (India v. Pakistan, 2019): ICJ ordered Pakistan to review death
sentence; consular access case under Vienna Convention.
• Maritime Delimitation Cases: Multiple; India involved in Bay of Bengal delimitation (Bangladesh,
Myanmar settled).
• Ukraine v. Russia (2022): Ukraine filed genocide convention case; ICJ ordered provisional
measures for ceasefire — Russia ignored.
SECTION 4 — FUNCTIONS & ROLE OF UN IN WORLD PEACE &
SECURITY

4.1 Collective Security Mechanism

Collective Security (Chapter VII): If UNSC determines a 'threat to peace, breach of
peace, or act of aggression' — it can: (1) call for ceasefire (Art.40), (2) impose non-
military measures/sanctions (Art.41), (3) authorise military action (Art.42). P5 veto has
repeatedly paralysed this mechanism.

4.2 UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs)

UN Peacekeeping — not explicitly mentioned in the Charter, but evolved as a 'Chapter VI½'
mechanism — involves deploying multinational forces to maintain ceasefires, protect civilians, and
support peace processes. India has been the single largest cumulative contributor since 1956.

India's Peacekeeping Legacy

MISSION YEAR / INDIA'S CONTRIBUTION
STATUS
UNEF-I (Suez Canal) 1956–1967 India's first PKO contribution; breakthrough role under
Nehru
ONUC (Congo) 1960–1964 India provided Gurkha battalions; complex peace
enforcement
UNIFIL (Lebanon) Active Indian battalion; Blue Helmets; Middle East stability
MONUSCO (Congo) Active India largest contributor; helicopter unit; civilian protection
UNMISS (South Sudan) Active Indian engagement force; protection of civilians
UNDOF (Golan Active India battalion; Israeli-Syrian buffer
Heights)
TOTAL (Cumulative) Since 1956 250,000+ Indian troops across 50+ PKOs — world's
largest cumulative contributor

Recent Peacekeeping Data (2024)

• Currently active PKOs: 12 missions; ~70,000 uniformed personnel from 125 countries.
• India's current deployment: ~5,900 personnel — among top 3 contributors (alongside Ethiopia,
Bangladesh).
• Women peacekeepers: India has deployed female Formed Police Units (FPU) — first in Liberia
(2007); expanded.
• PKO Budget (2024–25): ~$2.5 billion annually — India contributes proportionally.
4.3 Conflict Prevention & Mediation
• Good Offices: SG can use 'good offices' to mediate between conflicting parties; Guterres
mediated Black Sea Grain Deal (Ukraine-Russia-Turkey-UN, 2022) — extended until 2023.
• Special Representatives: SG appoints Special Envoys/Representatives for specific conflicts
(Libya, Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, Sudan).
• Preventive Diplomacy: UN Political Missions deployed before conflicts escalate.
• Peacebuilding Commission: Established 2005 — supports post-conflict recovery; India contributes
to this.
• UN Women, UN Development Programme (UNDP): Address root causes of conflict — poverty,
inequality.

4.4 Disarmament & Arms Control

• NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, 1968): India is NOT a signatory — India has consistently
argued it is discriminatory (only 5 nuclear powers can legally have them).
• CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, 1996): India NOT signed — India holds out for universal
disarmament.
• Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW, 2021): India abstained — consistent with
NFU doctrine but not signing without universal nuclear disarmament.
• Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC): India is a signatory; has destroyed all declared chemical
weapons stocks.
• Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): India is a signatory; participates in strengthening the
convention.
• Arms Trade Treaty (ATT): India signed but not ratified — concerns about impact on defence
imports.
• UNGA First Committee: Deals with disarmament; India participates actively.

4.5 Human Rights Mechanisms

• UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC): 47 members elected by UNGA; Geneva-based; periodic
reviews.
• India at UNHRC: India has been elected multiple times; defends sovereign positions on J&K, CAA
while engaging constructively on global human rights issues.
• Universal Periodic Review (UPR): All 193 member states undergo peer review every 4.5 years;
India's last review 2022.
• ICC (International Criminal Court): India is NOT a party — concerns about political use;
complementarity principle.
• R2P (Responsibility to Protect, 2005): When a state fails to protect its citizens, international
community has responsibility to intervene. India engaged but cautious — sovereignty concerns.

4.6 Development Functions

UN BODY HQ INDIA-RELEVANT FUNCTIONS
UNDP New York Human Development Index; SDG monitoring; India
ranked 134th (HDI 2024)
UNICEF New York Child welfare; India's immunisation, POSHAN,
education programmes
WHO Geneva Global health standards; COVID-19; India's drug supply
(generics); Vaccines
FAO Rome Food security; India's food grain production; MSP
policy engagement
WFP Rome Food aid; India contributed food to crisis nations (wheat
to Afghanistan)
IMF Washington DC Global financial stability; India's $3.7T economy;
currency stability
World Bank Washington DC Infrastructure lending to India; development reports;
India largest borrower
ILO Geneva Labour standards; India's workforce (500M+); migrant
worker protection
UNESCO Paris Cultural heritage; India's 42 UNESCO World Heritage
Sites; Yoga Day
UNHCR Geneva Refugees; India hosts 200,000+ refugees (Tibet, Sri
Lanka, Myanmar)

4.7 Environmental / Climate Functions

• UNFCCC: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change — annual COPs (COP28 Dubai 2023;
COP29 Baku 2024; COP30 Brazil 2025).
• IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — scientific assessments; India's AR6
contributions.
• Paris Agreement (2015): Under UNFCCC; India's NDC — 500 GW renewables by 2030; Net Zero
by 2070.
• UNEP: UN Environment Programme — Nairobi; global environmental governance.
• High Seas Treaty (2023): BBNJ Agreement on marine biodiversity of areas beyond national
jurisdiction — India signed; landmark for ocean governance.
• India's initiatives: ISA (International Solar Alliance), CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure) — India-led UN-recognised bodies.
SECTION 5 — CURRENT AFFAIRS: UN IN 2023–25

5.1 Summit of the Future (September 2024) — MOST IMPORTANT

The Summit of the Future (22–23 September 2024, New York) was the UN's most
significant gathering since the 2015 SDG Summit. India played a central role as 'Voice
of Global South' — advocating for developing nations' interests in digital governance,
AI, climate finance, and UNSC reform.

Pact for the Future — Key Outcomes

• Adopted by consensus (with some objections): 56 'actions' across peace, sustainability, digital
future, youth, global governance.
• AI Governance: First multilateral framework for AI governance — International AI Safety
Standard; India advocated for inclusive, development-friendly AI rules.
• Digital Compact: Global Digital Compact — digital rights, connectivity, cybersecurity; India pushed
for 'Internet for All'.
• UNSC Reform: Pact acknowledged need for Security Council reform — but no concrete action;
G4 (India, Germany, Japan, Brazil) disappointed.
• Climate Finance: Pact called for $1 trillion/year for developing nations — India's key demand;
partially acknowledged.
• Future Generations: 'Declaration for Future Generations' — long-term thinking in UN decision-
making.

5.2 UNSC Failures — Gaza Crisis (2023–25)

• October 7, 2023: Hamas attack on Israel (1,200 killed); Israeli military response in Gaza —
45,000+ Palestinians killed by May 2025.
• UNSC paralysis: US vetoed multiple UNSC resolutions calling for ceasefire or humanitarian
pauses — demonstrating veto's destructive potential.
• UNGA Emergency Special Session: Invoked 'Uniting for Peace' (1950) — passed resolutions
calling for humanitarian ceasefire with 120+ votes; non-binding but politically significant.
• ICJ Interim Measures (Jan 2024): ICJ ordered Israel to prevent genocide acts in Gaza — binding
but unenforceable without UNSC action.
• ICJ Advisory Opinion (July 2024): Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful — 14-1
vote.
• India's position: Called for 'immediate and sustained ceasefire'; humanitarian access; two-state
solution; abstained on key resolutions; balanced India-Israel defence ties with Palestinian cause.
• Reform lesson: Gaza crisis demonstrated most graphically the UNSC reform imperative —
permanent member protecting ally at cost of thousands of lives.

5.3 Russia-Ukraine & UNSC Dysfunction (2022–25)

• February 24, 2022: Russia invaded Ukraine — direct violation of UN Charter Art.2(4) (prohibition
on use of force).
• UNSC paralysed: Russia vetoed all substantive UNSC resolutions; China either vetoed or
abstained.
 • UNGA emergency special sessions: ES-11/1 (March 2022, 141 countries); ES-11/2 (nuclear
safety); ES-11/6 (humanitarian); non-binding but significant.
• India's position: Abstained on all UNSC and UNGA votes; called for dialogue; maintained Russia
ties (arms, oil); PM Modi: 'This is not an era of war' (to Putin, 2022 and 2024).
• Black Sea Grain Deal: SG Guterres brokered Ukraine grain export deal (2022) — Russia
withdrew (2023); SG's good offices demonstrated.

5.4 UN at 80 (2025) — Reflections

• UN turns 80 in 2025 — significant milestone; global discussions on reform, relevance, and
revitalization.
• India's advocacy: PM Modi at UNGA (2023, 2024): 'The UN was created by a world order that no
longer exists'; reform of UNSC is existential; India's permanent seat candidacy reiterated.
• G4 push: India, Germany, Japan, Brazil jointly push for 6 new permanent seats (2 Africa, 1 Asia, 1
Latin America, 1 Europe + current 4 becoming 5 with additional).
• 'Uniting Our Strength for Peace' — UN75 Declaration (2020) commitments review in 2025.

5.5 UNSC Reform — India's Permanent Seat Bid

ASPECT DETAILS
India's case World's most populous country (1.4B); 5th largest economy; largest
democracy; largest PKO contributor; founding member; Voice of Global
South
G4 Group India + Germany + Japan + Brazil — mutual support for permanent seats;
active lobbying since 1990s
Support USA (2010), UK, France formally supported India's bid; Russia expressed
support; China — 'understands India's aspirations' (non-committed)
Obstacles Pakistan + China oppose in Asia seat competition; 'Coffee Club' (Uniting
for Consensus) opposes expansion; Article 108 requires P5 ratification
Models proposed A: 6 new permanent seats + 4 additional non-permanent; B: Expanded
non-permanent seats with longer terms; C: New permanent without
immediate veto
Latest (2024) IGN (Inter-Governmental Negotiations) at UNGA resumed; text-based
negotiations; Pact for the Future acknowledged reform need — but no
breakthrough
India's strategy Build G20 consensus; leverage Voice of Global South; economic weight;
peacekeeping record; democratic identity
SECTION 6 — MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE UN

DIMENSION KEY ASPECTS India-Specific + 2024–25 Example

Political/Diplomatic UNSC reform; veto paralysis; Great India's G4 campaign; PM Modi's UNGA
Power competition speech (2024); Pact for the Future
Economic/Trade UN Development System; Bretton India at WTO; UNCTAD; World Bank
Woods reform; SDGs; trade rules loans; IMF vote reform push; SDG
financing gap
Strategic/Security Collective security; PKO; arms India: largest PKO contributor; NFU vs
control; R2P; nuclear governance NPT; UNSC veto paralysis (Gaza,
Ukraine)
Geopolitical US-China rivalry; multipolarity; India as bridge; Voice of Global South;
Global North-South divide BRICS expansion; G20 AU inclusion
Technological AI governance; Cybersecurity India at Summit of the Future 2024; DPI
norms; Digital Compact; Space advocacy; Global Digital Compact
Environmental UNFCCC; COPs; IPCC; High Seas India's NDC; ISA at UN; LiFE Mission;
Treaty; Biodiversity COP COP29 climate finance demand ($1T)
Human Rights/Soft UNHRC; UPR; ICC; cultural India's UPR (2022); J&K positions; Yoga
Power diplomacy; humanitarian Day; Indian peacekeeping women
officers

6.1 Theoretical Framework

IR THEORY HOW IT VIEWS THE UN India Example
Realism UN = instrument of great power India's PKO (prestige, training, per diem) +
politics; P5 veto protects reform push (UNSC seat = national interest)
national interest; states use UN
when convenient
Liberalism UN = embodiment of India's founding membership; support for
international institutions reducing SDGs, climate agreements, human rights
war; interdependence; collective frameworks
security
Constructivism UN shapes identity and norms; India's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' at UNGA;
'World community' is a social post-colonial solidarity; Voice of Global South
construction; legitimacy matters identity
Critical Theory UN perpetuates Western India's UNSC reform campaign; demand for
hegemony; P5 structure is Bretton Woods reform; Global South
colonial legacy; reform needed development finance
for equity
SECTION 7 — ISSUE-BASED ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK

7.1 Background
• The UN was designed for a bipolar world of 1945 — 51 members, Cold War superpower
management, Eurocentric legal norms.
• Today's world has 193 members, multipolar power distribution, transnational challenges (climate,
AI, pandemics) that no 1945 architect foresaw.
• The UN's core contradiction: Universal membership (democratic aspiration) vs P5 veto (oligarchic
power structure).
• League of Nations failure lessons shaped the UN — but the same structural flaw (great power
veto) was retained under a different name.

7.2 Challenges to UN's Role in World Peace

A. Structural/Institutional Challenges
• Veto paralysis: Russia-Ukraine (2022–25); Gaza ceasefire (US vetoes 2023–24); Myanmar
accountability — veto has paralysed UNSC on every major 21st-century crisis.
• P5 composition: 1945 composition doesn't reflect 2025 world — Africa (1.4B) has no permanent
seat; India (1.4B) not represented; Germany, Japan not members.
• UNGA non-binding: 193 nations can vote overwhelmingly for peace measures but P5 veto makes
it unenforceable.
• Underfunding: UN regular budget ~$3.4B (2024–25) — less than New York City Police
Department; 77 member states owe arrears.
• US non-payment history: USA has historically withheld dues as political leverage — reduces
financial stability.

B. Normative/Operational Challenges
• Sovereignty vs. R2P tension: Non-interference (Art.2(7)) vs Responsibility to Protect (2005) —
unresolved tension exploited by both interventionists and authoritarian states.
• PKO protection gap: UN peacekeepers constrained by 'consent-based' mandate — cannot protect
civilians when host state is the aggressor (Syria, Yemen).
• Counter-terrorism: UNSC 1267 Committee (sanctions on terror groups) — India vs
China/Pakistan on listing of groups like JeM, LeT.
• New threats: Cyber warfare, AI risks, space militarisation — 1945 Charter has no provisions; norm
creation painfully slow.
• Climate finance: Developing nations need $1T+/year for climate transition — UN frameworks
identify need but cannot enforce delivery.

7.3 Implications for India

• UNSC reform: Without permanent seat, India's voice in international security is limited despite
being the world's most populous country and top PKO contributor.
• Nuclear discrimination: NPT's P5 = nuclear legitimate; India = outside = India's 'responsible
nuclear state' narrative undermined at NPT review conferences.
 • Counter-terrorism: Pakistan uses UNSC (via China) to block designation of terrorist groups
targeting India — direct security implication.
• Climate justice: India needs UN frameworks to deliver climate finance, technology transfer, and
Carbon credits fairly — developmental imperative.
• Digital governance: India's DPI model, AI regulation preferences must be reflected in UN
frameworks — normative stakes are high.
• Development: India benefits significantly from UN development system — World Bank loans,
WHO health standards, WFP food aid (historically), UNDP technical assistance.

7.4 Opportunities for India

• G20-UN bridge: India's successful G20 Presidency (2023) — AU inclusion — positions India to
convert G20 consensus into UN reform momentum.
• Voice of Global South: India's brand as developing world spokesman gives it disproportionate UN
influence relative to its formal voting weight.
• PKO leadership: India's peacekeeping record is an irreplaceable diplomatic asset — enables
India to claim security leadership credentials.
• Digital India at UN: India's DPI (UPI, Aadhaar, CoWIN) as global development model —
championed at Global Digital Compact (2024).
• Climate leadership: ISA (124 member countries), CDRI — India-led UN-recognised institutions
creating new multilateral architecture.
• Women at UN: India's female peacekeepers, Indian women in senior UN positions — soft power +
gender diplomacy.

7.5 Way Forward — UN Reform Agenda

• UNSC reform: Expand to 25–26 members — 6 new permanent (2 Africa, 1 Asia, 1 LatAm, 2
Europe) + 4–5 additional non-permanent; veto reform (require 2 P5 for veto?).
• Veto accountability: 'Veto Initiative' (2022): UNGA automatically convenes debate when veto is
cast — already partially in effect; strengthen.
• UNGA empowerment: Give UNGA binding powers on certain issues (humanitarian ceasefire?)
where UNSC is paralysed.
• SG independence: Strengthen SG's proactive peace role (Art.99); insulate from P5 political
pressure.
• New financing mechanisms: Develop country SDG financing; Tobin Tax proposal for UN
emergency fund; arrears accountability.
• New threats governance: Dedicated UN mechanisms for AI governance, cyber warfare norms,
space law, pandemic preparedness.
SECTION 8 — ANSWER WRITING TOOLKIT

8.1 INTRODUCTIONS (5 Types)

Type 1 — Data-Based
In 2024, US vetoes blocked UNSC ceasefire resolutions while 45,000+ civilians died in
Gaza; simultaneously, Russia's veto paralysed Ukraine accountability measures.
These two crises — occurring in the 79th year of the United Nations — encapsulate
the fundamental paradox of the world's foremost peace organisation: a 193-member
universal body whose primary security organ can be paralysed by a single vote of
any of its five permanent members. The UN's legitimacy crisis has never been more
acute — nor its reform more urgent.

Type 2 — Current Event-Based

When the UN's Summit of the Future (September 2024) adopted the 'Pact for the
Future' — India played a pivotal role as 'Voice of Global South', pushing for UNSC
reform, $1 trillion climate finance, and inclusive AI governance. PM Modi's call for a
'reformed multilateralism' reflects India's dual relationship with the UN: a founding
member that has contributed 250,000+ peacekeepers, yet is denied permanent UNSC
membership despite being the world's most populous democracy and 5th largest
economy. India's UN story is a microcosm of the global governance deficit.

Type 3 — Agreement/Treaty-Based
From the UN Charter (1945) and Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) to the
SDGs (2015), Paris Agreement (2015), and the Pact for the Future (2024) — the UN's
normative architecture is the most comprehensive multilateral legal framework in
history. Yet its enforcement capacity remains critically dependent on UNSC
consensus. The UN's challenge is not a deficit of norms but a deficit of will — and
that will is held hostage to the veto power of five nations selected 80 years ago.

Type 4 — Quote-Based
"The United Nations was not created to take humanity to Heaven, but to save it from
Hell." — Dag Hammarskjöld (2nd UN Secretary-General). This modest but profound
formulation captures the UN's essential purpose — not utopian world government,
but the prevention of catastrophic conflict. As India's PM Modi argued at UNGA 2023:
"The UN was created for a world that no longer exists — reform is not a choice, it is a
necessity."

Type 5 — Analytical Framing

Is the UN still relevant in an era of great power rivalry, veto paralysis, and multipolar
disorder? The answer is paradoxically yes — precisely because the consequences of
 its failure are so catastrophic. The UN's bureaucratic dysfunction and P5 paralysis
are symptoms of a structural disease: a 1945 institutional design governing a 2025
world. For India — the world's most populous democracy, largest peacekeeping
contributor, and aspiring UNSC permanent member — the UN's reform is not an
academic debate but a national strategic imperative.

8.2 CONCLUSIONS (5 Types)

Type 1 — Balanced Diplomatic
The UN at 80 (2025) stands at a crossroads: reform or irrelevance. The Gaza ceasefire
veto, Ukraine paralysis, and climate finance gap all point to the same structural failure
— a governance architecture designed for 1945 struggling to manage 2025
challenges. Yet the UN's normative achievements — 17 SDGs, the Paris Agreement,
the High Seas Treaty, the Global Digital Compact — demonstrate that multilateral
cooperation remains not only possible but essential. India must leverage its G20
momentum, peacekeeping legacy, and Global South leadership to make UNSC reform
not just a diplomatic aspiration but a concrete 21st-century necessity.

Type 2 — Win-Win Cooperation

A reformed UN — with equitable UNSC representation, a functional General
Assembly, and well-resourced development agencies — would serve every nation's
long-term interest, including the P5. A world where India, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and
Africa's voice is heard in peace and security decisions is a more stable, legitimate,
and effective world. The P5's short-term veto privilege is their long-term liability —
every veto used to protect a geopolitical ally reduces the UN's legitimacy and
ultimately the P5's own security.

Type 3 — Global Governance Reform

Three reforms are non-negotiable for a credible 21st-century UN: (1) UNSC expansion
to include Africa, India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil as permanent members —
reflecting actual global power distribution; (2) Veto accountability — the 'Veto
Initiative' mechanism (automatic UNGA debate when veto is cast) should be
strengthened into a veto override mechanism requiring 3 P5 members; (3) Dedicated
governance mechanisms for AI, cyberspace, and space — domains the 1945 Charter
never imagined. India must champion all three.

Type 4 — Strategic Autonomy

India's relationship with the UN must be strategically autonomous: support the UN
system as the foundation of international order, but refuse to accept a discriminatory
order within that system — whether at the NPT (nuclear discrimination), UNSC
(governance exclusion), or climate finance (responsibility without delivery). India's
permanent UNSC seat is not personal ambition but structural necessity — without
Indian voice in the Security Council, global governance decisions will continue to be
made without 1/6th of humanity's representation.
Type 5 — SDG/Global Peace
The SDGs — adopted unanimously by 193 UN member states in 2015 — represent
humanity's most ambitious collective commitment: end poverty, ensure clean energy,
achieve climate action, build peaceful institutions by 2030. With the 2030 deadline five
years away and only 15% of SDG targets on track (UN SDG Progress Report 2024),
the UN must urgently convert its normative commitments into financial and
operational delivery. India — having lifted 135 million people out of poverty between
2015 and 2021 (UNDP MPI 2023) — is proof that ambitious SDG targets, backed by
political will, are achievable.
SECTION 9 — VALUE ADDITION (Agreements, Data, Case Studies)

9.1 Key UN Treaties & Instruments

Treaty / Instrument Year Significance + India Position
UN Charter 1945 Constitutive document; 111 Articles; India founding member;
Art.2 principles
UDHR (Universal 1948 Foundational HR norms; India co-drafted; not legally binding
Declaration of Human but forms customary IL
Rights)
UN Convention on Law of 1982 Maritime order; India ratified; South China Sea; India-Pakistan
the Sea (UNCLOS) maritime boundary
Nuclear Non-Proliferation 1968 India NOT party — discriminatory; India's NFU + responsible
Treaty (NPT) nuclear state narrative
Comprehensive Test Ban 1996 India NOT signed — advocates universal disarmament first
Treaty (CTBT)
Chemical Weapons 1993 India ratified; declared + destroyed all CW stocks
Convention (CWC)
Biological Weapons 1972 India ratified; participates in strengthening mechanisms
Convention (BWC)
Paris Agreement (UNFCCC) 2015 India ratified; NDC: 500 GW renewables by 2030; Net Zero
2070
SDGs (2030 Agenda) 2015 17 Goals; India's progress: 135M lifted from poverty (2015–
21); HDI 134th
BBNJ / High Seas Treaty 2023 India signed; marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction;
ocean governance
Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) 2013 India signed, not ratified — defence import concerns
Treaty on Prohibition of 2021 India abstained — position: universal disarmament first
Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
Pact for the Future 2024 Summit of the Future; AI governance; digital compact; India
shaped Global South agenda

9.2 Key Reports & Indices

Report Source & India-Relevant Data
Year
SDG Progress Report UN DESA Only 15% of SDG targets on track; $4T/year financing
2024 gap for developing nations
Human Development UNDP 2024 India 134th (HDI); recovering post-COVID; 135M out of
Report poverty 2015–21
World Happiness Report UN/Gallup India 126th out of 143 — governance and wellbeing
2024 challenge
 UN Peacekeeping DPKO 2024 India ~5,900 deployed; 12 active missions; ~70,000
Statistics total personnel
UN Regular Budget UN 2024–25 $3.4B regular budget; USA ~22%; China ~15%; Japan
~8%; India ~0.8%
Global Multidimensional UNDP/OPHI India: 135M lifted out of MPI poverty 2015–21 —
Poverty Index 2023 'fastest reduction globally'
IPCC AR6 Synthesis IPCC 2023 1.5°C threshold to be crossed in early 2030s — UN
climate emergency response needed
UN Human Rights UPR UNHRC 2022 India's 3rd cycle UPR; 339 recommendations; India
accepted 152 partially/fully
World Economic Situation UN 2024 Global growth 2.7%; India 7%+ — fastest growing
major economy
UN Disarmament UNODA 2024 Nuclear states expanding arsenals; NPT review
Yearbook process stalled — disarmament deficit

9.3 Case Studies

Case Study 1: UNSC Paralysis — Gaza (2023–25)
• Oct 7, 2023: Hamas attack (1,200 Israeli deaths); Israel's military response — 45,000+
Palestinian deaths; 2M+ displaced.
• UNSC failure: US vetoed 4 ceasefire resolutions (Oct 2023–March 2024); most UN members
supported ceasefire.
• Resolution 2728 (March 2024): UNSC finally passed ceasefire resolution after months — USA
abstained instead of vetoing; non-binding on Israel.
• UNGA: Emergency Special Sessions passed multiple resolutions with 120+ votes —
demonstrated moral weight but no enforcement.
• Lessons for reform: Gaza is the most powerful argument for UNSC veto reform — permanent
member (USA) used veto to protect ally at cost of civilian lives, contradicting Charter's peace
mandate.
• India's position: Called for ceasefire + two-state solution; maintained balance between Israel
defence ties and Palestinian solidarity.

Case Study 2: India at UN Peacekeeping — MONUSCO (Congo)

• India has been consistently among top 3 contributors to MONUSCO (UN Mission in DRC/Congo)
since its establishment.
• India's unique contribution: Attack helicopters (Mi-25/35) enabling rapid response; combat
engineers; medical teams.
• 2021–24: MONUSCO facing withdrawal pressures from DRC government — complex political
situation; India navigating.
• India's female FPU: Female Formed Police Unit in Liberia (2007) — first ever in UN history;
replicated in DRC, others.
• Strategic dividend: PKO participation = training for Indian Army in complex environments +
~$1,500/soldier/month in UN reimbursement + diplomatic soft power.
• UPSC angle: PKO as India's most tangible UN contribution; soft power; national interest through
multilateral engagement.
Case Study 3: India's UNSC Non-Permanent Membership (2021–22)
• January 2021: India began 2-year UNSC non-permanent term (elected 184/192 votes in UNGA —
record margin).
• India's UNSC priorities: Counter-terrorism (UNSC 1540 Chair); maritime security (India chaired
debate — 'UNCLOS as framework'); peacekeeping reform.
• Counter-terrorism: India pushed for listing of Pakistan-based terror groups; China repeatedly
blocked listing of JeM/LeT affiliates.
• Veto limitation: India experienced first-hand how UNSC non-permanent members have formal
voice but practically limited influence on P5 decisions.
• Strategic lesson: India's UNSC permanent membership is necessary to convert India's moral
influence into institutional power.
SECTION 10 — PYQ MAPPING & APPROACH GUIDANCE

# Year/Exam Question Approach Hint

1 UPSC 2022 'The United Nations has been largely Acknowledge failures: UNSC
unsuccessful in preventing conflicts and veto paralysis (Gaza, Ukraine,
maintaining world peace. Critically examine.' Syria); funding gap;
enforcement deficit. BUT
show successes: PKO (50+
missions); norm creation
(SDGs, Paris); disarmament
(CWC). Critical but balanced.
Causes of failure = structural
(P5 veto) not inherent. Way
forward: reform.
2 UPSC 2020 'India's bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC is FOR: Population 1.4B,
well-deserved. Argue for and against.' economy 5th, democracy,
PKO leader, founding
member, Global South voice.
AGAINST: Nuclear non-NPT
status, incomplete democratic
credentials (press freedom,
HDI 134), regional tensions
(Pakistan/China opposition).
Conclude: Reform of UNSC
itself is the real argument.
3 UPSC 2023 'The UN's peacekeeping mechanisms need Critique consent-based model;
fundamental restructuring for 21st century PKO budget vs challenges;
challenges. Discuss.' new threat domains (cyber,
climate, hybrid war). India's
contributions + India's push for
reform (more teeth to PKOs,
clearer civilian protection
mandates). Summit of the
Future outcomes.
4 UPSC 2019 'Discuss the objectives and principles Article-wise analysis (Art.1
enshrined in the UN Charter and evaluate their objectives, Art.2 principles);
relevance in contemporary international then evaluate relevance:
relations.' Sovereignty (Art.2(7)) vs R2P;
Non-use of force (Art.2(4)) vs
Ukraine; Peaceful settlement
vs UNSC veto. Conclude:
principles remain valid,
structures need updating.
5 TPSC/State 'Discuss the composition and functions of the P5 + 10 structure; voting
PSC UN Security Council. What reforms are (procedural vs substantive);
needed?' veto use data (Gaza,
Ukraine). Functions: Collective
security, PKO mandate,
sanctions, Chapter VII.
Reforms: G4 model; veto
reform; Veto Initiative; UNGA
empowerment. India's case for
 permanent seat (NE
India/Tripura angle: India as
gateway to Asia = strategic
case for UNSC).
6 UPSC 2021 'How has the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the WHO's initial response
limitations of the UN system? What reforms criticism; UNSC paralysis on
does it suggest?' pandemic (no pandemic
resolution passed!); unequal
vaccine access (COVAX
failures); TRIPS waiver debate
at WTO. India's role: vaccine
maitri, COVAX contributions.
Reforms: pandemic treaty
negotiations (WHO); UNSC
humanitarian mandate
expansion; TRIPS reform.
SECTION 11 — MODEL ANSWERS

Q: 'Discuss the composition and role of the UN in maintaining world peace.

Critically evaluate UNSC reform proposals.'

MODEL ANSWER A — 150 Words

INTRODUCTION: When the UN's UNSC was paralysed by repeated vetoes on Gaza ceasefire
(2023–24) and Ukraine accountability (2022–25), it exposed the central paradox of the world's
foremost peace organisation: a 193-member universal body whose security organ is controlled
by five nations selected 80 years ago.
COMPOSITION: Six principal organs; UNSC (5 permanent + 10 elected) is primary peace
organ; Chapter VII gives it binding enforcement powers. India elected non-permanent member
8 times (last 2021–22) — highest votes in UNGA 2020 election (184/192).
ROLE IN PEACE: 12 active PKOs (70,000+ personnel); India's 250,000+ cumulative
contribution; conflict mediation (Black Sea Grain Deal 2022); arms control frameworks; SDGs
addressing root causes of conflict.
REFORM NEED: Expand UNSC to 25+ members (G4 model); strengthen Veto Initiative
(automatic UNGA debate); empower UNGA with binding humanitarian resolutions; new
mechanisms for AI, cyber, climate threats.
CONCLUSION: As Dag Hammarskjöld noted, the UN exists to save the world from hell, not
take it to heaven. India's case for UNSC permanent membership — backed by 1.4B population,
5th economy, and 250,000+ peacekeepers — is the most compelling argument for a UN that
truly reflects the world it governs.

MODEL ANSWER B — 250 Words

INTRODUCTION: The United Nations (1945) — born to prevent another World War — faces its
most severe credibility crisis at 80: UNSC paralysis on Gaza (2023–25) and Ukraine (2022–25)
has exposed the fatal structural flaw of veto power concentrated in five post-WWII victors. As
PM Modi stated at UNGA 2023: 'The UN was created for a world that no longer exists.' Yet the
same organisation has contributed more to global welfare — through SDGs, peacekeeping,
climate frameworks — than any alternative. The challenge is reform, not replacement.
COMPOSITION: Six principal organs: General Assembly (193 members; one vote; non-binding
resolutions), Security Council (15 members; 5 P5 with veto; Chapter VII binding decisions),
Secretariat (SG Guterres, 2nd term to 2026), ICJ (15 judges; ICJ July 2024 ruled Israeli
occupation unlawful), ECOSOC (54 members; development coordination), Trusteeship Council
(suspended 1994). India: 8-time elected non-permanent UNSC member; founding member
since 1945.
ROLE IN WORLD PEACE: (1) Peacekeeping: 12 active PKOs; ~70,000 personnel; India's
250,000+ cumulative contributions — world's largest; female FPU in Liberia (first, 2007). (2)
Disarmament: CWC, BWC frameworks; India party to both. (3) Conflict mediation: SG's good
offices (Black Sea Grain Deal 2022). (4) Norm creation: R2P (2005), SDGs (2015), Paris
Agreement (2015), Pact for the Future (2024). (5) Development: UNDP, WHO, WFP, UNICEF
addressing root causes of conflict.
LIMITATIONS & FAILURES: Veto paralysis on Gaza (4 US vetoes, 2023–24) and Ukraine
(Russia vetoes, 2022–25) demonstrates structural failure. UNSC composition — 1945 P5 —
excludes Africa (1.4B), India (1.4B), Germany, Japan. PKO consent-based mandate cannot
protect civilians when host state is aggressor. $3.4B annual budget less than New York Police
Department.
REFORM PROPOSALS: G4 model (India-Germany-Japan-Brazil + Africa): 6 new permanent +
4–5 non-permanent seats; Veto Initiative (2022, automatic UNGA debate on veto) —
strengthen to override mechanism; UNGA humanitarian resolution binding powers; dedicated
AI/cyber/space governance mechanisms. Summit of the Future (2024) acknowledged reform
need — political will remains the deficit.
CONCLUSION: India's UNSC permanent seat is not a national vanity project — it is a structural
necessity. A world where 1/6th of humanity (India) is excluded from permanent security
decision-making, while the world's most dangerous conflicts are managed by 1945's five
victors, is structurally unjust and practically ineffective. India must leverage its G20 leadership,
Voice of Global South credentials, and peacekeeping legacy to make UNSC reform the defining
multilateral achievement of the 2025–30 period. The UN's survival as a legitimate institution
depends on it.
SECTION 12 — HIGH-IMPACT KEYWORDS & PHRASES

Keyword/Phrase Category Usage in Answers

Collective Security Core UN Concept Chapter VII mechanism; all members defend
against aggressor; veto paralysis undermines it
Veto Power (P5) Structural Issue 'Existential privilege of 1945 victors' — most cited
obstacle to UNSC reform
Veto Initiative (2022) Reform Mechanism UNGA automatically convenes when veto cast;
India supported; must be strengthened
Chapter VI/VII Charter Reference VI = pacific settlement; VII = enforcement
(binding); 'Chapter VI½' = peacekeeping
G4 Group Reform Coalition India-Germany-Japan-Brazil; mutual support for
permanent seats; active since 1990s
Uniting for Peace UNGA Power 1950; UNGA can meet in emergency if UNSC
Resolution paralysed; used for Gaza (2023)
Responsibility to Protect Normative Doctrine 2005 World Summit; state fails to protect citizens
(R2P) → international responsibility; India cautious
Reformed Multilateralism India's Vision PM Modi's framework: keep multilateralism, reform
its institutions; India's UNSC language
Voice of Global South India's Role India as developing world spokesman at UN, G20;
used at Summit of Future 2024
Pact for the Future 2024 Document Summit of the Future; AI governance; digital
compact; UNSC reform acknowledged
Summit of the Future 2024 Event Sept 2024; most significant UN gathering since
2015; India played pivotal role
Sovereignty vs R2P Normative Tension Art.2(7) non-interference vs 2005 R2P; India
carefully navigates this tension
Peacekeeping India's Asset 250,000+ cumulative; world's largest; strategic +
Contribution financial + diplomatic dividend
Nuclear Discrimination India's Position NPT allows only P5 nuclear weapons legally; India
argues this is discriminatory; pushes for universal
disarmament
SDG Financing Gap Development Issue $4T/year needed; only 15% SDGs on track (2024);
India's case for climate + development finance
Global Digital Compact 2024 New Summit of Future outcome; digital rights; AI safety;
India shaped developing-nation position
UNCLOS as Framework Maritime India chaired UNSC debate on maritime security
(2021); UNCLOS as basis for South China Sea
Article 103 Supremacy Charter Provision UN Charter prevails over all other treaties —
makes Charter amendment politically explosive
Inclusive Multilateralism India's Phrase India's alternative to Western-led multilateralism;
used at UNGA, G20, Summit of Future
UN at 80 (2025) Current Context 80th anniversary; momentum for reform; India's
permanent seat campaign peak opportunity
SECTION 13 — ULTRA-CRISP REVISION SHEET (30–60 Second
Recall)

⚡ READ THIS THE NIGHT BEFORE — Complete UN Master Recall for Maximum Exam
Marks

13.1 UN Basics Flash

FACT DATA INDIA ANGLE
Founded Oct 24, 1945 (UN Day); San India: founding member (1945)
Francisco Charter
Members 193 member states (2024) India elected UNSC 8 times
SG António Guterres (2nd term India: Global South SG
2022–26) advocacy
UNSC P5 USA, UK, France, Russia, India: permanent seat campaign
China
PKO contribution 250,000+ cumulative (world's ~5,900 currently deployed
largest)
SDGs 17 Goals; 2030 deadline; 15% India: 135M lifted from MPI
on track poverty
Summit of Future Sept 2024; Pact for the Future India: AI, digital, climate finance
ICJ Advisory 2024 Israeli occupation unlawful (14- India: co-sponsored UNGA
1) resolution
UN Budget $3.4B regular (2024–25); India USA: 22%; China: 15%
~0.8%
HDI India 134th (UNDP 2024) Development gap = UN
development support

13.2 Six Principal Organs Flash

ORGAN MEMBERS ONE-LINE RECALL
General Assembly 193 One nation one vote; non-binding; budget; Uniting for Peace
1950
Security Council 15 (5+10) Chapter VII binding; P5 veto; India: non-permanent member 8
times
ICJ 15 judges Disputes + advisory opinions; Kulbhushan Jadhav case;
Palestine advisory 2024
Secretariat ~44,000 SG Guterres; administrative; Art.99 peace threat powers
staff
ECOSOC 54 members Dev/social/economic coordination; MDGs/SDGs monitoring
Trusteeship Suspended Supervised trust territories; Palau (1994) was last
Council 1994

13.3 UNSC Reform Arguments Flash

FOR INDIA's PERMANENT SEAT OBSTACLES
World's largest population (1.4B) Pakistan + China oppose — Asia seat competition
5th largest economy ($3.7T) Article 108: P5 must ratify — China likely to block
World's largest democracy NPT non-party status complicates nuclear
governance role
Largest cumulative PKO contributor (250,000+) 'Coffee Club' (Uniting for Consensus) opposes
expansion
Founding UN member (1945) Reform itself requires overcoming Art.108
threshold
Voice of Global South (G20, BRICS) USA: supports India but won't push China on
ratification

13.4 Theory-Topic-Example Triplets

• Realism → UNSC veto → P5 protect national interest over international peace (US veto:
Gaza; Russia veto: Ukraine)
• Liberalism → UN institutions → SDGs, Paris Agreement, BBNJ Treaty — cooperation
despite anarchy
• Constructivism → UN norms → R2P, UDHR, sovereign equality — socially constructed but
real impact on state behaviour
• Critical Theory → UN reform → UNSC = colonial legacy; India's permanent seat = post-
colonial justice demand

13.5 Key Article Numbers (Charter) — Must Remember

Article Content Exam Application
Art. 1 Objectives of UN (4) Use when discussing UN's founding
purpose
Art. 2 Principles (7) Sovereign equality, non-interference, non-
use of force
Art. 2(4) Non-use of force prohibition Russia-Ukraine (violated); Gaza;
foundational prohibition
Art. 2(7) Non-interference in domestic affairs India invokes: Kashmir; China invokes:
Taiwan/Tibet
Art. 51 Right to self-defence India's position on counter-terrorism
strikes
Art. 99 SG can raise peace threats Guterres invoking for Gaza; proactive SG
mandate
Art. 103 Charter supersedes other treaties Use when discussing treaty hierarchy
Art. 108 Amendment procedure P5 veto = UNSC reform near-impossible;
structural barrier
Ch. VI Pacific settlement Negotiation, mediation, ICJ — dispute
resolution without force
Ch. VII Enforcement action Binding UNSC decisions; sanctions;
military authorisation

13.6 Quote Arsenal

"The United Nations was not created to take humanity to heaven, but to save it from
hell." — Dag Hammarskjöld (2nd SG)

"The UN was created for a world that no longer exists. Reform is not a choice — it is a
necessity." — PM Narendra Modi, UNGA 2023 (paraphrased)

"India's case for UNSC permanent membership is not about prestige — it is about
ensuring 1/6th of humanity has a permanent voice in global peace decisions." —
Analytical exam line

"The veto is not a privilege of 1945 victors — it is the price the world pays for their
continued UN participation. Reform it carefully." — Dr. S. Jaishankar (paraphrased,
The India Way)

MASTER NOTES COMPLETE

UNO: Objectives, Principles, Composition, Functions & Role in World Peace | UPSC CSE GS-2
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