Bring out the mandate and core functions of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Explain its role in strengthening the international refugee protection regime

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate Q4. Bring out the mandate and core functions of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Explain its role in strengthening the international refugee protection regime. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question Rising global displacement, stress on multilateral institutions, and debates …

UN at 80 – Decline of Global Governance and Rise of New Multilateralism

 Syllabus: International Relations  Source: IE Context: As the United Nations turns 80, concerns grow over its diminishing relevance in maintaining peace and security. While Ban Ki-Moon calls for urgent reform, thinkers like argue that the UN’s original purpose has eroded, and that a new multilateralism is essential for a multipolar world order. Background Founded in …

India’s Evolving Role in UN Peacekeeping

Syllabus: International Institutions & agencies Source:  FL Context: India hosted the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 in New Delhi from October 14–16, 2025, marking the first time the Indian Army led such a global forum. About India’s Evolving Role in UN Peacekeeping: UN Peacekeeping Forces and India’s Contribution: The United Nations …

What is the mandate of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)? How does the ICJ differ from the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Q4. What is the mandate of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)? How does the ICJ differ from the International Criminal Court (ICC)? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question: In a landmark announcement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said countries …

Global Crises Demand a New Governance Model

Syllabus: International Relations Source:  BS Context: The United Nations (UN) faces criticism for being ineffective in addressing global crises, including climate change, pandemics, and economic instability. Existing Global Governance System United Nations (UN): Established in 1945, it focuses on peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation, but struggles with enforcement. Bretton Woods Institutions: The World Bank …

World Bank Reforms

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: International Institutions   Source: HT  Context: Indian Finance Minister has said that the World Bank’s call for revitalization presents a “historic opportunity” to make the institution “fit for purpose” to achieve sustainable development goals and address national and global developmental challenges.     Steps to reform World Bank at different levels: …

Delhi hosts SCO-RATS meet:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International Institutions.   Context: At a conference hosted by New Delhi, India, Pakistan, and other members of the Shanghai Collaboration Organisation (SCO) discussed enhancing cooperation in fighting various regional security problems. The conference is being held as part of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).     Background: India …

UN peacekeepers:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: Canada and allies are planning to work togather to support among United Nations General Assembly members, including China, for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.   Need of the hour: Countries opposing Russia’s invasion should seek a recommendation from the …

UN peacekeepers:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.     Context: UN peacekeepers and troops of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have increased patrols near the site of last week’s deadly raid on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northeast Ituri province.   What’s the issue? The UN …

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL):

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: The Economic Survey 2021-22 has highlighted the need for a “standardised framework for cross-border insolvency” that will help lenders of debt-ridden companies to claim and recover the corporations’ assets and liabilities on foreign shores also.   What needs to …

UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea):

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: India remained committed to promoting a free, open and rules-based order rooted in international law and undaunted by coercion, the Centre recently informed Parliament while reiterating support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). …

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.     Context: At the recently held 20th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, India observed that raising bilateral issues is counterproductive to the spirit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).   What’s the issue? China and Pakistan have …

UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA):

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recently held a meeting with the women activists and applauded their courage and affirmed that the UN will continue to stand by the people of Afghanistan.   What is UNAMA? UNAMA was …

Why Covaxin is yet to win WHO’s emergency approval?

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Issues related to health.   Context: The World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) approval for WHO pre-qualification, or Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for Bharat Biotech International Ltd’s covid-19 vaccine is moving according to procedure and the Indian government’s haste in pushing through the process is only adding to speculation about the alleged delay. …

World Bank Doing Business report:

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context- What has happened? The World Bank, in mid-September, announced that it was set to discontinue publishing its Doing Business report.   Why? This announcement came on the back of an independent investigation that, reportedly, found “data irregularities” that prevailed …

The Conference on Disarmament

GS Paper 2 Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: The Conference on Disarmament (CD) is being held in Geneva. At the conference, India expressed deep concern over the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems that could endanger peace and security, saying the possibility of terrorists …