Important Questions¶
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1. Objectives, Functions, and Achievements of UN¶
Objectives: - The United Nations (UN) was established with the primary objective of maintaining international peace and security. - Promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. - Providing a forum for countries to cooperate on various global issues, including economic development, social progress, environmental sustainability, and more. - Facilitating international cooperation in resolving conflicts and addressing global challenges.
Functions: - Conflict Resolution: The UN plays a crucial role in preventing and resolving conflicts through diplomatic means, peacekeeping missions, and negotiations. - Humanitarian Assistance: It provides humanitarian aid during crises, natural disasters, and conflicts. - Promoting Development: UN agencies work towards economic development, poverty eradication, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). - Protecting Human Rights: The UN monitors and promotes human rights, gender equality, and social justice globally. - International Cooperation: It fosters cooperation among member states to address global challenges, such as climate change and health crises.
Achievements: - Establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). - Peacekeeping missions in various conflict zones. - Promoting global development through initiatives like the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - Contributing to the resolution of international disputes and crises. - Collaborative efforts in addressing health issues, like the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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2. IMF and World Bank: Functions, Objectives, Achievements, and Challenges¶
IMF (International Monetary Fund): - Objectives: To ensure the stability of the international monetary system, promote exchange rate stability, facilitate balanced growth of international trade, provide resources to member countries in need, and reduce poverty. - Functions: Provides financial assistance to countries facing balance of payments crises, conducts economic surveillance, and offers policy advice to member countries. - Achievements: Assisting countries during financial crises, promoting economic stability, and providing financial resources to support member countries' economic programs. - Challenges: Criticisms for imposing strict conditions on loans, concerns about its governance structure, and the need for reforms.
World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD): - Objectives: To reduce poverty, promote economic development, and provide financial and technical assistance for development projects in member countries. - Functions: Provides loans and grants for development projects, conducts research and analysis on global development issues, and offers policy advice to member countries. - Achievements: Funding infrastructure projects, poverty reduction programs, and initiatives to improve education and healthcare in developing countries. - Challenges: Criticisms for environmental and social impacts of projects, governance and accountability concerns, and the need to adapt to changing global development priorities.
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3. World Bank and IMF's Association with India¶
Both the World Bank and the IMF have significant associations with India:
World Bank: - The World Bank has been providing financial and technical assistance to India for various development projects since its independence. - It has supported initiatives related to infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. - India is one of the largest recipients of World Bank funding, and the partnership continues to address development challenges.
IMF: - India has been a member of the IMF since its inception. - The IMF provides policy advice and financial assistance to India during times of balance of payments crises. - India consults with the IMF on economic and monetary policies, and the IMF conducts periodic assessments of India's economic health.
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4. Functioning of WTO and Membership Process¶
World Trade Organization (WTO): - The WTO is an international organization that deals with global trade issues. - It provides a platform for member countries to negotiate trade agreements, resolve trade disputes, and promote international trade. - Key principles include non-discrimination, transparency, and reciprocity. - The WTO functions through various councils, committees, and dispute settlement mechanisms.
Membership Process: - Countries interested in joining the WTO must negotiate their accession terms, which include commitments to reduce trade barriers and open markets. - The accession process involves bilateral negotiations with existing members and agreement on terms and conditions. - Once negotiations are complete and the terms are agreed upon, the country can become a WTO member upon approval by existing members and ratification by the applicant country's government.