Read the passage and answer the questions:
Reform and improvement are fundamental to any organisation to serve the needs of a changing environment. The UN is no exception. In recent years, there have been demands for reform of the world body. However, there is little clarity and consensus on the nature of reform. Two basic kinds of reforms face the UN: reform of the organisation’s structures and processes; and a review of the issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the organisation. Almost everyone is agreed that both aspects of reform are necessary. What they cannot agree on is precisely what is to be done, how it is to be done, and when it is to be done. On the reform of structures and processes, the biggest discussion has been on the functioning of the Security Council. Related to this has been the demand for an increase in the UN Security Council’s permanent and non-permanent membership so that the realities of contemporary world politics are better reflected in the structure of the organisation. In particular, there are proposals to increase membership from Asia, Africa and South America. Beyond this, the US and other Western countries want improvements in the UN’s budgetary procedures and its administration.
Which one of the following statements is correct pertaining to the UN reform?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → There is little clarity and consensus on the nature of reform.
The passage says that despite demands for reform, there is little clarity and consensus on the nature of reform. Everyone agrees that reform is needed but not on what is to be done, how or when, so there is no ‘complete unanimity’; and the biggest discussion is about reforming the Security Council itself.
NCERT (2025-26): “Reform of the UN after the Cold War … Reform and improvement are fundamental to any organisation to serve the needs of a changing environment. The UN is no exception. In recent years, there have been demands for reform of the world body. However, there is little clarity and consensus on the nature of reform. Two basic kinds of reforms face the UN: r efor m of the organisation’s structures and pr ocesses; and a r eview of the issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the organisation. Almost everyone is agreed that both aspects of r efor m ar e necessary. What they cannot agree on is precisely what is to be done, how it is to be done, and when it is to be done.…” |