Q.1 What is the primary mandate of United Nations peacekeeping missions?
To enforce military occupation of conflict zones
To maintain peace and security, and support political processes
To impose economic sanctions on countries
To conduct espionage in conflict regions
Explanation - UN peacekeeping operations are deployed to help countries navigate the path from conflict to peace by maintaining ceasefires, protecting civilians, and assisting in political processes.
Correct answer is: To maintain peace and security, and support political processes
Q.2 Which of the following conflicts led to the first UN peacekeeping mission?
Korean War
Suez Crisis
Arab-Israeli conflict in 1948
Congo Crisis
Explanation - The United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) was established in 1948 to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and its Arab neighbors, marking the first UN peacekeeping mission.
Correct answer is: Arab-Israeli conflict in 1948
Q.3 Which country contributed the largest number of troops to UN peacekeeping missions historically?
India
United States
France
Russia
Explanation - India has historically been one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping operations, participating in over 50 missions worldwide.
Correct answer is: India
Q.4 The term 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) is associated with:
Economic sanctions enforcement
Intervention to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity
Deployment of nuclear weapons
Trade dispute resolutions
Explanation - R2P is an international norm that holds states accountable for protecting their populations from mass atrocities, and allows international intervention when they fail to do so.
Correct answer is: Intervention to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity
Q.5 Which regional organization is primarily responsible for peacekeeping in Africa?
NATO
African Union (AU)
ASEAN
European Union (EU)
Explanation - The African Union often undertakes peacekeeping operations on the continent, sometimes in collaboration with the UN, to stabilize conflict zones in Africa.
Correct answer is: African Union (AU)
Q.6 The conflict in which region triggered the establishment of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)?
West Africa
East Africa
Middle East
South Asia
Explanation - UNMIL was established in 2003 to support the peace process in Liberia after years of civil war in West Africa, including disarmament and elections.
Correct answer is: West Africa
Q.7 What is a key limitation of UN peacekeeping missions?
They can only operate with the consent of the host country
They have unlimited military authority
They can directly enforce regime changes
They do not require funding
Explanation - UN peacekeeping missions are generally limited to operations where the host state consents; without consent, peacekeepers cannot operate effectively.
Correct answer is: They can only operate with the consent of the host country
Q.8 Which conflict is considered a classic example of a UN peacekeeping success?
Korean War
Suez Crisis (1956)
Vietnam War
Rwandan Genocide
Explanation - The UN Emergency Force (UNEF) deployed during the Suez Crisis successfully helped to resolve the conflict between Egypt, Israel, and allied forces without major escalation.
Correct answer is: Suez Crisis (1956)
Q.9 Which UN body is primarily responsible for authorizing peacekeeping missions?
UN General Assembly
UN Security Council
International Court of Justice
UN Human Rights Council
Explanation - The UN Security Council authorizes peacekeeping operations under Chapter VI or Chapter VII of the UN Charter, making decisions binding on member states.
Correct answer is: UN Security Council
Q.10 The conflict in Kashmir has primarily involved which two countries?
India and China
India and Pakistan
Pakistan and Afghanistan
Bangladesh and India
Explanation - The Kashmir conflict is a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming the region since the partition of British India in 1947.
Correct answer is: India and Pakistan
Q.11 Which peacekeeping mission faced criticism for failure to prevent genocide in the 1990s?
UNAMIR in Rwanda
UNIFIL in Lebanon
UNTSO in Israel
UNMIL in Liberia
Explanation - UNAMIR failed to prevent the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 due to limited mandate, insufficient troops, and lack of international support.
Correct answer is: UNAMIR in Rwanda
Q.12 Which concept emphasizes the use of regional organizations alongside the UN for peacekeeping?
Multilateralism
Bilateral diplomacy
Isolationism
Economic liberalization
Explanation - Multilateralism promotes cooperation among multiple countries and organizations, often combining UN mandates with regional peacekeeping efforts.
Correct answer is: Multilateralism
Q.13 The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was established primarily to:
Combat terrorism
Monitor ceasefire and prevent intercommunal violence
Provide humanitarian aid
Oversee elections
Explanation - UNFICYP was deployed in 1964 to maintain peace between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and prevent conflict escalation.
Correct answer is: Monitor ceasefire and prevent intercommunal violence
Q.14 The term 'Blue Helmets' refers to:
UN peacekeepers
NATO soldiers
EU special forces
African Union troops
Explanation - UN peacekeepers are commonly known as 'Blue Helmets' because of the distinctive light blue helmets or berets they wear.
Correct answer is: UN peacekeepers
Q.15 Which major conflict in the Middle East involved a prolonged UN peacekeeping presence after the 1973 war?
Yom Kippur War
Gulf War
Iran-Iraq War
Lebanese Civil War
Explanation - After the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the UN deployed peacekeepers (UNDOF) to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights.
Correct answer is: Yom Kippur War
Q.16 Which of the following is a challenge commonly faced by peacekeeping missions?
Lack of military training
Ambiguous mandates and limited resources
Unanimous support from all nations
Excessive financial autonomy
Explanation - Peacekeepers often operate under vague mandates and with insufficient resources, making it difficult to enforce peace and protect civilians effectively.
Correct answer is: Ambiguous mandates and limited resources
Q.17 The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) primarily operates to:
Resolve border disputes between Israel and Lebanon
Disarm non-state militias and monitor ceasefire
Provide education in rural Lebanon
Regulate economic trade in the region
Explanation - UNIFIL was created in 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal, restore peace, and assist the Lebanese government in regaining control over its territory.
Correct answer is: Disarm non-state militias and monitor ceasefire
Q.18 Which of these is NOT a typical function of UN peacekeepers?
Monitoring ceasefires
Protecting civilians
Engaging in combat offensives to seize territory
Supporting political processes
Explanation - UN peacekeepers are deployed to maintain peace, not to capture territory or fight wars offensively.
Correct answer is: Engaging in combat offensives to seize territory
Q.19 The conflict in Darfur led to the involvement of which UN mission?
UNAMID
UNMIS
UNIFIL
UNPROFOR
Explanation - UNAMID (African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur) was established in 2007 to address the humanitarian crisis and violence in Darfur, Sudan.
Correct answer is: UNAMID
Q.20 Which of the following regions has experienced peacekeeping missions under both UN and NATO involvement?
Balkans
South America
Southeast Asia
Central Africa
Explanation - During the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, both UN and NATO peacekeeping missions operated to stabilize the region and support conflict resolution.
Correct answer is: Balkans
Q.21 Which principle requires peacekeepers to remain impartial and not favor any side in the conflict?
Sovereignty
Neutrality
Humanitarianism
Interventionism
Explanation - Neutrality is a core principle of UN peacekeeping, ensuring that forces do not take sides and maintain credibility in mediating conflicts.
Correct answer is: Neutrality
Q.22 Which of these conflicts led to the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Haiti?
Political crisis and coups in the 1990s
Border disputes with the Dominican Republic
Earthquake disaster in 2010
Drug trafficking issues
Explanation - UN peacekeepers were sent to Haiti in response to political instability and coups in the 1990s to restore order and support democratic governance.
Correct answer is: Political crisis and coups in the 1990s
Q.23 The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) focuses primarily on:
Economic development
Protection of civilians and monitoring human rights
Trade negotiations
Border demarcation with Uganda
Explanation - UNMISS aims to protect civilians, support peace processes, and monitor human rights during ongoing conflicts in South Sudan.
Correct answer is: Protection of civilians and monitoring human rights
Q.24 The UN peacekeeping principle of 'consent of the parties' means:
Peacekeepers can act without restrictions
Peacekeeping missions must have approval of the conflicting parties
The UN can unilaterally impose peace
Only regional organizations approve missions
Explanation - Consent ensures that peacekeepers operate with the cooperation of the host nation and relevant parties, enhancing legitimacy and effectiveness.
Correct answer is: Peacekeeping missions must have approval of the conflicting parties
Q.25 Which type of conflict is most frequently addressed by UN peacekeeping missions?
International wars between major powers
Civil wars and intrastate conflicts
Trade disputes
Maritime piracy exclusively
Explanation - UN peacekeeping missions are commonly deployed to manage civil wars and internal conflicts, aiming to protect civilians and support political solutions.
Correct answer is: Civil wars and intrastate conflicts
Q.26 What was the primary objective of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)?
To support South Sudan's oil industry
To monitor peace agreements and protect civilians
To enforce international trade regulations
To mediate between North and South Sudan over Nile water
Explanation - UNMISS was established to support the implementation of the peace process in South Sudan, protect civilians, and assist in human rights monitoring.
Correct answer is: To monitor peace agreements and protect civilians
Q.27 Which regional conflict led to the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)?
The Rwandan Genocide
The Yugoslav Wars
The Gulf War
The Afghan Civil War
Explanation - The ICTY was established in 1993 to prosecute serious crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s.
Correct answer is: The Yugoslav Wars
Q.28 Which of the following countries has contributed the largest number of troops to UN peacekeeping missions historically?
India
United States
France
China
Explanation - India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions since the 1950s.
Correct answer is: India
Q.29 What was the main cause of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994?
Ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis
Disputes over oil resources
Colonial border disagreements
Religious conflicts between Muslims and Christians
Explanation - The genocide was primarily caused by longstanding ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and Tutsi minority in Rwanda.
Correct answer is: Ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis
Q.30 Which UN resolution authorized military intervention in Libya in 2011?
UNSC Resolution 1973
UNSC Resolution 1325
UNSC Resolution 242
UNSC Resolution 1483
Explanation - Resolution 1973 authorized member states to take all necessary measures to protect civilians during the Libyan civil conflict in 2011.
Correct answer is: UNSC Resolution 1973
Q.31 Which organization mediates peace talks between Israel and Palestine?
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Arab League
United Nations
European Union
Explanation - The UN, through its agencies and envoys, has played a major role in mediating peace talks between Israel and Palestine.
Correct answer is: United Nations
Q.32 What was the key objective of the Dayton Accords of 1995?
Ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Establishing a new trade route in Europe
Rebuilding the Yugoslav economy
Preventing Russian expansion into Europe
Explanation - The Dayton Accords formally ended the Bosnian War and set the framework for the country’s political structure.
Correct answer is: Ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Q.33 Which African country hosted the headquarters of the African Union (AU)?
Ethiopia
Nigeria
South Africa
Kenya
Explanation - The African Union's headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, serving as a central hub for African diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Correct answer is: Ethiopia
Q.34 The conflict in Eastern Ukraine began in which year?
2014
2010
2016
2012
Explanation - The conflict began in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea, leading to clashes in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Correct answer is: 2014
Q.35 Which of the following is a major challenge for UN peacekeeping missions?
Limited troop contributions
Insufficient funding
Complex political situations
All of the above
Explanation - UN peacekeeping operations often face challenges like limited troop contributions, insufficient funding, and navigating complex political and local dynamics.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.36 What triggered the Korean War in 1950?
North Korea's invasion of South Korea
South Korea's attack on China
Dispute over Japan’s colonial assets
Soviet Union’s occupation of Manchuria
Explanation - The war began when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel, invading South Korea, leading to UN intervention.
Correct answer is: North Korea's invasion of South Korea
Q.37 Which peacekeeping mission is considered the first large-scale UN operation?
UNEF I (Suez Crisis, 1956)
UNPROFOR (Bosnia, 1992)
MONUSCO (DRC, 1999)
UNMIS (South Sudan, 2011)
Explanation - UNEF I was the first large-scale UN peacekeeping operation deployed to supervise the ceasefire during the Suez Crisis.
Correct answer is: UNEF I (Suez Crisis, 1956)
Q.38 Which Middle Eastern conflict led to the establishment of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)?
Israel-Lebanon conflict
Iran-Iraq War
Gulf War
Yemen Civil War
Explanation - UNIFIL was created in 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and assist in restoring peace.
Correct answer is: Israel-Lebanon conflict
Q.39 Which agreement ended the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2000?
Algiers Agreement
Oslo Accords
Dayton Accords
Camp David Agreement
Explanation - The Algiers Agreement was signed in December 2000 to end the Eritrean-Ethiopian War and set the terms for border demarcation.
Correct answer is: Algiers Agreement
Q.40 What was a major consequence of the Srebrenica massacre in 1995?
It led to the creation of the ICTY tribunal
It caused NATO airstrikes in Bosnia
It resulted in peace negotiations under the Dayton Accords
All of the above
Explanation - The Srebrenica massacre prompted international action including ICTY prosecutions, NATO intervention, and accelerated peace talks.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.41 The United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) operates primarily in which region?
Middle East
Sub-Saharan Africa
South Asia
Eastern Europe
Explanation - UNTSO was established in 1948 to monitor ceasefires and peace agreements in the Middle East, especially Israel and neighboring countries.
Correct answer is: Middle East
Q.42 Which African conflict led to the intervention of the UN and AU peacekeeping forces in Darfur?
Sudanese Civil War
Rwandan Civil War
Somali Civil War
Libyan Civil War
Explanation - The Darfur conflict, part of the wider Sudanese civil conflicts, saw joint UN-AU peacekeeping missions to protect civilians and support humanitarian aid.
Correct answer is: Sudanese Civil War
Q.43 Which doctrine is often cited as the legal basis for humanitarian intervention?
Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Monroe Doctrine
Bush Doctrine
Truman Doctrine
Explanation - R2P establishes that states have a responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
Correct answer is: Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Q.44 Which region was the focus of the UN mission MINUSMA?
Mali
Somalia
Afghanistan
Sudan
Explanation - MINUSMA was deployed to Mali to stabilize the country after a coup and ongoing conflict with rebel and terrorist groups.
Correct answer is: Mali
Q.45 Which international body often coordinates peacekeeping missions with regional organizations like the African Union?
United Nations Security Council
NATO
World Bank
International Court of Justice
Explanation - The UNSC authorizes and coordinates UN peacekeeping operations, often in collaboration with regional organizations.
Correct answer is: United Nations Security Council
Q.46 What is a ‘blue helmet’ in the context of international peacekeeping?
UN peacekeeping personnel
NATO soldiers in Europe
AU military advisors
UN humanitarian aid trucks
Explanation - ‘Blue helmets’ refers to the distinctive helmets worn by UN peacekeepers deployed in conflict zones.
Correct answer is: UN peacekeeping personnel
Q.47 Which conflict prompted the establishment of UNAMID, a hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping mission?
Darfur conflict
Sierra Leone Civil War
Liberian Civil War
Mozambique Civil War
Explanation - UNAMID was established in 2007 to stabilize Darfur, Sudan, combining efforts of the UN and African Union.
Correct answer is: Darfur conflict
Q.48 Which South Asian dispute has frequently been a focus of UN-mediated negotiations since 1947?
Kashmir conflict
Sri Lanka civil war
Nepalese border issue
Bangladesh-India water dispute
Explanation - The Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan has been a major focus of UN resolutions and negotiations since independence in 1947.
Correct answer is: Kashmir conflict
Q.49 What is the main role of a UN Special Envoy in conflict regions?
Mediating peace talks
Leading military operations
Administering economic sanctions
Conducting elections
Explanation - UN Special Envoys are appointed to facilitate negotiations, dialogue, and conflict resolution in troubled regions.
Correct answer is: Mediating peace talks
Q.50 Which international agreement ended the conflict between Colombia and FARC rebels in 2016?
Peace Agreement of Havana
Oslo Accords
Camp David Accords
Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement
Explanation - The 2016 Peace Agreement of Havana officially ended more than 50 years of armed conflict between the Colombian government and FARC rebels.
Correct answer is: Peace Agreement of Havana