AFCAT aspirants must have a strong grasp of important international groups and organizations, as these are frequently asked in the Static GK section of the exam. This article provides a comprehensive overview of major international groups, their objectives, and their relevance to global affairs.
AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Static GK Important International Groups
1. United Nations (UN)
- Founded: 24 October 1945
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Members: 193 countries
- Objective: Maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress and human rights.
- Major Organs:
- UN General Assembly (UNGA)
- UN Security Council (UNSC)
- International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- UN Secretariat
- Trusteeship Council (inactive)
UN Specialized Agencies:
- WHO (World Health Organization) – Global health initiatives
- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) – Promotion of education and cultural heritage
- UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) – Child welfare
- IMF (International Monetary Fund) – Financial stability and economic growth
- World Bank – Developmental assistance to countries
2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- Founded: 4 April 1949
- Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
- Members: 31 (as of 2024)
- Objective: Collective defense against external threats, primarily military cooperation between Western nations.
3. European Union (EU)
- Founded: 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty)
- Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
- Members: 27
- Objective: Economic and political integration of European nations.
- Currency: Euro (used by 20 EU nations)
- Major Institutions:
- European Parliament
- European Commission
- European Central Bank
4. BRICS
- Founded: 2009
- Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
- Objective: Economic cooperation among emerging economies.
- Summit 2024 Host: Russia
- Important Initiatives:
- New Development Bank (NDB)
- BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement
5. G20 (Group of 20)
- Founded: 1999
- Members: 19 countries + European Union
- Objective: Economic stability, international trade, and financial cooperation.
- India’s Presidency: 2023
- Major Summits: Annual G20 Leaders’ Summit
6. G7 (Group of Seven)
- Founded: 1975
- Members: USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan
- Objective: Economic policy coordination among the world’s largest advanced economies.
- Recent Topics: Climate change, global security, trade policies.
7. ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
- Founded: 8 August 1967
- Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Members: 10 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.)
- Objective: Economic, political, and cultural cooperation in Southeast Asia.
- Major Summits: ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
8. SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)
- Founded: 2001
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
- Members: 9 (China, India, Russia, Pakistan, etc.)
- Objective: Security, economic, and political cooperation.
- India’s Presidency: 2023
9. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)
- Founded: 1960
- Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
- Members: 13 oil-exporting nations
- Objective: Regulate oil production and stabilize oil prices.
10. Commonwealth of Nations
- Founded: 1949
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Members: 56 (mostly former British colonies)
- Objective: Promote democracy, human rights, and economic development.
Exam Relevance and Preparation Tips
- Memorize Headquarters and Founding Years – Important for quick recall.
- Focus on Current Affairs – Follow recent summits and initiatives.
- Understand Objectives and Functions – Helps answer conceptual questions.
- Practice MCQs – Revise through previous year question papers.
Conclusion
Understanding international organizations is vital for AFCAT aspirants, as it helps in answering Static GK and Current Affairs questions. This knowledge is crucial for officers who will work in strategic environments requiring global awareness.
