India has secured significant victories in the United Nations, with one of its nominees, Jagjit Pavadia, being re-elected for a third term to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), alongside elections to several other key UN bodies.
Election Results
- Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to the INCB for a third term from March 2025-2030, securing the highest number of votes.
- India elected to various UN bodies:
- Commission on the Status of Women (2025-2029)
- Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (2025-2027)
- Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Population Fund (2025-2027)
- United Nations Office for Project Services (2025-2027)
- Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (2025-2027)
- Executive Board of the World Food Programme (2025-2027)
India’s Commitment
India reaffirms its commitment to active engagement in UN bodies, guided by the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), contributing constructively and collaboratively to global deliberations.
ECOSOC Elections
- Elections held by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to fill vacancies in 17 subsidiary bodies.
- Vacancies filled through acclamation, secret ballot, and nomination.
Acknowledgment and Appreciation
- Permanent Mission of India and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledge the success of India’s nominee, Mr. Pavadia, and the support received.
- Mr. Pavadia secures the highest number of votes among all elected member states to the INCB.
- India secures 41 out of 53 votes in ECOSOC elections, with Mr. Pavadia securing a convincing win.
Background of Jagjit Pavadia
- Mr. Pavadia’s extensive experience in the Indian Revenue Service, including roles such as Narcotics Commissioner of India.
- Member of the INCB since 2015, previously serving as President of the Board in 2021-2022.
Role and Mandate of INCB
- INCB is an independent monitoring body for the implementation of UN international drug control conventions.
- Consists of 13 members elected by the Economic and Social Council.
- Mandate includes ensuring adequate drug supplies for medical and scientific uses and preventing the diversion of drugs and chemicals into illicit channels.
ECOSOC’s Role
- ECOSOC, one of the six main organs of the UN, deals with economic, social, cultural, health, human rights, and fundamental freedoms matters.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who was re-elected for a third term to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)?
- A) S. Jaishankar
- B) Ruchira Kamboj
- C) Jagjit Pavadia
- D) Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
- Answer: C) Jagjit Pavadia
- How many votes did India secure in the ECOSOC elections out of 53?
- A) 30
- B) 35
- C) 41
- D) 45
- Answer: C) 41
- What guiding principle does India uphold in its engagement with UN bodies?
- A) Unity in Diversity
- B) Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
- C) Sovereignty
- D) Globalization
- Answer: B) Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
- What is the mandate of the INCB?
- A) Economic development
- B) Environmental protection
- C) International drug control
- D) Peacekeeping operations
- Answer: C) International drug control
- How many members does the INCB consist of?
- A) 6
- B) 10
- C) 13
- D) 20
- Answer: C) 13