UPSC Prelims 2006 Q141: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Consider the following statements:
1. Kofi Annan - the UN Secretary - General is from Nigeria.
2. Kofi Annan is the first UN Secretary - General to be appointed from the ranks of the United
Nations staff.
3. Kofi Annan was appointed for a second term to the office of the UN Secretary - General.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Kofi Annan
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Kofi Annan is from Nigeria | False | He is from Ghana |
| 2. First Secretary-General appointed from the UN staff ranks | True | He rose within the UN system before becoming Secretary-General in 1997 |
| 3. Appointed for a second term | True | Re-appointed in 2001 for a second term (2002-2006) |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false because Annan is from Ghana.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, and statement 3 is true.
- (c) CORRECT. Annan rose from UN staff and served a second term.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so this option fails.
Key point
Kofi Annan is from Ghana, rose from the UN staff, and was appointed for a second term.
Remember
Kofi Annan is from Ghana, not Nigeria.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Ghana with its neighbour Nigeria.
- Overlooking his long career within the UN before becoming Secretary-General.
- Missing the second term (2002-2006).
Exam tip
Kofi Annan: Ghana; 7th Secretary-General (1997-2006); Nobel Peace Prize 2001.
Sources
- United Nations — Secretaries-General: Kofi A. Annan (1997–2006)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Kofi Annan