UPSC Prelims 2006 Q145: Current Affairs – Disasters & Humanitarian Issues
- (a) An agency formed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to check misuse of drugs by sports persons
- (b) A non - governmental organization which specializes in international humanitarian aid and emergency medical assistance
- (c) An organization to develop applications of nanotechnology in medicine
- (d) An organization of medical practitioners funded by the European Union which carries out research against spread of AIDS
Answer: (b) A non - governmental organization which specializes in international humanitarian aid and emergency medical assistance
Explanation
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| IOC agency against drug misuse | No, that is the World Anti-Doping Agency |
| NGO for international humanitarian aid and emergency medical assistance | Yes |
| Nanotechnology applications in medicine | No |
| EU-funded research body against AIDS | No |
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is a non-governmental organisation providing international humanitarian aid and emergency medical assistance; it won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
Answer: (b) A non-governmental organization which specializes in international humanitarian aid and emergency medical assistance.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The IOC's anti-doping body is the World Anti-Doping Agency, not MSF.
- (b) CORRECT. MSF is an NGO providing international humanitarian aid and emergency medical assistance.
- (c) Incorrect. MSF does not develop nanotechnology applications.
- (d) Incorrect. MSF is independent of the EU and is not an AIDS research body.
Key point
Médecins Sans Frontières is an NGO providing international humanitarian aid and emergency medical assistance; it won the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize.
Remember
MSF is an NGO for humanitarian aid and emergency medical help.
Common mistakes
- Taking MSF for a government or EU agency.
- Confusing it with the Red Cross movement.
- Forgetting its 1999 Nobel Peace Prize.
Exam tip
MSF = Doctors Without Borders, NGO, Nobel Peace Prize 1999.
Sources
- Médecins Sans Frontières — Charter and principles
- Nobel Prize — The Nobel Peace Prize 1999 (Médecins Sans Frontières), press release