UPSC Prelims 2009 Q80: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements :
1. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.
2. It is elected by a 2⁄3rd majority of the General Assembly for a 3 - year term.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Checking two claims about ECOSOC
The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has a specific membership size and election process.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ECOSOC consists of 24 member states | Incorrect | ECOSOC actually has 54 member states, not 24 |
| 2. Elected by a 2/3rd majority of the General Assembly, for a 3-year term | Correct | ECOSOC members are indeed elected by the UN General Assembly (with the required majority) for staggered 3-year terms |
ECOSOC facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Membership size | 54 member states (NOT 24) |
| Election | By the General Assembly, for 3-year terms |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. ECOSOC has 54 members, not 24, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) CORRECT. The election process and 3-year term described in statement 2 are accurate.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
ECOSOC actually has 54 member states (NOT 24), elected by the UN General Assembly for staggered 3-year terms.
Remember
ECOSOC has 54 member states, elected by the General Assembly for 3-year terms — not 24 members as sometimes misstated.
Common mistakes
- Understating ECOSOC's actual membership size (54, not 24).
- Confusing ECOSOC's membership count with that of a smaller UN body (like the Security Council).
- Not knowing the specific 3-year staggered term structure for ECOSOC elections.
Exam tip
ECOSOC = 54 members (not 24), elected by the General Assembly for 3-year terms. A specific UN-body membership-size fact.
Sources
- Charter of the United Nations, Articles 61 to 72 (Economic and Social Council)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — United Nations Economic and Social Council