Q51 · UPSC Prelims 2016 · Set A · Current Affairs and GK

← Q50 Q52 →

'Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)', often in the news, is

A A division of World Health Organization
B A non-governmental international organization
C An inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union
D A specialized agency of the United Nations

Correct answer: (b) A non-governmental international organization

Explanation

  1. A

    A division of World Health Organization

    A division of the World Health Organization would be a UN specialised-agency arm, such as a WHO programme or regional office. Médecins Sans Frontières is independent of WHO and is not a WHO division, so this option is not the key.

  2. B

    A non-governmental international organization

    Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF) is a private, independent non-governmental international organisation. It delivers emergency medical aid in conflict, epidemic and disaster settings and is funded mainly by private donations, not by a UN or EU mandate. That NGO character is why (b) is the official key.

  3. C

    An inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union

    An inter-governmental agency sponsored by the European Union would be created by treaty among governments, such as ECHO as a Commission service. MSF is not an EU inter-governmental body, so this option is wrong.

  4. D

    A specialized agency of the United Nations

    A specialised agency of the United Nations would sit in the UN system (WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR). MSF is not a UN specialised agency; it often works alongside UN agencies but remains a separate NGO. This option is therefore not the key.

Summary. Official key is (b) a non-governmental international organisation. Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent medical NGO, not a WHO division, not an EU inter-governmental agency, and not a UN specialised agency. It is known for emergency field hospitals and for speaking out on humanitarian access. Candidates should not equate a famous health NGO with the UN health architecture. Only (b) states its legal character correctly.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2018 · Q61 · General Studies · 2 marks

    With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    View answer →

PDF