Which of the following statements are true about UN peacekeeping?

(a) Its provisions are not explicitly given in the UN Charter.
(b) It is the sole prerogative of the Secretary-General of the UN.
(c) It has undergone quantitative and qualitative changes in the post-Cold War period.
(d) India and America have jointly sponsored it.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

UN peacekeeping plays a critical role in maintaining global peace and security. The truth behind the given statements is as follows:

1. (a) Its provisions are not explicitly given in the UN Charter: Correct. The concept of peacekeeping is not explicitly mentioned in the UN Charter. It evolved through practice under the authority of the UN Security Council.
2. (b) Sole prerogative of the Secretary-General: Incorrect. Peacekeeping missions are authorized by the UN Security Council, not solely the Secretary-General, although the Secretary-General plays an administrative and operational role.
3. (c) Quantitative and qualitative changes post-Cold War: Correct. After the Cold War, peacekeeping expanded in scope, addressing complex tasks such as nation-building, electoral assistance, and humanitarian efforts.
4. (d) India and America jointly sponsored it: Incorrect. While India is one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping, there is no specific joint sponsorship with the United States.

Thus, A and C are correct.

Information Booster:

1. UN peacekeeping emerged in 1948 with the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
2. The Cold War limited peacekeeping operations due to superpower rivalries, but missions expanded after 1990.
3. Modern peacekeeping includes multifaceted roles like protecting civilians, supporting democratic transitions, and addressing root causes of conflict.
4. India has been a consistent contributor to peacekeeping forces, participating in missions in Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
5. Missions are financed by UN member states, and the operations are overseen by the Department of Peace Operations.
6. The UN's first armed peacekeeping mission was the UN Emergency Force (UNEF) in 1956 during the Suez Crisis.