World GK is an essential component of all competitive examinations. Questions cover countries, capitals, currencies, international organisations, superlatives (largest, smallest, highest, deepest), and important world events.
Important International Organisations
| Organisation | HQ | Established | Key Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Nations | New York | 1945 | International peace and security |
| IMF | Washington DC | 1945 | International monetary cooperation |
| World Bank | Washington DC | 1944 | Development finance |
| WTO | Geneva | 1995 | International trade regulation |
| WHO | Geneva | 1948 | Global health |
| IAEA | Vienna | 1957 | Nuclear energy and safety |
| SAARC | Kathmandu | 1985 | South Asian regional cooperation |
| BRICS | No permanent HQ | 2009 | Emerging economies cooperation |
| SCO | Beijing | 2001 | Central Asian security cooperation |
| ASEAN | Jakarta | 1967 | Southeast Asian cooperation |
World Superlatives
Largest: Continent: Asia | Country (area): Russia | Country (population): India | Ocean: Pacific | Desert: Sahara (hot), Antarctica (cold) | River (length): Nile (disputed: Amazon) | Lake: Caspian Sea (saltwater), Superior (freshwater) | Mountain range: Himalayas
Highest/Deepest: Highest peak: Mt Everest (8,849m) | Deepest point: Mariana Trench (11,034m) | Highest waterfall: Angel Falls, Venezuela | Largest active volcano: Mauna Loa, Hawaii
Smallest: Country (area): Vatican City | Country (population): Vatican City
G20 and BRICS
G20 consists of 19 countries + EU, representing 85% of world GDP and 75% of world trade. Recent G20 presidencies: Indonesia (2022), India (2023, theme: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), Brazil (2024), South Africa (2025).
BRICS original members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa. 2024 expansion added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE. Indonesia joined 2025. This makes BRICS+ a major bloc representing 40%+ of world population and 30%+ of world GDP.
Nuclear Powers in the World
Nine countries with nuclear weapons: USA, Russia, UK, France, China (P5, recognised by NPT), India, Pakistan, North Korea (outside NPT), Israel (undeclared). India has a No First Use (NFU) policy.
India Foreign Policy Landmarks
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): Founded 1961 by Nehru, Nkrumah, Nasser, Tito and Sukarno. India was a founding member. SAARC: India joined 1985. SCO: India full member 2017. Act East Policy: Engages ASEAN and East Asia. Neighbourhood First Policy: Prioritises relations with immediate neighbours. Voice of Global South Summit: India hosted in 2023 and 2024.