<h4>Introduction to the UN Security Council (UNSC)</h4><p>The <strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</strong> is one of the six principal organs of the <strong>United Nations (UN)</strong>.</p><p>It was formally established under the <strong>UN Charter</strong> in <strong>1945</strong>, marking a pivotal moment in international governance.</p><h4>Composition of the UNSC</h4><p>The Security Council consists of a total of <strong>15 members</strong>.</p><p>These members are categorized into two distinct groups: <strong>permanent members</strong> and <strong>non-permanent members</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Permanent Members (P5):</strong> There are <strong>5 permanent members</strong>, often referred to as the <strong>P5</strong>.</li><li><strong>Non-Permanent Members:</strong> There are <strong>10 non-permanent members</strong>.</li></ul></div><h4>The Permanent Five (P5)</h4><p>The five permanent members hold significant power and a veto right within the Council.</p><p>These nations are the <strong>United States</strong>, the <strong>Russian Federation</strong>, <strong>France</strong>, <strong>China</strong>, and the <strong>United Kingdom</strong>.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>According to <strong>Oppenheim’s International Law: United Nations</strong>, permanent membership was granted to these five states due to their crucial importance in the aftermath of <strong>World War II</strong>.</p></div><h4>Non-Permanent Members and Their Election</h4><p>The <strong>10 non-permanent members</strong> are elected by the <strong>UN General Assembly</strong>.</p><p>Each year, <strong>five non-permanent members</strong> are elected for a specific <strong>two-year term</strong>.</p><h4>India's Participation as a Non-Permanent Member</h4><p><strong>India</strong> has actively participated in the <strong>Security Council</strong> as a non-permanent member on several occasions.</p><div class='info-box'><p>India's terms include:</p><ul><li><strong>1950-51</strong></li><li><strong>1967-68</strong></li><li><strong>1972-73</strong></li><li><strong>1977-78</strong></li><li><strong>1984-85</strong></li><li><strong>1991-92</strong></li><li><strong>2011-12</strong></li><li><strong>2021-22</strong></li></ul></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understanding the <strong>UNSC's structure</strong> and <strong>India's role</strong> is vital for <strong>UPSC Mains GS-II</strong>, particularly in questions related to international organizations and India's foreign policy.</p></div>