The AFCAT 1 2025 Exam requires candidates to have a strong understanding of Static GK, including India’s role in the United Nations (UNO). The United Nations (UN) plays a crucial role in maintaining global peace, security, and cooperation. India, as a founding member of the UN, has actively contributed to its various missions and initiatives.
AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Static GK India & United Nations (UNO)
1. What is the United Nations (UN)?
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization established on 24th October 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations.
Key Facts about the UN:
- Founded: 24th October 1945
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Total Member States: 193
- Official Languages: English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic
- Current UN Secretary-General: (Check latest updates before the exam)
2. India’s Membership in the United Nations
India is a founding member of the United Nations and joined on 30th October 1945. India has played a crucial role in the peacekeeping operations, economic development, and policy-making of the UN.
Key Contributions of India to the UN:
✅ Peacekeeping Operations – India has sent the largest number of troops to UN peacekeeping missions.
✅ Global Security – India actively participates in the fight against terrorism and nuclear disarmament.
✅ Economic & Social Development – India contributes to the UNDP, WHO, and UNESCO initiatives.
✅ Climate Action – India is a strong advocate of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
✅ Human Rights – India has supported several UN human rights initiatives.
3. India and the UN Security Council (UNSC)
The UN Security Council (UNSC) is one of the most powerful organs of the UN, responsible for maintaining global peace and security.
India’s Role in the UNSC:
- India has been a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times (latest: 2021-2022).
- India advocates for permanent membership in the UNSC as part of the G4 nations (India, Germany, Japan, Brazil).
- India actively participates in discussions on terrorism, nuclear disarmament, and international peace efforts.
| Year | India’s Tenure as a Non-Permanent Member |
|---|---|
| 1950-51 | First term |
| 1967-68 | Second term |
| 1972-73 | Third term |
| 1977-78 | Fourth term |
| 1984-85 | Fifth term |
| 1991-92 | Sixth term |
| 2011-12 | Seventh term |
| 2021-22 | Eighth term |
4. India and UN Peacekeeping Operations
India is one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions worldwide. Indian Armed Forces have played a crucial role in peacekeeping efforts in countries like:
- Congo (1960s)
- Korea (1950s)
- Somalia, Sudan, Lebanon, Haiti, Rwanda, Liberia, Cyprus
Key Contributions of India to UN Peacekeeping:
- More than 2,50,000 Indian personnel have served in UN peace missions.
- India was the first country to send an all-female UN peacekeeping force (Liberia, 2007).
- Indian Armed Forces continue to be a major part of UN operations in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
5. India’s Role in UN Specialized Agencies
India actively participates in various UN organizations and specialized agencies, such as:
| UN Organization | India’s Contribution |
|---|---|
| UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) | Promotes Indian cultural heritage and education reforms |
| WHO (World Health Organization) | Active role in global health campaigns (COVID-19 vaccine supply, polio eradication) |
| UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) | India runs child welfare programs |
| UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) | Supports refugees from Tibet, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka |
| FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) | India supports food security programs |
| UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) | India runs several poverty eradication programs |
6. India’s Stand on Key Global Issues at the UN
✅ Terrorism
India has strongly advocated against cross-border terrorism at the UN and has called for an international convention on terrorism financing and support.
✅ Nuclear Disarmament
India supports global nuclear disarmament and is committed to no first use (NFU) of nuclear weapons.
✅ Climate Change & Sustainable Development
India supports the Paris Climate Agreement and launched International Solar Alliance (ISA) with France.
✅ Human Rights
India has been an advocate of gender equality, religious freedom, and human rights at the UN.
7. Challenges India Faces at the UN
🔴 No Permanent Membership in UNSC – Despite being the world’s largest democracy, India is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
🔴 Veto Power Issues – Permanent members (USA, Russia, China, France, UK) hold veto power, restricting India’s influence.
🔴 Terrorism & Border Conflicts – Pakistan and China have blocked India’s attempts to blacklist terrorist organizations in the UN.
🔴 Funding & Influence – India’s financial contribution to the UN is lower than that of major powers like the USA and China.
8. Conclusion
India has been a strong pillar of the United Nations since its inception. From peacekeeping missions to climate change initiatives, India plays a significant role in global governance. However, India’s demand for permanent membership in the UNSC remains a major challenge.
For AFCAT 1 2025, candidates must focus on:
✅ India’s contributions to the UN
✅ India’s peacekeeping missions
✅ India’s role in UN agencies
✅ Challenges India faces at the UN
