Modernisation of Indian Air Force (IAF) - Key Factors and Challenges    
Shompen Tribe: Overview and Current Concerns    
Salt Pan Lands: Overview and Current Developments    
New Classical Languages Approved by the Indian Government    
India-Maldives Relations: Key Aspects    7
India's Energy Demand to Triple by 2050: Key Points    
Revitalization of the Six-Decade-Old Canal System of Hirakud Dam    
Israel’s Ban on UN Secretary-General António Guterres    

1.    Modernisation of Indian Air Force (IAF) - Key Factors and Challenges
1.    Factors Driving the Need for Modernisation
•    Threat Perception: The modernisation of the IAF is shaped by India's evolving security environment, especially considering the potential for a two-front war with Pakistan and China.

•    Nature of Warfare: The need to adapt to future technologically-driven wars, incorporating air, space, and cyber warfare.

•    Force Multipliers: Besides fighter jets, upgrading force multipliers like air-to-air refuellers, advanced communication systems, and space-based assets is crucial for enhancing overall capabilities.
•    Offensive Operations: There is a pressing need to improve the offensive capabilities of warfighting equipment.
•    Network-Centric Warfare (NCW): NCW focuses on integrating military personnel and systems via high-speed data links and networking software, allowing for real- time data-sharing and creating a decisive advantage.
•    Fleet Induction vs Retirement: The retirement rate of fighter jets currently surpasses the induction rate, leading to a gap in the IAF's operational strength.
•    Fleet Composition: Decision-making on the right mix of aircraft (e.g., Rafale-type heavy fighters vs lightweight jets) is vital for maintaining an effective and balanced force.
2.    Progress in Modernisation
•    IMMOLS: Implementation of the Integrated Materials Management Online System (IMMOLS) for efficient supply chain management.
•    IACCS: The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) integrates ground and air sensors, enhancing net-centric warfare capabilities.
•    Force Multipliers: Use of Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) for strategic advantage.
•    Missile Systems: Advanced missile systems such as Agni 1-V, Prithvi, and BrahMos boost strategic capabilities. Layered defense is supported by LR-SAMs and MR-SAMs.

•    Helicopters: Induction of Chinook heavy- lift helicopters and Apache attack helicopters has enhanced mobility and strike potential.
•    Dedicated Satellite: The IAF now operates its own satellite, which provides enhanced surveillance and communication.
•    MAFI Project: Under the Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) project, 30 airfields have been upgraded for 24x7, all-weather operations.
3.    Challenges
•    Fighter Jet Shortage: The immediate challenge is a shortage of fighter jets, exacerbated by delays in acquisitions.
•    Execution Issues: Although the IAF has plans in place, execution delays have hindered timely acquisitions.
•    Technology and Talent Deficits: India faces challenges in developing and manufacturing high-tech aircraft due to a shortage of skilled personnel and a lack of cutting-edge technology.
•    Lack of a Technology Upgrade Roadmap:

•    Procurement Delays: The lengthy procurement process takes 4-5 years, hampering timely modernisation.
4.    Solutions
•    National Aeronautic Commission: A National Aeronautic Commission could foster better collaboration between the armed forces, industry, and government to address technology, industrial, and strategic issues.
•    Private Sector Participation: Encouraging private companies to contribute to defense production could speed up innovation and indigenisation efforts.
•    Indigenous Capability: Developing domestic defense manufacturing is essential for strategic autonomy. India needs to strengthen its ability to design, develop, and maintain its own fleet.
•    Streamlined Procurement: The IAF should have greater autonomy in selecting appropriate equipment, followed by government-to-government deals to cut down acquisition time.

There is no structured plan to upgrade         

technology in existing aircraft, leading to outdated systems.
•    Industrial Challenges:
o    Access to Technology: India continues to rely on foreign technology for critical systems.
o    High Capex and Long Gestation Periods: Capital expenditure and the long time required for returns slow down domestic aircraft production.
o    Indigenisation Costs: Indigenous manufacturing (e.g., Su-30 aircraft) often proves more expensive than importing, making the indigenisation process financially burdensome.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the modernisation of the Indian Air Force (IAF), consider the following statements:
1.    The IAF has implemented the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
2.    Network-centric warfare is focused on integrating military forces via high-speed data links and networking software.
3.    The induction rate of fighter jets in India exceeds their retirement rate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Mains Question
Question: "The modernisation of the Indian Air Force is vital for maintaining strategic superiority in the region." Discuss the major factors influencing the modernisation of the IAF and suggest ways to address the challenges of indigenisation and technology upgrades.

2. Shompen Tribe: Overview and Current Concerns
1.    Location and Isolation
•    Habitat: The Shompen tribe inhabits the Great Nicobar Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They reside in the dense tropical rainforest, one of the most isolated environments on Earth.
•    Isolation: They are considered one of the most isolated tribes, with many refusing any interaction with outsiders. This makes them one of the least-studied Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India.

2.    Demographics
•    Population: As per the 2011 Census, the Shompen population was estimated at 229, although their exact number remains unknown due to their isolated nature.
3.    Lifestyle and Livelihood
•    Semi-nomadic Hunter-Gatherers: The Shompen are semi-nomadic, depending

largely on hunting, gathering, fishing, and limited rudimentary horticulture.
o    Hunting: They hunt animals like wild pigs, pythons, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and sea turtles.
o    Gathering: They collect a variety of forest plants, with their staple food being the pandanus fruit, locally called larop.
•    Territories: They live in small groups, with their territories defined by the rivers that flow through the rainforest.
4.    Cultural Aspects
•    Language: The Shompen speak their own language, which has multiple dialects, making it difficult for members of different groups to understand each other.
•    Physical Characteristics: They are of short to medium stature, with distinct Mongoloid features such as light brown to yellow-brown skin, oblique eyes, and broad facial profiles.
5.    Social Structure
•    Nuclear Families: The Shompen live in nuclear families consisting of a husband, wife, and their unmarried children. The family is typically controlled by the eldest male.
•    Marriage Practices: Monogamy is the norm, though polygamy is also allowed.
6.    Current Concerns
•    Threats from Development: Recent proposals for multi-billion-dollar development projects on Great Nicobar Island have raised alarms among experts, as they could potentially wipe out the Shompen tribe, threatening their land, lifestyle, and survival. These development projects may lead to the displacement of the tribe and destruction of their habitat,

making them vulnerable to external influences and diseases.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Shompen tribe, consider the following statements:
1.    The Shompen are primarily agriculturists practicing advanced horticulture.
2.    They are one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India.
3.    Their staple food is the pandanus fruit, locally called larop.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the impact of proposed development projects on the Great Nicobar Island on the Shompen tribe. How can development be balanced with the protection of indigenous cultures and their habitats?

3. Salt Pan Lands: Overview and Current Developments
1.    Recent Development
•    Transfer of Salt Pan Land: The central government has approved the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL) for constructing rental housing for slum dwellers.
•    Environmental Concerns: Environmentalists have raised concerns about the potential ecological damage due to construction on salt pan lands,

which are considered environmentally sensitive areas.
2.    What are Salt Pan Lands?
•    Definition: Salt pans are low-lying areas where seawater flows in periodically, leaving behind deposits of salt after evaporation. This process creates natural salt beds, which are crucial for both salt production and ecological balance.
•    Ecological Importance: Salt pans, along with coastal mangroves, act as a natural buffer against flooding, help regulate coastal ecosystems, and support biodiversity.
3.    Protection Status
•    Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011: Salt pan lands are classified under CRZ-1B, marking them as ecologically sensitive areas. Economic activities on these lands are restricted, with salt extraction and natural gas exploration being the only permissible activities.
4.    Salt Pans in India
•    Mumbai: The city has a total of 5,378 acres of salt pan lands.
•    National Scale: Approximately 60,000 acres of salt pan lands are found across India, particularly in states like:
o    Andhra Pradesh: 20,716 acres (largest expanse)
o    Tamil Nadu: 17,095 acres
o    Maharashtra: 12,662 acres
o    Other states: Gujarat, Odisha, Karnataka
5.    Significance of Salt Pans
•    Environmental: Salt pans act as a natural ecological barrier that helps mitigate flooding risks and maintains the balance of coastal ecosystems.
•    Economic Contribution:


o    Employment: Salt pans provide livelihood opportunities, especially in rural and coastal regions. Workers are involved in salt harvesting, processing, and transportation.
o    Industrial Uses: The salt produced

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    2 only
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

is vital for various industries,         

including chemical production (e.g., chlorine, caustic soda), agriculture (as animal feed), and water treatment.
•    Tourism Potential: Some salt pans, due to their scenic landscapes, attract tourists, adding to the local economy through ecotourism and cultural tourism.
6.    Government Welfare Schemes for Salt Workers
•    Scheme for Grant of Rewards to the Children of Salt Labourers: Provides financial incentives to support the education of salt workers' children.
•    Namak Mazdoor Awas Yojana (NMAY): Focuses on building houses for salt workers and promoting cooperative societies within the salt industry.
•    Salt Commissioner’s Organization (SCO): Monitors the development of the salt industry, promotes technology upgrades, and conducts training programs for salt workers to improve their working conditions and efficiency.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to salt pan lands, consider the following statements:
1.    Salt pan lands are classified under CRZ-2, allowing all types of economic activities.
2.    Salt pans play a vital role in mitigating flooding risks in coastal areas.
3.    Andhra Pradesh has the largest expanse of salt pan lands in India.

Mains Question
Question: "Salt pan lands are crucial for both environmental sustainability and economic activity." Discuss the significance of salt pan lands in India and the environmental concerns raised by their potential conversion for urban development. How can a balance be struck between development needs and environmental conservation?

4.    New Classical Languages Approved by the Indian Government
1.    Recent Development
•    Union Cabinet Approval: The Union Cabinet has recently granted classical language status to five more languages, expanding the list of India’s classically significant languages.

•    New Additions: The newly recognized classical languages are:
o    Marathi
o    Pali
o    Prakrit
o    Assamese
o    Bengali


2.    Classical Language: Definition and Criteria
•    Introduction: The Government of India introduced the concept of Classical Languages in 2004 to recognize languages with rich historical legacies and cultural significance.
•    Total Number: With the latest additions, there are now 11 classical languages in India.
Criteria for Recognition
1.    High Antiquity: The language must have early texts and recorded history spanning 1,500–2,000 years.
2.    Ancient Literature: The language must have a body of ancient literature considered valuable heritage, passed down through generations.
3.    Knowledge Texts: It should possess an original literary tradition and not have borrowed from another speech community.
4.    Distinct Evolution: There should be a clear discontinuity between the classical language and its modern forms.
3.    Significance of Classical Language Status
•    Cultural Preservation: Classical languages play a vital role in the intellectual and cultural evolution of their regions. Their texts provide insights into fields such as philosophy, literature, and religion.
•    Cultural Heritage: These languages are custodians of India’s ancient heritage, and their preservation helps maintain the continuity of India’s diverse cultural history.
4.    Benefits of Classical Language Status

have contributed to classical language promotion.
o University Support: The University Grants Commission (UGC) supports establishing Professional Chairs in universities and research institutions focused on classical languages.
•    Government Initiatives:
o    The government has set up the Center of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysore to promote the study and preservation of these languages.
5.    Other Efforts to Promote Indian Languages
•    Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution: It lists 22 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and others, promoting their progressive use and enrichment.
•    Project ASMITA: Aims to produce 22,000 books in Indian languages within five years, further promoting the linguistic diversity of India.
•    New Education Policy (NEP): Focuses on turning Sanskrit universities into multi- disciplinary institutions and integrating Sanskrit studies into modern education.
•    Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2019: Grants central status to three Sanskrit universities, strengthening the infrastructure for the study of this ancient language.

•    Research and Scholarship:         

o    Two International Awards: Annual awards like the Presidential Award of Certificate of Honour and the Maharshi Badrayan Samman Award recognize scholars who

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the recognition of classical languages in India, consider the following statements:

1.    Classical languages must have a recorded history spanning at least 1,500 years.
2.    Classical languages must have an unbroken modern form in use today.
3.    Bengali is one of the newly recognized classical languages.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of recognizing classical languages in India. How do these languages contribute to preserving India's cultural heritage, and what challenges do they face in modern times?

5. India-Maldives Relations: Key Aspects
1.    Security Partnership
•    Joint Defense Exercises: India and Maldives conduct multiple joint exercises, including:
o    Ekuverin (Army exercises)
o    Dosti (Coast Guard)
o    Ekatha and Operation Shield
(initiated in 2021).
•    Training: India provides about 70% of the defense training requirements for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF).
2.    Rehabilitation Centre
•    Addu Reclamation and Shore Protection Project: India signed a contract for this critical infrastructure project.
•    Drug Detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre: Built with Indian assistance in

Addu, this centre is part of 20 high-impact community development projects in areas such as healthcare, education, fisheries, tourism, sports, and culture.
3.    Economic Cooperation
•    Tourism: A key pillar of the Maldivian economy, it is both a tourist destination for Indians and a job destination for Indian workers.
•    Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP): India’s Afcons company signed the largest-ever infrastructure contract in Maldives in 2021, marking significant Indian involvement in Maldives' infrastructure.
•    Trade Relations: In 2021, India emerged as Maldives' third-largest trade partner.
•    Currency Swap Agreement: A USD currency swap agreement between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Maldives Monetary Authority was signed in 2019 to provide financial stability.
4.    Infrastructure Projects
•    Hanimaadhoo International Airport: Under an Indian credit line, the project will add a new terminal capable of handling 1.3 million passengers annually.
•    National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE): Inaugurated in 2022, this is India’s largest grant project in Maldives.
5.    India-Maldives-China Triangle
•    Chinese Investments: Maldives has received substantial Chinese investments, including through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with projects like ports, airports, and bridges forming part of
China’s “String of Pearls” strategy.
•    Shift in Alliances: Maldives' tilt towards China, especially with the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China in 2017, created concerns in India about

China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.

the biggest infrastructure project in Maldives' history.

•    India’s Countermeasures: India         

responded by:
o    Expanding its economic assistance.
o    Intensifying diplomatic engagement.
o    Strengthening defense cooperation.
o    Implementing its "Neighborhood First" policy to counterbalance China's influence.
6.    Political Developments
•    2018 Election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih: Marked a shift back towards India-friendly policies. His government aims to balance relations between India and China while maintaining strong ties with India.
7.    Strategic Importance of Maldives

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to India-Maldives relations, consider the following statements:
1.    The Greater Male Connectivity Project is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the Maldives.
2.    India provides 70% of the defense training requirements for the Maldivian National Defence Force.
3.    Maldives is part of China’s Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: D) 1, 2, and 3

•    Location: Situated at a critical point in the         

Indian Ocean, Maldives controls key maritime routes essential for trade between the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Hormuz, and the Strait of Malacca.
•    Geography: Consisting of coral reefs, atolls, and low-lying islands, Maldives is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. The Eight Degree Channel separates Maldives from the Indian Minicoy Island, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago.
8.    Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP)
•    Details: A 6.74 km-long bridge and causeway linking Male with the nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. It will use renewable energy.
•    Funding: India provided USD 100 million grant and a USD 400 million Line of Credit (LOC) for this project, making it not only
India’s largest project in Maldives but also

Mains Question
Question: Analyze the strategic significance of
India’s relationship with Maldives in the context of growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region. How can India strengthen its ties with Maldives while addressing the challenges posed by China’s presence?

6. India's Energy Demand to Triple by 2050: Key Points
1.    India’s Energy Scenario
•    Power Demand Growth: India's GDP is growing at 7%, with power demand increasing by 8% this year.
•    Global Position: India is the third-largest power market globally, and by 2050, its energy demand is expected to triple. This positions India as a major investment destination in the global energy sector.

2.    India’s Role in Global Energy Transition
•    Economic Growth: India's economy has overtaken the UK and France, and is projected to surpass Germany and Japan in the next 5–10 years.
•    Renewable Energy: By 2030, India is expected to have over 200 GW of solar and wind capacity. It has also become the second-largest solar module manufacturer, exporting globally.
3.    India’s Energy Mix: Coal and Nuclear
•    Current Power Sources: Despite growth in renewables, 70% of India’s power still comes from coal.
•    Future Projections: By 2030, India aims to have 50 GW of coal and 10 GW of nuclear capacity.
•    Net-Zero Goals: Achieving a net-zero target would require electrification exceeding 50%, balancing fossil fuels with renewable energy.
4.    Challenges in Energy Transition
•    Key Challenges: These include energy storage, improving grid infrastructure, and accelerating renewable energy deployment.
•    Leveraging Market Strength: India's domestic market and global partnerships are crucial for driving a low-carbon future.
5.    Global Climate Milestone
•    2023 Milestone: For the first time, global surface temperatures exceeded 2°C above pre-industrial levels, highlighting the urgency of greenhouse gas reduction. India, with its vast renewable energy projects, plays a key role in global energy transition efforts.
6.    Battery Energy Storage & Electrification
•    Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):

stability. These systems will play a crucial role in both the power sector and electric mobility.
•    Growing Energy Demand: Global energy demand is expected to triple by 2050, driven by advancements in storage technology.
7.    India’s Electric Mobility Sector
•    Rapid Growth: India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding, with major automakers setting up battery assembly plants.
•    PLI Scheme: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is helping create 50 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery manufacturing capacity.
•    Lithium-ion Batteries: The demand for Lithium-ion batteries is expected to grow from 10 GWh today to 200 GWh by 2035. India’s production capacity for these batteries is projected to reach 150 GWh by 2030, covering 13% of global demand.
8.    Government Initiatives
•    PLI Scheme for Battery Manufacturing: The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) launched a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in June 2021 for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery storage, with a capacity of 50 GWh. This includes 10 GWh for grid-scale battery storage.
•    Viability Gap Funding (VGF): The government approved a scheme for VGF to develop Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a capacity of 4,000 megawatt hours (MWh) by 2030-31. This will support achieving a Levelized Cost of Storage (LCoS) between Rs. 5.50-6.60 per kWh, making stored renewable energy affordable for managing peak power demand.

As renewable energy is intermittent, BESS         

becomes essential for ensuring grid

Prelims Question


Question: With reference to India's energy sector, consider the following statements:
1.    India’s energy demand is expected to
triple by 2050.
2.    By 2030, India is expected to have over 100 GW of solar and wind capacity.
3.    The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to create 50 GWh of battery manufacturing capacity in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in its transition towards a low-carbon economy, given the projected tripling of energy demand by 2050. How can initiatives like battery energy storage and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme support this transition?

7. Revitalization of the Six- Decade-Old Canal System of Hirakud Dam
1.    Recent Development
•    Odisha Government Initiative: The government has allocated ₹855 crore for the renovation of the six-decade-old canal system linked to the Hirakud Dam.
•    Expected Benefits: This renovation aims to enhance irrigation efficiency and minimize water wastage, benefiting farmers in districts such as Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Bargarh, and Balangir.
2.    About Hirakud Dam

•    Location: Situated 15 km from Sambalpur in Odisha, Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River.
•    Longest Earthen Dam: Spanning 26 km (16 miles), it holds the title of the world’s longest earthen dam.
•    Hirakud Reservoir: The dam creates Asia’s largest man-made lake, known as Hirakud Lake.
•    Dam Structure: The main dam stretches
4.8 km, connecting Laxmidungri on the left and Chandili Dunguri on the right.
3.    Historical Significance
•    Multipurpose Project: One of India's first multipurpose river projects, construction of the Hirakud Dam started in 1948 and was completed in 1953. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1957.
•    Flood Control: The dam helps regulate the Mahanadi River and provides flood protection to 9,500 sq km of land in Cuttack and Puri districts.
4.    Irrigation and Agriculture
•    Irrigation Impact: The dam irrigates
436,000 hectares in the Mahanadi delta.
o    Rabi Season: Supports the irrigation of 1,08,385 hectares.
o    Kharif Season: Covers 1,55,635 hectares in the districts of Bolangir, Subarnapur, Bargarh, and Sambalpur.
5.    Power Generation
•    Installed Capacity: The Hirakud Dam has an installed capacity of 359.8 MW,
contributing to the region’s power supply.
6.    Mahanadi River
•    Major River in East Central India: The Mahanadi River is one of India's prominent rivers, known for the Hirakud Dam—India's first major multipurpose river valley project post-independence.

•    Course: The river flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha before merging into the Bay of Bengal.
o    Origin: Nagri-Sihawa, Dhamtari, Dandakaranya, Chhattisgarh.
o    Mouth: False Point, Jagatsinghpur Delta, Odisha.
7.    Tributaries of Mahanadi
•    Left Bank:
o    Seonath
o    Mand
o    Ib
o    Hasdeo
o    Kelo
•    Right Bank:
o    Ong
o    Parry
o    Jonk
o    Telen

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Hirakud Dam, consider the following statements:
1.    Hirakud Dam is the longest earthen dam in the world.
2.    The dam provides irrigation to over 1 million hectares of agricultural land.
3.    The dam is located on the Godavari River in Odisha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1 only
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of the Hirakud Dam in Odisha's agricultural and energy sectors. How will the revitalization of its canal system

benefit the region's economy and water management?

8. Israel’s Ban on UN Secretary- General António Guterres
Context
•    Recent Event: Israel has banned United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres from entering the country due to allegations of bias and failure to unequivocally condemn recent attacks on Israel.
Reasons for the Ban
•    Accusations of Bias:
o    Israel accuses Guterres of supporting hostile groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran.
o    Alleged failure to condemn the Hamas attack on October 7, 2022, and Iran’s missile strikes on Israel.
•    UN Bias Allegations: Israel claims the UN is influenced by an anti-Israel bloc, including Arab and Islamic nations and organizations like UNRWA (alleged links to Hamas).
Historical Precedent
•    Previous Bans by Israel:
o    Israel has a history of banning UN Special Rapporteurs and other senior officials over perceived bias in favor of the Palestinian side.
o    The closest historical parallel occurred in 1950, when the USSR accused UN Secretary-General Trygve Lie of bias during the Korean crisis and threatened to veto his re-election.
UN Charter and Responsibilities
•    Article 100, Paragraph 2 of the UN Charter:

o Mandates that UN member states must respect the international nature of the UN Secretary- General’s responsibilities and refrain from influencing their actions.
•    Role of the UN Secretary-General:
o    The UNSG is the chief administrative officer of the United Nations, promoting peace, security, and international cooperation.
o    The UNSG is appointed by the UN General Assembly for a 5-year term, operating under the principles of neutrality and impartiality.

General in ensuring global peace while balancing relations with member states. What challenges arise when powerful nations accuse international organizations of bias?
 

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the role of the UN Secretary-General (UNSG), consider the following statements:
1.    The UNSG is appointed by the UN Security Council for a 5-year term.
2.    Under Article 100 of the UN Charter, UN member states must respect the independence of the UNSG.
3.    The UNSG is responsible for ensuring international peace and security.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: The recent ban on the United Nations Secretary-General by Israel raises questions about the neutrality of international institutions. Critically examine the role of the UN Secretary-