Current Affairs for 15 July 2026

Why Is This in the News ?

• Environmental clearance has been granted to the 1,000 MW Naying Hydroelectric Project (NHEP) on the Siyom (Yomgo) River in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh — a district that hosts the strategically sensitive Mechuka sector close to the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• The clearance follows the completion of a mandatory environmental public hearing held at Yapik village in Tato circle, and a subsequent formal notification for acquisition of 331.50 hectares of land in the project area.
• The project had originally received concurrence from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) way back in 2013, but progress stalled for over a decade owing to environmental and social concerns, including large-scale forest diversion.

What Is the Naying Hydroelectric Project ?

It is a run-of-the-river scheme with peaking power capability, proposed on the Siyom (Yomgo) River a right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh's Shi-Yomi district.

What is Run-of-River Hydroelectric Project 

• Run-of-river (RoR) : It generates electricity using the natural flow of a river with little or no large water storage.
• Features : Minimal reservoir, Lower submergence than conventional dams, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less displacement compared to large storage dams, and continuous electricity generation depending on river flow.

Why is the Project Strategically Important ? 

• Strengthening India's Position along the LAC : Its development will help improve electricity supply in remote border areas, strengthen military logistics, support border infrastructure, encourage permanent settlements, and enhance surveillance capabilities. 
• Border Area Development : Reliable electricity promotes economic activities, tourism, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. It also reduces migration from border villages, strengthening India's frontier presence. 

Importance for India's Energy Security

• Hydropower plays an important role in India's clean energy transition. Its advantages are renewable source of energy, low carbon emissions, grid stability, peak-load support, long operational life, and reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels. Hydropower complements solar and wind energy by providing flexible power generation. 

Environmental Concerns

• Fragile Himalayan Ecosystem : The Himalayas are geologically young, earthquake-prone, and landslide-prone. Large infrastructure projects require extensive geological assessments.
• Impact on River Ecology : Construction may affect natural river flow, fish migration, sediment movement, and aquatic biodiversity.
• Forest Diversion : Hydropower projects often require diversion of forest land, which may impact wildlife habitats, biodiversity, and carbon sinks.
• Climate Change Risks : The Himalayan region faces increasing incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Hydropower infrastructure must incorporate climate-resilient design.

Importance of Arunachal Pradesh in Hydropower

• Arunachal Pradesh possesses India's largest untapped hydropower potential due to steep river gradients, perennial Himalayan river, high rainfall, and mountainous terrain.
• Major rivers include Siang, Subansiri, Dibang, Kameng, Siyom, Lohit. The state is often referred to as the "Hydropower Capital of India."

Government Initiatives

• National Hydropower Policy : Recognizes large hydropower projects as renewable energy and promotes sustainable development.
• PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan : Supports integrated infrastructure development, including strategic border connectivity.
• Vibrant Villages Programme : Promotes comprehensive development of villages along the northern border to improve livelihoods and strengthen border security.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) : Hydropower contributes to India's efforts to expand clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.

India–China Dimension

Hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh has strategic implications because :

• Several rivers originate in Tibet.
• China is constructing multiple hydropower projects on transboundary rivers, including the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra).
• India seeks to strengthen infrastructure and ensure effective utilization of its water resources in accordance with international law.

Challenges

• Ecological degradation
• Rehabilitation and resettlement of affected communities
• High construction costs
• Geological instability
• Disaster vulnerability
• Local opposition
• Delays in project implementation
• Interstate and transboundary river concerns

Way Forward

• The Naying Hydroelectric Project reflects India's twin priorities of achieving energy security and strengthening strategic infrastructure along its northern borders. 
• While the project can accelerate economic development and support India's clean energy transition, its implementation must be guided by scientific planning, robust environmental safeguards, transparent public consultation, and climate-resilient engineering. 
• A balanced approach that integrates ecological sustainability with strategic and developmental objectives will be essential for ensuring long-term national interests while preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Why Is This in the News ?

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly criticized the ICC and urged the international community to oppose and isolate the court, arguing that it has exceeded its mandate.
• His remarks followed the ICC's continued investigations and arrest warrants related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• The United States has imposed sanctions on certain ICC officials and reiterated that it does not recognize the Court's jurisdiction over U.S. citizens or those of allied nations such as Israel.

Background of the US-ICC Standoff

• Originated in the First Trump Term : US hostility towards the court is not new. During his first term, President Trump targeted the ICC over its attempt to investigate alleged war crimes by US forces in Afghanistan, including sanctioning the then chief prosecutor.
• Sanctions Regime since 2025 : Early in his second term, President Trump issued an executive order declaring a “national emergency” over what he called the ICC's “illegitimate and baseless actions” against the US and Israel, leading to sanctions on Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, his deputies, and several judges over investigations into conduct in Afghanistan and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Widening the Net : The administration expanded sanctions and restrictions to additional individuals associated with investigations involving Israel.
• The Judges' Lawsuit : Three sitting ICC judges sued the US administration in a New York court, arguing that the sanctions amounted to unlawful “extra-judicial pressure” intended to undermine their independence — the first time sitting ICC judges have taken such legal action against the US.

Why Does Rubio Want to Dismantle the ICC?

• Sovereignty Argument : The State Department maintains that the ICC poses an “intolerable threat” to US sovereignty by claiming authority to prosecute American service members and officials, an authority successive US administrations across parties have rejected.
• Framing as an Attack on America : Rubio has accused the court of “waging a war” against the US, not through military means but through “the force of so-called international law,” and has described it as being driven by NGOs and governments hostile to the US.
• Protecting Israel : A significant driver has been the ICC's investigations and arrest-warrant proceedings related to Israel's conduct in Gaza, which Washington views as an illegitimate targeting of a close ally.
• Pre-empting Future Cases : Some analysts argue that the campaign could also discourage future ICC scrutiny of U.S. military or foreign-policy actions.
• Response to the Judges' Lawsuit : The renewed and more forceful campaign comes directly after ICC judges challenged the legality of existing US sanctions in court, which the administration appears to be countering with an even broader offensive.

Key Elements of the US Campaign

• Diplomatic Pressure : Calls from the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary, and US ambassadors to foreign governments urging them to reject the ICC's authority and consider withdrawing support for the court.
• Conditional Alliances : Countries that partner with US law enforcement, host US military presence, or benefit from the US security umbrella are being asked to publicly reject the ICC's jurisdiction over American nationals.
• Expanded Sanctions : Increased sanctions, travel bans, and visa revocations against ICC officials, judges, and organisations seen as supporting the court's investigations.
• Coalition-Building : Encouraging other non-member states of the Rome Statute to use their own diplomatic networks to pressure the ICC alongside the US.
• Possible Institution-Wide Sanctions : Reports suggest the administration may consider sanctioning the ICC as an institution, which could bar American citizens, banks, and companies from any dealings with the court.

Criticism of the US Campaign

• Mischaracterisation of Jurisdiction : Legal experts, including former Human Rights Watch head Kenneth Roth, argue the ICC does not claim jurisdiction over conduct occurring within the United States itself.
• Threat to the Rules-Based Order : Civil society groups argue that undermining the ICC weakens the broader post-World War II framework of international law rather than merely curbing one institution.
• Selective Application of International Law : Critics note the campaign follows calls for the ICC to examine alleged war crimes linked to recent US military actions, raising questions about whether the effort is aimed at shielding American personnel from scrutiny.
• Impact on Global Justice : Human rights advocates warn that weakening the ICC could reduce access to international justice mechanisms for victims in conflicts from Ukraine to Sudan.

• India is not a party to the Rome Statute and has historically stayed out of the ICC, citing concerns over the court's jurisdiction potentially extending to peacekeeping operations and sovereign military decisions.
• India has consistently supported the broader idea of international accountability for war crimes and genocide but has favoured strengthening national judicial mechanisms over ceding jurisdiction to an external body.
• As a non-member, India is not directly bound by US pressure tactics aimed at Rome Statute signatories, but the episode is relevant to India's foreign policy discourse on multilateralism, sovereignty, and reform of global institutions.

Way Forward

• Institutional Resilience: The ICC and its member states may need to strengthen internal mechanisms to protect judicial independence from external political and economic pressure.
• Reform Conversations: The episode renews calls for reforming international justice mechanisms to make them more broadly accepted, including addressing concerns of major powers that currently remain outside the Rome Statute.
• Balancing Sovereignty and Accountability: The standoff highlights the continuing global tension between state sovereignty and international efforts to hold individuals accountable for the gravest crimes, a balance that will shape the future credibility of international law.

Why in the News ?

• US President Donald Trump has threatened to target Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified underground nuclear facility.
• The warning has renewed global attention on one of Iran's most secretive nuclear sites.
• Experts believe the facility is designed to withstand most conventional bunker-buster bombs.

What is Pickaxe Mountain ?

• Pickaxe Mountain (also called Kūh-e Kolang Gaz Lā) is an underground nuclear facility under construction.
• It is located near Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment complex.
• The facility is built deep inside a mountain to protect it from airstrikes.
• It is considered one of Iran's most secure nuclear installations.

Where is it Located ?

• Around 1.5 km south of the Natanz nuclear facility in central Iran.
• Built inside the Zagros mountain range.
• The mountain provides strong natural protection against missile and bomb attacks.

Why is Pickaxe Mountain Important?

• According to satellite imagery and security experts, the site may be used for :
  • Uranium enrichment.
  • Assembly of advanced centrifuges.
  • Storage of highly enriched uranium.
  • Protection of Iran's nuclear programme from military attacks.
• Iran has not officially disclosed the exact purpose of the facility.

Why is the Site So Difficult to Destroy ?

• The facility is buried deep beneath solid granite rock.
• It contains two large underground tunnel complexes.
• Construction reportedly began around 2020.
• The depth and rock cover make it much harder to target than other Iranian nuclear sites.

Can Existing Bunker-Buster Bombs Destroy It ?

• The US has bunker-buster bombs designed to destroy underground targets.
• However, defence experts believe Pickaxe Mountain may be deeper than the penetration capability of many existing conventional bunker-buster bombs.
• Its location beneath thick granite makes it one of the hardest nuclear facilities to attack.

Why Does It Matter ?

• Pickaxe Mountain has become a key symbol of Iran's efforts to protect its nuclear programme.
• Any military strike on the site could significantly escalate tensions between the United States and Iran.
• The facility is now one of the most closely monitored locations in the Middle East.

IAEA and Nuclear Concerns

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has had limited access to Pickaxe Mountain.
• Concerns include :
  • Lack of transparency.
  • Possible installation of advanced IR-6 centrifuges.
  • Potential storage of 60% Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU).
  • Difficulty in verifying Iran's nuclear activities.
  • This has raised concerns regarding the global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime.

Geopolitical Significance

• The issue affects global politics because :
  • The US wants to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
  • Israel considers Iran's nuclear programme a major security threat.
  • Rising tensions increase the risk of conflict in West Asia.
  • Regional instability may disrupt global energy supplies.

Implications for India

Environmental Concerns

Conclusion

Pickaxe Mountain is more than an underground nuclear facility—it represents the intersection of nuclear security, strategic deterrence, international diplomacy, and regional geopolitics. For India, developments surrounding the site have important implications for energy security, connectivity projects, maritime trade, and foreign policy, making it a significant topic for UPSC from both International Relations and Internal Security perspectives.

Why in News ?

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar officially launched India's campaign for election as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–29 term at the UN Headquarters in New York on 13 July 2026. The election will be held in June 2027, where India and Tajikistan will compete for the sole Asia-Pacific Group seat.

Key Highlights

• India has officially launched its campaign for the 2028–29 UNSC non-permanent seat.
• Elections will be conducted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in June 2027.
• India is contesting against Tajikistan for the Asia-Pacific Group seat.
• The campaign is based on the vision of SHANTI (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity).
• India has pledged to work towards :
  • Peace and international security
  • Reform of global governance institutions
  • Greater representation for the Global South
  • Maritime security
  • Responsible technology governance
  • Effective UN peacekeeping
• The campaign comes amid major geopolitical crises, including the Russia–Ukraine war, the Gaza conflict and heightened tensions in West Asia.

India's Vision: SHANTI

India's campaign is based on the concept of SHANTI, which stands for :

What is the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ?

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established under the UN Charter in 1945. It bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
• The resolutions of the UN General Assembly, Security Council resolutions adopted under the UN Charter are legally binding on all UN member states.
• The Council performs several critical functions, including preventing armed conflicts, authorising peacekeeping operations, imposing economic sanctions, recommending the appointment of the UN Secretary-General, approving the admission of new UN members and, when necessary, authorising the use of military force to restore international peace.

Composition of the UNSC

The Security Council consists of 15 members :

Permanent Members (P5)

The five permanent members are :

• United States
• Russia
• China
• United Kingdom
• France

These countries possess the veto power, allowing any one of them to block a substantive Security Council resolution regardless of the level of international support.

Non-Permanent Members

The remaining 10 members are elected by the UN General Assembly for a two-year term through a secret ballot. A candidate must secure a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. Non-permanent members do not possess veto power.

Regional Distribution of Non-Permanent Seats

India's Journey in the UNSC

India has previously served as a Non-Permanent Member of the UNSC eight times—in 1950–51, 1967–68, 1972–73, 1977–78, 1984–85, 1991–92, 2011–12 and 2021–22. If elected, 2028–29 will become India's ninth tenure in the Security Council.

During its previous terms, India consistently focused on counter-terrorism, maritime security, UN peacekeeping reforms, women-led peacebuilding, development-oriented security and reform of multilateral institutions. India has also remained one of the largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping Operations.

India's Vision for the 2028–29 Term

India's campaign is centred on the concept of SHANTI – Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity.

Through this vision, India seeks to promote :

• A peaceful and rules-based international order.
• Greater participation of developing countries in global decision-making.
• Strengthened multilateral institutions capable of addressing contemporary challenges.
• Responsible governance of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
• Secure oceans and uninterrupted maritime trade routes.
• Stronger international cooperation against terrorism.

India has emphasised that multilateral institutions must evolve to reflect 21st-century geopolitical realities rather than the power structure of 1945.

Key Priorities for India's UNSC Campaign

India's candidature is not limited to winning a seat but also reflects its aspiration to shape global governance.

• First, India aims to strengthen the voice of the Global South by advocating issues such as food security, energy security, climate justice, development financing and equitable access to technology.
• Second, India will continue to push for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that emerging powers and underrepresented regions deserve greater participation in international decision-making.
• Third, India seeks to improve the effectiveness of UN Peacekeeping Operations through better training, technology, protection of peacekeepers and greater participation of women.
• Fourth, India intends to promote maritime security, freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes, recognising that global trade and energy supplies depend heavily on safe maritime routes.
• Finally, India aims to promote responsible use of emerging technologies by encouraging international cooperation on Artificial Intelligence, cyber security and digital governance.

Key Issues and Challenges for India's Bid

• Strong Electoral Competition : India enjoys widespread international goodwill, but the election will be closely contested rather than uncontested.
• Challenge from Tajikistan : India is competing with Tajikistan for the only Asia-Pacific Group seat in the 2028–29 UNSC election.
• Possible OIC Support for Tajikistan : Tajikistan is expected to receive support from several members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), making the electoral contest more competitive.
• Need for Wider Diplomatic Outreach : India must strengthen diplomatic engagement with countries across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Pacific Island States and Europe to secure the required two-thirds majority in the UN General Assembly.
• Active Foreign Policy Engagement : Recent visits by the External Affairs Minister to the Gulf region and other strategic partners reflect India's efforts to build broader international support ahead of the election.
• Complex Global Environment : The election will be held amid major geopolitical challenges, including the Russia–Ukraine conflict, the Gaza crisis, Iran–Israel tensions, supply chain disruptions and maritime security concerns, highlighting the need for a more effective and representative UNSC.

Why Does India Seek Permanent Membership ?

India has consistently argued that it deserves permanent membership because it is :

• The world's largest democracy.
• The world's most populous country.
• One of the fastest-growing major economies.
• A founding member of several important multilateral initiatives.
• One of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions.
• A responsible nuclear power with a strong record on international law.
• A leading representative of the Global South.

India is also a member of the G4 Group (India, Brazil, Germany and Japan), which advocates expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats in the Security Council. India has additionally worked with the L.69 Group to build support for comprehensive UN reforms.

Challenges before the UNSC

• Despite being the world's premier security body, the Security Council faces several structural challenges.
• The Council's composition no longer reflects present-day geopolitical realities. Africa, despite comprising 54 countries, has no permanent representation, while major powers such as India, Brazil, Germany and South Africa remain outside permanent membership.
• The veto power has frequently paralysed decision-making during international crises, allowing geopolitical rivalries among permanent members to prevent collective action. This has raised concerns regarding the effectiveness, legitimacy and democratic character of the Security Council.
• Many countries also argue that the Council should become more transparent, accountable and representative to address emerging global challenges more effectively.

Way Forward

• Reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is essential to make global governance more effective, representative and credible.
• The Council should be expanded by increasing both permanent and non-permanent membership to reflect present-day geopolitical realities.
• Greater representation should be provided to Africa, Latin America and the Global South, ensuring a more balanced and inclusive decision-making process.
• The working methods of the UNSC should become more transparent, accountable and participatory, with wider consultation among member states.
• The use of veto power should be exercised responsibly to prevent paralysis in addressing global security and humanitarian crises.
• The UN should strengthen peacekeeping operations through better coordination, modern technology and adequate resources.
• India will continue to advocate for a rules-based, inclusive and equitable international order, while promoting the interests and concerns of the Global South through multilateral cooperation.

Conclusion

India's campaign for the 2028–29 United Nations Security Council reflects its growing diplomatic stature and commitment to shaping global governance. While winning the election would strengthen India's international influence, its broader objective remains the reform of the Security Council into a more representative, democratic and effective institution. Through its vision of SHANTI, India seeks to promote peace, inclusive multilateralism and a stronger voice for developing nations in global decision-making.