Why in News?

• Recently, the United Nations Security Council has expressed grave concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan and attacks on civilians.
•  The 15-member UN Security Council has called for a ceasefire with immediate effect and the continuation of the UN Assistance Mission in Sudan.

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• The Security Council was established by the United Nations Charter in 1945.  It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
•  The other 5 organs of the United Nations include the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat.
•  It is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
•  The headquarters of the council is located in New York.
•  The Security Council consists of 15 members: five permanent members and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
•  The five permanent members are the United States, the Russian Federation, France, China, and the United Kingdom.
•  India had entered the UN Security Council for the eighth time last year (2021) as a non-permanent member and will remain in the council for two years i.e. till the year 2021-22.
•  Every year the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members (out of a total of ten) for a term of two years.  The ten provisional seats are distributed on a regional basis.
•  The chairmanship of the council rotates monthly among the 15 members.