SSB Future Officers
31.9K subscribers
9.18K photos
139 videos
1.54K files
3.03K links
Join the Channel to boost up your SSB Preparation with extensive sessions of:
Stage 1 Test - OIR, PPDT discussion
Stage 2 Test- Psych tests, GTO, GPE, GD, Lecturette, PI session, Current Affairs, Defence News and Updates

Please Check the Pinned Texts.
Download Telegram
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#GD_Material #Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette

The Name Game: Bharat Vs India[1/2]

✓Bharat" is a historical and ideological name for India, while "India" is a constitutional and international name.

✓The use of these names has become political due to the formation of an opposition alliance called INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance).

✓Recently, the current government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used the term "President of Bharat" instead of "President of India" on an invitation card for the recent G-20 Summit. 

✓This shift in terminology has raised eyebrows and suggests a political dimension to the use of these names.

⁉️What is the Historical Background/History Associated with “Bharat” & “India”?

▪️Origins of the Names: 

✓The words "India" and its variants, such as "Hind" in Arabic, have foreign origins. These names were historically used by outsiders to refer to the land south and east of the Indus or Sindhu River.

▪️Historical Usage: 

✓During Afghan and Mughal rule, the term "Hindustan" was often used to refer to the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent.

✓Later, European colonial powers, particularly the British, used "India" to describe not only the northern region but also the entire subcontinent. For them, it was primarily a geographical designation.

▪️Indian Renaissance and Nationalism:

✓The Indian Renaissance played a crucial role in shaping the consciousness that all the people in the Indian subcontinent constituted a single nation.

✓Some promoters of this movement sought to find ancient roots for Indian nationalism and believed that using a name given by foreigners was unacceptable.

✓They preferred the term "Bharat" and its variations in different languages.

▪️Name Controversy: 

✓The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, raised concerns over the use of the name "India" for the newly independent nation.

✓They argued that "India" should be associated with the Hindu-majority regions, while the Muslim-majority areas should be recognized as a separate nation, Pakistan.

✓This name dispute reflected the deep-seated religious and political divisions during the partition.

▪️Syncretic Word - "Hind": 

✓Figures like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose advocated for a syncretic word, "Hind," which could be acceptable to a wide range of people, including those from different faiths.

✓"Hind" is still in use today, and expressions like "Jai Hind" reflect its enduring significance in Indian culture.

‼️How “Bharat” and “India” are Balanced?

🔸Adoption of the Constitution:

✓The Indian Constitution was originally adopted by the Constituent Assembly in English. This underscores the historical and legal importance of the English version as the foundational text of the Constitution.

🔸Publication of a Hindi Translation:

✓In addition to the English version, a Hindi translation of the Constitution was published in 1950. This translation was signed by the members of the Constituent Assembly, and it was done in accordance with a resolution passed by the Constituent Assembly.

🔸Official Status of Both Versions:

✓The presence of both English and Hindi versions of the Constitution underscores their official status within the Indian legal framework.

✓It highlights the importance of providing access to the Constitution in both of India's official languages, English and Hindi.

🔸Constitutional Amendments:

✓The 58th Amendment to the Constitution in 1987 likely addressed issues related to the use of Hindi and English in official documents, legal proceedings, and government communications.

✓The 58th Amendment gave the President the power to publish the official text of the Constitution in Hindi, which could also be used in legal proceedings.

🔸Article 1(1):

✓Article 1(1) of the Constitution defines the name and character of the country. In the English version, it states "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States," emphasizing "India" as the primary name.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#GD_Material #Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette

The Name Game: Bharat Vs India[2/2]

✓In the Hindi version, it reads "Bharat artharth India, rajyon ka sangh hoga," with "Bharat" given prominence.

🔹Examples of Names:

✓Examples such as the "Gazette of India" in English and "Bharat ka Rajpatra" in Hindi are given to illustrate how this naming convention is applied to various official publications.

✓The choice of names reflects the dual-language nature of India's official documents and publications.

What is the Current Scenario?

✓Use of "India" Internationally: India has consistently used the name "India" in all international and multilateral fora.

✓This signifies that the country's international identity and recognition are associated with the name "India”.

✓This highlights the practicality and standardisation of using the English name "India" in global diplomacy and communication.

🔹Recent Example with Greece:

✓The reference to the Joint Statement issued during the Prime Minister's visit to Greece serves as a contemporary example. The document is titled "India-Greece Joint Statement," emphasising the use of "India" in official bilateral relations.

🔹Dual-Language Approach:

✓It is noted that India follows a dual-language approach in official documents and diplomatic contexts.

✓Under the National emblem in letters of credence given by the President of India to Ambassadors-designate, the words "Rashtrapati" and "Bharat Gantantra" are written in Hindi, while the English equivalents, "President" and "Republic of India," are used underneath.

✓This approach reflects India's commitment to multilingualism and its diverse linguistic heritage.

🔹Modern Usage:

✓The use of both "Jai Hind" and "Jai Bharat" is noted in contemporary India, reflecting the coexistence of different cultural and linguistic traditions.

✓For instance, in most of the major speeches, such as the Independence Day speech both expressions are used, signifying a recognition of the diverse historical and cultural threads that make up the fabric of the nation.

Conclusion

✓Such a change could alienate parts of the country that prefer the name "India" to "Bharat." Public sentiment and regional preferences regarding the country's name are diverse and should be considered in any decision.

✓Any departure from this tradition could have cultural and identity implications. The tradition of using "India" in English and "Bharat" in Hindi, reflecting India's linguistic diversity, is considered both wise and constitutionally correct.

✓The question raised is whether changing this tradition to prioritise one term over the other should be a priority at this time when the country is facing other challenges (Unemployment, Environmental Degradation, Poverty, Helathcare, Inequality, Gender Discrimination, etc.).

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #Know_Your_AirForce #GD_Material

IAF EFFORT: GENERAL ELECTIONS-2024

✓The Transport and Helicopter fleets of Indian Air Force (IAF) undertake varied war and peacetime tasks. In addition to the peacetime role of sustaining our troops by air maintenance, airlift of combat troops during domestic and international exercises, etc, a number of tasks towards nation building are undertaken.

✓IAF has particularly been on the forefront in aid to civil power. During the General Elections-2024, substantial flying effort has taken place over the last few months by the medium lift helicopters (Mi-17 Variants), light utility helicopters (Chetaks) and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv.

✓lAF has been actively involved with the task of airlifting electronic voting machines and deploying Election Commission of India (ECI) personnel on election duties, as has been carried out during previous General/ Assembly elections.

✓During General Elections 2024, IAF played a pivotal role in extending the reach of ECI into remote corners of the country and to places where movement by road was a security concern.

✓The task was time bound as polling officers had to be positioned at each remote polling station within two days prior to the election date and de-inducted on the day of polling.

✓IAF played a vital role in five of the seven phases of General Election-2024, flying over 1000 hours in over 1750 sorties.

✓This herculean task was achieved through close coordination with ECI and Chief Election Commissioners (CECs) of various States through nodal officers in order to optimize utilisation of assets factoring security, weather, road connectivity, etc.

✓Helicopter assets of Indian Army (IA) and BSF were also dovetailed into the overall plan towards smooth conduct of General Elections-2024.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

🔸SSB Lecturette Topics[5/5]🔸

Ladies and Gentlemen, here we are sharing the links to the lecturette topics shared on the channel earlier.The list will be updated and added in the meantime.

1. Violence in Manipur

2. Criminalisation of Politics

3. Unseasonal Rains & It's Impact

4. Recent Deals of MoD

5. Same Sex Marriage

6. CAPF

7. India - Turkey Bilateral Relations

8. Defence Budget 2023

9. Extra Judicial Killing

10. LGBTQIA+ Community in India

11. ONDC and It's Potential

12. Uniform Civil Code(UCC)

13. Railway Accidents in India: Causes and Safety Measures

14. Flooding in North India

15. Chandrayaan-3

16. India's Economic Challenges

17. Communal Violence

18. 4th Anniversary of Abrogation of Article 370

19. One Nation, One Election

20. Water Scarcity in India

21. The Name Game: Bharat VS India

22. UNSC Reforms

23. Caste Census: The Need & Concern

24. Internet Shutdowns & It's Ramifications

25. India and Canada Ties at a Downturn

26. Women's Reservation Bill for Gender Equality

27. Israel - Palestine Conflict (Article - 1)

28. Israel - Palestine Conflict (Article - 2)

29. Press Freedom in India

30. China's Belt & Road Initiative

31. Rethinking Reservation Policy in India

32. India-Maldives Ties: Tale of A Diplomatic Tussle

33. Defence Budget 2024-25

34. Defence Ecosystem

35. Maritime Security

36. India - EFTA Deal

37. Iran - Israel Conflict: Instability in Middle East

38. Introspecting the South China Sea

39. West Asia : A Highly Miltrilized Region

This message will remain pinned on the channel,most of the links have part 1 of the topic, you guys can scroll down just next to the linked part to check other parts.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

Caste Census : The Need and Concern [1/2]

✓The recently released caste survey data by the Bihar government has once again brought the issue of caste census to the forefront.

✓While the Census of India has been publishing data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, there has been no estimate for the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other groups.

‼️What are Census and Socio Economic and Caste census (SECC)?

🔹Census in India:

✓The origin of the Census in India dates back to the colonial exercise of 1881.
Census is used by the government, policymakers, academics, and others to capture the Indian population, access resources, map social change, and conduct delimitation exercises.

✓However, it has been criticized as a blunt instrument unsuited for specialized inquiry.

🔹SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census):

✓SECC was first conducted in 1931 which aimed to collect information on the economic status of Indian families, both in rural and urban areas, to identify indicators of deprivation.

✓It also collects data on specific caste names to evaluate the economic conditions of different caste groups.

🔹Difference Between Census & SECC:

✓Census provides a general portrait of the Indian population, while SECC is used to identify beneficiaries of state support.

✓Census data is confidential under the Census Act of 1948, while personal information in SECC is open for use by government departments to grant or restrict benefits to households.

🔹The History of Caste-based Data Collection in India:

✓Caste-based data collection has a long history in India, with information on castes being included upto 1931.

✓Post 1951, the decision to stop collecting caste data was made to move away from a divisive approach and promote national unity.

✓However, with changing socio-political dynamics and the need for accurate information, there has been a renewed call for a caste census.

⁉️What is the Significance of Caste Census?

🔸To Address Social Inequality:

✓Caste-based discrimination is still prevalent in many parts of India. A caste census can help identify the disadvantaged groups and bring them to the forefront of policy making.

✓By understanding the distribution of different caste groups, targeted policies can be implemented to address social inequality and uplift marginalized communities.

🔸To Ensure Equitable Distribution of Resources:

✓Without accurate data on the population of OBCs and other groups, it is difficult to ensure equitable distribution of resources.

✓A caste census can help in this regard by providing insights into the socio-economic conditions and needs of different caste groups.

✓It can guide policymakers in formulating policies that cater to the specific requirements of each group, thereby promoting inclusive development.

🔸To Monitor the Effectiveness of Affirmative Action Policies:

✓Affirmative action policies such as reservations for OBCs and other groups are aimed at promoting social justice. However, without proper data on the population, it becomes challenging to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of these policies.

✓A caste census can help monitor the implementation and outcomes of such policies, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions regarding their continuation and modification.

🔸To Provide a Comprehensive Picture of Indian Society:

✓Caste is an integral part of Indian society, influencing social relationships, economic opportunities, and political dynamics.

✓A caste census can provide a comprehensive picture of the diversity of Indian society, shedding light on the social fabric and interplay between different caste groups.This data can contribute to a better understanding of social dynamics.

🔸Constitutional Mandate:

✓Our Constitution too favours conducting a caste census. Article 340 mandates the appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by governments.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

Caste Census : The Need and Concern [2/2]

Contd.......................

What are the Arguments against Caste Census?

▪️Reinforces the Caste System:

✓Opponents of a caste census argue that caste-based discrimination is illegal and that a caste census would only reinforce the caste system.

✓They believe that focusing on individual rights and equal opportunities for all citizens should be prioritized over categorizing people based on their caste identities.

▪️Difficult to Define Castes:

✓Defining castes is a complex issue, as there are thousands of castes and sub-castes in India. A caste census would require a clear definition of castes, which is not an easy task.

✓Critics argue that this could lead to confusion, disputes, and further divisions within society.

▪️Leads to Further Social Divisions:

✓Some argue that a caste census could lead to further social divisions and that it is better to focus on promoting social harmony instead.

✓They believe that emphasizing commonalities among people rather than highlighting differences would be more beneficial for national integration.

What is the Government's Stand on a Caste Census?

✓The Government of India in 2021 had stated in Lok Sabha that it has decided as a matter of policy not to enumerate caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census.

‼️What is the Role of the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)?

✓The SECC conducted in 2011 was an attempt to collect comprehensive data on socio-economic indicators along with caste information.

✓However, due to concerns over data quality and classification challenges, the raw caste data collected in the SECC has not yet been released or utilized effectively.

✓An Expert Group was formed to classify and categorize the raw data, but its recommendations are still pending implementation.

⁉️What can be the Way Forward?

✓Independent studies at district and state level can be conducted to acquire the data of castes and subcastes at those levels.

✓The data must not become a weapon for deepening faultlines and increasing polarisation to win elections.

✓It should not lead to the splintering and shrinking of the very notion of representation in a large and diverse democracy.

✓Use of technologies such as Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help in analyzing data.

✓Subcategorization of OBCs to provide representation to underrepresented subcastes of OBCs for which Justice Rohini commission had recently submitted the report.

Conclusion

✓While there are arguments for and against a caste census, accurate data on the population of OBCs and other groups is necessary for promoting social justice and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

✓A caste census can also help monitor the effectiveness of affirmative action policies and provide a comprehensive picture of Indian society.

✓It is crucial for policymakers to carefully consider the arguments of both the sides to provide for a more equitable and just society.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #Defence_News #GD_Material #Know_Your_Navy #Know_Your_Army #Know_Your_AirForce #Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette

🔸All recent deals and contracts of MoD

Hello future officers, hope you are doing well!

Here we are sharing all the recent deals and contracts signed my MoD in order to promote atamnirbarta in defence production.

1. 2400 Cr deal with BEL for Project Akashteer and Sarang systems

2. 9100 Cr deals for improved Akash Weapon Systems (AWS) and Swathi Radars

3. 1700 Cr deal with BAPL for procurement of next gen Maritime Mobile Batteries and BrahMos Missiles

4. 19600 Cr deal with Indian shipyards for 11 next gen offshore patrol vessels and 6 next gen missile vessels for IN

5. 1700 Cr deal with BEL for 13 Lynx U2 Fire control system for IN

6. 3000 Cr deal with BEL for procurement of 2 integrated electronic warfare systems Project Himshakti

7. 470 Cr deal with Ultra dimensions Pvt Ltd for modernization of naval aircraft yards at Goa and Kochi

8. 3700 Cr deal with BEL for medium power radars Arudhra and 129 DR-118 radar warning receivers

9. Women workforce in Indian Armed Forces

10. MoD approves 4th Positive Indigenisation List of 928 strategically-important Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems/Spares & Components

11. MOD Signs ₹500 Cr Contract to strengthen Indian Army's Communication System

12. MoD & HAL sign Rs 458 crore contract for two upgraded Dornier Aircraft for Indian Coast Guard

13. Self Reliance in Defence Sector

14. MoD inks Rs 19,000 crore contract with HSL for five Fleet Support Ships for Indian Navy

15. DAC approves AoN for nine capital acquisition proposals for the Armed Forces worth Rs 45,000 crore

16. MoD inks Rs 5,336.25 crore contract with BEL for procurement of Electronic Fuzes for Indian Army for 10 years

17. Several Landmark Decisions of Defence Acquisition Counsil(DAC) of 2023

18. Ministry of Defence signs contracts worth Rs 802 Crores for procurement of military equipment

19. MoD signs contract worth Rs.1,752 Cr with AWEIL for 463 Stabilised Remote Control Guns for Indian Navy & Indian Coast Guard

20. MoD inks contract worth Rs.2269.54 Cr with BEL to procure 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems for Indian Navy

21. DAC clears capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore to boost the capabilities of the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard

22. Ministry of Defence signs five major capital acquisition contracts worth Rs 39,125.39 crore

23. MoD inks MoU with BEML Limited, BEL & MIDHANI for indigenous development of Advanced Fuelling & Control System for Engines for heavy duty applications

24. MoD signs contract worth over Rs. 2,890 cr with HAL for Mid Life Upgrade of 25 Dornier Aircraft of Indian Navy

25. MoD signs contracts worth Rs 8073 Cr with HAL for acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III for Indian Army & Indian Coast Guard

26. MoD inks contract with AVNL for 693 Armament Upgrades of Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP2 to BMP2M

27. Defence exports touch record Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, an increase of 32.5% over last fiscal; Private sector contributes 60%, DPSUs - 40%

This post will be updated in due time and will remain pinned on the main channel,Candidates can access it any time under their thumb.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #GD_Material

Laws on Mercenaries in War Zones

✓Context and Background:
- Incident Overview: On June 11, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged that around 100 Indian nationals had been recruited by the Russian Army amid the conflict in Ukraine. These individuals were lured by false promises of lucrative employment opportunities.
- Response from Indian Authorities: The Indian Embassy in Moscow has demanded the release and return of the recruited Indians. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed cases against recruiters for human trafficking and illegal recruitment.

✓Who are Mercenaries?
- Definition: Mercenaries are individuals who are motivated primarily by private gain to participate in armed conflicts. They are not members of the armed forces of the state they fight for and have not been sent by a state on official duty.
- Legal Status: According to international law, mercenaries do not qualify for combatant or prisoner of war status. If captured, they are not protected under the Geneva Conventions and can face prosecution.

✓Legal and Humanitarian Implications:
- Rights and Protections: Mercenaries do not enjoy the same protections as lawful combatants. Their status under international law is ambiguous, often leading to human rights violations.
- Prosecution and Accountability: Countries like India struggle to hold recruiters accountable due to the lack of clear legal definitions and frameworks addressing mercenary activities.

✓Challenges with the Current Legal Regime:
- Lack of Clarity: The absence of a comprehensive definition of mercenaries complicates legal actions. Many countries' domestic laws are inadequate to address the nuances of mercenary recruitment and deployment.
-Similar Cases: ases such as the recruitment of Gorkhas by the British Army and private military companies (PMCs) operating in conflict zones, underscoring the need for more precise regulations.

✓Recommendations and Forward Steps:
- Policy Strengthening: India should strengthen its laws to protect migrant workers from being misled into joining foreign military conflicts.
- International Cooperation: Collaboration with international bodies to enforce stricter regulations on PMCs and hold recruiters accountable.
- Protecting Migrant Workers: Emphasizing the importance of securing the rights and safety of Indian nationals working abroad, especially in conflict zones.

✓Conclusion:
- Necessity for Robust Frameworks: To prevent the exploitation of Indian nationals and others, there is an urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks and international cooperation to address the complexities of mercenary activities and human trafficking.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #GD_Material

Global Nuclear Arsenal and Country-Specific Developments

1. Global Nuclear Arsenal:
- Total global nuclear weapons count: 12,121
- Nuclear arsenal deployed with missiles and aircraft: 3,904

2. India's Nuclear Arsenal:
- India may have added eight nuclear warheads in the past year, bringing its total to 172.
- Since 2014, India's nuclear stockpile has steadily increased from 100 to 172, aiming to close the gap with Pakistan.
- Like China, India might be mating some of its warheads with their launchers during peacetime.

3. China's Nuclear Arsenal:
- China has increased its nuclear arsenal more rapidly than any other country, reaching 500 warheads in 2024, up from 410 in 2023.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #GD_Material #Current_Affairs

South China Sea Conflict

The South China Sea conflict involves territorial and maritime disputes among several countries in Southeast Asia, primarily centered around China’s expansive claims and its actions in the region.

✓ Main Actors
1. China: Claims nearly the entire South China Sea through the "Nine-Dash Line," which covers vast areas including the Spratly and Paracel Islands.
2. Vietnam: Claims parts of the Spratly and Paracel Islands.
3. Philippines: Claims parts of the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal.
4. Malaysia and Brunei: Also have claims on parts of the Spratly Islands.
5. Taiwan: Mirrors China's claims due to historical reasons.

✓ Key Issues
1. Territorial Claims: Overlapping claims to various islands, reefs, and rocks.
2. Economic Interests: Rich fishing grounds and potential oil and natural gas reserves.
3. Strategic Control: Important shipping lanes and military strategic advantages.
4. Environmental Concerns: Overfishing, habitat destruction, and environmental degradation due to construction activities.

✓ Legal and Diplomatic Dimensions
1. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Defines nations' rights and responsibilities concerning ocean use. China’s claims through the Nine-Dash Line have been challenged under UNCLOS.
2. 2016 Arbitration Ruling: The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled against China’s claims in favor of the Philippines. China rejected the ruling.
3. ASEAN Involvement: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members are involved in seeking peaceful resolution but face challenges due to varying national interests and China’s influence.

✓ Recent Developments
1. China’s Militarization: Construction of military facilities on artificial islands.
2. Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs): Conducted by the U.S. and other countries to challenge China’s claims and ensure open sea lanes.
3. Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy: Ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts to manage tensions and seek resolutions.

✓ Implications
1. Regional Stability: Persistent tensions can destabilize the region.
2. Global Trade: Disruptions in the South China Sea could affect global shipping routes.
3. U.S.-China Relations: The conflict is a significant factor in the broader strategic rivalry between the U.S. and China.

The South China Sea conflict remains complex, involving historical claims, legal disputes, and significant geopolitical interests.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion