Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Important_notes_ssb #Current_Affairs #GD_Material
Supreme Court on Right to Protest
Why in News-Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the right to peaceful protest against the law but also cleared that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied and that too indefinitely.
Issues with the Protest and its Location:
◆Protesters did not fully realise the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic and continued large gatherings in a small place and there was also a general unwillingness to relocate to another site.
◆The protest seemed typical of the many digitally-fuelled “leaderless” dissent seen in modern times.
◆The presence of various groups of protesters had resulted in many influencers, acting possibly at cross-purposes with each other.
SC’s Observations on Dissent:
●SC appreciated the existence of the right to peaceful protest against the legislation and held that “democracy and dissent go hand in hand, but then the demonstrations expressing dissent have to be in designated places alone”.
●The seeds of protest and dissent were sown deep during the Freedom struggle but dissent against the colonial rule cannot be equated with dissent in a self-ruled democracy.
●The Constitution guarantees the right to protest and express dissent, but with an obligation towards certain duties.
●Article 19 confers upon citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and right to assemble peacefully without arms under Article 19(1)(b).
●These rights, in cohesion, enable every citizen to assemble peacefully and protest against action or inaction of the State.
●In a democracy, the rights of free speech and peaceful protest are “treasured” and must be encouraged and respected.
●However, these rights are also subject to reasonable restrictions mentioned under Article 19(2), imposed in the interest of sovereignty, integrity and public order with the help of police regulations.
●Fundamental rights do not live in isolation. The right of the protester has to be balanced with the right of the commuter and has to co-exist in mutual respect.
For more @ssbgeneralidiscussion
Supreme Court on Right to Protest
Why in News-Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the right to peaceful protest against the law but also cleared that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied and that too indefinitely.
Issues with the Protest and its Location:
◆Protesters did not fully realise the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic and continued large gatherings in a small place and there was also a general unwillingness to relocate to another site.
◆The protest seemed typical of the many digitally-fuelled “leaderless” dissent seen in modern times.
◆The presence of various groups of protesters had resulted in many influencers, acting possibly at cross-purposes with each other.
SC’s Observations on Dissent:
●SC appreciated the existence of the right to peaceful protest against the legislation and held that “democracy and dissent go hand in hand, but then the demonstrations expressing dissent have to be in designated places alone”.
●The seeds of protest and dissent were sown deep during the Freedom struggle but dissent against the colonial rule cannot be equated with dissent in a self-ruled democracy.
●The Constitution guarantees the right to protest and express dissent, but with an obligation towards certain duties.
●Article 19 confers upon citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and right to assemble peacefully without arms under Article 19(1)(b).
●These rights, in cohesion, enable every citizen to assemble peacefully and protest against action or inaction of the State.
●In a democracy, the rights of free speech and peaceful protest are “treasured” and must be encouraged and respected.
●However, these rights are also subject to reasonable restrictions mentioned under Article 19(2), imposed in the interest of sovereignty, integrity and public order with the help of police regulations.
●Fundamental rights do not live in isolation. The right of the protester has to be balanced with the right of the commuter and has to co-exist in mutual respect.
For more @ssbgeneralidiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #Know_Your_Navy
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, AVSM, NM took over as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (DCIDS) (Operations) at HQ IDS on 05 August after relinquishing the coveted appointment of Chief of Staff Eastern Naval Command.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, AVSM, NM took over as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (DCIDS) (Operations) at HQ IDS on 05 August after relinquishing the coveted appointment of Chief of Staff Eastern Naval Command.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#DAILY_PRACTICE
#TAT_SET663
Important TAT image for all Entries.
Try to write within the prescribed time i.e. 4 minutes.
Be honest with your preparation and attempt this image and write a desirable story.
(For better practice,Write the story on A4 paper within the prescribed time.)
Healthy and constructive reviews are welcome.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#TAT_SET663
Important TAT image for all Entries.
Try to write within the prescribed time i.e. 4 minutes.
Be honest with your preparation and attempt this image and write a desirable story.
(For better practice,Write the story on A4 paper within the prescribed time.)
Healthy and constructive reviews are welcome.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from OTA Worth Loving
Forwarded from OTA Worth Loving
#DAILY_PRACTICE
#TAT_SET664
Important TAT image for all Entries.
Try to write within the prescribed time i.e. 4 minutes.
Be honest with your preparation and attempt this image and write a desirable story.
(For better practice,Write the story on A4 paper within the prescribed time.)
Healthy and constructive reviews are welcome.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#TAT_SET664
Important TAT image for all Entries.
Try to write within the prescribed time i.e. 4 minutes.
Be honest with your preparation and attempt this image and write a desirable story.
(For better practice,Write the story on A4 paper within the prescribed time.)
Healthy and constructive reviews are welcome.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #Know_Your_AirForce
Here are some of the important fighter jets used by India, along with the technologies incorporated in them:
1. Sukhoi Su-30MKI:
- Technology: Fly-by-wire flight control system, glass cockpit, advanced avionics, advanced Russian radar system, and thrust-vectoring engines.
2. Dassault Mirage 2000:
- Technology: Multi-mode radar, advanced avionics, mid-air refueling capability, and electronic warfare suite.
3. HAL Tejas:
- Technology: Composite material construction, glass cockpit with a digital HUD (Head-Up Display), advanced avionics, and multi-mode radar with air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea capabilities.
4. Mikoyan MiG-29:
- Technology: Advanced avionics and radar, helmet-mounted display system, advanced electronic warfare suite, and thrust-vectoring engines.
5. HAL Rudra:
- Technology: Integrated avionics system, electro-optical pod for targeting, anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, and night vision systems.
6. HAL Dhruv:
- Technology: Integrated avionics, electronic warfare suite, advanced navigation systems, and NVG (Night Vision Goggle) compatible glass cockpit.
7. SEPECAT Jaguar:
- Technology: Navigation-attack system, advanced avionics, laser range-finders, air-to-air missiles, and ground attack capabilities.
8. Boeing AH-64E Apache:
- Technology: Modernized digital cockpit, advanced avionics, multiple sensors, fire control radar, Hellfire missiles, and night vision capabilities.
It's worthy to note that some of the above-listed fighter jets are not solely Indian designs but have been licensed or acquired by India for its defense forces.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Here are some of the important fighter jets used by India, along with the technologies incorporated in them:
1. Sukhoi Su-30MKI:
- Technology: Fly-by-wire flight control system, glass cockpit, advanced avionics, advanced Russian radar system, and thrust-vectoring engines.
2. Dassault Mirage 2000:
- Technology: Multi-mode radar, advanced avionics, mid-air refueling capability, and electronic warfare suite.
3. HAL Tejas:
- Technology: Composite material construction, glass cockpit with a digital HUD (Head-Up Display), advanced avionics, and multi-mode radar with air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea capabilities.
4. Mikoyan MiG-29:
- Technology: Advanced avionics and radar, helmet-mounted display system, advanced electronic warfare suite, and thrust-vectoring engines.
5. HAL Rudra:
- Technology: Integrated avionics system, electro-optical pod for targeting, anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, and night vision systems.
6. HAL Dhruv:
- Technology: Integrated avionics, electronic warfare suite, advanced navigation systems, and NVG (Night Vision Goggle) compatible glass cockpit.
7. SEPECAT Jaguar:
- Technology: Navigation-attack system, advanced avionics, laser range-finders, air-to-air missiles, and ground attack capabilities.
8. Boeing AH-64E Apache:
- Technology: Modernized digital cockpit, advanced avionics, multiple sensors, fire control radar, Hellfire missiles, and night vision capabilities.
It's worthy to note that some of the above-listed fighter jets are not solely Indian designs but have been licensed or acquired by India for its defense forces.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#TO_ALL_LADIES_GENTLEMAN
NDA 2 2023 Admit Card out
https://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/admitcard_NDAII_2023/admit_card.php#hhh1
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
NDA 2 2023 Admit Card out
https://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/admitcard_NDAII_2023/admit_card.php#hhh1
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #Know_Your_AirForce #Know_Your_Army #Know_Your_Navy
Here is a list of weapons used by the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy:
1. Small Arms:
- INSAS assault rifle
- AK-47/AK-103 rifles
- Glock pistols
- MP5 submachine guns
- Light machine guns (LMGs) such as the FN MAG and the MG 7.62mm
- Sniper rifles such as the Dragunov SVD
- Rocket-propelled grenade launchers (RPGs)
2. Artillery:
- Bofors FH-77B howitzers
- Dhanush howitzers
- Pinaka multiple rocket launcher system
- Sarang artillery guns
- M777 Ultra Light Howitzers
- ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System)
3. Armored Vehicles:
- Arjun tanks
- T-90 Bhishma tanks
- T-72 Ajeya tanks
- BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles
- Casspir mine-protected vehicles
- MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles)
4. Air Defense Systems:
- Akash surface-to-air missiles
- Barak 8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles
- Igla-S man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS)
- SA-6 Gainful and SA-8 Gecko SAM systems
- ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun systems
5. Aircraft:
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighters
- Dassault Rafale fighter jets
- MiG-29 fighter jets
- HAL Tejas light combat aircraft
- Apache attack helicopters
- Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters
6. Naval Weapons:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
- INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier
- Shivalik-class frigates
- Chennai-class destroyers
- Sindhughosh-class submarines
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many more weapons and systems used by the Indian Armed Forces.
For More @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Here is a list of weapons used by the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy:
1. Small Arms:
- INSAS assault rifle
- AK-47/AK-103 rifles
- Glock pistols
- MP5 submachine guns
- Light machine guns (LMGs) such as the FN MAG and the MG 7.62mm
- Sniper rifles such as the Dragunov SVD
- Rocket-propelled grenade launchers (RPGs)
2. Artillery:
- Bofors FH-77B howitzers
- Dhanush howitzers
- Pinaka multiple rocket launcher system
- Sarang artillery guns
- M777 Ultra Light Howitzers
- ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System)
3. Armored Vehicles:
- Arjun tanks
- T-90 Bhishma tanks
- T-72 Ajeya tanks
- BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles
- Casspir mine-protected vehicles
- MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles)
4. Air Defense Systems:
- Akash surface-to-air missiles
- Barak 8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles
- Igla-S man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS)
- SA-6 Gainful and SA-8 Gecko SAM systems
- ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun systems
5. Aircraft:
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighters
- Dassault Rafale fighter jets
- MiG-29 fighter jets
- HAL Tejas light combat aircraft
- Apache attack helicopters
- Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters
6. Naval Weapons:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
- INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier
- Shivalik-class frigates
- Chennai-class destroyers
- Sindhughosh-class submarines
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many more weapons and systems used by the Indian Armed Forces.
For More @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #GD_Material
Sex Ratio and India
Why in News-According to the 2018 report on “vital statistics of India based on the Civil Registration System”, Arunachal Pradesh recorded the best sex ratio at birth in the country while Manipur recorded the worst sex ratio at birth.
●The report was published by the Registrar General of India.
●Sex ratio at birth is number of females born per thousand males. It is an important indicator to map the gender gap of a population.
◆Arunachal Pradesh recorded 1,084 females born per thousand males, followed by Nagaland (965), Mizoram (964), Kerala (963).
◆The worst sex ratio was reported in Manipur (757), Lakshadweep (839) and Daman & Diu (877), Punjab (896) and Gujarat (896).
◆Delhi recorded a sex ratio of 929, Haryana - 914.
◆The ratio was determined on the basis of data provided by 30 States and Union Territories as the requisite information from six States namely Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal is not available.
◆Major states are states with populations 10 million and above as per the 2011 Census.
◆The Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2018 shows that sex ratio at birth in India, declined marginally from 906 in 2011 to 899 in 2018.
◆Contrary to popular perception, India’s sex ratio at birth declined even as per capita income increased nearly 10 times over the last 65 years, according to an IndiaSpend analysis of government data.
●This could be because rising income, which results in increased literacy, makes it easier for families to access sex-selective procedures.
Issues Related to Lower Sex Ratio at Birth:
Gender-imbalance:
◆Prof. Amartya Kumar Sen, in his world famous article “Missing Women‟ has statistically proved that during the last century, 100 million women have been missing in south Asia.
◆This is due to discrimination leading to death, experienced by them from womb to tomb in their life cycles.
◆An adverse child sex ratio is also reflected in the distorted gender makeup of the entire population.
Distortion in the Marriage System:
◆Adverse ratio results in a gross imbalance in the number of men and women and its inevitable impact on marriage systems as well as other harms to women.
◆In India, some villages in Haryana and Punjab have such poor sex ratios that men “import” brides from other States. This is often accompanied by the exploitation of these brides.
◆There are concerns that skewed sex ratios lead to more violence against both men and women, as well as human-trafficking.
Way Forward
Bringing Behavioural Change:
●Increasing female education and economic prosperity help to improve the ratio. In this pursuit, the government’s Beti-Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign has achieved remarkable success in bringing behavioural change in the society.
Sensitizing Youth:
●There is an urgent need to reach young people for reproductive health education and services as well as to cultivate gender equity norms.
●For this, the services of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) can be leveraged, especially in rural areas.
Stringent Enforcement of Law:
●India must implement the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 more stringently and dedicate more resources to fighting the preference for boys.
●In this context, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board decision to include ultrasound machines in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 is a step in the right direction.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Sex Ratio and India
Why in News-According to the 2018 report on “vital statistics of India based on the Civil Registration System”, Arunachal Pradesh recorded the best sex ratio at birth in the country while Manipur recorded the worst sex ratio at birth.
●The report was published by the Registrar General of India.
●Sex ratio at birth is number of females born per thousand males. It is an important indicator to map the gender gap of a population.
◆Arunachal Pradesh recorded 1,084 females born per thousand males, followed by Nagaland (965), Mizoram (964), Kerala (963).
◆The worst sex ratio was reported in Manipur (757), Lakshadweep (839) and Daman & Diu (877), Punjab (896) and Gujarat (896).
◆Delhi recorded a sex ratio of 929, Haryana - 914.
◆The ratio was determined on the basis of data provided by 30 States and Union Territories as the requisite information from six States namely Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal is not available.
◆Major states are states with populations 10 million and above as per the 2011 Census.
◆The Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2018 shows that sex ratio at birth in India, declined marginally from 906 in 2011 to 899 in 2018.
◆Contrary to popular perception, India’s sex ratio at birth declined even as per capita income increased nearly 10 times over the last 65 years, according to an IndiaSpend analysis of government data.
●This could be because rising income, which results in increased literacy, makes it easier for families to access sex-selective procedures.
Issues Related to Lower Sex Ratio at Birth:
Gender-imbalance:
◆Prof. Amartya Kumar Sen, in his world famous article “Missing Women‟ has statistically proved that during the last century, 100 million women have been missing in south Asia.
◆This is due to discrimination leading to death, experienced by them from womb to tomb in their life cycles.
◆An adverse child sex ratio is also reflected in the distorted gender makeup of the entire population.
Distortion in the Marriage System:
◆Adverse ratio results in a gross imbalance in the number of men and women and its inevitable impact on marriage systems as well as other harms to women.
◆In India, some villages in Haryana and Punjab have such poor sex ratios that men “import” brides from other States. This is often accompanied by the exploitation of these brides.
◆There are concerns that skewed sex ratios lead to more violence against both men and women, as well as human-trafficking.
Way Forward
Bringing Behavioural Change:
●Increasing female education and economic prosperity help to improve the ratio. In this pursuit, the government’s Beti-Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign has achieved remarkable success in bringing behavioural change in the society.
Sensitizing Youth:
●There is an urgent need to reach young people for reproductive health education and services as well as to cultivate gender equity norms.
●For this, the services of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) can be leveraged, especially in rural areas.
Stringent Enforcement of Law:
●India must implement the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 more stringently and dedicate more resources to fighting the preference for boys.
●In this context, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board decision to include ultrasound machines in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 is a step in the right direction.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Sports_Series #Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview
CHAMPIONS! 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
India are the champions of Asian Champions Trophy 2023!
🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑
They beat Malaysia 4-3 in the final to become the Kings of Asia! 🌎
India scripted a comeback from 1-3 to win 4-3 and win the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 final against Malaysia! 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Chak de India! 💙
CHAMPIONS! 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
India are the champions of Asian Champions Trophy 2023!
🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑🏑
They beat Malaysia 4-3 in the final to become the Kings of Asia! 🌎
India scripted a comeback from 1-3 to win 4-3 and win the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 final against Malaysia! 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Chak de India! 💙
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Editorial_Analysis #GD_Material
The threat of deep fakes
✔️Context
◆The protest in Capitol Hill against the 2020 U.S., election results was mainly due to misinformation and disinformation of which deepfakes are a part.
◆Deepfakes are synthetic media, meaning media which included images, audio and video which can be manipulated or wholly generated by Artificial Intelligence.
◆Artificial intelligence has the power to forge the electoral outcome of even the world’s oldest democracy.
✔️Fabricating content
●The recent cyber world is facing the challenge of deepfakes as it can fabricate audios, videos and texts to show that real people saying and doing things they never did or creating new images and videos and content manipulation.
●Deepfakes can target anyone, anywhere and at any time by tarnishing reputations, creating mistrust, questioning facts, and creating false propaganda.
●Deep fakes are hard to detect and can be detected only through AI tools.
●Since senators were worried about censorship and misinformation, U.S. Senate took steps to find out what Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter’s Jack Dorsey and Google’s Sundar Pichai are doing to tackle online misinformation, disinformation and fabricated content.
●According to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, a law which protects freedom of expression and innovation on the Internet, states that the companies are not responsible for the public posts on their platforms.
●The chief executives said they need the same law but politicians wanted the law to be revised as it was outdated.
●India too has not enacted any specific legislation to deal with deepfakes; there are only certain provisions in the Indian Penal Code that criminalise some forms of online/social media content manipulation.
●The Information Technology Act, 2000 for cybercrime and Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines (Amendment) Rules, 2018 are not enough to deal with content manipulation on digital platforms.
●The guidelines stipulate that due care must be observed by the intermediate companies for removal of illegal content and curtail the misuse of social networks.
●In 2019, The Election Commission issued guidelines on social media use during election campaigns, but reports show that social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook were used as by major political parties as a vehicle for misinformation.
✔️New tools
◆Existing laws are inadequate against deepfakes hence new law allowing the use of AI tools for fake detection have to come into force.
◆Blockchains which are robust against many security threats can be used to detect fake video or document. Also, we should educate the media users about the capabilities of AI algorithms against deepfakes and cybercrimes.
◆In July 2020, a workshop was convened by the experts of University of Washington and Microsoft on how to prevent deepfake technology from affecting the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
◆The workshop identified 5 ways to deal with Deep fakes
◆First, deepfakes must be segregated into the broader framework of malicious manipulated media, computational propaganda and disinformation campaigns.
◆Second, as deep fakes cause multidimensional issues there should be the multi-stakeholder expert response from every sector.
◆Third, detecting deepfakes is difficult hence we should use AI tools for scrutinizing images, videos and audio recording and for which proper training has to be given.
◆Fourth, while formulating a policy for deepfakes we have to consider how polity, society, economy, culture, individuals and communities are threatened by deepfakes.
◆Last, Deepfakes cause mistrust among people and sometimes may lead to true evidence being dismissed as fake for which we have to be cautious.
✔️Conclusion
In today's world disinformation comes from various sources hence no single technology can solve the problem. As deepfakes continue to evolve AI-backed technological tools must also evolve to detect and prevent them.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
The threat of deep fakes
✔️Context
◆The protest in Capitol Hill against the 2020 U.S., election results was mainly due to misinformation and disinformation of which deepfakes are a part.
◆Deepfakes are synthetic media, meaning media which included images, audio and video which can be manipulated or wholly generated by Artificial Intelligence.
◆Artificial intelligence has the power to forge the electoral outcome of even the world’s oldest democracy.
✔️Fabricating content
●The recent cyber world is facing the challenge of deepfakes as it can fabricate audios, videos and texts to show that real people saying and doing things they never did or creating new images and videos and content manipulation.
●Deepfakes can target anyone, anywhere and at any time by tarnishing reputations, creating mistrust, questioning facts, and creating false propaganda.
●Deep fakes are hard to detect and can be detected only through AI tools.
●Since senators were worried about censorship and misinformation, U.S. Senate took steps to find out what Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter’s Jack Dorsey and Google’s Sundar Pichai are doing to tackle online misinformation, disinformation and fabricated content.
●According to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, a law which protects freedom of expression and innovation on the Internet, states that the companies are not responsible for the public posts on their platforms.
●The chief executives said they need the same law but politicians wanted the law to be revised as it was outdated.
●India too has not enacted any specific legislation to deal with deepfakes; there are only certain provisions in the Indian Penal Code that criminalise some forms of online/social media content manipulation.
●The Information Technology Act, 2000 for cybercrime and Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines (Amendment) Rules, 2018 are not enough to deal with content manipulation on digital platforms.
●The guidelines stipulate that due care must be observed by the intermediate companies for removal of illegal content and curtail the misuse of social networks.
●In 2019, The Election Commission issued guidelines on social media use during election campaigns, but reports show that social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook were used as by major political parties as a vehicle for misinformation.
✔️New tools
◆Existing laws are inadequate against deepfakes hence new law allowing the use of AI tools for fake detection have to come into force.
◆Blockchains which are robust against many security threats can be used to detect fake video or document. Also, we should educate the media users about the capabilities of AI algorithms against deepfakes and cybercrimes.
◆In July 2020, a workshop was convened by the experts of University of Washington and Microsoft on how to prevent deepfake technology from affecting the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
◆The workshop identified 5 ways to deal with Deep fakes
◆First, deepfakes must be segregated into the broader framework of malicious manipulated media, computational propaganda and disinformation campaigns.
◆Second, as deep fakes cause multidimensional issues there should be the multi-stakeholder expert response from every sector.
◆Third, detecting deepfakes is difficult hence we should use AI tools for scrutinizing images, videos and audio recording and for which proper training has to be given.
◆Fourth, while formulating a policy for deepfakes we have to consider how polity, society, economy, culture, individuals and communities are threatened by deepfakes.
◆Last, Deepfakes cause mistrust among people and sometimes may lead to true evidence being dismissed as fake for which we have to be cautious.
✔️Conclusion
In today's world disinformation comes from various sources hence no single technology can solve the problem. As deepfakes continue to evolve AI-backed technological tools must also evolve to detect and prevent them.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview
#Know_Your_Navy
INDIAN NAVY PARTICIPATES IN BILATERAL NAVAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE WITH UAE NAVY
✓Two Indian Naval Ships INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand, under the command of Rear Admiral Vineet McCarty, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, arrived at Port Rashid, Dubai on 08 Aug 2023 to participate in a bilateral Naval Maritime Partnership Exercise with the UAE Navy.
✓After two days of detailed planning, the two navies conducted the bilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise today, aimed to enhance the interoperability and synergy between the two navies by cross training on tactics, techniques and procedures while developing stronger professional bonds.
✓During his visit, Rear Admiral McCarty met Brigadier Abdullah Farj Al Mehairbi, the Deputy Commander of UAE Naval Forces at Abu Dhabi Naval Command.
✓They agreed on increasing the interaction between the two Navies in order to jointly tackle the common challenges of piracy, smuggling, human trafficking, enhance maritime security and undertake joint Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief operations, should the need arise.
✓The Admiral also called on H.E. Shri Sunjay Sudhir, the Ambassador of India to the UAE and updated him on the scope and conduct of the exercise and the road map of Navy to Navy cooperation between India and UAE.
✓The Ambassador highlighted that the presence of these two ships for the naval exercise is an indication of our growing Defence relations with UAE guided by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our countries.
✓INS Visakhapatnam, commanded by Captain Ashok Rao, is one of the largest operational Destroyer in Indian Navy and is a completely indigenous warship made by the Mazagaon Docks Limited.
✓NS Trikand, commanded by Captain Pramod G Thomas, is an advance stealth frigate commissioned in 2013. The ship is a contemporary warship with state of the art technology incorporated in every facet of its design to make her stable, stealthier, fast and formidable.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Know_Your_Navy
INDIAN NAVY PARTICIPATES IN BILATERAL NAVAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE WITH UAE NAVY
✓Two Indian Naval Ships INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand, under the command of Rear Admiral Vineet McCarty, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, arrived at Port Rashid, Dubai on 08 Aug 2023 to participate in a bilateral Naval Maritime Partnership Exercise with the UAE Navy.
✓After two days of detailed planning, the two navies conducted the bilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise today, aimed to enhance the interoperability and synergy between the two navies by cross training on tactics, techniques and procedures while developing stronger professional bonds.
✓During his visit, Rear Admiral McCarty met Brigadier Abdullah Farj Al Mehairbi, the Deputy Commander of UAE Naval Forces at Abu Dhabi Naval Command.
✓They agreed on increasing the interaction between the two Navies in order to jointly tackle the common challenges of piracy, smuggling, human trafficking, enhance maritime security and undertake joint Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief operations, should the need arise.
✓The Admiral also called on H.E. Shri Sunjay Sudhir, the Ambassador of India to the UAE and updated him on the scope and conduct of the exercise and the road map of Navy to Navy cooperation between India and UAE.
✓The Ambassador highlighted that the presence of these two ships for the naval exercise is an indication of our growing Defence relations with UAE guided by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our countries.
✓INS Visakhapatnam, commanded by Captain Ashok Rao, is one of the largest operational Destroyer in Indian Navy and is a completely indigenous warship made by the Mazagaon Docks Limited.
✓NS Trikand, commanded by Captain Pramod G Thomas, is an advance stealth frigate commissioned in 2013. The ship is a contemporary warship with state of the art technology incorporated in every facet of its design to make her stable, stealthier, fast and formidable.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #Know_Your_Navy
MALABAR-2023 AT SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
✓Indian Navy's indigenous frontline warships INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata will participate in Exercise MALABAR 2023 scheduled at/ off Sydney from 11 - 21 August 23 along with ships and aircraft from the US Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
✓MALABAR series of maritime exercise commenced in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between Indian Navy and US Navy and has grown in stature over the years to include four prominent navies in the Indo-Pacific Region.
✓The 2020 edition witnessed the maiden participation of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). This year marks the 27th edition of MALABAR which is being hosted by Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
✓MALABAR 2023 is scheduled to be conducted in two phases. The Harbour Phase involves wide-ranging activities such as cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, sports fixtures and several interactions for planning and conduct of the Sea Phase.
✓The Sea Phase will include various complex and high intensity exercises in all three domains of warfare, encompassing anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine exercises including live weapon firing drills.
✓The exercise provides an opportunity to the Indian Navy to enhance and demonstrate interoperability and also gain from the best practices in maritime security operations from its partner nations.
✓INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multi-role stealth frigates and is presently commanded by Capt Rajan Kapoor.
✓INS Kolkata is the first ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-15A class destroyers and is commanded by Capt Sharad Sinsunwal.
✓Both ships have been built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai and are fitted with state-of-the-art array of weapons and sensors to detect and neutralise threats in surface, air and underwater domains.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
MALABAR-2023 AT SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
✓Indian Navy's indigenous frontline warships INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata will participate in Exercise MALABAR 2023 scheduled at/ off Sydney from 11 - 21 August 23 along with ships and aircraft from the US Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
✓MALABAR series of maritime exercise commenced in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between Indian Navy and US Navy and has grown in stature over the years to include four prominent navies in the Indo-Pacific Region.
✓The 2020 edition witnessed the maiden participation of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). This year marks the 27th edition of MALABAR which is being hosted by Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
✓MALABAR 2023 is scheduled to be conducted in two phases. The Harbour Phase involves wide-ranging activities such as cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, sports fixtures and several interactions for planning and conduct of the Sea Phase.
✓The Sea Phase will include various complex and high intensity exercises in all three domains of warfare, encompassing anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine exercises including live weapon firing drills.
✓The exercise provides an opportunity to the Indian Navy to enhance and demonstrate interoperability and also gain from the best practices in maritime security operations from its partner nations.
✓INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multi-role stealth frigates and is presently commanded by Capt Rajan Kapoor.
✓INS Kolkata is the first ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-15A class destroyers and is commanded by Capt Sharad Sinsunwal.
✓Both ships have been built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai and are fitted with state-of-the-art array of weapons and sensors to detect and neutralise threats in surface, air and underwater domains.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview
#Defence_News #GD_Material #DRDO
SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE SECTOR
✓Government has taken adequate steps to make the country self-reliant by developing indigenous advanced technologies and complex systems.
✓Following are the initiatives/ steps taken by Government for indigenisation of manufacturing of technology-intensive defence equipment and weapons and for creating a domestic defence production eco-system:
🔹Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) is promulgated to maximize acquisition of defence equipment through indigenous sources and promote domestic manufacturing.
🔹Government of India has ensured that the most preferred option for capital acquisition is ‘Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)’ category equipment followed by ‘Buy (Indian)’ category.
🔹The ‘Make’ categories aim to achieve the objective of self-reliance by involving greater participation of Indian industrial eco-system including private sector.
🔹The provisions of Government funding have been introduced for Make-I, Technology Development Fund (TDF) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) projects.
🔹TDF Scheme executed by DRDO supports indigenous development of components, products, systems and technologies by MSMEs and Start-ups.
🔹Funding under TDF scheme was enhanced from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore per Project, and the same under iDEX Prime scheme has been enhanced from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore It will give further boost to the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta in defence’.
🔹Four ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ of defence equipment and platforms for which there would be an embargo on the import.
🔹The ‘Development cum Production Partner (DcPP)’ model of DRDO is implemented where-in Industry is taken up as DcPP in system development projects. Both development and production units are manufactured by industry along with life cycle support.
🔹DRDO test facilities have been opened to the industries for utilisation. The test facilities have been listed on DRDO website and have been communicated to them.The facilities are being utilized by the industries.
🔹Two Defence Industrial Corridors have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to catalyse indigenous production of defence and aerospace-related items.
🔹Defence R&D has been opened up for industry, start-ups and academia with 25% of defence R&D budget earmarked for the purpose. This is being implemented through various existing schemes and new schemes have been proposed.
🔹In order to promote indigenous design and manufacturing, funds have also been earmarked for procurement from indigenous sources.
🔹For the FY 2023-24, funds have been earmarked in the ratio 67.75:32.25 between Domestic and Foreign procurement in the Capital Acquisition Budget of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). In addition, the MoD has also directed for spending an amount of Rs 1,500 crore towards procurement from start-ups.
🔹Nil Transfer of Technology (ToT) fees are being charged from DcPPs/PAs/LSI.
Industries have been provided with free access for DRDO patents.
🔹Lists of systems which will be developed by industry only have been identified by DRDO. The same has been promulgated by MoD. DRDO will not develop such systems.
🔹DRDO is skilling youth (Internships, apprenticeship, electives in B Tech, M Tech courses) to make ready for Defence industries.
🔹Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 43 DRDO developed/ being developed systems has been accorded for induction in the Services during the last three years i.e. 11 in 2021, 25 in 2022 and seven in 2023.
🔹During the last three financial years (2020-21 to 2022-23), 122 contracts have been signed for capital procurement of defence equipment, out of which, 100 contracts accounting for 87% of total contracts value, have been signed with Indian vendors for capital procurement of Defence equipment.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Defence_News #GD_Material #DRDO
SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE SECTOR
✓Government has taken adequate steps to make the country self-reliant by developing indigenous advanced technologies and complex systems.
✓Following are the initiatives/ steps taken by Government for indigenisation of manufacturing of technology-intensive defence equipment and weapons and for creating a domestic defence production eco-system:
🔹Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) is promulgated to maximize acquisition of defence equipment through indigenous sources and promote domestic manufacturing.
🔹Government of India has ensured that the most preferred option for capital acquisition is ‘Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)’ category equipment followed by ‘Buy (Indian)’ category.
🔹The ‘Make’ categories aim to achieve the objective of self-reliance by involving greater participation of Indian industrial eco-system including private sector.
🔹The provisions of Government funding have been introduced for Make-I, Technology Development Fund (TDF) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) projects.
🔹TDF Scheme executed by DRDO supports indigenous development of components, products, systems and technologies by MSMEs and Start-ups.
🔹Funding under TDF scheme was enhanced from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore per Project, and the same under iDEX Prime scheme has been enhanced from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore It will give further boost to the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta in defence’.
🔹Four ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ of defence equipment and platforms for which there would be an embargo on the import.
🔹The ‘Development cum Production Partner (DcPP)’ model of DRDO is implemented where-in Industry is taken up as DcPP in system development projects. Both development and production units are manufactured by industry along with life cycle support.
🔹DRDO test facilities have been opened to the industries for utilisation. The test facilities have been listed on DRDO website and have been communicated to them.The facilities are being utilized by the industries.
🔹Two Defence Industrial Corridors have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to catalyse indigenous production of defence and aerospace-related items.
🔹Defence R&D has been opened up for industry, start-ups and academia with 25% of defence R&D budget earmarked for the purpose. This is being implemented through various existing schemes and new schemes have been proposed.
🔹In order to promote indigenous design and manufacturing, funds have also been earmarked for procurement from indigenous sources.
🔹For the FY 2023-24, funds have been earmarked in the ratio 67.75:32.25 between Domestic and Foreign procurement in the Capital Acquisition Budget of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). In addition, the MoD has also directed for spending an amount of Rs 1,500 crore towards procurement from start-ups.
🔹Nil Transfer of Technology (ToT) fees are being charged from DcPPs/PAs/LSI.
Industries have been provided with free access for DRDO patents.
🔹Lists of systems which will be developed by industry only have been identified by DRDO. The same has been promulgated by MoD. DRDO will not develop such systems.
🔹DRDO is skilling youth (Internships, apprenticeship, electives in B Tech, M Tech courses) to make ready for Defence industries.
🔹Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 43 DRDO developed/ being developed systems has been accorded for induction in the Services during the last three years i.e. 11 in 2021, 25 in 2022 and seven in 2023.
🔹During the last three financial years (2020-21 to 2022-23), 122 contracts have been signed for capital procurement of defence equipment, out of which, 100 contracts accounting for 87% of total contracts value, have been signed with Indian vendors for capital procurement of Defence equipment.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #Know_Your_AirForce #Know_Your_Army #Know_Your_Navy
India's defence sector has witnessed significant developments in recent times. Here are some of the latest updates:
1. Self-reliance in defence production: The Indian government has taken measures to promote indigenization and self-reliance in the defence sector through initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.' It aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities.
2. Defence procurement and modernization: India has embarked on a massive modernization drive to enhance its defence capabilities. It has signed various contracts to procure advanced defence equipment like fighter jets, missiles, submarines, helicopters, artillery systems, and surveillance drones.
3. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO): DRDO, India's premier defence research agency, has been actively involved in developing cutting-edge technologies and military equipment. Notable achievements include successfully testing the hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV), testing anti-satellite missile capabilities, and developing advanced communication and surveillance systems.
4. Defence exports: India has been striving to boost its defence exports through the export of military hardware, equipment, and services. It has also relaxed the regulations surrounding defence exports to facilitate trade.
5. Strategic partnerships: India has been forging strategic partnerships with various countries to enhance defence cooperation. It has engaged in joint military exercises, technology transfers, and collaborative projects with countries like the United States, Russia, Israel, France, and Japan.
6. Cybersecurity and space capabilities: India has been focusing on strengthening its capabilities in cybersecurity and space. It has established specialized agencies and organizations to tackle cyber threats and has successfully launched satellites for both military and civilian purposes.
7. Naval advancements: The Indian Navy is modernizing its fleet and enhancing its maritime capabilities. It has commissioned various warships, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines. The development of indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the leasing of nuclear-powered submarines are significant achievements in this regard.
These developments underscore India's commitment to strengthen its defence forces and improve its security infrastructure. The focus on self-reliance, modernization, technology innovation, and strategic partnerships are expected to contribute to the overall growth of India's defence sector.
For More @ssbgeneraldiscussion
India's defence sector has witnessed significant developments in recent times. Here are some of the latest updates:
1. Self-reliance in defence production: The Indian government has taken measures to promote indigenization and self-reliance in the defence sector through initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.' It aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities.
2. Defence procurement and modernization: India has embarked on a massive modernization drive to enhance its defence capabilities. It has signed various contracts to procure advanced defence equipment like fighter jets, missiles, submarines, helicopters, artillery systems, and surveillance drones.
3. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO): DRDO, India's premier defence research agency, has been actively involved in developing cutting-edge technologies and military equipment. Notable achievements include successfully testing the hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV), testing anti-satellite missile capabilities, and developing advanced communication and surveillance systems.
4. Defence exports: India has been striving to boost its defence exports through the export of military hardware, equipment, and services. It has also relaxed the regulations surrounding defence exports to facilitate trade.
5. Strategic partnerships: India has been forging strategic partnerships with various countries to enhance defence cooperation. It has engaged in joint military exercises, technology transfers, and collaborative projects with countries like the United States, Russia, Israel, France, and Japan.
6. Cybersecurity and space capabilities: India has been focusing on strengthening its capabilities in cybersecurity and space. It has established specialized agencies and organizations to tackle cyber threats and has successfully launched satellites for both military and civilian purposes.
7. Naval advancements: The Indian Navy is modernizing its fleet and enhancing its maritime capabilities. It has commissioned various warships, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines. The development of indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the leasing of nuclear-powered submarines are significant achievements in this regard.
These developments underscore India's commitment to strengthen its defence forces and improve its security infrastructure. The focus on self-reliance, modernization, technology innovation, and strategic partnerships are expected to contribute to the overall growth of India's defence sector.
For More @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#DAILY_PRACTICE #WAT_SET
1. Class
2. Pity
3. Lost
4. Best
5. Hope
6. Busy
7. Afraid
8. Complain
9. Agree
10.Graduate
11.Rogue
12.Virgin
13.Stroke
14.Maid
15.Course
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
1. Class
2. Pity
3. Lost
4. Best
5. Hope
6. Busy
7. Afraid
8. Complain
9. Agree
10.Graduate
11.Rogue
12.Virgin
13.Stroke
14.Maid
15.Course
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#DAILY_PRACTICE #SRT_SET
1. Monday is his lucky day. He has been called for an interview for a job on Saturday. He would ___
2. Since he has not done well in his studies he is being scolded by his father. He would __
3. A number of college representatives are to be selected, some by election, others by nomination. He feels that his chances are not so bright for election. He would ___
4. He has been asked to organize a charity show. He would ___
5. He feels that workers in his organization are not paying sufficient attention to their work. He would ___
6. The group happened to be present when a car struck against a cycle, the group would ___
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
1. Monday is his lucky day. He has been called for an interview for a job on Saturday. He would ___
2. Since he has not done well in his studies he is being scolded by his father. He would __
3. A number of college representatives are to be selected, some by election, others by nomination. He feels that his chances are not so bright for election. He would ___
4. He has been asked to organize a charity show. He would ___
5. He feels that workers in his organization are not paying sufficient attention to their work. He would ___
6. The group happened to be present when a car struck against a cycle, the group would ___
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#Important_currentaffair_for_SSBinterview #Know_Your_AirForce
Here are some of the prominent missiles used by the Indian Air Force (IAF):
1. Astra: An air-to-air beyond visual range missile (BVR) with a range of over 100 km.
2. BrahMos: A joint venture between India and Russia, it is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from land, air, and sea.
3. Akash: A surface-to-air missile (SAM) capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, with a range of up to 30 km.
4. Shaurya: A hypersonic surface-to-surface missile system, primarily used as a deterrence measure.
5. Nirbhay: A long-range subsonic cruise missile with the capability to strike the target up to 1,000 km away.
6. Prithvi: A series of short-range ballistic missiles, including Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II, and Prithvi-III, with varying ranges and capabilities.
7. Agni: A series of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for nuclear deterrence.
8. Nag: A third generation, all-weather, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) with a range of 4-7 km.
9. Rudram: An anti-radiation missile (ARM) used to neutralize enemy radars and air defense systems.
10. MICA: An air-to-air missile with multi-target engagement capability, used for self-defense and aerial combat.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other missiles in the Indian Air Force's arsenal as well.
For More @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Here are some of the prominent missiles used by the Indian Air Force (IAF):
1. Astra: An air-to-air beyond visual range missile (BVR) with a range of over 100 km.
2. BrahMos: A joint venture between India and Russia, it is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from land, air, and sea.
3. Akash: A surface-to-air missile (SAM) capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, with a range of up to 30 km.
4. Shaurya: A hypersonic surface-to-surface missile system, primarily used as a deterrence measure.
5. Nirbhay: A long-range subsonic cruise missile with the capability to strike the target up to 1,000 km away.
6. Prithvi: A series of short-range ballistic missiles, including Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II, and Prithvi-III, with varying ranges and capabilities.
7. Agni: A series of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for nuclear deterrence.
8. Nag: A third generation, all-weather, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) with a range of 4-7 km.
9. Rudram: An anti-radiation missile (ARM) used to neutralize enemy radars and air defense systems.
10. MICA: An air-to-air missile with multi-target engagement capability, used for self-defense and aerial combat.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other missiles in the Indian Air Force's arsenal as well.
For More @ssbgeneraldiscussion
Forwarded from SSB Future Officers (Ankit)
#Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette
#GD_Material
A task force, formed to look into suicide and fratricide (killing of one's own forces in war) cases in the CAPFs, has recently submitted its draft report to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Continue reading to find out more about findings of the report & Central Armed Police Forces.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion
#GD_Material
A task force, formed to look into suicide and fratricide (killing of one's own forces in war) cases in the CAPFs, has recently submitted its draft report to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Continue reading to find out more about findings of the report & Central Armed Police Forces.
For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion