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New Indian Air Force Ensign

✓08 Oct 2023 will go down as a momentous day in the annals of IAF history. On this historic day, the Chief of Air Staff will unveil the new IAF ensign.

✓Going back in history, the RIAF Ensign comprised of the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (Red, White & Blue) on the fly side.

✓Post-Independence, the Indian Air Force ensign was created by replacing the Union Jack with the Indian tri colour and the RAF roundels with the IAF tri colour roundel in the lower right canton.

✓A new lAF ensign has now been created to better reflect the values of the Indian Air Force.

✓This reaffirmation will now be reflected by the inclusion of the Air Force Crest in the top right corner of the Ensign, towards the fly side.

✓The IAF Crest has the national symbol, the Ashoka lion on the top with the words “सत्यमेव जयते” in Devanagari below it.

✓Below the Ashoka lion is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, denoting the fighting qualities of the IAF.

✓A ring in light blue colour encircles the Himalayan eagle with the words “भारतीय वायु सेना”The motto of the IAF "नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्" is inscribed below Himalayan eagle in golden Devanagari.

✓The IAF motto has been taken from verse 24, Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita and means "Radiant Thou Touchest Heaven" or in other words "Touching the sky with Glory".

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Maiden 360 Degree appraisal system in the Indian Navy

✓The women and men in whites are central to the Indian Navy's 'SHIPS FIRST' approach and will continue to remain its greatest asset in the foreseeable future.

✓Towards promoting their professional and personal development, the Indian Navy recognises that an agile, adaptive, and advanced Human Resource Management is imperative.

✓In that regard, the Indian Navy has institutionalised a novel transformative initiative of '360 Degree Appraisal Mechanism' for various promotion boards.

✓The present appraisal mechanism of periodic Confidential Reports by senior officers, has an inherent limitation of a 'Top-down' approach, as it does not cater for or quantify a leader's impact on subordinates.

✓The Indian Navy's ‘360 Degree Appraisal Mechanism' is aimed to address this shortfall by encompassing large-scale surveys from suitably identified peers and subordinates for every officer being considered for promotion.

✓The survey comprises a spectrum of questions, encompassing aspects such as professional knowledge, leadership attributes, suitability in war/ crisis and potential for holding higher ranks.

✓Inputs, thus obtained, are suitably quantified for independent analyses by a nominated Board of Officers, headed by a Flag Officer. This will also be provided as feedback to the officers to effect behavioural changes and improvements.

✓Similar appraisal systems are in vogue in various national and international learning organisations.

✓The Indian Navy takes pride in imbibing such 'best practices' and this initiative is in continuation of other endeavours towards remaining a 'Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof Force’.

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Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt hands over Twin seater  LCA Tejas  to the Indian Air Force

🔸LCA Tejas  symbolizes Nation's journey towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing: RRM

✓Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt said that the LCA Tejas  symbolizes India's journey towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

✓This programme has been a shining example of commitment to reduce country’s dependency on foreign aircrafts, and it serves as a beacon of hope for a self-reliant India.

✓He was speaking at the handing over ceremony of LCA Tejas Twin Seater to the Indian Air Force in Banglore on 04 October, 2023.

✓RRM further said that the LCA Tejas program  has been an inspiring saga of relentless dedication and innovation.

✓The inception of the LCA Tejas aircraft was rooted in the dream of equipping our Indian Air Force with a world-class indigenous fighter aircraft.

✓It was a dream that many believed was too ambitious at the beginning of the programme, but the men and women at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO Labs, CEMILAC, DGAQA, PSUs, IAF and countless other institutions and individuals who contributed to this programme proved that nothing is impossible when the country’s interest comes first and all institutions come together for completion of this important cause.

✓Underlinig the significance of LCA Tejas program , RRM said that the country gained the much-required knowledge of building a cutting-edge fighter aircraft and also developed & nurtured aerospace ecosystem.

✓The development of LCA Tejas has spurred the growth of a robust defence and aerospace industry in India. It has created opportunities for countless small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, and skilled workers who have contributed to various aspects of this project.

✓The HAL’s first Series Production twin seater  of LCA Tejas is decked with state-of-the-art technology, agility, and versatility, It will provide  suitable training to the Pilots of IAF. The IAF has already placed an order for 83 LCAs with HAL.

✓The Chief of Air staff, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari , CMD, HAL Shri. Ananthakrishnanji, Director General of ADA Dr Girish S Deodhare , Chief Executive of CEMILAC Shri APVS Prasad , Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) - Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit were present on the occasion.

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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.

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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.

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Internet Shutdowns and it's Ramifications [1/3]

✓Internet shutdowns are deliberate disruptions of internet or electronic communications, rendering them inaccessible or effectively unusable, for a specific population or within a location, often to exert control over the flow of information.They can affect mobile internet, broadband internet, or both.

✓On September 23, 2023, the Manipur government announced the restoration of full internet access, attributing it to “improved” law and order.

✓This ended India’s second-longest internet blackout, which had stretched for over 143 days since May 3. The news was greeted with relief by citizens — from students planning their return to Manipur to aid workers scrambling for essential supplies.

‼️What are the Provisions Related to Internet Shutdown?

🔹Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency and Public Safety) Rules, 2017:

✓These rules allow the union or state home secretary to order the suspension of any telegraph service (including internet) in case of public emergency or public safety.

✓Such an order must be reviewed by a committee within five days and cannot last for more than 15 days. In an urgent situation, an officer of joint secretary level or above, authorized by the union or state home secretary, can issue the order.

🔹Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure:

✓This section empowers a district magistrate, a sub-divisional magistrate or any other executive magistrate specially empowered by the state government to issue orders to prevent or stop any nuisance or disturbance of public tranquility.

✓Such orders can include the suspension of internet services in a particular area for a specified period.

⁉️What are the Impacts of Internet Shutdowns?

🔸Violation of Fundamental Rights: 

✓Internet shutdowns violate Fundamental Rights under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(g).

✓The freedom of speech and expression and freedom to practice any profession over the medium of the internet enjoys constitutional protection under Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(g) - the Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India case (2020).

✓Internet Shutdown also violates Right to Information which has been declared as a Fundamental Right under Article 19 by the Supreme Court in Raj Narain vs State of UP (1975) case.

✓Internet Shutdowns also violate the Right to Internet which was declared a Fundamental Right under Article 21 by the Kerala High Court in Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala case.

🔸Economic Consequences: 

✓Internet shutdowns can have severe economic consequences. Businesses that rely on the internet for operations, sales, and communication can suffer financial losses. Startups and small businesses may be particularly vulnerable.

✓According to Top10VPN, India lost Rs 2,091 crore ($255.2 million) in the first half of 2023 because of internet shutdowns.

🔸Disruption of Education: 

✓Many educational institutions use online platforms for teaching and learning. Internet shutdowns disrupt access to educational resources, making it difficult for students to continue their studies.

🔸Trust and Censorship Concerns: 

✓Internet shutdowns can erode trust in government and authorities. They can also lead to concerns about censorship and a lack of transparency.

🔸Impediment to Disaster Response: 

✓They affect the communication and coordination of people, especially during emergencies and crises.

✓A UN-backed report has highlighted that shutting down the internet affects people’s safety and well-being, hampering information flow and humanitarian assistance.

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Internet Shutdowns and it's Ramifications [2/3]

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

🔸Disruption in Health Care: 

✓Studies have shown the significant impacts of shutdowns on health systems, including on mobilizing urgent medical care, disrupting the delivery of essential medicines and maintenance of equipment, limiting the exchange of health information between medical personnel and disrupting essential mental health assistance.

🔸International Repercussions: 

✓Internet shutdowns can attract international attention and condemnation, potentially damaging a country's reputation and relationships with other nations.

✓India has the most internet shutdowns in the world. In the first half of 2023, India was second in the world for internet shutdowns.

✓According to a report by the US digital rights advocacy group Access Now, India accounted for 58% of all documented shutdowns globally.

🔸Impact on Journalism and Reporting: 

✓Journalists rely on the internet to report on events and share news with the public. Shutdowns can obstruct their ability to gather and disseminate information, compromising the public's right to know.

✓Right to Freedom of Press is a Fundamental Right declared by the Supreme Court in Indian Express vs Union of India (1986) and Bennett Coleman vs Union of India (1972) cases.

‼️What are the Arguments Regarding Internet Shutdowns?

🔹Arguments in Favor:

✓Internet shutdowns can help to prevent the spread of hate speech and fake news that could incite violence and riots.

▪️For example, the government announced the internet shutdown in Delhi NCR following the farmers’ protest on Republic Day to combat misinformation and maintain law and order.

✓Internet shutdowns can help to curb the organization and mobilization of protests that could disrupt public order and security.

▪️For example, the government imposed internet shutdowns in Kashmir and other parts of the country after the abrogation of Article 370 to prevent any anti-national activities and separatist movements.

✓Internet shutdowns can help to protect national security and sovereignty from external threats and cyberattacks. For example, the government suspended internet services in some border areas during the standoff with China to prevent any espionage or sabotage.

✓Internet shutdowns can help to control the distribution and consumption of content that could be harmful or offensive to certain groups or individuals.

▪️For example, the government blocked internet access in some regions to prevent the circulation of objectionable images or videos.

🔹Arguments Against:

✓Internet shutdowns undermine democracy and accountability, as they prevent citizens from accessing information, expressing opinions, participating in public debates, and holding authorities responsible for their actions.

✓Internet shutdowns can also enable authoritarian governments to silence critics and create distorted information echo chambers.

✓Many critics have argued that internet shutdowns are ineffective and counterproductive, as they do not address the root causes of the problems that they are supposed to solve.

▪️For example, internet shutdowns do not stop violence or terrorism, but rather fuel anger and resentment among the affected populations.

✓Internet shutdowns also do not prevent misinformation or hate speech, but rather create information vacuums that can be exploited by malicious actors.

✓Internet shutdowns are arbitrary and prone to abuse, as they are often imposed without following due process, transparency, or judicial oversight. 

✓Many internet shutdowns are ordered by local authorities who do not have the legal power to do so.

✓Internet shutdowns also lack clear and objective criteria, duration, and scope, making them susceptible to political interference and human rights violations.

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Internet Shutdowns and it's Ramifications [3/3]

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

⁉️What Steps can be Taken to deal with Internet Shutdowns ?

🔸Strengthening the Existing Framework: 

✓Strengthening the legal and regulatory framework that governs internet shutdowns, and ensuring that they are only used as a last resort, in accordance with international human rights standards.

✓The government should amend the Telegraph Act and its rules, which are outdated and vague, and do not comply with the constitutional and human rights standards.

🔸Ensuring Accountability of the Authorities: 

✓Increasing transparency and accountability of the authorities that order and implement internet shutdowns, and providing effective remedies for those affected by them.

🔸Look for Alternate options: 

✓The government should consider other less intrusive measures to deal with law-and-order disturbances, communal violence, terrorist attacks, examinations, and political instability, such as blocking specific websites or content, issuing warnings or advisories, engaging with civil society and media, or deploying more security forces.

🔸Adhere to Supreme Court’s Guidelines: 

✓The authorities should follow the directions of the Supreme Court in the Anuradha Bhasin case (2020).

✓The Supreme Court issued following guidelines:

▫️Suspension can be utilized for a temporary duration only.
▫️Any order suspending the internet issued under the Suspension Rules must adhere to the principle of proportionality and must not extend beyond the necessary duration.
▫️Any order suspending the internet under the Suspension Rules is subject to judicial review.

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91st Indian Air Force Day 🇮🇳✈️

- Indian Air Force Day is observed on October 8 annually to celebrate the grandeur of the IAF. The 91st anniversary of Indian Air Force Day will be celebrated with the theme “IAF – Airpower Beyond Boundaries."

- 120 fighter and transport aircraft including the Rafale fighter jets and helicopters from 10 air bases will be a part of the air display on this occasion. For the last time MiG-21 would be participating in such a show, and new ones like C-295 transport aircraft will join in

- India observes its Air Force Day on October 8th every year. Establishment of this day came under British rule in 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which was also used in World War II with the prefix of ‘royal’ to its name.

- However, after gaining independence and transition to republic in the year 1950, the term Royal was removed from the title of Indian Air Force.

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The entire nation is overjoyed that our incredible athletes have brought home the highest ever total of 107 medals, the best ever performance in the last 60 years.

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Highlights of 19th Asian Games Held at Hangzhou

✓A 655-member Indian contingent participated at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China from September 23 to October 8.

✓The 19th edition of the continental quadrennial multisport meet was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed by a year due to COVID-19.

✓India finished their Asian Games 2023 campaign with a record haul of 107 medals - 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze.

✓This surpassed India’s previous record tally achieved at the last edition at Jakarta 2018, where a 570-strong Indian squad racked up 70 medals - 16 gold, 23 silver and 31 bronze.

✓China led the overall Asian Games 2023 medals tally with 200 gold, ahead of Japan (51) and the Republic of Korea (42).

✓Only four countries won over 100 medals in Hangzhou.

✓Shooting led the way for India at the Asian Games 2023 with an unprecedented haul of 22 medals, which included seven gold.

✓Athletics, headlined by Neeraj Chopra’s successful title defence in the javelin throw, came a close second with six gold along with 14 silver and nine bronze.

✓The archery compound team, meanwhile, clean-swept the five gold medals in the category.

✓The cricket and kabaddi teams also bagged two gold medals each while the men’s hockey team’s gold secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

✓India also earned their first Asian Games badminton gold medal courtesy of the men’s doubles pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.

✓Squash, tennis and equestrian completed the 28 gold medals for India in Hangzhou.

✓In addition to medals, Hangzhou offered 74 Paris 2024 Olympic quotas - six in archery, 10 in artistic swimming, 34 in boxing, two in breaking, two in hockey, 10 in modern pentathlon, six in sailing, two in tennis and two in water polo.

✓India secured six quotas in all – four in boxing (Nikhat Zareen, Preeti Pawar, Parveen Hooda, Lovlina Borgohain) and one each in athletics (Kishore Jena) and men’s hockey.

🔸Breakup of Indian medals at Hangzhou Asian Games:

Athletics: 29 medals: 6 🥇 | 14 🥈 | 9 🥉
Shooting: 22 medals: 7 🥇 | 9 🥈 | 6 🥉
Archery: 9 medals: 5 🥇 | 2 🥈 | 2 🥉
Wrestling: 6 medals: 1 🥈 | 5 🥉
Squash: 5 medals: 2 🥇 | 1 🥈 | 2 🥉
Rowing: 5 medals: 2 🥈 | 3 🥉
Boxing: 5 medals: 1 🥈 | 4 🥉

Note- We have only mentioned those Sports above where India have got 5+ medals.

🔸Asian Games 2023: India’s medal winners

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