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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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🔸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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Smritivan Earthquake Museum

Why in news?
Smritivan Earthquake museum has been listed among the world's most beautiful by UNESCO

✓Smritivan Earthquake Museum, located in Bhuj, Gujarat, India, is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that struck the region on January 26, 2001. The museum serves both as a memorial and an educational facility, providing insights into the science of earthquakes, the history of the region, and the resilience and recovery of the community.


1. Exhibits and Displays: The museum features various exhibits that explain the science of earthquakes, including how they occur, how they are measured, and their impact on the earth's surface and human structures. Interactive displays and models help visitors understand these concepts better.

2. Memorial Section: This area of the museum is dedicated to the victims of the 2001 earthquake. It includes names of the deceased, stories of survival, and tributes to the resilience of the people of Kutch.

3. Reconstruction Stories: The museum highlights the efforts undertaken for reconstruction and rehabilitation post-earthquake. This includes showcasing the transformation of Bhuj and surrounding areas, with examples of earthquake-resistant architecture and infrastructure.

4. Educational Programs: The museum runs various educational programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at raising awareness about earthquake preparedness and disaster management. It is particularly focused on educating children and local communities.

5. Multimedia Presentations: Utilizing modern technology, the museum offers multimedia presentations, including films and virtual reality experiences, to immerse visitors in the experiences of the earthquake and the subsequent recovery efforts.

6. Architectural Design: The museum itself is an example of modern architecture that incorporates earthquake-resistant features. It stands as a symbol of resilience and modern engineering.

Smritivan Earthquake Museum is a significant cultural and educational landmark in Gujarat, providing a poignant reminder of the earthquake's impact while educating visitors on the importance of preparedness and resilience.

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Why Jet Engine is a big deal ?

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Why Jet Engine is a big deal ?

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RUSSIA AND N. KOREA'S NEW PACT AND IT'S CONSEQUENCES