#Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

🔸SSB Lecturette Topics[5/5]🔸

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

1. Violence in Manipur

2. Criminalisation of Politics

3. Unseasonal Rains & It's Impact

4. Recent Deals of MoD

5. Same Sex Marriage

6. CAPF

7. India - Turkey Bilateral Relations

8. Defence Budget 2023

9. Extra Judicial Killing

10. LGBTQIA+ Community in India

11. ONDC and It's Potential

12. Uniform Civil Code(UCC)

13. Railway Accidents in India: Causes and Safety Measures

14. Flooding in North India

15. Chandrayaan-3

16. India's Economic Challenges

17. Communal Violence

18. 4th Anniversary of Abrogation of Article 370

19. One Nation, One Election

20. Water Scarcity in India

21. The Name Game: Bharat VS India

22. UNSC Reforms

23. Caste Census: The Need & Concern

24. Internet Shutdowns & It's Ramifications

25. India and Canada Ties at a Downturn

26. Women's Reservation Bill for Gender Equality

27. Israel - Palestine Conflict (Article - 1)

28. Israel - Palestine Conflict (Article - 2)

29. Press Freedom in India

30. China's Belt & Road Initiative

31. Rethinking Reservation Policy in India

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

33. Defence Budget 2024-25

34. Defence Ecosystem

35. Maritime Security

36. India - EFTA Deal

37. Iran - Israel Conflict: Instability in Middle East

38. Introspecting the South China Sea

39. West Asia : A Highly Miltrilized Region

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

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion

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Iran - Israel Conflict: Instability in Middle East [1/3]

✓Iran launched a significant attack on Israel, deploying over 300 projectiles, including approximately 170 drones, cruise missiles, and over 120 ballistic missiles.

✓This action was widely seen as retaliation for a deadly strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria.

✓The attack signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, moving beyond previous skirmishes involving Israel and Hamas.

✓This event highlights the intensifying tensions between two of the Middle East's staunchest adversaries and underscores the potential for further conflict in the region.

⁉️What is the Historical Background of Relations Between Iran and Israel?

🔹Pre-1979 Iran-Israel Ties:

✓Iran was one of the first countries in the region to recognise Israel after its formation in 1948.

✓In 1948, the opposition of Arab states to Israel led to the first Arab-Israeli war. Iran was not a part of that conflict, and after Israel won, it established ties with the Jewish state.

✓According to an analysis from the Brookings Institute, Israel, under its first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, adopted the "periphery doctrine" to counter Arab hostility by forming alliances with non-Arab, mainly Muslim, countries in the Middle East.

✓This strategy focused on forging partnerships with nations like Turkey and pre-revolution Iran, which shared a pro-Western orientation and felt isolated in the region

✓Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who ruled Iran from 1941 to 1979, pursued a pro-Western foreign policy. Despite facing an economic boycott from Arab states, Iran maintained diplomatic ties with Israel and even continued to sell oil to Israel during this period.

🔹The 1979 Revolution:

✓A religious state was established in Iran after the Shah was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The regime’s view of Israel changed, and it was seen as an occupier of Palestinian land.

✓Israel’s Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini termed Israel “Little Satan” and the United States the “Great Satan”, seeing the two as parties interfering in the region.

✓Iran also sought to grow its presence in the region, challenging the two major powers Saudi Arabia and Israel – both of whom were US allies.

🔹A Shadow War after 1979:

✓As a result, the ties between the countries worsened. While Israel and Iran have never engaged in direct military confrontation, both have attempted to inflict damage on the other through proxies and limited strategic attacks.

✓In the early 2010s, Israel targeted several facilities and nuclear scientists in a bit to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.
In 2010, the US and Israel are believed to have developed Stuxnet, a malicious computer virus.

✓It was aimed at attacking a uranium enrichment facility at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site and was the “first publicly known cyberattack on industrial machinery”.

✓Iran, meanwhile, is seen as responsible for funding and supporting several militant groups in the region that are anti-Israel and anti-US, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

✓This support was why concerns of a widening conflict or a confrontation have been raised in the last few months.

⁉️What are the Key Events that Led to Iran’s Attack on Israel?

🔸Withdrawal from Iran's Nuclear Deal:

✓In 2018, Israel hails US withdrawal from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers after years of lobbying against the agreement, calling Trump's decision "a historic move".

🔸Assassination of Iran’s Army General:

✓In 2020, Israel welcomes the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the overseas arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, in an American drone strike in Baghdad. Iran strikes back with missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing American troops.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion

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Iran - Israel Conflict: Instability in Middle East [2/3]

🔅Hamas Missile Attack:

✓In October 2023, Hamas (the Iran-backed terrorist group) launched a missile attack targeting Israel. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Gaza.

🔅Israel Raids and Attacks Medical Facilities:

✓In November 2023, Israel started conducting raids and attacking medical facilities as Hamas was reportedly operating from these hospital buildings and carrying out their warfare.

🔅Houthi Group's Red Sea Incident:

✓In November 2023, The Iran-backed Houthi group, based in Yemen, landed their helicopter on the Galaxy Leader cargo vessel as it was passing via the Red Sea.

✓This marked the start of the 'Red Sea Crisis,' which eventually led to supply chain issues.

🔅Escalation of Israel's Ground Offenses:

✓In December 2023, Israel's ground offenses in the Gaza Strip intensified at a rapid pace. This led to an increase in the death toll and the number of refugees. India urged for an 'early and durable resolution' between the warring nations.

🔅Airstrike on the Iranian Embassy:

✓A suspected Israeli air strike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus kills seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, including two senior commanders.Israel neither confirmed or denied responsibility.

🔅Iran's Missile Attack on Israel:

✓In April 2024, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel. The attack was, allegedly, in response to a suspected Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria. This marked the first instance of Iran directly targeting Israel from its domestic territory.

🔅Israel’s Multi-layered Air Defence:

✓The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the Israeli air defense system intercepted 99% of the incoming projectiles from Iran. The United States, the United Kingdom, France, and other Middle Eastern allies also helped defend Israel.

❗How the Iran-Israel War May Impact the World?

🔹Possible Israeli Response May Increase Regional Escalation:

✓Given the widely held Israeli belief that a nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel, retaliation cannot be ruled out of the decision-making matrix.

✓Failure of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions or negotiate a peaceful resolution could leave military action as the only option, increasing the likelihood of regional escalation.

🔹Potential to Disrupt Oil Supplies:

✓Iran is the third-largest producer of crude oil within OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries). If the tensions between Iran and Israel escalate further, the supply of crude oil prices will be severely disrupted.

✓This will hit Indian share market sentiment as India is the third-largest consumer and importer of crude oil, importing over 80% of its crude oil needs.

🔹Spike in Inflation and Capital Outflow:

✓If geopolitical tensions increase from hereon, commodity prices will move up due to supply disruptions. Globally, inflation will remain high due to geopolitical tension as it will affect crude oil prices and other commodity prices such as copper, zinc, aluminium, nickel, etc.

✓As a result of these concerns, investors are expected to become cautious and may move their money out of riskier assets like Indian stocks and into safer options like gold (bullion).

✓Bond prices may fall, the cost of credit may rise for companies, and stock markets may fall both because of reduced profitability of the corporate sector and heightened uncertainty.

🔹Trade and Travel Disruptions:

✓Apart from oil prices being affected, trade and travel could also be hit in the likelihood of an Israel-Iran all-out war. Aviation and shipping sectors could be disrupted.

✓In fact, several countries in the region, including Iran, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Israel, temporarily closed their airspaces, opening it later, albeit with restrictions.

✓Experts have noted that India’s exports to Europe would be disrupted in wake of the renewed Iran-Israel tensions.

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Iran - Israel Conflict: Instability in Middle East [3/3]

🔹India’s Strategic Dilemma:

✓India's long-standing strategic relationships with both Iran and Israel present challenges on both policy and operational fronts.

✓India values its strategic partnership with Israel, which includes defense cooperation, technology exchange, and intelligence sharing.

✓However, India also maintains historical and economic ties with Iran, including energy imports and infrastructure projects.

✓India seeks to maintain stability in the Middle East to safeguard its interests, including energy security and the welfare of its diaspora.

⁉️What Could be the Possible Solutions to De-escalate the Iran - Israel Conflict?

🔅Sustainable Ceasefire and Two-State Solution:

✓Israel should accept a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible, open the borders for international humanitarian aid to Gaza, and respect the UN resolutions to end the 70-year-old crisis by realizing a two-state solution.

✓The two-state solution is the only feasible way ahead for long-term security, peace and stability in the region. It is not an easy goal, but both sides are familiar with the challenges and opportunities.

🔅Dialogue and Diplomacy:

✓An international initiative must mediate a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Encouraging both countries to engage in direct talks facilitated by international mediators could help build trust and find common ground.

✓Iran and Israel could engage in direct talks facilitated by a neutral third party, such as the European Union or the United Nations.

🔅Addressing Nuclear Proliferation Concerns:

✓Iran could adhere to the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and allow international inspections of its nuclear facilities to ensure compliance with the agreement.

✓In return, Israel could recognise Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy and commit to refraining from military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.

🔅Regional Cooperation:

✓Promoting cooperation between Iran and Israel within the framework of regional organizations, such as the Arab League or the Gulf Cooperation Council, could help address shared security concerns and foster stability in the Middle East.

✓Developing a comprehensive regional security architecture that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders in the Middle East could contribute to stability and reduce the likelihood of conflict between Iran and Israel.

🔅Long-Term Vision for the Middle East:

✓Regional powers could work together to establish a comprehensive security architecture for the Middle East, including confidence-building measures, arms control agreements, and mechanisms for resolving conflicts peacefully.

✓Addressing underlying issues, such as historical grievances, territorial disputes, and religious extremism, can help create an environment conducive to peace and reconciliation.

🔅Normalization of Relations:

✓Iran and Israel could take steps towards normalizing diplomatic relations, such as exchanging ambassadors, reopening embassies, and facilitating people-to-people exchanges, similar to the peace agreements between Israel and some Arab states like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

❗Conclusion

✓The repercussions of ongoing instability in the Middle East extend to the Global South and Global Governance.

✓Therefore, it is crucial for the international community to urge all parties to refrain from violence and prioritize diplomatic negotiations for solutions.

✓Embracing responsible and balanced policies is imperative to prevent long-term instability and alleviate the region's crisis.

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Bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir-
◆On 5th August 2019, the Indian government passed Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation bill (2019), which divided Jammu & Kashmir state into 2 union territories – Jammu & Kashmir (union territory with state legislature), Ladakh (union territory without state legislature).

Benefits:
◆Bifurcation can result in better governance, more efficient administration. It can also help in tackling terrorism.
◆Taking unilateral decisions is sometimes important because dialogue and all the other ways did not work till now.
◆When Jammu&Kashmir was one state, Ladakh felt alienated. Its ecological and cultural uniqueness was not given enough importance and was often neglected because the culture of Ladakh and J&K are very different. Thereby people of Ladakh are demanding the bifurcation from a long time. Ladakh’s local leaders feel that their region was politically neglected by the administration at J&K. So, bifurcating is a good decision.
◆Moreover, tourism and film shootings faced obstacles due to the militancy in J&K. Now as Ladakh is a separate UT, it can boost its economy.
◆The Indian government announced that J&K will be turned into a state once the situation becomes normal. So, we can consider the UT status of J&K as temporary.

Negative Side:
●Bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir was done without consulting the people and local leaders of the state. Moreover, there was a blackout of communication channels and media, so they had no possibility of expressing their views. This sends a wrong message to the people and is against the democratic principles of India. It is also against the federal principles, which guarantees rights to states.
● Moreover, on the same day, Article 370 was revoked, so this may make local people feel like they have no say in the decisions that impact them.
●This may set as a bad example for the succeeding governments. Downgrading the status of a state to union territory can be taken as a precedent. For example, If the state government is ruled by a different party from the center, and if center want to take control of the state, this incident can be shown as example to do so.
●This step may be used by separatists to influence youngsters in acting against Indian government.
●Further division of Ladakh into 2 districts – Leh and Kargil on religious basis is facing criticism from the local people. This move could have been avoided to preserve unity.

Challenges:
●Ladakh has already faced neglect from J&K. Now, it came directly under the center rule because it is now a union territory. The main task before the central government is to bring the development in Ladakh in the way the local people want.
●The ecologically sensitive areas should be prioritised before taking up infrastructure projects. If their views are not taken into consideration, there will be no use of making it as a UT.
●The big challenge before the Indian government is to bring a change in the perception of J&K people. Elections should be conducted in J&K as soon as possible to make people of J&K feel that their state is in their own hands and they have a say in the decisions that impact them.

Conclusion:
•Dividing the Jammu & Kashmir state into 2 Union territories helps in better governance. Taking steps to develop both the regions as soon as possible is the need of the hour.

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

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

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

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

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

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

▪️Origins of the Names: 

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

▪️Historical Usage: 

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

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

▪️Indian Renaissance and Nationalism:

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

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

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

▪️Name Controversy: 

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

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

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

▪️Syncretic Word - "Hind": 

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

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

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

🔸Adoption of the Constitution:

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

🔸Publication of a Hindi Translation:

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

🔸Official Status of Both Versions:

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

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

🔸Constitutional Amendments:

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

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

🔸Article 1(1):

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

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion

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

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

🔹Examples of Names:

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

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

❓What is the Current Scenario?

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

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

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

🔹Recent Example with Greece:

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

🔹Dual-Language Approach:

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

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

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

🔹Modern Usage:

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

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

❗Conclusion

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

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

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

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion

#Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

🔸SSB Lecturette Topics[5/5]🔸

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

1. Violence in Manipur

2. Criminalisation of Politics

3. Unseasonal Rains & It's Impact

4. Recent Deals of MoD

5. Same Sex Marriage

6. CAPF

7. India - Turkey Bilateral Relations

8. Defence Budget 2023

9. Extra Judicial Killing

10. LGBTQIA+ Community in India

11. ONDC and It's Potential

12. Uniform Civil Code(UCC)

13. Railway Accidents in India: Causes and Safety Measures

14. Flooding in North India

15. Chandrayaan-3

16. India's Economic Challenges

17. Communal Violence

18. 4th Anniversary of Abrogation of Article 370

19. One Nation, One Election

20. Water Scarcity in India

21. The Name Game: Bharat VS India

22. UNSC Reforms

23. Caste Census: The Need & Concern

24. Internet Shutdowns & It's Ramifications

25. India and Canada Ties at a Downturn

26. Women's Reservation Bill for Gender Equality

27. Israel - Palestine Conflict (Article - 1)

28. Israel - Palestine Conflict (Article - 2)

29. Press Freedom in India

30. China's Belt & Road Initiative

31. Rethinking Reservation Policy in India

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

33. Defence Budget 2024-25

34. Defence Ecosystem

35. Maritime Security

36. India - EFTA Deal

37. Iran - Israel Conflict: Instability in Middle East

38. Introspecting the South China Sea

39. West Asia : A Highly Miltrilized Region

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

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion

#Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette

National Human Rights Commission

✔️Why in News- The 28th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) 

◆It is a watchdog of human rights in the country, i.e. the rights related to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by Indian Constitution or embodied in the international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.

❗️Establishment

●Established on 12th October, 1993, under Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. It was amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006 and Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019

●It was established in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted for the promotion and protection of human rights in Paris (October, 1991) and endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December, 1993.

❗️Composition

〰️Key Members

◆It is a multi-member body consisting of a chairman and four members. A person who has been the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court is a chairman.

❗️Appointment

The chairman and members are appointed by the President on the recommendations of a six-member committee consisting of the Prime Minister as its head, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, leaders of the Opposition in both the Houses of Parliament and the Union Home Minister.

❗️Tenure

◆The chairman and members hold office for a term of three years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

◆The President can remove the chairman or any member from the office under some circumstances.

❗️Role and Function

●It has all the powers of a civil court and its proceedings have a judicial character.

●It is empowered to utilise the services of any officer or investigation agency of the Central government or any state government for the purpose of investigating complaints of human rights violation.

●It can look into a matter within one year of its occurrence, i.e the Commission is not empowered to inquire into any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act constituting violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed.

●The functions of the commission are mainly recommendatory in nature.

●It has no power to punish the violators of human rights, nor to award any relief including monetary relief to the victim.

●It has limited role, powers and jurisdiction with respect to the violation of human rights by the members of the armed forces.

●It is not empowered to act when human rights violations through private parties take place.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion

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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.

For more @ssbgeneraldiscussion

#Important_notes_ssb_Lecturette #GD_Material

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

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

❓What are the Arguments against Caste Census?

▪️Reinforces the Caste System:

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

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

▪️Difficult to Define Castes:

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

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

▪️Leads to Further Social Divisions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⁉️What can be the Way Forward?

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

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

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

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

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

❓Conclusion

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

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

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

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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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Unified Pension Scheme✅

The Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which will provide government employees with assured pension after retirement.

Key Points:-

1. The scheme will be effective from 1st April, 2025 with central government employees shifting to UPS from the current National Pension System (NPS).
2. State governments will also have the option to adopt the Unified Pension Scheme.

Provisions ✔️

1. Assured Pension: This would amount to 50% of the employee’s average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months before retirement for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years.
The amount would proportionately go down for a smaller service period, up to a minimum of 10 years of service.

2. Assured Minimum Pension: In the case of retirement after a minimum 10 years of service, the UPS provides an assured minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month.

3. Assured Family Pension: Upon a retiree’s death, their immediate family would be eligible for 60% of the pension last drawn by the retiree.

4. Inflation Indexation: Dearness relief will be available on the above mentioned three kinds of pensions.

5. Choice for Employees: The employees can still opt to remain under the NPS. However, an employee can only opt for once. once opted, the option cannot be changed.

Key Differences between UPS, Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and National Pension Scheme (NPS) ✔️

1. Pension Calculation Method: In OPS, pension was fixed at 50% of the last base salary plus dearness allowance (DA).

2. Employee Contribution: In OPS, no employee contribution was required. Whereas, in UPS, the employee contribution amount is 10% of the basic pay, and the DA and the government will also contribute 18.5%.

3. Tax Benefits: Central government employees are eligible for tax benefits for the government's contribution to the NPS scheme. They can deduct 14% under the Income Tax Act, 1961 from both the old and new taxation regimes.

4. Higher Minimum Pension: Under the UPS scheme, the minimum pension offered per month is Rs 10,000 at the time of retirement after a 10 year minimum service.

5. Lump sum Payments: OPS allowed commutation of up to 40% of the pension into a lump sum payment, reducing the monthly pension amount. Whereas, UPS provides a lump sum payment at retirement calculated as one-tenth of the monthly salary plus DA for every six months of service, without affecting the pension amount.

Are there any Fiscal Implications of UPS? ✔️

1. Large Debt-to-GDP Ratio: The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will have significant fiscal impacts on a government with high debt and a large debt-to-GDP ratio.

2. High Fiscal Burden: A Reserve Bank of India study (September 2023) warned that if all states switched to OPS, the fiscal burden could be up to 4.5 times that of the National Pension System (NPS), potentially reaching 0.9% of GDP annually by 2060.

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