R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month.

Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. Operation Sindoor: A Questionable Escalation?

Background:

• The article critically examines India's "Operation Sindoor," a series of military actions following a terrorist attack in Pahalgaon on April 22, 2025.
• It questions the rationale and effectiveness of these strikes, particularly in the context of past military responses.
• The author suggests that a reliance solely on military force may not be a sustainable or effective long-term strategy against terrorism.

• India's recent military actions, including strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), are presented as a continuation of its "new normal" policy in responding to terrorism.
• However, the article raises concerns about the potential for escalation and the lack of clear long-term strategic goals.
• The author notes that despite previous military actions like the surgical strikes after the Uri and Pulwama attacks, cross-border terrorism has persisted.
• The effectiveness of targeting terrorist infrastructure is questioned, as terrorist groups often adapt and relocate.
• The article highlights the potential for unintended consequences and the risk of a cycle of retaliation.
• The importance of international pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure is acknowledged.
• However, the article suggests that India's military actions alone may not be sufficient to achieve this.

• The author argues for a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to counter-terrorism that goes beyond military retaliation.
• This approach should include sustained diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to take verifiable action against terrorist groups.
• Strengthening intelligence gathering and improving internal security measures are also crucial.
• Engaging with the local population and addressing the root causes of radicalization may be necessary.
• International cooperation and a united global front against terrorism are emphasized.
• The article suggests that a purely military solution is unlikely to be sustainable and may even be counterproductive in the long run.
• A focus on diplomatic engagement, intelligence sharing, and addressing the underlying socio-political factors that contribute to terrorism is advocated.
• The author concludes by questioning whether the "new normal" of military retaliation is a truly viable or desirable long-term strategy.

Background:

• The article examines the ongoing debate surrounding the demand for a nationwide caste census in India.
• Proponents argue that such a census is essential for providing accurate data on the socio-economic conditions of various caste groups, particularly the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• This data, they contend, is necessary for formulating targeted welfare policies, ensuring equitable representation, and addressing historical injustices.
• The article notes the historical context of caste-based data collection in India.

• There is increasing political emphasis on conducting a caste census to inform policy decisions and address the needs of backward communities.
• However, the article cautions against viewing a caste census as a singular solution to the complex issues of social justice and inequality.
• Concerns are raised about the potential for a caste census to further entrench caste identities and exacerbate social divisions.
• The article highlights the limitations of relying solely on numerical data without addressing the underlying structural inequalities and power dynamics.
• It points out that even with accurate caste data, effective policy implementation and genuine social change require more than just identification of groups.
• The experience of the Bihar Caste-based Survey and the socio-economic and caste census (SECC) is mentioned, indicating the challenges and limitations of such exercises.
• Despite data collection efforts, marginalized communities, including OBCs, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs), often continue to face significant disadvantages in various sectors.
• The article suggests that while empirical data is important, a caste census alone may not automatically translate into effective social justice policies.

• The article argues for a nuanced understanding of the role of a caste census within a broader framework of social justice.
• While accurate data can be valuable, it should not be seen as a substitute for comprehensive policy interventions and genuine political will.
• Efforts to address social and economic inequalities must go beyond simply identifying caste groups and should focus on dismantling discriminatory structures.
• The potential for a caste census to reinforce caste identities needs careful consideration.
• A holistic approach that combines data-driven policies with social reforms, educational initiatives, and economic empowerment programs is necessary.
• The focus should be on creating a more just and equitable society where caste does not determine opportunities and outcomes.
• The debate needs to move beyond the simple enumeration of caste and towards a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality.

Background:

• The article delves into the constitutional provision of a Presidential Reference under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution.
• This provision empowers the President to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on any question of law or fact of public importance.
• The advisory jurisdiction conferred by Article 143 has been invoked on several occasions since the Constitution came into force in 1950.

• The article highlights a recent instance where the President has made a reference to the Supreme Court.
• While the specific details of the current reference aren't the primary focus, the article uses it as a context to explain the nature and implications of this constitutional mechanism.
• The advisory opinion provided by the Supreme Court in a Presidential Reference is not legally binding on the President or the government.
• However, these opinions carry significant weight and often influence governmental decisions and policy formulation.
• The article outlines the historical context of Presidential References, noting that there have been around fifteen such references made since 1950.
• It explains that the interpretation of Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution, which deal with the Governor's and President's assent to Bills passed by State legislatures, has been a recurring subject in these references.
• The article also touches upon the political differences between the Union Government and some State Governments, which often underlie these legal questions.
• The judiciary's role in interpreting the Constitution and providing guidance on complex legal and constitutional matters is emphasized.

• The Supreme Court will now consider the questions raised in the current Presidential Reference and provide its advisory opinion.
• This opinion will likely offer guidance to the President and the government on the specific legal and constitutional issues raised.
• While not legally binding, the Court's opinion will carry significant persuasive value and is likely to be carefully considered by all stakeholders.
• The process of a Presidential Reference underscores the importance of the judiciary in clarifying constitutional ambiguities and providing a framework for governance.
• It also highlights the ongoing dialogue and interpretation of the Constitution in the context of evolving political and social realities.
• The outcome of this particular reference, like previous ones, will contribute to the body of constitutional law and precedent in India.

Background:

• The article explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize Indian workplaces and drive productivity gains.
• It notes that many Indian organizations are currently focused on leveraging AI for automation and efficiency improvements.
• However, the article argues for a more strategic shift towards using AI to achieve tangible business outcomes and enhance overall organizational performance.

• Indian businesses are increasingly adopting AI technologies across various functions.
• The focus is often on automating routine tasks, improving efficiency, and reducing operational costs.
• However, there's a risk of focusing too heavily on technological implementation without a clear understanding of the desired business results.
• The article emphasizes the need to move beyond simply measuring AI adoption metrics and instead focus on the actual impact on productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Examples of AI applications in areas like supply chain optimization, customer service, and data analysis are mentioned.
• The importance of skilled AI talent and the challenges in acquiring and retaining such talent in India are highlighted.
• Concerns about the potential displacement of human workers due to AI automation are also acknowledged.
• The need for ethical guidelines and responsible AI implementation in the workplace is underscored.

• Indian organizations need to adopt a more outcome-oriented approach to AI implementation, clearly defining the business goals they aim to achieve.
• This requires a strategic alignment of AI initiatives with overall business objectives.
• Investing in upskilling and reskilling the workforce to collaborate effectively with AI systems is crucial.
• Fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation with AI across different business functions is important.
• Developing clear ethical guidelines and frameworks for the responsible use of AI in the workplace is essential to build trust and mitigate potential risks.
• Leaders need to champion the adoption of AI and create an environment that encourages its effective integration.
• Focusing on creating new roles and opportunities that leverage the unique capabilities of both humans and AI will be key to navigating the future of work.
• The ultimate goal should be to harness the power of AI to drive sustainable productivity gains and create more efficient and human-centric workplaces in India.

NEWS IN SHORTS

• 'Understanding' with Pak. has no 'expiry date': Army: Following Pakistan's assertions about stopping firing and military action, the Indian Army has clarified that the existing understanding to maintain peace has "no expiry date," even after recent DGMO-level talks.
• India to apprise FATF of terror bases in Pakistan: Indian authorities are planning to provide the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) with the latest evidence regarding the terror infrastructure present in Pakistan, particularly in the context of the recent Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.

• Show of cards: This editorial discusses the composition of Indian delegations to global capitals in the aftermath of recent conflicts with Pakistan, emphasizing the need for unity and a clear representation of India's diverse yet unified stance against terrorism.

• Tough timing: ISRO needs more resources to support India's military needs: The article highlights the financial and resource constraints faced by ISRO in supporting India's ambitious space-based surveillance programs for military purposes, especially after the recent failure of the PSLV-C61 mission, underscoring the critical need for increased investment in this sector.

• Copyright trusts with generative AI: This article explores the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding copyright in the age of generative artificial intelligence, particularly concerning the training of AI models on copyrighted material and the copyright of AI-generated content.

• India to apprise FATF of terror infrastructure in Pakistan: This article reiterates India's intention to share detailed information and evidence with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding the presence and operation of terror infrastructure within Pakistan, especially in relation to the Pahalgam killings and the outcomes of Operation Sindoor. India aims to ensure that Pakistan continues to be monitored for its counter-terrorism financing measures.