1. Rise in Violence in Supposed Safe Spaces
Growing Threat in India
Increase in crimes against women in:
Odisha, Karnataka, Bengal, Delhi.
Crimes occurring in:
Schools
Colleges
Workplaces
These places are wrongly presumed as safe.
Increase in crimes against women in:
Odisha, Karnataka, Bengal, Delhi.
Crimes occurring in:
Schools
Colleges
Workplaces
These places are wrongly presumed as safe.
2. Odisha Student Case: A Tragic Failure
Incident Details
July 14: 20-year-old B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore.
Died after suffering 90% burns from self-immolation.
Acted outside principal’s office.
July 14: 20-year-old B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore.
Died after suffering 90% burns from self-immolation.
Acted outside principal’s office.
Cause of Action
She complained multiple times of sexual harassment by a senior teacher.
Complaints were ignored, including at CM’s office.
She complained multiple times of sexual harassment by a senior teacher.
Complaints were ignored, including at CM’s office.
Accused Arrested
Senior teacher Samir Sahu – accused of harassment.
Principal Dillip Ghosh – arrested for inaction.
Her life could have been saved with timely action.
Senior teacher Samir Sahu – accused of harassment.
Principal Dillip Ghosh – arrested for inaction.
Her life could have been saved with timely action.
3. Similar Disturbing Cases Nationwide
West Bengal
June 2024: Law college student gang-raped on campus.
2024: Postgraduate student brutally murdered at R.G. Kar Medical Hospital.
June 2024: Law college student gang-raped on campus.
2024: Postgraduate student brutally murdered at R.G. Kar Medical Hospital.
Karnataka (Mangaluru)
Two lecturers arrested for allegedly raping a student.
Two lecturers arrested for allegedly raping a student.
Delhi
9-year-old girl raped and murdered.
Opposition blamed law-and-order collapse.
9-year-old girl raped and murdered.
Opposition blamed law-and-order collapse.
4. Post-Nirbhaya: Laws Exist, But Impact Lacking
Lessons Unlearnt
Nirbhaya case (2012) led to tougher laws.
But ground realities haven’t changed.
Nirbhaya case (2012) led to tougher laws.
But ground realities haven’t changed.
Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs)
Mandatory under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
Odisha case shows ICCs either missing or ineffective.
Total failure in grievance redressal and accountability.
Mandatory under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
Odisha case shows ICCs either missing or ineffective.
Total failure in grievance redressal and accountability.
5. Government Response
Odisha’s Urgent Move
After student’s death:
All colleges ordered to form ICCs within 24 hours.
After student’s death:
All colleges ordered to form ICCs within 24 hours.
Still Raises Questions
Why were ICCs missing?
Why was action delayed?
Who is held accountable?
Why were ICCs missing?
Why was action delayed?
Who is held accountable?
6. National Crime Data: A Grim Picture
NCRB 2022 Data (2023 Report Not Released Yet)
Total crimes against women: 4,45,256 (4% rise from 2021)
Total crimes against women: 4,45,256 (4% rise from 2021)
Breakdown:
31.4% – Cruelty by husband/relatives
18.7% – Assault on women to outrage modesty
7.1% – Rape
31.4% – Cruelty by husband/relatives
18.7% – Assault on women to outrage modesty
7.1% – Rape
Underreporting is a Major Issue
Many crimes go unreported due to fear or stigma.
Many crimes go unreported due to fear or stigma.
7. Call for Change: Awareness and Justice
Urgent Need
Start gender and sexual violence conversations early.
Public outrage must not fade quickly.
Continuous pressure is essential.
Start gender and sexual violence conversations early.
Public outrage must not fade quickly.
Continuous pressure is essential.
When Protectors Become Predators
The system must protect, not fail, victims.
The system must protect, not fail, victims.
A Tectonic Shift in Thinking to Build Seismic Resilience
1. Delhi Tremor – A Wake-up Call
On July 10, 2025, at 9:04 a.m., Delhi felt a 4.4 magnitude earthquake.
Epicentre: ~20 km southwest of Delhi, depth: 5 km.
No major damage, but exposed how fragile the city’s buildings are.
Over 80% of Delhi’s buildings, especially pre-2000, don’t follow seismic safety codes.
On July 10, 2025, at 9:04 a.m., Delhi felt a 4.4 magnitude earthquake.
Epicentre: ~20 km southwest of Delhi, depth: 5 km.
No major damage, but exposed how fragile the city’s buildings are.
Over 80% of Delhi’s buildings, especially pre-2000, don’t follow seismic safety codes.
2. Series of Earthquakes Across Asia
Since March 2025: Major quakes in:
Myanmar-Thailand (7.7)
Tibet and Greece
India-Myanmar border
India lies on one of the most active tectonic plates.
Seismic risk is rising, and resilience building is urgent.
Since March 2025: Major quakes in:
Myanmar-Thailand (7.7)
Tibet and Greece
India-Myanmar border
India lies on one of the most active tectonic plates.
Seismic risk is rising, and resilience building is urgent.
3. India’s Seismic Danger Zones
Indian Plate collides with Eurasian Plate (moves 4–5 cm/year).
This causes the Himalayas to rise.
Region is overdue for a “Great Himalayan Earthquake” (Magnitude 8+).
Could affect 300 million people in India, Nepal, Bhutan.
Delhi is in Seismic Zone IV, with PGA 0.24g, close to major fault lines.
Indian Plate collides with Eurasian Plate (moves 4–5 cm/year).
This causes the Himalayas to rise.
Region is overdue for a “Great Himalayan Earthquake” (Magnitude 8+).
Could affect 300 million people in India, Nepal, Bhutan.
Delhi is in Seismic Zone IV, with PGA 0.24g, close to major fault lines.
4. Delhi’s High-Risk Buildings
Delhi has 33.5 million people and over 5,000 high-rises.
Many buildings lack:
Ductile detailing
Shear walls
IS 1893:2016 Code not followed in many buildings.
Past disasters like Bhuj (2001, 7.7) and Nepal (2015, 7.8) show risks of poor planning.
Delhi has 33.5 million people and over 5,000 high-rises.
Many buildings lack:
Ductile detailing
Shear walls
IS 1893:2016 Code not followed in many buildings.
Past disasters like Bhuj (2001, 7.7) and Nepal (2015, 7.8) show risks of poor planning.
5. Other Risk-Prone Areas in India
Seismic Zones II to V cover wide areas.
Northeast India (Zone V): Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram (PGA 0.36g+)
Recent earthquakes:
Mandalay (7.7, March 28)
Mizoram (5.2, May 17)
Tibet (5.7, May 12)
Greece (6.2, May 22)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands are at risk of tsunamis due to subduction.
Seismic Zones II to V cover wide areas.
Northeast India (Zone V): Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram (PGA 0.36g+)
Recent earthquakes:
Mandalay (7.7, March 28)
Mizoram (5.2, May 17)
Tibet (5.7, May 12)
Greece (6.2, May 22)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands are at risk of tsunamis due to subduction.
6. Impact of Rapid Urbanisation
Delhi’s urban growth adds to the danger.
Old buildings in East Delhi built on liquefaction-prone soils.
Many high-rises poorly designed.
IndiaQuake app offers early alerts but:
Enforcement is weak
Public awareness is low
Delhi’s urban growth adds to the danger.
Old buildings in East Delhi built on liquefaction-prone soils.
Many high-rises poorly designed.
IndiaQuake app offers early alerts but:
Enforcement is weak
Public awareness is low
7. Lessons from Other Countries
Bangkok:
Updated seismic codes since 2007
Damage reduced despite some collapse
Myanmar:
Weak enforcement led to higher deaths in 2025
India must improve enforcement to avoid similar damage.
Bangkok:
Updated seismic codes since 2007
Damage reduced despite some collapse
Myanmar:
Weak enforcement led to higher deaths in 2025
India must improve enforcement to avoid similar damage.
8. Global Quake Pattern
Since March, quakes in:
Indonesia
Chile-Argentina
Ecuador (May 3)
These don’t cause quakes in India but show the earth is highly active.
Himalayan seismic gap (since 1905 Kangra and 2015 Nepal quakes) is dangerous.
Since March, quakes in:
Indonesia
Chile-Argentina
Ecuador (May 3)
These don’t cause quakes in India but show the earth is highly active.
Himalayan seismic gap (since 1905 Kangra and 2015 Nepal quakes) is dangerous.
9. What India Must Do
Delhi:
Retrofit old buildings (steel jacketing).
Use deep foundations in weak soil areas.
Guwahati:
Enforce IS 1893:2016 strictly.
Avoid building on Brahmaputra floodplain.
Use base isolation for key structures.
Bhuj:
More retrofitting.
Train community disaster response teams.
Delhi Development Authority:
Speed up safety checks.
NCS (National Center for Seismology):
Expand early warning systems to rural Zone V areas.
10. Investment and Technology
Use global best practices:
Bangkok: High-strength concrete (30–40 MPa), ductile design.
Myanmar: Poor design (unreinforced masonry) worsened disaster.
India needs ₹50,000 crore per year for retrofitting and safety upgrades.
Regional conditions (Northeast soft soil, Kutch sandy soil) require tailored solutions.
Use global best practices:
Bangkok: High-strength concrete (30–40 MPa), ductile design.
Myanmar: Poor design (unreinforced masonry) worsened disaster.
India needs ₹50,000 crore per year for retrofitting and safety upgrades.
Regional conditions (Northeast soft soil, Kutch sandy soil) require tailored solutions.
11. National Urgency and Citizen Action
Government must:
Enforce building codes.
Raise public awareness.
Invest in safer infrastructure.
Citizens must:
Keep emergency kits
Know safe building practices
Be ready with evacuation plans
Bhuj disaster proves how lack of preparedness increases death toll.
Every tremor is a reminder: India must act now.
Government must:
Enforce building codes.
Raise public awareness.
Invest in safer infrastructure.
Citizens must:
Keep emergency kits
Know safe building practices
Be ready with evacuation plans
Bhuj disaster proves how lack of preparedness increases death toll.
Every tremor is a reminder: India must act now.
12. Final Message
A national discussion is needed to prevent disaster.
Delhi’s July tremor is a warning.
India must shift from vulnerability to strength in earthquake safety.
A national discussion is needed to prevent disaster.
Delhi’s July tremor is a warning.
India must shift from vulnerability to strength in earthquake safety.
CBSE Relevance (Classes 10–12)
This topic is useful for Geography (plate tectonics, disaster management), Political Science (policy response), and Science (earth structure). It highlights the urgency of disaster preparedness and urban safety, which is part of Class 10 Geography and Class 12 Disaster Management studies.
Vocabulary:
Epicentre – The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the earthquake origin
Liquefaction – When soil turns to liquid during strong shaking
Retrofitting – Strengthening old buildings to make them safer
Ductile detailing – Design that allows a building to bend without breaking
Seismic zone – Area based on how likely earthquakes are there
Tectonic plate – Giant moving blocks that form Earth’s surface
Epicentre – The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the earthquake origin
Liquefaction – When soil turns to liquid during strong shaking
Retrofitting – Strengthening old buildings to make them safer
Ductile detailing – Design that allows a building to bend without breaking
Seismic zone – Area based on how likely earthquakes are there
Tectonic plate – Giant moving blocks that form Earth’s surface
Content Tag:
Delhi quake reveals India’s seismic vulnerability; urgent need for safety enforcement and retrofitting to prevent massive disaster risk.
Rethinking the "Reinforced One-Front War" Concept
China–Pakistan Strategic Partnership: A Growing Concern
Indian strategists are concerned about the deepening security ties between China and Pakistan.
The relationship has grown from arms sales to include:
Diplomatic shielding
Intelligence sharing
Tactical coordination
Indian strategists are concerned about the deepening security ties between China and Pakistan.
The relationship has grown from arms sales to include:
Diplomatic shielding
Intelligence sharing
Tactical coordination
The “Reinforced One-Front War” Hypothesis
Some analysts warn of a joint war scenario: Pakistan and China fighting India on the same front.
This theory imagines:
Pakistan using Chinese technology, intelligence, and military personnel.
China becoming a strategic enabler on India’s western front.
Some analysts warn of a joint war scenario: Pakistan and China fighting India on the same front.
This theory imagines:
Pakistan using Chinese technology, intelligence, and military personnel.
China becoming a strategic enabler on India’s western front.
Reality Check: Is There a Unified War Plan?
China’s support for Pakistan is real and strategic, but the idea of a shared front is likely overstated.
Key points:
Arms sales ≠ War planning. India also buys arms from multiple countries.
China’s supply of advanced weapons to Pakistan does not imply joint commands.
Example: India selling BrahMos missiles to the Philippines doesn't mean Manila will fight Indian wars.
China’s support for Pakistan is real and strategic, but the idea of a shared front is likely overstated.
Key points:
Arms sales ≠ War planning. India also buys arms from multiple countries.
China’s supply of advanced weapons to Pakistan does not imply joint commands.
Example: India selling BrahMos missiles to the Philippines doesn't mean Manila will fight Indian wars.
Operational Monitoring is Normal
China may monitor its weapons in Pakistan (e.g., during Operation Sindoor), but:
This is normal practice among arms suppliers like the U.S., Russia, and Israel.
India also tracks performance of BrahMos abroad.
China may monitor its weapons in Pakistan (e.g., during Operation Sindoor), but:
This is normal practice among arms suppliers like the U.S., Russia, and Israel.
India also tracks performance of BrahMos abroad.
China and Pakistan Have Different Objectives
For Pakistan, India is an existential enemy.
For China, India is a regional competitor, not a direct threat.
China’s main focus remains the United States.
China prefers India to be cautious and distracted, not pushed into escalation.
For Pakistan, India is an existential enemy.
For China, India is a regional competitor, not a direct threat.
China’s main focus remains the United States.
China prefers India to be cautious and distracted, not pushed into escalation.
Limited Military Coordination
Despite joint exercises, China and Pakistan lack NATO-style planning.
Their cooperation is symbolic rather than a sign of a true military alliance.
Despite joint exercises, China and Pakistan lack NATO-style planning.
Their cooperation is symbolic rather than a sign of a true military alliance.
Implications for Indian Strategy
The China-Pakistan nexus is a real threat, but:
Overstating it can lead India to waste resources on worst-case scenarios.
This may also reduce room for diplomatic options with China.
The China-Pakistan nexus is a real threat, but:
Overstating it can lead India to waste resources on worst-case scenarios.
This may also reduce room for diplomatic options with China.
Opportunities for India
China does not want escalation that could:
Trigger nuclear thresholds
Force direct military involvement
India can use this caution as leverage.
Overreacting may turn threat perception into reality by closing space for diplomacy.
China does not want escalation that could:
Trigger nuclear thresholds
Force direct military involvement
India can use this caution as leverage.
Overreacting may turn threat perception into reality by closing space for diplomacy.
Conclusion: A Complex, Not Unified Threat
India must view China–Pakistan ties as an asymmetric partnership, not a single war front.
China supports Pakistan to weaken India—but avoids fighting India itself.
Indian planning should be realistic and flexible, not shaped by exaggerated fears.
India must view China–Pakistan ties as an asymmetric partnership, not a single war front.
China supports Pakistan to weaken India—but avoids fighting India itself.
Indian planning should be realistic and flexible, not shaped by exaggerated fears.
How Genocide Came to Be Named and Codified
Origin of the Term ‘Genocide’
Coined by Polish-Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin in his 1944 book Axis Rule in Occupied Europe.
Lemkin created the word from Greek genos (race/tribe) and Latin cide (killing).
Shocked by the Armenian massacre and Holocaust, he advocated for a legal term to describe mass killing.
He believed mass murder of a group deserved recognition under international law.
Coined by Polish-Jewish lawyer Raphael Lemkin in his 1944 book Axis Rule in Occupied Europe.
Lemkin created the word from Greek genos (race/tribe) and Latin cide (killing).
Shocked by the Armenian massacre and Holocaust, he advocated for a legal term to describe mass killing.
He believed mass murder of a group deserved recognition under international law.
Genocide in Modern Context
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called Israel’s actions in Gaza part of a longstanding settler colonial process.
Debate has shifted from “Is it genocide?” to “Will the world act against it?”
The world watches a genocide unfold openly on social media, yet many remain silent.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called Israel’s actions in Gaza part of a longstanding settler colonial process.
Debate has shifted from “Is it genocide?” to “Will the world act against it?”
The world watches a genocide unfold openly on social media, yet many remain silent.
Defining Genocide in International Law
Legal Definition (1948 Genocide Convention)
Two main components:
Mental element: Intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
Physical acts:
Killing members of the group.
Causing serious harm.
Inflicting life conditions to destroy.
Preventing births.
Forcibly transferring children.
Two main components:
Mental element: Intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
Physical acts:
Killing members of the group.
Causing serious harm.
Inflicting life conditions to destroy.
Preventing births.
Forcibly transferring children.
Limitations and Clarifications
Proving intent is difficult.
Nuremberg trials avoided calling the Holocaust “genocide”.
Later tribunals (Rwanda 1994, Bosnia 1995) clarified that a pattern of actions can prove intent.
Proving intent is difficult.
Nuremberg trials avoided calling the Holocaust “genocide”.
Later tribunals (Rwanda 1994, Bosnia 1995) clarified that a pattern of actions can prove intent.
Lemkin’s Disappointment at Nuremberg
Lemkin was advisor to the IMT but was unhappy with the outcome.
Nazis were charged only with “crimes against humanity”, not genocide.
Allies avoided using “genocide” due to political concerns (like U.S. segregation laws).
Lemkin believed the trials punished the past but didn’t prevent future atrocities.
Lemkin was advisor to the IMT but was unhappy with the outcome.
Nazis were charged only with “crimes against humanity”, not genocide.
Allies avoided using “genocide” due to political concerns (like U.S. segregation laws).
Lemkin believed the trials punished the past but didn’t prevent future atrocities.
Ongoing Challenges in Recognizing Genocide
The Genocide Convention ignores political or social groups like communists.
Colonial atrocities (slavery, mass killings, forced deportations) are not adequately recognized.
In Australia, forced transfers of Aboriginal children continue — appearing “benevolent” but reflect genocidal practice.
The Genocide Convention ignores political or social groups like communists.
Colonial atrocities (slavery, mass killings, forced deportations) are not adequately recognized.
In Australia, forced transfers of Aboriginal children continue — appearing “benevolent” but reflect genocidal practice.
Philosophy of Genocide and Evil
Hannah Arendt and ‘The Banality of Evil’
Arendt analyzed Adolf Eichmann’s trial.
She argued that people don’t need to be evil to do evil — just stop thinking.
Eichmann followed orders without reflecting — a crime of routine obedience.
Nazi ideology destroyed independent thinking.
Arendt analyzed Adolf Eichmann’s trial.
She argued that people don’t need to be evil to do evil — just stop thinking.
Eichmann followed orders without reflecting — a crime of routine obedience.
Nazi ideology destroyed independent thinking.
Judith Butler’s View
Butler noted that Arendt’s point wasn’t just about Eichmann.
It was about a world where thinking was disappearing, making crimes easier to commit.
Daily violence, like that in Gaza, becomes normalized.
Butler noted that Arendt’s point wasn’t just about Eichmann.
It was about a world where thinking was disappearing, making crimes easier to commit.
Daily violence, like that in Gaza, becomes normalized.
CBSE:
This topic helps students understand:
How legal concepts like genocide develop.
Historical roots of international human rights law.
Role of law, morality, and philosophy in preventing atrocities.
Useful in Political Science, History, and Legal Studies.
This topic helps students understand:
How legal concepts like genocide develop.
Historical roots of international human rights law.
Role of law, morality, and philosophy in preventing atrocities.
Useful in Political Science, History, and Legal Studies.
Vocabulary:
Genocide – Mass killing of a group based on identity.
Rapporteur – UN expert appointed to report on human rights issues.
Codify – To write down laws officially.
Impunity – Freedom from punishment.
Banality – Something ordinary, often hiding deeper danger.
Ethnic group – A community with shared cultural traits.
Juridical – Related to law and justice.
1. PM Modi’s Visit to Maldives
Modi to visit Male on July 25–26 for Maldives’ Independence Day (60 years since 1965).
Will attend parade and special ceremonies on July 26.
Will hold bilateral talks with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
Visit marks first trip to Maldives since Muizzu’s election in November 2023.
Genocide – Mass killing of a group based on identity.
Rapporteur – UN expert appointed to report on human rights issues.
Codify – To write down laws officially.
Impunity – Freedom from punishment.
Banality – Something ordinary, often hiding deeper danger.
Ethnic group – A community with shared cultural traits.
Juridical – Related to law and justice.
1. PM Modi’s Visit to Maldives
Modi to visit Male on July 25–26 for Maldives’ Independence Day (60 years since 1965).
Will attend parade and special ceremonies on July 26.
Will hold bilateral talks with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
Visit marks first trip to Maldives since Muizzu’s election in November 2023.
2. Strengthening India-Maldives Ties
India replaced military personnel with civilian engineers for aircraft operations.
India increased its budget aid from ₹470 crore to ₹600 crore in 2024–25.
India extended a currency swap facility to help Maldives tackle its debt crisis.
Muizzu earlier visited India in June (for Modi’s swearing-in) and October 2024.
India replaced military personnel with civilian engineers for aircraft operations.
India increased its budget aid from ₹470 crore to ₹600 crore in 2024–25.
India extended a currency swap facility to help Maldives tackle its debt crisis.
Muizzu earlier visited India in June (for Modi’s swearing-in) and October 2024.
3. Past Tensions and Resolution
Relations were tense due to Muizzu's support for the “India Out” campaign.
A “Boycott Maldives” campaign followed after Maldivian ministers criticized Modi.
Issues have since been resolved and ties are improving.
Relations were tense due to Muizzu's support for the “India Out” campaign.
A “Boycott Maldives” campaign followed after Maldivian ministers criticized Modi.
Issues have since been resolved and ties are improving.
4. Nepal PM Oli’s Planned Visit to India
K.P. Sharma Oli may visit India later this month.
This will be his first visit to India after becoming PM in July 2024.
Oli had visited China in December 2023, but not India yet.
K.P. Sharma Oli may visit India later this month.
This will be his first visit to India after becoming PM in July 2024.
Oli had visited China in December 2023, but not India yet.
5. India-Nepal Cooperation
Focus on digital payments (UPI) and boosting tourism.
Nepal PM condemned Pahalgam terror attack.
India helped evacuate Nepalese nationals from Iran during Iran-Israel conflict.
Focus on digital payments (UPI) and boosting tourism.
Nepal PM condemned Pahalgam terror attack.
India helped evacuate Nepalese nationals from Iran during Iran-Israel conflict.
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