This is the second part of the Art and Culture Current Affairs 2025.

You can download the handout here.

https://youtu.be/2kJ20aL1RpU

Jayant Naralikar passed away today.

One of the most preeminent scientists in post-independence India, his passing away feels like an era has ended.

When I was growing up in Pune in 1990s, his presence was largely felt in academic, social, and cultural spheres. His excellent and simple science fiction writing nurtured entire generation in Maharashtra. Every visit to IUCAA was charged with excitement, thanks to his leadership.

I never got a chance to meet him personally, but along with Mashelkar, Bhatkar and Kakodkar, the name of Naralikar was very respected back then and today. He was a legend in his own way.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/jayant-narlikar-the-indian-astrophysicist-and-sci-fi-writer-who-challenged-big-bang/article69596819.ece

Dr. Naralikar had put this on the door for his gwala (milkman). To indicate how much milk he needed every morning.

In last few hours, the news is coming that Pakistan had targeted the Golden Temple recently while retaliating to Op Sindoor. It is there on ANI News, and on Shekhar Gupta's video in The Print as well. This is BIG.

Indian side was able to anticipate this. So, there was talks with the Golden Temple administration. The head granthi of the Golden Temple switched off all the lights, first time in many decades. There was pitch dark. Even a short video of this is available now. More importantly, the guns of air defence moved inside the Temple to protect it.

As expected, Pakistan seems to have sent many drones/missiles on Golden Temple which were all thwarted by India's Air Defence. The temple was saved.

I have no words even tell how angry at this moment I am to learn this. The Terroristan has proved once again that neechata ki koi hadd nahi hoti.

Nikhil

I think everyone has seen this photo in last 48 hours. This is the real photo of India's Integrated Air Command and Control System. Released by the government recently.

They are the heroes behind Operation Sindoor, who struck deep inside Pakistan, killed over 100 terrorists, saved India from the barrage of Pakistan drones.

PS: They are wearing masks to hide identity. It is not a Covid era photo.

This is really unfortunate.

Nambala Keshav Rao is killed by the security forces of India today. The news is just coming out. It was Operation Black Forest.

This is really a very important strategic development. He died in exchange of fire in Narayanpur district of Chattisgarh today. He had studied in NIT Warangal and after Ganpathy he had become the General Secretary of CPI (Maoist) and thereby one of the most dreaded criminals in India.

You can see the list of India's most wanted criminals here. He was on that list.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIA_Most_Wanted#List

Hello Aspirants;

There is a lot of discussion going on regarding UPSC being wrong in the official answer key of Prelims 2024.

Firstly the three questions are marked as cancelled. So, the paper was evaluated based on 97 questions only. Secondly, the debate regarding the Budget presentation question (PM or President) has raged. UPSC prima facie indeed seems to have made an error here. Then there is also doubt about answers given by UPSC for some questions related to SnT.

Some Youtubers will definitely make videos on this. They will also make it little provocative or emotional. It is called moment marketing, to capture the trend, generate engagement and garner subscribers. Their aim is not to help you clear UPSC Prelims 2025. They are here for social media followers. Please understand that.

There will also be some curious but unfortunate borderline cases of students who would have qualified 2024 Prelims, had it not been for such errors.

So, if you are appearing for 2025, don't bother about such discussion, either with friends or on social media. Just for 4 days, overlook all of this. UPSC will take its own course in due time. For you, your next 4 days are extremely important. Focus on that. In the time of stress and anxiety just before the exam, it is easy to get distracted towards such debates. Remember, we have ample time after the 25th of May for discussing these issues. Right now, every moment is crucial for you.

Pehle 2025 ka exam. Baadme 2024 ka discussion.

Nikhil

Harvard is the new JNU. 😂

Aajkal aise short script wale videos bahut ban rahe hai.

We have observed that many college students make videos with some engaging hook to attract attention. It helps convey the message.

This is our attempt to follow the trend. This is fun for us too...:)

https://youtu.be/QBIVgiyn2lY?si=MlqwB3KeMuxTKJc4

This controversy denies to die.

Considering its massive significance that it can rewrite the timeline of history of ancient India, I think this is just the beginning. For many years to come, more and more debatable points are expected to come.

Why should we debate only about Harappan origin and Aryan origin, let's add Dravidian origin to it also.

Sabka vaad, sabka itihas.

Nikhil

#sangam #southindia

This is a quick recap of history and Conventions of UNESCO just before the Prelims.

https://youtu.be/X8QWKxHkpIk