Both sides are very partial here.

One side wants to include Geeta in the syllabus for "liberation" which is a spiritual notion.

The other side wants to also include criticism by Ambedkar and EVR which is from social side.

The main point is, this is a political science department. Neither religious studies nor sociology. How about teaching political theories? Students are coming to this course for political science. There are enough of those even based on Geeta and commentary on it by various scholars.

If you cannot find out, I can help you...;)

This appeared in today's Indian Express.

I am speechless, to say the least. Such non sense is thrown around all the time. Beware.

This is a very important initiative in making the preparation more scientific...

It was conducted with the help of JPCEC recently. We ar hopeful that by the time it is complete, the entire batch of students will have received a very useful and actionable feedback.

https://youtu.be/B--rpYqHfTQ

Back in the winter of 2013, I was trying to read the Urdu inscription at the tomb of Ibrahim Lodhi in Panipat. He was killed by Babur on the field during the first battle of Panipat in 1526.

Bahaj village in Deeg distric, Rajasthan: ASI finds 4,500-year-old civilisation in Deeg; statues, utensils, metal weapons from Mahabharata, Maurya eras discovered -

India Today https://share.google/iE7SvdS0ynwMTE4pt

What kind of an aspirant are you??

I would be awaiting your feedback in comment section. Let me know.

Nikhil

https://youtu.be/Q5VDTgm9Kxs

India's Heritage Diplomacy

In the last decade alone, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has invested in at least 20 heritage projects across eleven countries.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/old-horizons-and-india-s-new-heritage-diplomacy-101751294706381.html

This question was asked in today's UP PSC paper of GS3.

I am simply speechless.

Santosh sir ne sapne me bhi ye socha nahi hoga...!!

I think the question maker must have seen that movie about Shivkar Bapuji Talpade claiming 1895 flight... (hawaaizada)

I am only hopeful that UPSC will still continue to maintain its high standard.

- Nikhil

The most appropriate answer here is to talk about Samarangan Sutradhar by Raja Bhoj.

I teach about it in class. But, although its a fascinsting book, I don't get more than 2 mins to speak about it. And remember, I already take about 90-100 hours to teach Ancient Medieval Culture comprehensively (40 lectures). Even then, barely 2 mins of knowledge about it I can impart at most about this book.

And I don't expect that students would remember it at the right moment in the exam hall. Students would have written only about Pushpak viman of Ramayana or mercury fuel.

Aur kya hi padhenge wo? This is too advanced question for us. Or dare I say, too backward looking?

- Nikhil

UPPSC Mains GS 1 (2025)
History and Culture questions

Introduce the literary sources for the study of Ancient Indian History. (8)

Give an account of the challenges faced by India immediately after Independence. (8)

“Nepolian was the son of the Revolution.” – Explain. (8)

Describe the main characteristics of Indian culture. (8)

The French Revolution was a great result of enlightenment period.” – Comment. (12)

Outline the development of revolutionary movement in Bengal. (12)

What are the main features of Sangam Period Culture ? (12)

Indian society is known for its uniqueness and cultural diversity. Discuss. (12)

Buddhism

This is the pottery of Harappan era. Some of it are terracotta cakes.

We collected it with the help of an archaeologist from Rakhigarhi. There are various types here and some of it comes with perforation or painted black designs.

We could only collect such potsherds and the good complete pieces are all in museum. Nonetheless, to own a piece of history is a great feeling for sure.

In the coming classes, I am thinking that students who perform best in the tests should get Harappan pottery as reward. As a memorabilia.

What do you say?

We have always heard - An apple a day keeps doctor away.

But in Delhi, a student cannot afford apples. For middle class families in urban India, one apple's cost equals that of one entire meal. Ridiculously high prices. Ek kharab apple aata hai tokri me to kitna pain hota hai.

I think if Apple becomes affordable, it should be welcomed. People will consume more of it. People should consume more of it.

One border, three adversaries.

During the India-Pakistan DGMO talks Pakistan was getting live inputs from China over deployment of Indian assets.

Pakistan is a borrowed knife for China. Its one of the 36 stratagems.

Visit this if you are interested:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty-Six_Stratagems

Pakistan using AI for deepfake.

We in India are software hub... have all software, animation and gen AI skills, but we lack strategic vision to go on offensive in disinformation campaign against the enemy.

I hope one day we realize the meaning of the term "comprehensive national power". We write this in GS2 and GS3 answers but hardly do we practice it.

We know that Pakistan is the biggest military buyer of China. In last 15 years, 81% of Pakistani military imports are Chinese. And over the years Chinese hardware is improving in quality... it has gradually started matching the west.

That is all well known. But this is more surprising.

During Op Sindoor, China had deployed 7 satellites over India to get tactical level intelligence. Specially Punjab and Rajasthan. And then it was provided Live to Pakistan for launching attacks or preparing defences.

We all talk about Turkey alone... but let that just sink in. It was the Chinese hardware and Chinese intelligence we were fighting during Op Sindoor.

Op Sindoor is still not over yet. Asif Munir will come back with more Chinese backing. India should be ready.

During Op Sindoor, a Pakistani farmer in Punjab fired his AK-47 in sky and shot a drone down. (Ye mat puchho ki farmer ke pass AK-47 kyo hai).

Pakistanis got so happy. They rewarded him and felicitated him.

Soon, it was found that it was a Turkish drone. It was Pakistan's own drone... 😂😂

Classic self goal. What a humiliation.

The Early Medieval History is always a source of confusion... A lot of politics happens. Many kings fight. Many dynasties emerge.

This one single video will solve that problem forever. A neat a clear timeline to put things in proper place.

Must watch.

https://youtu.be/nU1SQISeRN8