It has been about 3 decades since the end of apartheid in South Africa. The generation that fought against apartheid in 60s and 70s is now old and new leaders are replacing them.

Now, the ANC is losing its steam and finding elections harder. The promise of development and peace and prosperity is still the promise. The romanticism and idealism of 1990s built by Mandela has now lost its sheen.

And to all that, add the Trumpian dimension. Isne to pura game ulta kar diya. Is this called as Ulta Chor Kotwal Ko Daante?

For History Optional, this year in 2025, prepare this topic for the exam. That is our takeaway.

UPSC had asked this question twice in the Optional paper. In 2000 and in 2018.

Students always wonder what is there to 'critically examine' in this one single factual statement. Read the answer to know.

Such questions have hidden historiography. These are my fav types. One liner perspective in the end gives away the whole political underpinning of the question.

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

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

https://youtu.be/X8QWKxHkpIk

Dear aspriants,

The exam is just 24 hours away now. Make sure you spend these last 24 hours in a calm and positive way.

You’ve worked hard for months — that effort is within you. Trust it. Everything you’ve studied is stored in your mind. The moment you read the questions in the exam, the right answers will start surfacing — have faith in that.

Whether the paper feels easy or tough, don’t let it shake your focus. Stay steady. Read every question carefully, read all the options properly, and only then attempt the answer. Go one question at a time — complete the paper calmly and with full attention.

The more calm and steady you are, the better your performance will be.

Tonight itself, plan all the small but important things: how you’ll reach the centre, what time you’ll leave, keep your small snack box and water bottle ready, and most importantly, carry your pen, writing materials, and hall ticket without fail.

Go to the exam with a peaceful mind and a positive heart. And once you’re inside the exam hall — stay composed and confident.

Wishing you all the very best from the bottom of my heart!

All the best everyone for tomorrow's ran-sangram.

Maa Bhavani ka ashirvaad sabko hai.

Scene outside Dholpur House (UPSC headquarter) this morning of Prelims 2025.

Temporary arrangements for keeping bags after overnight rain.

AIR 107, Pranav Sharma is LIVE Now

DAY 1 of UPSC TOPPERS' WEBINAR

How to Crack UPSC with 5 Hour/day study time?

Join Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82371259438?pwd=9atMYszYvI3BuTbqhhWOmFRJrISjV5.1

Meeting ID: 823 7125 9438
Passcode: 389219

A very interesting story how of the west tried to make us forget that we dominated the ocean once upon the time... Insightful perspective with numerous anecdotes.

Do watch it with the mind of a curious person and you will really enjoy it.

https://youtu.be/B7Ok_7li2CY

This year, we are launching Sunday Live again but with enhanced features. After running this novel experiments for 1 year, the second edition of the course is coming for all those students who are freshers, beginners, those who just want to start history optional preparation.

Watch the video for the details.
https://youtu.be/Zx8lDlnuA0M

Sunday Live

This is the launch of our History Optional Crash Course + Test Series for all the students appearing for Mains 2025. Tried, tested, and evolved pedagogy. We have explained all the features in this video. If you have any doubt or query, please feel free to contact us.

https://youtu.be/pP_hv6fRPOs

And finally here is our long promised Mapping module for history optional.

https://youtu.be/mnoMZJLYYF8

With Rangan Datta sir, IAS 1966 batch, Assam cadre.

He was trained in LBSNAA by the legendary MG Pimputkar, the last ICS officer to head LBSNAA. Then served in northeast India during the times of Indira Gandhi and knows the whole tribal history and NE history by heart. Moving to Delhi he served for extended duration in the Ministry of Defence. Here he knew another legend K Subramanium personally. It was the time when India's nuclear doctrine was being created for the first time. He also had some external stints in Afghanistan (before USSR invasion) as well as World Bank.

More importantly, he belongs to that dwindling species of IAS officers who are called as scholars administrators. Widely read, interested in World history, follower of Economist and lover of Oxford dictionary, this 2 hours discussion was indeed a rare opportunity to peek into the past World of mid 20th century.

With so many anecdotes, aise laga jaise India that had just come out of British rule stood in front of us, spoke to us.

Nikhil