Nationalism as 'Invented Tradition': Gellner, Hobsbawm, Chatterjee, Tagore, and Hyder's Perspectives on Modernity and Identity

Justice Liberhan Commission: Babri Masjid Demolition Was a Well-Planned Civil Conspiracy

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, head of the one-man Commission of Inquiry into the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, passed away. His 2009 report concluded the demolition was a meticulously planned civil conspiracy involving RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, BJP, and Shiv Sena — a finding he never retracted despite the 2020 CBI court acquittals.

Lok Sabha Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed 'Keralam' via Article 3

The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to change the state's name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' in the Constitution. The Bill follows two unanimous state assembly resolutions and must now be passed by Rajya Sabha and receive President's assent. This is a key example of Article 3 procedure for state name change.

Constituent Assembly Adopted Munshi–Ayyangar Formula: Hindi Official, English Transition 15 Years

The article details the heated Constituent Assembly debates over India's official language, culminating in the Munshi–Ayyangar formula on 14 September 1949. This compromise designated Hindi as the official language while retaining English for 15 years, with 14 other languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule. For exam purposes, understand the distinction between 'official' and 'national' language and the Articles 343–351.

Article 44 (UCC) Debate: Constituent Assembly Arguments, Ambedkar’s Voluntary Adoption Vision

This article reconstructs the Constituent Assembly debate on November 23, 1948, over what became Article 44 (Uniform Civil Code). It captures arguments from both sides — those fearing state tyranny and religious interference, and those pressing for national unity and women's rights. Dr. Ambedkar’s response, including his suggestion that a future Parliament could make the Code voluntary, is a key takeaway for aspirants.

Communal Award 1932: Gandhi Fast vs Ambedkar on Separate Electorates, Poona Pact Outcome

In 1932, the British Communal Award granted separate electorates to Depressed Classes, pitting Gandhi (who saw it as a threat to Hindu unity) against Ambedkar (who saw it as essential for political representation). Gandhi's fast-unto-death forced the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates with increased reserved seats — a system India retains today. This is a landmark event in India's constitutional history and a frequent UPSC/MPSC exam topic.

Rajghat Excavation Boxes Opened After 70 Years: 10,000+ Artifacts from 800 BC to Medieval Period

Rajghat excavation in Varanasi reveals continuous human settlement from 800 BC to medieval period, providing insights into ancient Kashi Mahajanapada. The reopening of 22 boxes after 70 years yielded over 10,000 artifacts including Painted Black Pottery, Brahmi script seals, and rare photographs of archaeological sites like Ajanta and Ellora. This is crucial for UPSC History (Middle Ganga Valley, Mahajanapadas) and Art & Culture.

India Rejects China-Pakistan Boundary Joint Commission: 1963 Agreement Ceded 5,180 sq km of Shaksgam Valley, India Claims 38,000 sq km

India has rejected the newly operationalized China-Pakistan Boundary Joint Commission, reiterating that no border exists between the two nations as it involves Indian territory illegally occupied by Pakistan. The commission traces back to the 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement, under which Pakistan ceded the Shaksgam Valley (5,180 sq km) to China, while India continues to claim approximately 38,000 sq km of its territory in Ladakh under Chinese occupation. This issue has been a persistent point of contention with historical roots in the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) and India's consistent diplomatic protests.

Karnataka Cabinet Approves Tulu as Additional Official Language in Two Districts, ₹82 Lakh Annual Allocation

The Karnataka cabinet has approved Tulu as an additional official language for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, allocating ₹82 lakh annually for translation and training. This empowers Tulu speakers to use their language in local administration and meetings, while reigniting the demand to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The move follows years of advocacy and two committee reports.