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Religion 101: Part 2 – Exploring the Trimurti: Vishnu the Powerful Preserver

Vishnu Krishnan Indian Hindu God Religion Trimurti Belief

Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is revered as the preserver and protector of the universe within the Trimurti, alongside Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer). Known for his benevolence, compassion, and role in maintaining cosmic order (dharma), He is often depicted with blue skin, holding a conch, discus, lotus, and mace, symbolizing his divine powers. He resides in Vaikuntha, the celestial abode, with his consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Vishnu is renowned for his ten avatars (Dashavatara), including Rama, Krishna, and Buddha, through which he incarnates on Earth to restore balance and righteousness whenever evil prevails. Image source: Facebook

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History 101: The Legacy of Legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj India History

The painting portrays the dramatic meeting in 1666 when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was summoned to Aurangzeb’s court in Agra. According to historical accounts, this encounter was marked by tension, as Shivaji, a regional power, faced the mighty Mughal emperor at the height of his authority. Dhurandhar’s work captures this clash of personalities and ideologies, emphasizing Shivaji’s defiance and dignity in the face of Aurangzeb’s imposing presence. Image source: M. V. Dhurandhar/Wikipedia

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Military 101: Modern Assault Rifles: A Global Perspective

M16 AK47 Assault Rifle Weapon Military

The M16 and AK-47 are iconic assault rifles with distinct characteristics: the M16, designed by Eugene Stoner and adopted by the U.S. military, is a lightweight, accurate, gas-operated rifle firing 5.56x45mm NATO rounds, offering a high rate of fire and effective range of around 600 meters, but it requires regular maintenance to avoid jamming in harsh conditions; in contrast, the AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov for the Soviet Union, is a rugged, reliable, gas-operated rifle using 7.62x39mm rounds, with a shorter effective range of about 400 meters and less accuracy but superior durability and ease of use in adverse environments, making it a favorite in guerrilla warfare and among militaries worldwide. Image source: Wikipedia/Auge=mit – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

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History 101: The Indus Valley Civilization: Ancient And Mysterious

Indus Valley Civilization Hindu India History

The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE) was a Bronze Age civilization in northwest South Asia, centered along the Indus River in modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. One of the world’s earliest urban societies, alongside Mesopotamia and Egypt, it was known for major cities such as Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira, among others, characterized by advanced urban planning, grid layouts, standardized brick construction, and sophisticated drainage systems. Image source: Avantiputra7 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

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Hindi Movie Review 101: 12th Fail – A Powerful & Uplifting Tale of Resilience

12th Fail IAS Hindi India Exams Public Service

12th Fail (2023) is a biographical drama directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, based on the real-life story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma. The film follows Manoj, a young man from a poor village in Chambal, where cheating in exams is common. After failing his 12th-grade exams due to a crackdown on cheating, Manoj is inspired by an honest police officer to pursue a career in the Indian Police Service. Image source: IMDB

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Military 101: India’s Formidable, Impressive Air Defence System

Air Defence System India Russia

The Vostok radar system is a family of advanced, mobile, 3D air surveillance radars developed by Russia, primarily for air defence and early warning. Designed by Almaz-Antey, it operates in the VHF band, offering long-range detection and tracking of various airborne targets up to 600 km away, including aircraft, missiles, and drones, even in challenging environments with electronic countermeasures. Image source: Unsplash

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Technology 101: AWACS – Dynamics Of Electronic Jamming

AWACS British Aircraft Plane Bristol Beaufighter Radar Early Warning

During World War II, dedicated AWACS aircraft did not exist, but several nations employed radar-equipped planes for detection. A notable example is the British Bristol Beaufighter, a twin-engine heavy fighter fitted with the Airborne Interception (AI) Mk IV radar. Serving the Royal Air Force (RAF) in night operations, it effectively tracked Luftwaffe bombers during the Blitz, with a radar detection range of about 10 miles. Lacking command-and-control capabilities, it relied on ground stations for coordination. Image source: Royal Air Force / Imperial War Museums. 

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Health 101: The Goodness of Pulses – Indian Lentils and Legumes

Pulses Legume Lentils Indian Food Spices Cooking

Pulses, in essence, are the dried, edible seeds of leguminous plants, such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas. They are nutritional powerhouses, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a vital component of healthy and sustainable diets globally. Beyond their nutritional value, pulses play a crucial role in agriculture by fixing nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and contributing to soil health. They are also generally affordable and have a long shelf life, making them an accessible and sustainable food source, particularly in developing countries. Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna

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Religion 101: The Ancient Kumbh Mela – A Deep Dive Into The Celebrations

Kumbh Mela Hinduism Religion India History Event

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, held in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025, witnessed an extraordinary gathering of faith, with over 400 million devotees expected and reports suggesting the actual attendance surpassed this figure, possibly reaching over 660 million by the conclusion. The logistics involved in managing such a massive congregation are staggering, requiring meticulous planning and execution across various sectors. Image source: Kumbh Camp India

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Military 101: The Dassault Rafale – History, Variants, Comparisons, and Export Success

Rafale French France Fighter Jet IAF Flight

The Dassault Rafale, a 4.5 generation, twin-engine, multirole fighter jet, was initially procured by India in a 2016 deal for 36 aircraft. These currently operate from IAF bases in Ambala (Haryana) and Hasimara (West Bengal). The Indian Air Force is also reportedly planning to acquire another 40 Rafale jets for its land-based fleet and 26 Rafale-M variants for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, with a potential option to increase the Navy’s order to 62 aircraft. Image source: Capt. Jason Smith / Wikimedia

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Health 101: The Health Benefits and History of Traditional Indian Spices

Indian Spices Health Food

Spices, the aromatic seeds, fruits, roots, barks, or other plant substances, have been integral to human civilization for millennia, prized for enhancing flavor, aroma, and color in culinary applications. Beyond their gastronomic contributions, many spices possess potent medicinal properties, traditionally used in various cultures for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive benefits. Image source: Wikimedia

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Religion 101: Exploring Jainism: Celebrations And Teachings

Jainism Religion India

History of Jainism – An artifact of significant historical and religious import, a 1st- to 2nd-century CE water tank relief panel from Mathura (Brooklyn Museum 87.188.5), shows two ardhaphalaka Jain monks holding a colapatta cloth. This depiction of the cloth, used for genital covering, provides evidence of a practice among ancient Jain monks that resonates with the tenets of the Svetambara sect. Image source: Brooklyn Museum / Wikipedia

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