NCERT textbook flags 'brutality' of Mughals: Divisive ploy or course correction? Experts debate

This edition of India First delves into two major developments. The first segment features a fierce debate over the revised Class 8 NCERT social science textbook. The new textbook portrays Mughal rulers such as Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb as 'brutal' conquerors, detailing events like the massacre at Chittorgarh, destruction of temples, and enslavement of women and children. It also highlights indigenous resistance from figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Ahoms, and Rani Durgavati. Proponents argue the revisions are a necessary historical course correction, while opponents claim it is an attempt to push a communal ideology and distort history for political purposes. 

While the second segment focusses on India's push for self-reliance in defence. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan advocates for indigenous development of drone and counter-drone technology, citing lessons from Operation Sindoor. The discussion examines India's capabilities and the private sector's role in creating an Atmanirbhar defence ecosystem.