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- With the addition of the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra, India now has 14 entries in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. These join significant Indian manuscripts such as the Rig Veda, Gilgit Manuscript, Maitreyayvarakarana, and the works of Abhinavagupta. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) has also been added to this esteemed list.
- The Bhagavad Gita, composed between the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, is part of the Mahabharata and comprises 700 verses. It is a philosophical dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, offering timeless spiritual and ethical guidance.
- The Natyashastra, attributed to Bharatmuni and codified around the 2nd century BCE, forms the foundation of Indian performing arts. Preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, it covers drama, music, dance, and aesthetics.
- UNESCO’s programme, launched in 1992, aims to preserve and promote global documentary heritage of outstanding significance to humanity.
- The Vice President recently criticized the judiciary for exceeding its constitutional limits, accusing it of acting like a "super Parliament." His remarks followed a Supreme Court ruling that set a three-month deadline for the President to decide on bills forwarded by state governors. The Court also invoked Article 142 to deem 10 pending state bills as having received presidential assent.
- He expressed strong concerns over Article 142, describing it as a “nuclear missile against democratic forces” always available to the judiciary.
- What is Article 142?
- This provision empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary to ensure “complete justice” in cases before it. Initially intended as an exceptional tool, it has been used in landmark cases like Bhanwari Devi vs. State of Rajasthan (2002) to introduce the Vishaka Guidelines.
- Concerns:
- Critics argue that the lack of a clear definition for “complete justice” enables judicial overreach and undermines the separation of powers between the judiciary, legislature, and executive.
- At the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Brazil, the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership was officially launched. India reiterated its strong commitment to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable agriculture, while all BRICS nations emphasized the importance of building a resilient and sustainable agri-food system.
- About the Partnership:
- The initiative aims to combat land degradation, desertification, and declining soil fertility. It focuses on supporting small farmers, tribal communities, and local cultivators by blending traditional farming wisdom with modern scientific approaches.
- Why It Matters:
- Land degradation is a pressing issue—around 32% of India’s land is degraded and 25% faces desertification, according to FAO.
- India’s Efforts in Sustainable Agriculture:
- Key initiatives include the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), and water-saving schemes like "Per Drop More Crop." India also promotes climate-resilient crops, precision farming, and digital platforms such as AgriStack to support long-term sustainability.