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National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)

Context: Union Cabinet has approved the central sector scheme - National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme with a total outlay of Rs 2254.43 crores for improving the criminal justice system in India.

About National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme

The scheme will be operated by the Union Home Ministry.
The scheme will be a central sector scheme (100% financed by Central Government) with a total outlay of Rs 2254.3 crores.
The scheme will run from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
Components under the scheme:
- Establishment of campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in India.
- Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in India.
- Enhancement of existing infrastructure of Delhi Campus of NFSU.

Rationale behind the NFIES Scheme

New Criminal laws mandates forensic investigation for offences involving punishment of 7 years or more, which is expected to create a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories. Thus, the scheme will create the required infrastructure to address this increased demand for forensic science professionals and laboratories.
Currently, there is a significant shortage of trained forensic science laboratories in India. The scheme is expected to increase the number of trained forensic professionals in India.
Establishment of additional off-campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and new Central Forensic Science Laboratories would address shortage of trained manpower.
Aims to establish an effective and efficient criminal justice system, based on scientific and timely forensic examination of evidence.
Creation of high quality, trained forensic professionals in the timely and scientific examination of evidence for an efficient criminal justice process, leveraging advancements in technology & evolving manifestations and methods of crime.

Importance of increased reliance on forensics in criminal justice system

Securing an increased conviction rate of more than 90%.
Alleviate case load and pendency.
Prevent miscarriage of justice and correct identification of perpetrators.
Enhanced public trust in the criminal justice system
Restrains the police from employing inhuman techniques like third degree and torture.
Formulating standardised procedures and protocols for evidence collection
Helps to create integrated databases and international cooperation.

Pobitora wildlife sanctuary

About Pobitora wildlife sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the flood plains of River Brahmaputra in the district of Morigaon, Assam.
The sanctuary is famous for its one-horned rhinos.
POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY harbors the highest density of Rhino in the world and second highest concentration of Rhino in Assam after Kaziranga National Park.
The sanctuary also runs a successful Rhino breeding program called the "Indian Rhino vision 2020" within its premises.
- The program is an ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the state by 2020.
The five rhino range nations (India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia) have signed a declaration ‘The New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019’ for the conservation and protection of the species.
Under this program, the Assam Forest Department has partnered with Bodoland Territorial Council, Government of India, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to address the threats facing Indian rhinos.
Besides rhinos, this sanctuary is also home to other animals like the leopard, wild boar, barking deer, and wild buffalo among others.
There are also more than 2,000 migratory birds and various reptiles and is an important nesting site in the region.

About One Horned Rhino

The greater one-horned rhino (or “Indian rhino”) is the largest of the rhino species.
The species is solitary, except when adult males or rhinos nearing adulthood gather at wallows or to graze.
It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Globally, Rhinoceros unicornis has been listed in CITES Appendix I since 1975.
The Indian rhinoceros is one of the motifs on the Pashupati seal and many terracotta figurines that were excavated at archaeological sites of the Indus Valley civilization.

The Delay of the 2021 Census and Its Implications

Context: The postponement of the 2021 Census in India raises various questions and concerns. One plausible explanation offered is the strategic delay by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to influence the upcoming delimitation process in anticipation of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

About Census

Census is a complete enumeration of the entire population of any country.
It provides information on the size, distribution, socioeconomic characteristics, demographics etc of a country's population.
The responsibility of conducting the decennial Census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India under Ministry of Home Affairs.
Conduct of census in India is guided by the Census Act, 1948.
Census is conducted every 10 years. Till date, India has successfully conducted 15 successive censuses since 1872.

Understanding Delimitation

· Delimitation refers to periodic attempts to ensure that the shares of different States in Lok Sabha seats are similar to their respective population shares, and also that all constituencies have the same population size as far as possible, as required under Article 81 of the Constitution.

o Impact: The upcoming delimitation is expected to benefit states with higher population growth since 1973, potentially increasing the Lok Sabha seats for northern states at the expense of southern states.

Reasons for Delaying the Census

Electoral Strategy:
- The 84th Amendment stipulates that delimitation must be based on the first census after 2026. If the census occurs before this, any delimitation would have to wait until after the next census, likely pushing it into the 2030s.
- The forthcoming delimitation exercise is likely to shift the balance of Lok Sabha seats in favour of States that have experienced relatively fast population growth since 1973. This means, that the seat shares of the northern States will grow at the expense of the southern States. Electoral prospects of BJP will improve, since it has a much stronger base in the north than in the south.
- Thus, delaying the census until at least 2026 could strategically benefit the BJP by aligning the delimitation timeline with the 2029 elections.
- So By postponing the Census, the BJP may enhance its electoral prospects, especially in the northern states where it holds a stronger base.

Consequences of the Delay

Welfare Schemes: The delay in census data affects the implementation of welfare programs, such as the National Food Security Act, which could benefit from updated demographic data.
- For example under National Food Security Act, 2013 67% of the population is entitled to subsidised food grains. Under the 2011 Census, India’s population was about 121 crores, hence PDS covered approximately 80 crore people. However, population growth over the last decade should mean PDS coverage to around 92 crore people but the current delay in Census data is depriving these people of subsidised food entitlements
Legal Challenges: The extended postponement could be viewed as an abuse of governmental privilege, potentially infringing on fundamental rights, and might lead to legal challenges.
- As setting the date of the Census is the Central government’s privilege under the law but postponing the 2021 Census by more than five years can be construed as an abuse of privilege and infringement of people’s fundamental rights

Benefit of Undertaking regular Census:

Comprehensive Demographic and Socio-cultural Data: A census collects authentic and detailed information on various aspects such as demographic profiles, economic activities, literacy and education levels, as well as data on housing, urbanization, fertility rates, and mortality. It also gathers specifics about different ethnic and social groups, languages, religions, migration patterns, and disabilities. This broad spectrum of data is essential for understanding the composition and needs of a population.
Foundation for Government and Administrative Planning: The data obtained from a census is critical for government at all levels. It serves as a primary resource for planning and making policies that target specific needs and issues identified through the census. This data aids in making informed decisions that can lead to more effective governance and the allocation of resources where they are needed most.
Granular Data for Local Governance: A unique feature of the census is that it provides primary data down to the smallest administrative units, such as villages or urban wards. This granularity allows local governments to plan and provide services that are finely tuned to the specific needs of their communities.
Snapshot of Population Characteristics: The census acts like a photograph capturing a moment in time, providing a snapshot of the population and its characteristics at regular intervals. This snapshot helps in monitoring changes and trends in the population over time, aiding in forecasting and strategic planning.·
Demographic Trends and Insights: By consistently tracking changes in the population, a census highlights trends in growth, aging, migration, and other demographic shifts. Understanding these trends is vital for predicting future needs, such as educational facilities, healthcare services, and infrastructure development.
Electoral and Constituency Delimitation: Census data is crucial for the delimitation of electoral constituencies. It ensures that representation is balanced and based on the latest population data, thus upholding the principle of electoral equity and fairness.
Financial Allocation and Grants: The data from a census is also used by finance commissions to allocate central funds to states. These allocations are based on population figures, ensuring that resources are distributed in proportion to the number of people they are meant to serve.

Opposition's Role and Possible Actions

Advocate for Timely Census: The opposition can push for a timely completion of the Census to ensure updated data for administrative and welfare purposes and this could also delay the delimitation process to after the 2029 elections.
Legal Approach: Taking the issue to the Supreme Court to contest the delay as an infringement of people’s fundamental rights.
Women's Reservation and Delimitation- The 106th amendment mandates a one-third reservation of Lok Sabha and state assembly seats for women. This reservation is set to be implemented following a delimitation exercise based on the first post-2023 census data.
- Now, a legal interpretation exists that allows women's reservation to advance through its own delimitation, independent of the broader process. This opens a route for advocating an early census and timely implementation of women's reservation, potentially ahead of the more comprehensive delimitation.

Conclusion:

The delay in the 2021 Census has far-reaching implications, not only for electoral politics but also for governance and welfare distribution. It presents a complex interplay of legal, constitutional, and political strategies, with significant consequences for the democratic process in India.

KAVACH System

Context: The recent railway accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal has highlighted the need for installation of the KAVACH system to prevent such tragedies.

What is KAVACH?

KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection System (ATPS) by the Research Design and Standards Organisation in collaboration with Indian industry.
It is a state-of-the-art electronic system with Safety Integrity Level-4 standards with the probability of an error being one in 10,000 years.

Features of KAVACH:

It gives information to the locopilots on the permissible speeds to be maintained and prevents the collision between two locomotives equipped with functional KAVACH systems.
It activates the train’s braking system automatically if the driver fails to control the train as per speed restrictions.
- If a red signal is jumped (which marks danger) and two trains come face to face on the same line, the technology automatically takes over and applies sudden brakes.
- Additionally, the hooter activates by itself when approaching a level crossing which serves as a big boon to loco-pilots during fog conditions when visibility is low.
The system also relays SoS messages during emergency situations. An added feature is the centralised live monitoring of train movements through the Network Monitor System.

How does KAVACH work on Railway Systems?

Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) helps in two-way communication between the station master and loco-pilot to convey any emergency message, using GPS and RFID technology.
- GPS Integration:
  - KAVACH relies on GPS to continuously track the location and speed of trains. The onboard unit in each train receives GPS signals, which are used to determine the train's precise position, direction, and speed.
  - This real-time location data is then communicated to the central control system and other trackside equipment.
- RFID Implementation:
  - A set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices are installed in locomotives, in the signalling system as well as the tracks.
  - As the train passes over these RFID tags, the onboard RFID reader in the train detects the tag and communicates the information to the onboard unit.
  - They connect using ultra-high radio frequencies to control the brakes of trains and also alert drivers, all based on the logic programmed into them.
  - Hence, it allows KAVACH to accurately identify the train's location and trigger the appropriate safety actions, such as automatic braking, if necessary.

Integrated Functionality:

The combination of GPS and RFID technologies in KAVACH provides a comprehensive system for train tracking, collision avoidance, and overall railway safety.
The GPS data gives a broad, continuous overview of the train's position and movement, while the RFID tags offer precise location references at specific points along the track.

Union Council of Ministers

Context: The Union Council of Ministers (COM) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in on June 9, 2024. The present COM consists of the Prime Minister, 30 Cabinet Ministers, 5 Ministers of State (MoS) with independent charge and 36 MoS.

Who constitutes the Council of Ministers?

India is a parliamentary democracy with the President as its nominal head. Article 74 of the Constitution provides that there shall be a COM headed by the Prime Minister (PM) to aid and advise the President.
The real executive powers lie with the COM. A Minister should be a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha and if not, should become one within six months of his/her appointment.
A similar setup prevails in States with a COM headed by the Chief Minister (CM).

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The COM consists of a Cabinet minister, MoS with independent charge, MoS and a Deputy Minister. The Constitution does not classify the members of the COM into different ranks. All this has been done informally, following the British practice. Cabinet Ministers are higher in rank and handle large portfolios while MoS assist the Cabinet Ministers and work under them. MoS with independent charge directly reports to the Prime Minister for their respective ministries.

How has been the usual Council of Ministers?

The first COM at the time of independence had only 15 Ministers headed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. After the first general elections in 1952, Nehru inducted around 30 Ministers into his COM.
Over the years, the size of the COM had gradually increased to around 50-60. Interestingly, it is the United Front governments led by Deve Gowda (June 1996) and I.K. Gujral (April 1997) that were sworn in with just 21 and 34 Ministers respectively. In 1999, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister, his COM had 74
Ministers. However, the size of COM was becoming unwieldy in some of the larger States.
- For instance, in 2002 when Mayawati was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, she had 79 Ministers.

What is the constitutional limit?

The National Commission to review the working of the Constitution under the Chairmanship of Justice Venkatachaliah set up in February 2000, had suggested a ceiling of 10% of the total strength of Lok Sabha/Legislative Assembly for the number of Ministers at the Centre/State level.
Finally, through the 91st Constitutional Amendment in 2003, the total number of Ministers including PM/CM in the COM was limited to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha/State Legislative Assembly.
There is no minimum requirement at the Central level whereas even the smaller States should have a minimum of 12 Ministers. For Union Territories of NCT of Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), the maximum limit is 10% of the total strength of its Assembly.

An issue even after the limit on the number of Ministers is the appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries in various States?

The office of Parliamentary Secretary (PS) also has its origin in the British system.
In India, the post of PS was first created in 1951. They have not been a regular feature in the Central governments thereafter and the last PS at the Centre was appointed in 1990.
However, various States have continued with their appointment to circumvent the limit on COM placed by the 91st Amendment.
High Courts of Punjab & Haryana, Rajasthan, Bombay, Calcutta, Telangana, Karnataka etc. have quashed or questioned the appointment of PS in the States under their jurisdiction for indirectly violating the maximum limit on COM.
The Supreme Court in July 2017 had also declared a law passed by Assam in 2004 for the appointment of PS as unconstitutional. The most recent instance is the order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in January 2024 that restrained six PS appointed in the State from functioning as Ministers or availing facilities provided to Ministers.
Appointing MLAs to the position of Ministers under the guise of PS to circumvent constitutional limits should be strictly prohibited and discontinued.

Climate Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

Context: Officials from India are discussing with EU to meet the requirements as the Climate Border Adjustment Mechanism is being operationalised by the EU from January 1, 2026.

About Climate Border Adjustment Mechanism

CBAM is a regulation introduced by the European Union (EU) to put a 'fair' price on carbon emitted during the production of items identified as carbon-intensive from non-EU countries.
This will be in the form of higher import levies which will be applicable from 1st January 2026.
Items covered under the CBAM include cement, iron & steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen.
EU importers of these goods will have to report on the volume of their imports and greenhouse gas emissions embedded during their production but without paying any financial adjustment at this stage.
CBAM aims to fight carbon leakage which aims to equalize the price of carbon between domestic products and imports. This will ensure that EU's climate policies are not undermined by production relocating to the countries with less ambitious green standards or by replacement of EU products by more carbon-intensive imports.

Significance of CBAM

CBAM will allow EU to meet its commitment of reaching net zero carbon dioxide emission by 2050.
CBAM is to create a level playing field with EU companies which already account for their carbon emission through the bloc's Emission Trading System (ETS).
CBAM will encourage global industry to embrace green and more sustainable technologies.

Using firewall to block Internet access

Context: Pakistani media outlets reported that the country is planning to implement a Chinese-style firewall to block users from accessing social media platforms. Even those using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to access the Internet are likely to be hit by this firewall.

Digital firewall

A digital firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of predefined security rules.
- The security tools can stop online traffic from reaching certain sites. They can prevent malicious actors from targeting individual users’ computer systems or home networks, and even thwart cyber threats on specific websites.
- Large firewalls (like the Great Firewall of China) can be used to prevent people from accessing large sections of the Internet i.e, websites, social media sites or information gathering platforms.
Firewalls can be implemented as hardware devices, software running on a computer, or as a cloud-based service.

How does a digital firewall work?

Packet Inspection: The firewall examines each data packet (a unit of data transmitted over a network) that passes through it. It looks at the header information of the packet, which includes the source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and protocol type (e.g., TCP, UDP).
Access Control Lists (ACLs): The firewall compares the packet information against a set of predefined rules known as an Access Control List. These rules specify which traffic is allowed to pass through the firewall and which traffic should be blocked.
Filtering Decisions: Based on the ACL rules, the firewall makes a decision on whether to allow the packet to pass through or to block it.

Why is it used?

Firewall presents a viable alternative to authoritarian nation states who wish to replace a larger free Internet with a controlled intranet.
- When used by nation-states, a firewall restricts activists, journalists, dissidents, and regime critics from obtaining information critical of the government.
- Internet shutdowns and social media blocks also prevent governments or military authorities from being held accountable during periods of civil unrest and violence.
However, setting up and maintaining a firewall is expensive. The firewalls require constant monitoring to thwart bad actors and fix security vulnerabilities.

Right to Internet in India:

In the Anuradha Bhasin v/s Union of India 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that the right to freedom of speech and expression and the freedom to practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business over the internet are protected under Article 19 (1) (a) and Article 19 (1) (g) of the Indian Constitution, respectively.
This essentially means that the court recognised internet access as a fundamental right, integral to a democratic society for its proper functioning.

How the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is being developed as India’s second home for cheetahs

Context - The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will be the second home for cheetahs in India, after the Kuno National Park. The Madhya Pradesh government has announced that it has completed its preparations for the ambitious project.

Key facts related to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is spread across an area of 368.62 sq km, in the districts of Mandsaur (187.12 sq km) and Neemuch (181.5 sq km) in western MP.
It sits atop a flat rocky plateau, with the Chambal River cutting the sanctuary into two almost equal halves.
It has Savanna ecosystem (comprising open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees and shrubs.) due to shallow topsoil.
It has trees like Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, Palash etc.
It is part of World famous Chaturbhuj Nala rock shelters.
It is knowns for some rare wildlife species like Wild Dogs (Dholes), Chinkara, Leopard, Otter, Mugger crocodile.

Odisha style temple Architecture

Context: All four gates of the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha were opened for devotees. The temple was closed during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The main entrance was opened last year in December but the other gates remained closed.

About Jagannath temple:

(Jagannath temple)

An important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu.
Location: Puri, Odisha (eastern coast of India).
Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are deities worshipped at the temple.
The temple is sacred to all Hindus, and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions and is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of the Vaishnavite tradition.
Many great Vaishnava saints, such as Ramanujacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya and Ramananda were closely associated with the temple.
- Ramanuja established the Emar Matha in the south-eastern corner of the temple.
- Adi Shankaracharya established the Govardhan Math, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas.
It is also of particular significance to the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, whose founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath.
The worship is performed by the Bhil Sabar tribal priests, as well as priests of other communities in the temple.
Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath is made of wood (neem wood, known as Daru) and is ceremoniously replaced every 12 or 19 years by an exact replica.
The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the other being Rameshwaram, Badrinath and Dwarka.
The four gates of the temple:
- The four gates of the Jagannath temple are located on the mid-points of its boundary wall, and face the four cardinal directions.
- The main east-facing entrance is the Singhadwara (Lion's Gate), and has two stone sculptures of lions standing guard. It is believed that those who enter through this gate attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth-rebirth.
- The northern, southern, and western entrances are known as Hastidwara (Elephant Gate), Aswadwara (Horse Gate), and Vyaghradwara (Tiger Gate) respectively.
The Jagannath Temple is a monumental example of Nagara-style Hindu temple architecture. It is one of the finest preserved specimens of Kalinga architecture (Odisha temple architecture).

(Figure: Basic structure of a temple in Kalinga school)

Odisha school/Kalinga school of temple architecture:

The temples of Odisha constitute a distinct sub-style within the Nagara style of temple architecture.
The style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deul, Pidha Deul and Khakhara Deul.
- Rekha Deul and Pidha Deul are associated with Vishnu, Surya and Shiva temples while Khakhara Deul is mainly associated with Chamunda and Durga temples.
In general, the shikhara, called Deul in Odisha, is vertical until the top when it suddenly curves sharply inwards.
Deuls are preceded by mandapas called jagamohana in Odisha.
The main temple's floor plan is usually square. As the temple structure rises, it becomes circular.
The walls of both the deul and the Jagmohan are intricately sculpted with architectural motifs and a profusion of figures.
Temples were surrounded by a boundary wall as in Dravidian style of temple architecture.
Examples: Sun Temple at Konark (also known as Black Pagoda as the first rays of the Sun entered the garbhagriha through the sea-facing pagoda), Jagannath temple at Puri, Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar, etc.

Virupaksha Temple

Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to commence restoration work on the collapsed ‘Saalu Mandapa or Pavilion’, of the Virupaksha temple in Hampi (Karnataka).

About Virupaksha Temple:

Virupaksha Temple is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Group of Monuments at Hampi.
Dedicated to Sri Virupaksha (Lord Shiva) the temple was originally constructed by Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain under Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Hampi, situated along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, served as the capital of this empire.
Pampadevi, associated with the Tungabhadra River is also worshipped.
The temple's history dates back to the 7th century CE, with inscriptions referring to Shiva found from the 9th and 10th centuries.
Initially a modest shrine, it expanded under Vijayanagar rule.
While additions during the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods are evident, most of the existing structures are attributed to the Vijayanagara era.
Despite the city's destruction in 1565 (by the Bahmani Sultanate) the religious significance of the Virupaksha-Pampa sect remained, maintaining continuous worship at the temple.

Structure of the temple:

The main temple complex comprises a sanctum, a pillared hall, and an open pillared hall, all decorated with intricately carved pillars.
Surrounding the central structure are entrance gateways, courtyards, and smaller shrines.
The eastern gateway stands as the largest entrance.
Kanakagiri Gopura is another gateway leading to a small enclosure with subsidiary shrines and to the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
Krishnadevaraya, played a pivotal role as a patron of the temple.
- His contributions include the central pillared hall and the gateway tower leading to the inner courtyard.
- Inscriptions next to the pillared hall commemorate his commissioning of these structures in 1510 AD to mark his accession.

Vijayanagar Architectural features:

Blended influences from the Hoysala, Chola, and Chalukya dynasties.
Primarily granite was used for its durability and soapstone for intricate sculptures.
Influences from Dravidian architectural traditions are more pronounced.
- During the reign of Krishnadeva Raya, the empire saw a resurgence in Dravida style, influencing the construction of South Indian temples for centuries.
Unique elements introduced in the Vijayanagar period: fortified enclosures, elaborately pillared Kalyana Mandapas (marriage halls), towering Raya Gopurams (entrance towers), and life-size statues of deities.
In addition to temple architecture, Vijayanagara's secular buildings featured Islamic influences like arches, domes, and vaults, constructed with mortar and stone shards.
Significant features:
- Raya Gopurams: Monumental entrance gates adorned with intricate carvings.
- Pillared Pavilions: Open structures with sculpted pillars depicting motifs like horses and monolithic statues of deities.
- Kalyana Mandapa: Decorated marriage halls with elaborately carved pillars, central to temple complexes.
- Amman Shrines: Additional shrines dedicated to the consorts of the main deity.

UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register

Context: The inclusion of the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana in UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register marks a significant milestone for India. This recognition celebrates India's profound literary heritage and cultural legacy, underscoring its global importance.

IGNCA secures historic cultural milestone:

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a pivotal role in achieving a landmark moment during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP).
The meeting of MOWCAP was held in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), which brought together 38 representatives from member states along with 40 observers and nominees.
IGNCA advocated for three Indian nominations, resulting in their inclusion in ‘UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’.
This achievement highlights IGNCA's steadfast commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
Notably, this is IGNCA's inaugural submission to the Regional Register since its establishment in 2008.

The Illustrated Manuscripts of Ramacaritamanasa, commonly known as 'Ramcharitmanas', was created by Goswami Tulsidasa in the 16th century in the Awadhi language. This monumental work is regarded as one of the foremost achievements in Hindu literature, drawing its inspiration from the epic Ramayana authored by the sage Valmiki.

The 15th Century Manuscript of the Panchatantra, authored by Pandit Vishnu Sharma, is a collection of animal fables presented in both poetry and prose. Dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE, this ancient compilation originally written in Sanskrit aims to impart practical life lessons, known as Niti, through the interactions of anthropomorphized animals.

The Sahṛdayaloka-Locana manuscript, an important text in Indian poetics, dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries AD. Authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, it comprises extensive discussions on poetics, dramaturgy, and theatrical insights in Sanskrit literature.

UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme:

The Memory of the World (MOW) programme, initiated by UNESCO in 1992, serves as a global strategy to preserve and promote access to rare and endangered documentary heritage.
Its mission, articulated to prevent "collective amnesia," underscores the importance of safeguarding archive holdings and library collections worldwide.
The programme recognizes documentary heritage of international, regional, and national significance, maintaining registers and awarding logos to identified collections.
It advocates for preservation and equitable access, raising awareness among governments, the public, and businesses about the need for conservation and fundraising.
Inscription on the MOW register validates the cultural and historical value of documented heritage, enhancing visibility and accessibility for research, education, entertainment, and long-term preservation efforts.
The Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Committee (MOWCAP), established in 1998, specifically celebrates achievements across 43 countries in genealogy, literature, science, and more.
The MOWCAP Regional Register includes 65 items that reflect the diverse cultural richness and historical significance of the Asia-Pacific region.

Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA):

Established in 1987 under the Ministry of Culture and operates as an autonomous institution dedicated to advancing research, academic activities, and the dissemination of arts.
IGNCA plays a crucial role in supporting Project Mausam, a Ministry of Culture initiative in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- This project explores cultural routes and maritime landscapes that historically connected regions across the Indian Ocean, linking coastal centres with inland counterparts.

Swami Vivekananda

Context: The Prime Minister engaged in meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

About Swamiji

Spiritual significance of Vivekananda rock:

Located near Kanyakumari’s Vanathurai beach, at the southernmost tip of mainland India where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal converge, Vivekananda Rock holds profound historical and spiritual importance.
In 1892, according to the disciples of Swami Vivekananda, it was at this place, he ultimately achieved enlightenment.

About Swami Vivekananda (1862-1902):

Swami Vivekananda (original name was Narendranath Datta), emerged as a prominent advocate of Ramakrishna's teachings, adapting them to contemporary Indian society and becoming a significant figure in the propagation of neo-Hinduism.
His ideology drew from the spiritual experiences of Ramakrishna, the teachings of the Upanishads and the Gita, as well as the examples set by Buddha and Jesus, all forming the foundation of his message on human values.
Central to Vivekananda's philosophy was Vedanta, which he viewed as a rational and superior approach to spirituality.
His mission aimed to bridge the gap between spiritual pursuits and practical life, advocating for a holistic approach to human existence encompassing both paramartha (spiritual service) and vyavahara (daily conduct).
Vivekananda stressed the unity of God and humanity, advocating for the integration of Hinduism and Islam in India for the nation's well-being.
He emphasized the importance of combining knowledge with action, criticizing the neglect of social issues by religious institutions and urging Hindus to engage actively in social reform.
At the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Vivekananda highlighted the need for a balanced synthesis of Eastern spiritualism and Western materialism to foster global happiness and progress.
In 1897 to inspire pride in Indian culture and foster social reform, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission, which has since become a global organization dedicated to humanitarian relief, education, and social service, guided by the principle that service to humanity is akin to worship.
The Ramakrishna Mission, though deeply religious, does not seek to convert; instead, it embraces universal spiritual values and respects diverse religious practices.
In 1898, Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Math in Belur (Karnataka). It was open to all regardless of caste or creed, symbolizing his vision of an inclusive spiritual community committed to service and enlightenment.
In 1887, Narendra compiled a Bengali song anthology named Sangeet Kalpataru with Vaishnav Charan Basak.
He also composed ‘Khandana Bhava Bandhana’, a prayer song dedicated to Ramakrishna, in 1898.