UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 7 November 2026

UNESCO Memory of the World Register Programme Latest News

Manuscripts of the epic Mahabharata, Kalhana’s historical chronicle Rajatarangini, and Kautilya’s Arthashastra, have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register.

About UNESCO Memory of the World Register Programme

• It was launched by UNESCO in 1992 with the goal of preserving global documentary heritage and preventing what it called “collective amnesia.”
• It aims to safeguard rare documents, including manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual content, and archive materials, of global and universal value.
• It is operating at international, regional, and national levels, the programme recognizes globally significant documents through the International Register.
• The MoW Register serves as a global compendium of such heritage, and is updated biennially (every two years).

Key facts about Bhagavadgītā

• It contains 700 verses in 18 chapters.
• It takes the form of a dialogue between Kṛishṇa and Arjuna with armies lined up for the great war intended to free Arjuna of dejection (viṣāda).
• Bhagavadgītā is a central text in the continuous, cumulative ancient intellectual Indian tradition.
• Due to its philosophical breadth and depth, the Bhagavadgītā has been read for centuries across the globe and translated into many languages.

Key Facts about Arthashastra

• It is traditionally attributed to Kautilya, also known as Chanakya.
• It is a foundational work on governance, administration, economics, diplomacy and military strategy.
• Its detailed examination of statecraft, taxation, law enforcement, intelligence networks and public administration offers valuable insights into political organisation and the functioning of ancient Indian states.
• The text remains an important reference for scholars studying the history of political and economic thought.

Key Facts about Rajatarangini

• It was composed by the 12th-century Kashmiri historian Kalhana.
• It is widely regarded as one of the most important historical chronicles of medieval India.
• It was written in Sanskrit, it traces the history of Kashmir through successive dynasties, rulers, political developments and social transformations.
• Its significance lies in its attempt to present historical events through chronological narration, critical examination of sources and literary composition, making it an important resource for understanding Kashmir's political and cultural past.

Source: TH