Under Communist regimes there is a wide gap between precept and reality, of which history offers ample evidence. After the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Lenin moved into a millionaire’s mansion even as widespread hardship and famine afflicted parts of the country. The revolution had promised equality and fraternity, yet many critics argue that the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite increasingly contradicted those ideals. Similarly, footage of celebrations marking Mao Zedong's birthday in Communist China has been cited by critics as reflecting extravagant displays more commonly associated with elite social gatherings than with a society founded on egalitarian principles. During much of Mao's rule, millions of Chinese continued to live in poverty despite the state's commitment to economic equality. Cuban leader Fidel Castro was well known for his fondness for premium cigars, a luxury item that stood in contrast to the egalitarian ethos espoused by the revolution. Among Co...
India's ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The decision to include Sarnath in the list was taken during the ongoing 48th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) being held in Busan , South Korea. "New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath, #India," UNESCO said in a post on X. The nomination for UNESCO tag was for the 2025-26 cycle. Sarnath Buddha / Image credit Now India has 45 of its sites on the list. The country ranks sixth globally and second in the Asia Pacific Region for the most number of World Heritage Sites. Last year, 12 Maratha forts of 'Maratha Military Landscapes ' were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris . It was at Sarnath where in Deer Park the Buddha delivered his first sermon after the attainment of enlightenment under the tree of wisdom at Bodh G...