Unesco

Maharashtra govt steps up efforts to get Unesco tag for Lonar lake

The Maharashtra government plans to submit a proposal to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to include the famous Lonar Lake in Buldhana district in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, officials have said. The move aims to elevate the site as a global hub for tourism and research, besides boosting its conservation, they said. Amravati Divisional Commissioner Nidhi Pandey recently met officials from various departments at Lonar to discuss the proposal. This proposal will soon be presented, marking a significant step towards achieving recognition, Pandey told PTI. Buldhana District Collector Kiran Patil said the proposal is in its final stage. "We will submit it once it is polished. Unlike other UNESCO sites, Lonar Lake presents a unique mix of several categories. It is a geographical and scientific wonder, formed from a meteor impact, he said. The official said the lake in Lonar, about 460 km from Mumbai, is home to several temples, some dating back over 1,200 years. The

Unesco, IT ministry host stakeholder consultation on safety, ethics in AI

UNESCO in collaboration with IT Ministry held a stakeholder consultation on safety and ethics in Artificial Intelligence, an official release said on Saturday adding that India aims to craft a policy that envisions 'AI for All'. The event marks the launch of a series of five consultations under the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), an initiative by UNESCO and Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) aimed at crafting an India-specific AI policy report. The report's objective is to identify strengths and growth opportunities within India's AI ecosystem, while providing actionable insights for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI across various sectors, the release said. "India aims to craft an AI policy that envisions 'AI for All' aligning with global ethical standards to promote the responsible and ethical adoption of AI across various sectors," the release said. The UNESCO South Asia Regional Office, in collaboration with MeitY and Ikigai Law as the implementing partn

Unesco recognises 24 coastal villages in Odisha as 'Tsunami Ready'

Twenty-four coastal villages in Odisha were recognised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO as 'Tsunami Ready'. The recognition was given during the 2nd Global Tsunami Symposium held in Indonesia on November 11, a statement said. These villages are located in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam districts, it said. Besides, the Tsunami Ready Recognition Certificates were renewed for two villages in the state. These villages are Noliasahi in Jagatsinghpur district and Venkatraipur in Ganjam district. They were recognised as Tsunami Ready in 2020. Various activities, including training of stakeholders, community awareness programmes, preparation of tsunami management plans, conducting mock drills and identification of evacuation routes, were done in these 24 tsunami-prone villages, the statement said. Members of the National Tsunami Ready Recognition Board, comprising scientists of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Servi

Chalo India campaign will energise diaspora ambassadors: Gajendra Shekhawat

Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has called on the Indian diaspora in the UK to embrace the Chalo India campaign to encourage more travellers to explore the abundance of tourist sites on offer in the country. During his visit to London for the World Travel Market (WTM) last week, the minister highlighted the Chalo India initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year to support members of the Indian diaspora around the world in showcasing the rich bounty of destinations on offer in India. I feel with this Chalo India campaign you are going to work as travel and tour ambassadors of our great nation, Shekhawat said during a special Indian-themed gathering on the sidelines of WTM. All our diaspora Bharatiya in the UK will be brand ambassadors of this initiative and invite their non-Indian friends to witness new India in all its glory, he said. Shekhawat highlighted his ministry's offer of one lakh gratis e-tourist visas for foreign guests travelling unde

World Science Day for Peace and Development 2024: History, significance

The world celebrates World Science Day every year on November 10, 2024. The theme for this year is 'Why Science Matters - Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures'

Taliban has deprived 1.4 mn Afghan girls of schooling through bans: Unesco

The Taliban have deliberately deprived 1.4 million Afghan girls of schooling through bans, a UN agency said Thursday. Afghanistan is the only country in the world with bans on female secondary and higher education. The Taliban, who took power in 2021, barred education for girls above sixth grade because they said it didn't comply with their interpretation of Sharia, or Islamic law. They didn't stop it for boys and show no sign of taking the steps needed to reopen classrooms and campuses for girls and women. UNESCO said at least 1.4 million girls have been deliberately denied access to secondary education since the takeover, an increase of 3,00,000 since its previous count in April 2023, with more girls reaching the age limit of 12 every year. If we add the girls who were already out of school before the bans were introduced, there are now almost 2.5 million girls in the country deprived of their right to education, representing 80 per cent of Afghan school-age girls, UNESCO said.

Nearly 60 properties on tentative list of Unesco's heritage list: Govt

There are nearly 60 properties in India which find a place in the Tentative List for further inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to information shared by the government in Parliament on Monday. A Tentative List is an inventory of those properties which each State Party intends to consider for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) is being held in New Delhi from July 21 to July 31. India is hosting the key event of UNESCO for the first time. The mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam -- 'Moidams' -- was on July 26 inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it the first cultural property from the Northeast to get the coveted tag. 'Moidams' was submitted as India's nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2023-24. The site was put in the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014. In a written response to a query in Lok Sabha, Union Culture

WHC delegates explore Delhi, visit Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutb Minar

Taking a day off from their busy schedule, several delegates of the ongoing session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) on Sunday visited the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutb Minar and other cultural sites in and around Delhi. The 46th session of the WHC is being held in New Delhi from July 21 to July 31. India is hosting the key event of UNESCO for the first time. Over 2,000 international and national delegates from more than 150 countries are participating in the meeting, the Culture Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. After a week of marathon discussions and scrutinising numerous nominations in conference halls, the delegates and committee members enjoyed a day out exploring the sights, cuisine, and vibrant culture of Delhi and its neighbouring areas on Sunday. Requests were put in by some of the committee members that delegates would like to have a day off to enjoy sightseeing of heritage sites, the ministry said. To make the stay of WHC delegates memorable, the Archaeological

India will contribute $1 million to Unesco World Heritage Centre: PM Modi

"A certificate programme in world heritage management has also started in India for young professionals," he added

Climate change threatens to undo educational gains of recent decade: UNESCO

Climate related stressors like heat, wildfires, floods, droughts, diseases and rising sea levels affect education outcomes and threaten to undo educational gains of recent decade, according to the Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM). The global report compiled by UNESCO, Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education (MECCE) project and University of Saskatchewan in Canada has pointed out that most low and middle-income countries are experiencing climate-related school closures every year, increasing chances of learning loss and dropout. "Climate change related impacts are already disrupting education systems and outcomes. Direct effects include the destruction of education infrastructure as well as injuries and loss of life among students, parents and school staff. Climate change has a negative impact on education indirectly through its displacement of people and the effects on people's livelihoods and health," the report said. "Over the past 20 years, schools .

GPAI members reaffirm commitment to human-centric, reliable AI to all

The mid-year summit of the GPAI members welcomed Serbia as incoming chair of grouping

Kozhikode officially declared India's first Unesco 'City of Literature'

Kozhikode in north Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage, was on Sunday officially declared as India's first UNESCO 'City of Literature'. In October 2023, Kozhikode had earned a place in the 'Literature' category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). State Local Self Government Department (LSGD) Minister, M B Rajesh, on Sunday in an official event here announced the achievement of Kozhikode which earned the place in the 'Literature' category of the UCCN. Rajesh described Kozhikode as a city with a soul, characterised by humanity, harmony, a strong sense of justice and freedom of expression. "These core values have given birth to the vibrant art of Kozhikode," Rajesh said. The minister said the efficient functioning of the Kozhikode city corporation played a major role in bagging the 'City of Literature' tag from UNESCO after beating cities with rich cultural history like Kolkata. The state government also announced that from coming year, June 23 will be celebrated

Govt working towards more research-oriented higher edu system: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asserted that the central government is working towards making the country's higher education system more advanced and research-oriented. Modi, while inaugurating the new Nalanda University campus here, called upon students to always remain curious and courageous. Nalanda is a symbol of India's academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange. It is not just a renaissance of India's past, but the heritage of many countries are linked to this place, he said. Our government is working towards making the country's higher education system more advanced and research-oriented. I am confident that our youth will provide leadership to the entire world in the future, Modi said. The prime minister said he wants India to become a global hub for knowledge and education. On an average, one university has come up in the country every week in the last 10 years, Modi added. Before inaugurating the new campus, the PM visited the Nalanda Mahavihara', a UNES

International Day of Mathematics 2024: Know history, significance, and more

International Day of Mathematics is celebrated every year to spread awareness about the importance of mathematics in daily life and solving real-world problems

International Women's Day 2024: Why do we celebrate this day?

International Women's Day 2024: The world celebrates this day to promote women's rights and equality. It is an opportunity to acknowledge women's equality and progress

In a first, India set to chair, host Unesco's World Heritage Committee

At the 19th extraordinary session (Unesco, 2023), the World Heritage Committee decided that its 46th session will take place in India

Rambagh Gate, Ramparts in Punjab win Unesco's Asia-Pacific Awards

The resilient urban revitalisation of Rambagh Gate and Ramparts in Punjab, and heritage conservation projects related to Haryana's Church of Epiphany and Delhi's Bikaner House won UNESCO awards on Thursday. Twelve projects from China, India, and Nepal were acknowledged by the awards jury in this year's UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. "With people, heritage and creativity at its core, the resilient urban revitalisation of the Rambagh Gate and Ramparts in Punjab, India, has garnered the highest honour, 'Award of Excellence,'" UNESCO Bangkok said in a statement. The project was lauded by the jury for ensuring the continuity of the site's existing uses, while enhancing inclusivity and access to the broader community, it said. Three projects -- the Fanling Golf Course in Hong Kong SAR, China; Dongguan Garden Residences in Yangzhou, China; and Karnikara Mandapam at Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple, Kerala, India -- garnered an 'Award of Distinction' each. An

Unesco recognises Kempegowda T2 as one of 'world's most beautiful airports'

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has earned prestigious accolades at UNESCO's 2023 Prix Versailles. The Terminal 2 (T2) secured recognition as one of the 'World's most beautiful airports' and was awarded the coveted 'World special prize for an interior 2023.'The world judges panel for the Prix Versailles 2023, chaired by renowned fashion designer Elie Saab, revealed the latest architectural projects to win a world title, among which Bengaluru airport is the only Indian airport to receive this esteemed recognition, highlighting the airport's commitment to exceptional design and architecture on a global scale.This achievement and commendations position Bengaluru airport among the top airports globally.Delighted by the recognition, Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bengaluru International Airport Ltd, said, "The nomination of terminal 2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride, and we are pleased to see the terminal receiving the recognition it deserves. T2, .

Proud moment as Garba shines on global stage: Shah on Unesco recognition

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Thursday hailed the inclusion of Gujarat's traditional Garba dance in its 'Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity', saying it is an accolade for the beauty and resilience of the country's culture. UNESCO has approved the inclusion of Gujarat's traditional Garba dance in its 'Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'. "Garba is an age-old dance form that brings the community together with its rhythmic harmony. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List is an accolade for the beauty and resilience of our culture. "This proud moment, when our very own Garba shines on the global stage, also reminds us of our responsibility to promote and preserve more religiously," Shah wrote on 'X'. India had nominated Garba, performed across Gujarat and in many other parts of the country during the Navratri festival, for inclusion in the list.

Celebration of life: PM Modi hails Garba's inclusion in Unesco's key list

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described Garba as a celebration of life, unity and deep-rooted traditions, as UNESCO approved the inclusion of Gujarat's traditional dance in its 'Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'. "Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases to the world the beauty of Indian culture. This honour inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congrats for this global acknowledgment," Modi said on X. India had nominated Garba, performed across Gujarat and in many other parts of the country during the Navratri festival, for inclusion in the list.