The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while confirming that one Israeli soldier was injured during the operation.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters inside what it described as a security zone. Israel maintains it will continue military operations to eliminate threats against its forces and civilians.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's large-scale detonations and demolitions in southern Lebanon, warning of severe damage to civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and local communities. The concerns come after explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, recently added to the list of World Heritage sites in danger.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

India's Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy said that an international advisory body has recommended Santiniketan, the place where Rabindranath Tagore built Visva Bharati over a century ago, for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.&nbsp;

This new development comes as India has been looking forward to getting a UNESCO tag for Santiniketan in honour of the Nobel Laureate poet. The site is located in West Bengal's Birbhum district.&nbsp;

In a tweet on Tuesday, Reddy said, "Great news for India on the Jayanti of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Santiniketan in West Bengal has been recommended for inscription to the World Heritage List by ICOMOS, the advisory body to UNESCO World Heritage Centre."&nbsp;

The minister further mentioned, "This furthers the vision of PM Narendra Modi to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world. This will formally be announced in the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in September 2023," the minister said in his tweet.&nbsp;

So far, India&nbsp;has a total of 40 sites which enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage tag, including 32 cultural sites such as Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Harappan-era site in Dholavira, Elephanta Caves, Red Fort complex in Delhi, and Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya in Bihar.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🇮🇳 ভারতের জন্য দারুণ খবর! 
 
পশ্চিমবঙ্গের শান্তিনিকেতন (যেখানে গুরুদেব রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর তার প্রথম স্কুল প্রতিষ্ঠা করেছিলেন) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICOMOS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICOMOS</a> এর বিশ্ব ঐতিহ্য তালিকাতে <a href="https://twitter.com/UNESCO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNESCO</a> ওয়ার্ল্ড হেরিটেজ সেন্টারের উপদেষ্টা সংস্থা দ্বারা শিলালিপিটির জন্য সুপারিশ করা হয়েছে। <a href="https://t.co/M9ZuhERMpg">pic.twitter.com/M9ZuhERMpg</a>
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/kishanreddybjp/status/1656255079572447235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is a France-based non-governmental organisation focused on the conservation and enhancement of architectural and landscape heritage around the world. The organisation comprises professionals, experts, representatives from local authorities, companies and heritage organisations.&nbsp;

While speaking to reporters at a media interaction on Wednesday, Reddy said the&nbsp;recommendation has made the prospect of Santiniketan's listing "almost certain" and hopefully, the World Heritage Committee will accept it. He said that India is likely to have another reason to rejoice in September.&nbsp;

Authorities of the university have also hailed the decision, calling it a "proud moment" and its spokesperson Mahua Bandyopadhyay told news agency PTI on Wednesday: "To our knowledge, Visva Bharati is the first living university in India which will be bestowed with the honour."&nbsp;

She further said that a top Archeological Survey of India official informed the university on Tuesday about the recommendation and the "news coming on the birth anniversary of Gurudev (Rabindra Nath Tagore) should be a proud moment for Bengal and the country".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

India's Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy said that an international advisory body has recommended Santiniketan, the place where Rabindranath Tagore built Visva Bharati over a century ago, for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

India's Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy said that an international advisory body has recommended Santiniketan, the place where Rabindranath Tagore built Visva Bharati over a century ago, for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This new development comes as India has been looking forward to getting a UNESCO tag for Santiniketan in honour of the Nobel Laureate poet. The site is located in West Bengal's Birbhum district. In a tweet on Tuesday, Reddy said, "Great news for India on the Jayanti of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Santiniketan in West Bengal has been recommended for inscription to the World Heritage List by ICOMOS, the advisory body to UNESCO World Heritage Centre." The minister further mentioned, "This furthers the vision of PM Narendra Modi to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world. This will formally be announced in the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in September 2023," the minister said in his tweet. So far, India has a total of 40 sites which enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage tag, including 32 cultural sites such as Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Harappan-era site in Dholavira, Elephanta Caves, Red Fort complex in Delhi, and Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya in Bihar. 🇮🇳 ভারতের জন্য দারুণ খবর! পশ্চিমবঙ্গের শান্তিনিকেতন (যেখানে গুরুদেব রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর তার প্রথম স্কুল প্রতিষ্ঠা করেছিলেন) #ICOMOS এর বিশ্ব ঐতিহ্য তালিকাতে @UNESCO ওয়ার্ল্ড হেরিটেজ সেন্টারের উপদেষ্টা সংস্থা দ্বারা শিলালিপিটির জন্য সুপারিশ করা হয়েছে। pic.twitter.com/M9ZuhERMpg — G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) May 10, 2023 × International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is a France-based non-governmental organisation focused on the conservation and enhancement of architectural and landscape heritage around the world. The organisation comprises professionals, experts, representatives from local authorities, companies and heritage organisations. While speaking to reporters at a media interaction on Wednesday, Reddy said the recommendation has made the prospect of Santiniketan's listing "almost certain" and hopefully, the World Heritage Committee will accept it. He said that India is likely to have another reason to rejoice in September. Authorities of the university have also hailed the decision, calling it a "proud moment" and its spokesperson Mahua Bandyopadhyay told news agency PTI on Wednesday: "To our knowledge, Visva Bharati is the first living university in India which will be bestowed with the honour." She further said that a top Archeological Survey of India official informed the university on Tuesday about the recommendation and the "news coming on the birth anniversary of Gurudev (Rabindra Nath Tagore) should be a proud moment for Bengal and the country". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's Santiniketan recommended for inclusion in UNESCO world heritage list

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is likely to give a heritage tag to the world-famous Italian cuisine by December 2025.&nbsp;

Italian cuisine is a comfort food for people across the world. People love to gorge on wood-fired pizzas, delectable cheesy pasta, and much more. &nbsp;

Italian cuisine enjoys worldwide popularity and continues to remain an important feature of food menus at parties. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Recognising the cuisine's diversity and popularity, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will soon give recognition to Italian cuisine.

As per multiple news outlets, the Italian Government announced the nomination of Italian cuisine as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element in March 2023.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/arrivederci-dominos-pizza-to-leave-italy-after-it-fails-to-win-over-local-customers-netizens-cheer-exit-575019">Arrivederci! Domino's Pizza to leave Italy after it fails to win over local customers, netizens cheer exit</a>

The nomination documents reportedly emphasise on the impact Italian cuisine has been leaving on the country's bio-cultural diversity.&nbsp;

As per the European Food Agency, the nomination dossier has defined Italian cuisine as a "set of social practices, rites, and gestures based on the many local knowledge that, without hierarchies, identify and connote it".

In March 2023, the Italian government had officially announced that it is nominating the country's cuisine as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that Italian cuisine has made its place on UNESCO's list. In 2017, the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list had added the Neapolitan-stylised pizza which is made using the culinary art of the Neapolitan 'Pizzaiuolo'.&nbsp;

The list, which is revised annually, comprises “cultural practices and expressions of intangible heritage,” as per the UNESCO site.

According to the reports, UNESCO will not take a decision till December 2025, however, more plans will be made with the aim to promote Italy and its cuisine in the coming days.&nbsp;

WATCH | Italy's effort to make crops more resilient to drought risk

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italys-effort-to-make-crops-more-resilient-to-drought-risk-588187/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

La Cucina Italiana's editor-in-chief Maddalena Fossati said that she is “deeply moved by this news” after she campaigned for this since 2020.

"I believe in our identity and in the complicated-yet-wonderful country that is Italy. Now’s the time to try and determinedly reaffirm the importance of our culinary lifestyle, which is loved and imitated all over the planet,” said Fossati.&nbsp;

In her campaign, Fossati was supported by world-renowned Italian chefs Massimo Bottura, Davide Oldani, and Antonia Klugmann.&nbsp;

The campaign was aimed at celebrating Italian cuisine's exceptional range and promoting the gastronomic culture of the country.&nbsp;

Recently, Italy was voted among the regions with the best food around the world in the Conde Nast Traveller's 2022 Readers' Choice Awards.&nbsp;

<main>
<section>
You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is likely to give a heritage tag to the world-famous Italian cuisine by December 2025.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is likely to give a heritage tag to the world-famous Italian cuisine by December 2025. Italian cuisine is a comfort food for people across the world. People love to gorge on wood-fired pizzas, delectable cheesy pasta, and much more. Italian cuisine enjoys worldwide popularity and continues to remain an important feature of food menus at parties. Recognising the cuisine's diversity and popularity, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will soon give recognition to Italian cuisine. As per multiple news outlets, the Italian Government announced the nomination of Italian cuisine as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element in March 2023. ALSO READ | Arrivederci! Domino's Pizza to leave Italy after it fails to win over local customers, netizens cheer exit The nomination documents reportedly emphasise on the impact Italian cuisine has been leaving on the country's bio-cultural diversity. As per the European Food Agency, the nomination dossier has defined Italian cuisine as a "set of social practices, rites, and gestures based on the many local knowledge that, without hierarchies, identify and connote it". In March 2023, the Italian government had officially announced that it is nominating the country's cuisine as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element. This is not the first time that Italian cuisine has made its place on UNESCO's list. In 2017, the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list had added the Neapolitan-stylised pizza which is made using the culinary art of the Neapolitan 'Pizzaiuolo'. The list, which is revised annually, comprises “cultural practices and expressions of intangible heritage,” as per the UNESCO site. According to the reports, UNESCO will not take a decision till December 2025, however, more plans will be made with the aim to promote Italy and its cuisine in the coming days. WATCH | Italy's effort to make crops more resilient to drought risk La Cucina Italiana's editor-in-chief Maddalena Fossati said that she is “deeply moved by this news” after she campaigned for this since 2020. "I believe in our identity and in the complicated-yet-wonderful country that is Italy. Now’s the time to try and determinedly reaffirm the importance of our culinary lifestyle, which is loved and imitated all over the planet,” said Fossati. In her campaign, Fossati was supported by world-renowned Italian chefs Massimo Bottura, Davide Oldani, and Antonia Klugmann. The campaign was aimed at celebrating Italian cuisine's exceptional range and promoting the gastronomic culture of the country. Recently, Italy was voted among the regions with the best food around the world in the Conde Nast Traveller's 2022 Readers' Choice Awards. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Italian cuisine to get UNESCO world heritage tag by December 2025

Venice was on alert for more floods and fierce winds on Saturday after an exceptionally high tide swamped the city of canals, where authorities have declared a state of emergency.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro ordered the iconic St Mark's Square closed on Friday as the latest sea surge struck with strong storms and winds battering the region.

The square was open again on Saturday, but the city forecast high water of 160 centimetres (over five feet) for Sunday, lower than Tuesday's high of 187 centimetres but still dangerous.

Civil protection authorities downgraded a weather "red alert" for the Venice region to orange, with Saturday's midday high forecast to be a manageable 105 centimetres.

Churches, shops and homes in the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have been inundated by unusually intense "acqua alta", or high water, which on Tuesday hit its highest level in half a century.

"We've destroyed Venice, we're talking about one billion (euros) in damage and that's just from the other day, not today," Brugnaro said.

The crisis has prompted the government to release 20 million euros ($22 million) in funds to tackle the devastation.

Surveying the damage, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini warned the task of repairing the city would be huge. More than 50 churches had suffered damage, he said.&nbsp;

Hotel reservations cancelled

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared a state of emergency for the city on Thursday.

Residents whose houses have been hit are eligible for up to 5,000 euros in immediate government aid, while restaurant and shop owners can receive up to 20,000 euros and apply for more later.

Mayor Brugnaro on Friday also announced the opening of a fund where people in Italy and around the world could contribute to the historic city's repair.

One tourist, Italian Nicole Righetti, said she would be willing to pitch in.&nbsp;

"It would be a shame to no longer be able to see these places, and I think everyone should give," Righetti said.

Most of the city's cash machines were no longer working because of the water, making life even more difficult for tourists and Venetians.

Despite being used to the inconvenience of their city's rising waters, some inhabitants expressed frustration.

"All the stock in the basement is lost," lamented Luciano, a worker at a shop along St. Mark's Square.

He said he remembered well the infamous "acqua alta" of 1966 when the water rose to a level of 1.94 metres, the highest since records began in 1923.

"These so frequent high waters have never happened before... this time there's so much more damage than in the past," he said.

Hotels reported cancelled reservations, some as far ahead as December, following the widespread diffusion of images of Venice underwater.

Tuesday's high waters submerged around 80 per cent of the city, officials said.

Many, including Venice's mayor, have blamed the disaster on global warming and warned that the country prone to natural disasters must wake up to the risks posed by ever more volatile seasons.

The Serenissima, as the floating city is called, is home to 50,000 residents but receives 36 million visitors each year.

A massive infrastructure project called MOSE has been underway since 2003 to protect the city, but it has been plagued by cost overruns, corruption scandals and delays.

Venice was on alert for more floods and fierce winds on Saturday after an exceptionally high tide swamped the city of canals, where authorities have declared a state of emergency.

Venice was on alert for more floods and fierce winds on Saturday after an exceptionally high tide swamped the city of canals, where authorities have declared a state of emergency. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro ordered the iconic St Mark's Square closed on Friday as the latest sea surge struck with strong storms and winds battering the region. The square was open again on Saturday, but the city forecast high water of 160 centimetres (over five feet) for Sunday, lower than Tuesday's high of 187 centimetres but still dangerous. Civil protection authorities downgraded a weather "red alert" for the Venice region to orange, with Saturday's midday high forecast to be a manageable 105 centimetres. Churches, shops and homes in the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have been inundated by unusually intense "acqua alta", or high water, which on Tuesday hit its highest level in half a century. "We've destroyed Venice, we're talking about one billion (euros) in damage and that's just from the other day, not today," Brugnaro said. The crisis has prompted the government to release 20 million euros ($22 million) in funds to tackle the devastation. Surveying the damage, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini warned the task of repairing the city would be huge. More than 50 churches had suffered damage, he said. Hotel reservations cancelled Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared a state of emergency for the city on Thursday. Residents whose houses have been hit are eligible for up to 5,000 euros in immediate government aid, while restaurant and shop owners can receive up to 20,000 euros and apply for more later. Mayor Brugnaro on Friday also announced the opening of a fund where people in Italy and around the world could contribute to the historic city's repair. One tourist, Italian Nicole Righetti, said she would be willing to pitch in. "It would be a shame to no longer be able to see these places, and I think everyone should give," Righetti said. Most of the city's cash machines were no longer working because of the water, making life even more difficult for tourists and Venetians. Despite being used to the inconvenience of their city's rising waters, some inhabitants expressed frustration. "All the stock in the basement is lost," lamented Luciano, a worker at a shop along St. Mark's Square. He said he remembered well the infamous "acqua alta" of 1966 when the water rose to a level of 1.94 metres, the highest since records began in 1923. "These so frequent high waters have never happened before... this time there's so much more damage than in the past," he said. Hotels reported cancelled reservations, some as far ahead as December, following the widespread diffusion of images of Venice underwater. Tuesday's high waters submerged around 80 per cent of the city, officials said. Many, including Venice's mayor, have blamed the disaster on global warming and warned that the country prone to natural disasters must wake up to the risks posed by ever more volatile seasons. The Serenissima, as the floating city is called, is home to 50,000 residents but receives 36 million visitors each year. A massive infrastructure project called MOSE has been underway since 2003 to protect the city, but it has been plagued by cost overruns, corruption scandals and delays.

Inundated Venice braced for more flooding, strong winds

Taliban fighters have stormed several security posts providing protection to Afghanistan's historic minaret of Jam, cutting access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and killing 18 security forces, officials said Wednesday.

The attack comes less than a week after the revered 12th-century minaret, located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor, was threatened by surging floodwaters.

"The Taliban have captured some checkpoints around the minaret. We had to retreat because more fighting would cause damage to the minaret," Sayed Zia Hussaini, the deputy police chief of Ghor, said.

Abdul Hai Khatebi, the provincial governor spokesman, said 15 pro-government militias and three policemen had been killed in the attacks, which started Monday.&nbsp;

"The Taliban have shut off telecommunication towers and have cut any access to the area," Fakhruddin Ariapur, the Ghor province director of information and culture, said.

"The cleaning-up work (from the flood) has stopped and we don't know what is happening there."

Dramatic video footage from late last week showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190.

On Monday, the government said it had hired about 300 local workers to channel floodwaters away from the tower. The work appeared to have saved the minaret from imminent danger.

Located in an area largely under Taliban control, the Jam minaret is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet).

It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries.

Taliban fighters have stormed several security posts providing protection to Afghanistan's historic minaret of Jam, cutting access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and killing 18 security forces, officials said Wednesday.

Taliban fighters have stormed several security posts providing protection to Afghanistan's historic minaret of Jam, cutting access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and killing 18 security forces, officials said Wednesday. The attack comes less than a week after the revered 12th-century minaret, located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor, was threatened by surging floodwaters. "The Taliban have captured some checkpoints around the minaret. We had to retreat because more fighting would cause damage to the minaret," Sayed Zia Hussaini, the deputy police chief of Ghor, said. Abdul Hai Khatebi, the provincial governor spokesman, said 15 pro-government militias and three policemen had been killed in the attacks, which started Monday. "The Taliban have shut off telecommunication towers and have cut any access to the area," Fakhruddin Ariapur, the Ghor province director of information and culture, said. "The cleaning-up work (from the flood) has stopped and we don't know what is happening there." Dramatic video footage from late last week showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190. On Monday, the government said it had hired about 300 local workers to channel floodwaters away from the tower. The work appeared to have saved the minaret from imminent danger. Located in an area largely under Taliban control, the Jam minaret is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet). It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries.

Taliban strike near historic Afghan minaret, 18 security forces killed

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday.

Torrential rains last week sent churning water roaring down the narrow valley that is home to the minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor.

Dramatic video footage showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190 and is the pinnacle of a surrounding archaeological site.

The Afghan government hired a local crew who worked for three days to channel water away from the minaret.

"Now the flow of water has been diverted but the flood has destroyed some 15 metres (50 feet) of protection wall around the minaret," Abdul Hai Khatebi, a spokesman for the governor of Ghor, told AFP.

Fakhruddin Ariapur -- the Ghor province director of information and culture -- said a team of experts is urgently needed to clean the base of the minaret and construct proper defensive walls.

"There is no danger to it now, but if it rains and floods again, the minaret has become too exposed and vulnerable," he told AFP.

The Jam minaret, located in an area largely under Taliban control, is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet).

It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries.

In 2002, the minaret and its archaeological remains became the first site in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-ied-blast-targets-bus-in-kabul-at-least-10-wounded-221867"> Afghanistan </a>to be added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

UNESCO said it had not yet been able to access the minaret.&nbsp;

"As soon as the conditions on site allow, a mission will be organised... in order for experts to properly assess the situation and the condition of the minaret," UNESCO said in a statement.

Built on an octagonal base, the minaret has a double staircase on the inside and is elaborately decorated.

Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage has faced decades of catastrophic neglect, mismanagement and looting, as well as deliberate destruction at the hands of the Taliban.

Afghanistan chief executive Abdullah Abdullah said in a cabinet meeting that the government needs "to take more serious measures to prevent future threats to the minaret".

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday.

The minaret of Jam, a revered Afghan historical treasure, has been saved from imminent danger after hundreds of workers diverted surging floodwaters that were gnawing at the 12th-century tower, officials said Monday. Torrential rains last week sent churning water roaring down the narrow valley that is home to the minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in a remote part of the western province of Ghor. Dramatic video footage showed brown torrents crashing up against the base of the brick minaret, which was built in about 1190 and is the pinnacle of a surrounding archaeological site. The Afghan government hired a local crew who worked for three days to channel water away from the minaret. "Now the flow of water has been diverted but the flood has destroyed some 15 metres (50 feet) of protection wall around the minaret," Abdul Hai Khatebi, a spokesman for the governor of Ghor, told AFP. Fakhruddin Ariapur -- the Ghor province director of information and culture -- said a team of experts is urgently needed to clean the base of the minaret and construct proper defensive walls. "There is no danger to it now, but if it rains and floods again, the minaret has become too exposed and vulnerable," he told AFP. The Jam minaret, located in an area largely under Taliban control, is the world's second tallest made of bricks, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 feet). It is situated on the frontier of Ghor and Herat provinces, at the heart of the former Ghorid empire which dominated Afghanistan and parts of India in the 12th-13th centuries. In 2002, the minaret and its archaeological remains became the first site in Afghanistan to be added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. UNESCO said it had not yet been able to access the minaret. "As soon as the conditions on site allow, a mission will be organised... in order for experts to properly assess the situation and the condition of the minaret," UNESCO said in a statement. Built on an octagonal base, the minaret has a double staircase on the inside and is elaborately decorated. Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage has faced decades of catastrophic neglect, mismanagement and looting, as well as deliberate destruction at the hands of the Taliban. Afghanistan chief executive Abdullah Abdullah said in a cabinet meeting that the government needs "to take more serious measures to prevent future threats to the minaret".

12th-century Afghan minaret saved, for now, after floods

UNESCO World Heritage City Ahmedabad and Mandu were Thursday jointly declared as the 'Best Heritage City', while Qutub Minar bagged the top award in the differently-abled friendly monument category at the National Tourism Awards in New Delhi.

The awards were presented by Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons at a ceremony held at the Vigyan Bhavan.

India's first World Heritage City Ahmedabad is well-known for Indo-Islamic monumental art and architecture, intricately carved wooden havelis.

Founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 on pre-existing sites of Ashawal and Karnavati, the city was encompassed by massive brick fortification on banks of Sabarmati.

"Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is a pioneer in people-centric urban conservation since 1996, with establishment of the first heritage cell in India. This has led to awareness creation, framing of heritage regulations, conservation and restoration of invaluable heritage buildings," the citation for the city read.

Mandu, an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh, was also bestowed the 'Best Heritage City' award. The citation described the city as a "celebration in stone of life and joy".

"Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem. The glory of Mandu lives on, in its palaces and mosques in legends and songs, chronicled for posterity... Serious efforts have been consistently made by the authorities and local people to ensure conservation and cleanliness of Mandu's vivid heritage," it said.

ASI's Qutub Minar won the best maintained, differently-abled friendly monument award.

Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of the Minar in AD 1199, to which subsequent additions were made by his successor Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlak. The 73-metre tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Qutub Minar has made best possible efforts to provide amenities to the differently-abled at a World Heritage Site.

In the 'Best Heritage Walk' category, INTACH Heritage Walks Delhi chapter and 'Indore Heritage Walk' were jointly declared as winners.

"INTACH Heritage Walks introduces citizens as well as tourists to different aspects of monuments and neighbourhoods of rich cultural and architectural heritage," the citation read.

Lauding the Indore Heritage Walk, the citation read, "It is an effort towards conserving, renovating and promoting the rich heritage of Indore."

"It aims to offer the visitors, an exciting and fascinating urban heritage experience. The walk encapsulates the vivacious history of Indore and helps to connect the tourists with its heritage, culture, architecture, food and traditions," the citation read.

In 'Most Innovative &amp; Unique Tourism Product' 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Really and Concourse Show' and 'Coral Safari' of Chennai were declared as joint winners.

21 Gun Salute rally is a "unique motoring event", and promotes India as a heritage motoring tourism destination.

'Coral Safari', Chennai operates semi-submarine under water safari which is a complete family adventure trip into the ocean to explore the underwater magnificence of Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands, the citation read.

UNESCO World Heritage City Ahmedabad and Mandu were Thursday jointly declared as the 'Best Heritage City', while Qutub Minar bagged the top award in the differently-abled friendly monument category at the National Tourism Awards in New Delhi.

UNESCO World Heritage City Ahmedabad and Mandu were Thursday jointly declared as the 'Best Heritage City', while Qutub Minar bagged the top award in the differently-abled friendly monument category at the National Tourism Awards in New Delhi. The awards were presented by Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons at a ceremony held at the Vigyan Bhavan. India's first World Heritage City Ahmedabad is well-known for Indo-Islamic monumental art and architecture, intricately carved wooden havelis. Founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 on pre-existing sites of Ashawal and Karnavati, the city was encompassed by massive brick fortification on banks of Sabarmati. "Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is a pioneer in people-centric urban conservation since 1996, with establishment of the first heritage cell in India. This has led to awareness creation, framing of heritage regulations, conservation and restoration of invaluable heritage buildings," the citation for the city read. Mandu, an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh, was also bestowed the 'Best Heritage City' award. The citation described the city as a "celebration in stone of life and joy". "Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem. The glory of Mandu lives on, in its palaces and mosques in legends and songs, chronicled for posterity... Serious efforts have been consistently made by the authorities and local people to ensure conservation and cleanliness of Mandu's vivid heritage," it said. ASI's Qutub Minar won the best maintained, differently-abled friendly monument award. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of the Minar in AD 1199, to which subsequent additions were made by his successor Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlak. The 73-metre tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Qutub Minar has made best possible efforts to provide amenities to the differently-abled at a World Heritage Site. In the 'Best Heritage Walk' category, INTACH Heritage Walks Delhi chapter and 'Indore Heritage Walk' were jointly declared as winners. "INTACH Heritage Walks introduces citizens as well as tourists to different aspects of monuments and neighbourhoods of rich cultural and architectural heritage," the citation read. Lauding the Indore Heritage Walk, the citation read, "It is an effort towards conserving, renovating and promoting the rich heritage of Indore." "It aims to offer the visitors, an exciting and fascinating urban heritage experience. The walk encapsulates the vivacious history of Indore and helps to connect the tourists with its heritage, culture, architecture, food and traditions," the citation read. In 'Most Innovative & Unique Tourism Product' 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Really and Concourse Show' and 'Coral Safari' of Chennai were declared as joint winners. 21 Gun Salute rally is a "unique motoring event", and promotes India as a heritage motoring tourism destination. 'Coral Safari', Chennai operates semi-submarine under water safari which is a complete family adventure trip into the ocean to explore the underwater magnificence of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the citation read.

Ahmedabad, Mandu declared as 'Best Heritage City' by UNESCO

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the world-famous Taj Mahal here on Sunday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM of Canada <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a>, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and children Xavier, Ella-Grace &amp; Hadrien at Taj Mahal in Agra. <a href="https://t.co/DqnxoTqfni">pic.twitter.com/DqnxoTqfni</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/965119793861931008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Trudeau was accompanied along with his wife Sophie Gregoire and his three children, Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a>, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, and kids Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien, visits Agra&#39;s Taj Mahal. <a href="https://t.co/4vUmxf1gx6">pic.twitter.com/4vUmxf1gx6</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/965096215238062080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Many foreign dignitaries have visited the Taj Mahal in the past few years.

The Taj Mahal, located along the Yamuna river, was built by Shah Jahan, a 17th-century Mughal ruler for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to her fourteenth child.

It is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, having a combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic influences.

The structure of the monument is built entirely with white marble, studded with semi-precious stones and is inscribed with verses of Quran. It is surrounded by four minarets.

It was one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.

The Canadian Prime Minister, who arrived in India on Saturday, is on a week-long state visit to the country.

After visiting the Taj Mahal, he will proceed to Mathura, where he will visit the Wild Life Century (Elephant Conservation Center).

The sanctuary will remain shut for around two hours to the public, owing to Trudeau&#39;s visit.

The week-long state visit to India, which includes stops in Agra, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, will provide an opportunity for Trudeau to connect with the Indian leaders in government and business, promote empowerment of women and girls, and strengthen Canada and India&#39;s close economic ties.

The Indian and Canadian sides will reaffirm the close friendship between the two countries and discuss ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

Trudeau will also participate in several business roundtables to promote further trade and investment between Canada and India.

Canada will work closely with the Indian leaders to advance their economic opportunities in both countries respectively.

Many foreign dignitaries have visited the Taj Mahal in the past few years

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the world-famous Taj Mahal here on Sunday. #WATCH: PM of Canada #JustinTrudeau, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and children Xavier, Ella-Grace & Hadrien at Taj Mahal in Agra. pic.twitter.com/DqnxoTqfni — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 18, 2018 × Trudeau was accompanied along with his wife Sophie Gregoire and his three children, Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Canadian Prime Minister #JustinTrudeau, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, and kids Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien, visits Agra's Taj Mahal. pic.twitter.com/4vUmxf1gx6 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 18, 2018 × Many foreign dignitaries have visited the Taj Mahal in the past few years. The Taj Mahal, located along the Yamuna river, was built by Shah Jahan, a 17th-century Mughal ruler for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to her fourteenth child. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, having a combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic influences. The structure of the monument is built entirely with white marble, studded with semi-precious stones and is inscribed with verses of Quran. It is surrounded by four minarets. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. The Canadian Prime Minister, who arrived in India on Saturday, is on a week-long state visit to the country. After visiting the Taj Mahal, he will proceed to Mathura, where he will visit the Wild Life Century (Elephant Conservation Center). The sanctuary will remain shut for around two hours to the public, owing to Trudeau's visit. The week-long state visit to India, which includes stops in Agra, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, will provide an opportunity for Trudeau to connect with the Indian leaders in government and business, promote empowerment of women and girls, and strengthen Canada and India's close economic ties. The Indian and Canadian sides will reaffirm the close friendship between the two countries and discuss ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation. Trudeau will also participate in several business roundtables to promote further trade and investment between Canada and India. Canada will work closely with the Indian leaders to advance their economic opportunities in both countries respectively.

Watch: 'Thank you... one of the most beautiful places in the world,' says Justin Trudeau at Taj Mahal