Jaipur was formally accorded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbais-victorian-gothic-art-deco-buildings-get-unesco-world-heritage-tag-148123">World Heritage</a> City status on Wednesday by UNESCO.

UNESCO Director-General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/audrey-azoulay-confirmed-to-head-unesco-23935">Audrey Azoulay</a> presented the World <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unesco-declares-ahmedabad-mandu-best-heritage-city-168086">Heritage Certificate</a> for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Speaking at the event, Azoulay said, "It is truly an honour and privilege to be here in Jaipur. I came here from our headquarters in Paris with a message to bring to the people of Jaipur the recognition of the international community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and to capitalize on cultural heritage."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unesco-names-jaipur-city-world-heritage-site-233594\">UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site</a>

"UNESCO is very proud to have since last summer the walled city of Jaipur inscribed on our world heritage list. Of course, Jaipur is an iconic city because of its architecture, forts and palaces. It is in everybody's imagination," she added.

Jaipur was formally accorded World Heritage City status on Wednesday by UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay presented the World Heritage Certificate for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Jaipur was formally accorded World Heritage City status on Wednesday by UNESCO. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay presented the World Heritage Certificate for the walled city of Jaipur, to state's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal. Speaking at the event, Azoulay said, "It is truly an honour and privilege to be here in Jaipur. I came here from our headquarters in Paris with a message to bring to the people of Jaipur the recognition of the international community for their outstanding efforts to preserve and to capitalize on cultural heritage." Also Read: UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site "UNESCO is very proud to have since last summer the walled city of Jaipur inscribed on our world heritage list. Of course, Jaipur is an iconic city because of its architecture, forts and palaces. It is in everybody's imagination," she added.

Walled city of Jaipur formally accorded World Heritage City status by UNESCO

India has slammed Pakistan's propaganda on Kashmir at UNESCO. India says at UNESCO: 'Pakistan has DNA of terrorism'. Watch this video to find out more in details.

India at UNESCO: 'Pakistan has DNA of terrorism'

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

India hit out at Pakistan`s ''juvenile propaganda'' over the Supreme Court`s historic verdict on Ayodhya land dispute and Kashmir's transformation into union territories, saying the 'fabricated lies is interference in India's internal affairs'. Ananya Agarwal, who was leading the Indian delegation did not mince her words when India exercised its right to reply.

India slams Pakistan's propaganda at UNESCO

India hit out at Pakistan`s ''juvenile propaganda'' over the Supreme Court`s historic verdict on Ayodhya land dispute and Kashmir's transformation into union territories, saying the 'fabricated lies is interference in India's internal affairs'.&nbsp;

Ananya Agarwal, who was leading the Indian delegation did not mince her words when India exercised its right to reply.

"Mr President, we take this chair to refute Pakistan`s juvenile propaganda to malign India through fabricated lies, full of deceit and deception. We condemn the unwarranted comments made by Pakistan on the judgment made by the Supreme Court of India. The judgment is about the rule of law, equal respect for all faiths, concepts that are alien to Pakistan and its ethos," she said while addressing the 40th UNESCO General Conference - General Policy Debate in Paris.

"So, while Pakistan's lack of comprehension is not surprising their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with the obvious interest of spreading hatred is condemnable. Pakistan's intervention is interference in India`s internal affairs. It is unacceptable and rejected," she added.&nbsp;

Speaking at the world body the Indian diplomat said that the cash-strapped nation itself is "DNA of terrorism".

For most nations, global bodies like the UNESCO are platforms to raise important issues and foster cooperation but Pakistan is not like most nations, she added.

The remarks came after Pakistan`s Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood commented on the Indian Supreme Court`s decision on Ayodhya, which he said was not in line with UNESCO's values of religious freedom.

India hit out at Pakistan`s ''juvenile propaganda'' over the Supreme Court`s historic verdict on Ayodhya land dispute and Kashmir's transformation into union territories, saying the 'fabricated lies is interference in India's internal affairs'.

India hit out at Pakistan`s ''juvenile propaganda'' over the Supreme Court`s historic verdict on Ayodhya land dispute and Kashmir's transformation into union territories, saying the 'fabricated lies is interference in India's internal affairs'. Ananya Agarwal, who was leading the Indian delegation did not mince her words when India exercised its right to reply. "Mr President, we take this chair to refute Pakistan`s juvenile propaganda to malign India through fabricated lies, full of deceit and deception. We condemn the unwarranted comments made by Pakistan on the judgment made by the Supreme Court of India. The judgment is about the rule of law, equal respect for all faiths, concepts that are alien to Pakistan and its ethos," she said while addressing the 40th UNESCO General Conference - General Policy Debate in Paris. "So, while Pakistan's lack of comprehension is not surprising their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with the obvious interest of spreading hatred is condemnable. Pakistan's intervention is interference in India`s internal affairs. It is unacceptable and rejected," she added. Speaking at the world body the Indian diplomat said that the cash-strapped nation itself is "DNA of terrorism". For most nations, global bodies like the UNESCO are platforms to raise important issues and foster cooperation but Pakistan is not like most nations, she added. The remarks came after Pakistan`s Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood commented on the Indian Supreme Court`s decision on Ayodhya, which he said was not in line with UNESCO's values of religious freedom.

Pakistan has 'DNA of terrorism': India responds to Pakistan's propaganda on Jammu and Kashmir at UNESCO

India slams Pakistan's propaganda on Kashmir at UNESCO. Watch this video to find out more in details.

India slams Pak propaganda on Kashmir at UNESCO

Italy was poised to declare a state of emergency for Venice Thursday after an exceptional tide surged through churches, shops and homes, causing millions of euros worth of damage to the UNESCO city.

Tourists larked around in the flooded St Mark's Square in the sunshine, snapping selfies in their neon plastic boots and taking advantage of a respite in bad weather which has driven the high tides.

Sirens warning of fresh flooding rang through the canal city early Thursday but the water level remained low compared to Tuesday's tide, the highest in 50 years.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who has called the flooding "a blow to the heart of our country", met Venice's mayor and emergency services before jumping in a speed boat to visit businesses and locals affected by the tide.

In pics: <a href="Watch: Worst floods in 50-years bring 'Venice on its knees'">Worst floods in 50-years bring 'Venice on its knees'</a>

Residents whose houses had been hit would immediately get up to 5,000 euros ($5,500) in government aid, while restaurant and shop owners could receive up to 20,000 euros and apply for more later, he said.

Several museums remained closed to the public on Thursday.

As authorities assessed the extent of the damage to Venice's cultural treasures, such as St Mark's Basilica where water invaded the crypt, locals were defiant.

Many stopped for their habitual coffees at flooded bars, drinking their espresso while standing in several inches of water.

Austrian tourist Cornelia Litschauer, 28, said she felt mixed emotions seeing Venice's famous square half submerged.&nbsp;

"For the tourists it's amazing, it's something to see. But for the people who live here it's a real problem," Litschauer said, cradling her white Chihuahua Pablo

"It's strange. Tourists are taking pictures but the city is suffering."&nbsp;

'Need to adapt'

The Locanda Al Leon hotel said its bookings had suffered from the international media coverage of the flood, with some guests cancelling their rooms after seeing images of Venice underwater.

Under the arches of the Ducal Palace, a couple from Hong Kong posed for photos in the chilly morning sun.

"This (trip) was planned a long time ago so we couldn't change it," groom Jay Wong, 34, said.&nbsp;

"Actually this is a good experience. It's an adventure."

Tuesday's "acqua alta," or high waters, submerged around 80 per cent of the city, officials said.

Only once since records began in 1923 has the water crept even higher, reaching 1.94 metres in 1966.

Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi arrived for a private tour of the damage sustained to the basilica, while the rival leader of the Italian right Matteo Salvini was due to drop by for the same on Friday.

French tourist Manon Gaudre, 22, said seeing Venice submerged was a "unique experience".

"The damage it's causing to monuments and the people is worrying," she said, wondering if climate change was to blame.

Many, including Venice's mayor, have blamed the disaster on global warming and warned that Italy -- a country prone to natural disasters -- must wake up to the risks posed by ever more volatile seasons.

"We need to be resilient and adapt. We need a policy that looks at the climate through completely different eyes," Environment Minister Sergio Costa said Thursday.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has estimated the damage to Venice at hundreds of millions of euros (dollars).

The Serenissima, as the floating city is called, is home to a mere 50,000 residents but receives 36 million global 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.

"This engineering solution that will end up costing nearly six billion euros has got to work," Transport Minister Paola De Micheli said.

The plan involves 78 gates that can be raised to protect Venice's lagoon during high tides -- but a recent attempt to test part of it caused worrying vibrations and engineers discovered it had rusted.

Italy was poised to declare a state of emergency for Venice Thursday after an exceptional tide surged through churches, shops and homes, causing millions of euros worth of damage to the UNESCO city.

Italy was poised to declare a state of emergency for Venice Thursday after an exceptional tide surged through churches, shops and homes, causing millions of euros worth of damage to the UNESCO city. Tourists larked around in the flooded St Mark's Square in the sunshine, snapping selfies in their neon plastic boots and taking advantage of a respite in bad weather which has driven the high tides. Sirens warning of fresh flooding rang through the canal city early Thursday but the water level remained low compared to Tuesday's tide, the highest in 50 years. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who has called the flooding "a blow to the heart of our country", met Venice's mayor and emergency services before jumping in a speed boat to visit businesses and locals affected by the tide. In pics: Worst floods in 50-years bring 'Venice on its knees' Residents whose houses had been hit would immediately get up to 5,000 euros ($5,500) in government aid, while restaurant and shop owners could receive up to 20,000 euros and apply for more later, he said. Several museums remained closed to the public on Thursday. As authorities assessed the extent of the damage to Venice's cultural treasures, such as St Mark's Basilica where water invaded the crypt, locals were defiant. Many stopped for their habitual coffees at flooded bars, drinking their espresso while standing in several inches of water. Austrian tourist Cornelia Litschauer, 28, said she felt mixed emotions seeing Venice's famous square half submerged. "For the tourists it's amazing, it's something to see. But for the people who live here it's a real problem," Litschauer said, cradling her white Chihuahua Pablo "It's strange. Tourists are taking pictures but the city is suffering." 'Need to adapt' The Locanda Al Leon hotel said its bookings had suffered from the international media coverage of the flood, with some guests cancelling their rooms after seeing images of Venice underwater. Under the arches of the Ducal Palace, a couple from Hong Kong posed for photos in the chilly morning sun. "This (trip) was planned a long time ago so we couldn't change it," groom Jay Wong, 34, said. "Actually this is a good experience. It's an adventure." Tuesday's "acqua alta," or high waters, submerged around 80 per cent of the city, officials said. Only once since records began in 1923 has the water crept even higher, reaching 1.94 metres in 1966. Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi arrived for a private tour of the damage sustained to the basilica, while the rival leader of the Italian right Matteo Salvini was due to drop by for the same on Friday. French tourist Manon Gaudre, 22, said seeing Venice submerged was a "unique experience". "The damage it's causing to monuments and the people is worrying," she said, wondering if climate change was to blame. Many, including Venice's mayor, have blamed the disaster on global warming and warned that Italy -- a country prone to natural disasters -- must wake up to the risks posed by ever more volatile seasons. "We need to be resilient and adapt. We need a policy that looks at the climate through completely different eyes," Environment Minister Sergio Costa said Thursday. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has estimated the damage to Venice at hundreds of millions of euros (dollars). The Serenissima, as the floating city is called, is home to a mere 50,000 residents but receives 36 million global 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. "This engineering solution that will end up costing nearly six billion euros has got to work," Transport Minister Paola De Micheli said. The plan involves 78 gates that can be raised to protect Venice's lagoon during high tides -- but a recent attempt to test part of it caused worrying vibrations and engineers discovered it had rusted.

Italy to declare state of emergency in Venice after flood

Venice braced itself for more rising waters on Thursday as Italy's government prepared to take emergency measures for the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venice-flooding-drowns-st-marks-priceless-mosaics-in-sewage-261879"> canal city struck by an exceptional tide</a> this week.&nbsp;

Venetians awoke to sirens indicating that the high waters were expected to exceed 130 centimetres (50 inches), enough to bring the salty dirty water back again into the UNESCO city's historic centre.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the highest tide in 50 years ripped through the historic Italian city, peaking at 1.87 metres (six feet).&nbsp;

As authorities on Thursday prepared to assess the extent of the damage to Venice's cultural treasures, such as St Mark's Basilica where water had invaded the crypt, locals remained defiant.&nbsp;

"It's my living, what can I do?" Stefano Gabbanoto, 54, replied when asked why he was opening his newspaper kiosk knowing he would have to close up soon.&nbsp;

He said he would continue to sell the colourful plastic high boots stacked in bins around the kiosk even once it was shut.

Under the arches of the Ducal Palace, a couple from Hong Kong posed for photos and video in the chilly morning sun.&nbsp;

"This was planned a long time ago so we couldn't change it," groom Jay Wong, 34, said. His bride, Sabrina Lee, "looks cold," he admitted.

"Actually this is a good experience," Wong said. "It's an adventure."

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte was set to meet Venice's mayor and emergency responders before visiting businesses affected by the tide.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Conte called the flooding "a blow to the heart of our country", with the government expected to declare a state of emergency over the natural disaster.&nbsp;

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has estimated the damage at hundreds of millions of dollars (euros), while several museums remain closed to the public.

Tuesday's "acqua alta," or high waters, submerged around 80 per cent of the city, officials said.&nbsp;

Only once since records began in 1923 has the water crept even higher, reaching 1.94 metres in 1966.

A 78-year old was killed by an electric shock inside his home.

Venice is home to a mere 50,000 residents but receives 36 million global 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.

"This engineering solution that will end up costing nearly 6 billion euros has got to work," Transport Minister Paola De Micheli said on Radio Capital.

The plan involves 78 gates that can be raised to protect Venice's lagoon during high tides -- but a recent attempt to test part of the barrier caused worrying vibrations and engineers discovered parts had rusted.

Venice braced itself for more rising waters on Thursday as Italy's government prepared to take emergency measures for the canal city struck by an exceptional tide this week.

Venice braced itself for more rising waters on Thursday as Italy's government prepared to take emergency measures for the canal city struck by an exceptional tide this week. Venetians awoke to sirens indicating that the high waters were expected to exceed 130 centimetres (50 inches), enough to bring the salty dirty water back again into the UNESCO city's historic centre. On Tuesday, the highest tide in 50 years ripped through the historic Italian city, peaking at 1.87 metres (six feet). As authorities on Thursday prepared to assess the extent of the damage to Venice's cultural treasures, such as St Mark's Basilica where water had invaded the crypt, locals remained defiant. "It's my living, what can I do?" Stefano Gabbanoto, 54, replied when asked why he was opening his newspaper kiosk knowing he would have to close up soon. He said he would continue to sell the colourful plastic high boots stacked in bins around the kiosk even once it was shut. Under the arches of the Ducal Palace, a couple from Hong Kong posed for photos and video in the chilly morning sun. "This was planned a long time ago so we couldn't change it," groom Jay Wong, 34, said. His bride, Sabrina Lee, "looks cold," he admitted. "Actually this is a good experience," Wong said. "It's an adventure." Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte was set to meet Venice's mayor and emergency responders before visiting businesses affected by the tide. On Wednesday, Conte called the flooding "a blow to the heart of our country", with the government expected to declare a state of emergency over the natural disaster. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has estimated the damage at hundreds of millions of dollars (euros), while several museums remain closed to the public. Tuesday's "acqua alta," or high waters, submerged around 80 per cent of the city, officials said. Only once since records began in 1923 has the water crept even higher, reaching 1.94 metres in 1966. A 78-year old was killed by an electric shock inside his home. Venice is home to a mere 50,000 residents but receives 36 million global 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. "This engineering solution that will end up costing nearly 6 billion euros has got to work," Transport Minister Paola De Micheli said on Radio Capital. The plan involves 78 gates that can be raised to protect Venice's lagoon during high tides -- but a recent attempt to test part of the barrier caused worrying vibrations and engineers discovered parts had rusted.

Venice braces for more high water as alarms sound

Dirty water swirls around marble tombs inside the 12th-century crypt of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venice-devastated-by-second-highest-tide-in-history-261863">St Mark's Basilica in Venice</a>, which suffered untold damage when an unprecedented high tide swept through the city.

Pumps work overtime to clear the seawater from around the altar and under the pink and white stone arches, as the historic monument's custodians look on in sadness and anger.

"We're talking about millions of euros worth of damage," said Carlo Alberto Tesserin, First Procurator of the Basilica, who is the president of a team responsible for managing the historic site.

"We said last year that the Basilica had aged 20 years in a high tide. It risks having aged much more than that in this one," he told AFP.

The exceptionally intense "acqua alta," or high water, peaked at 1.87 metres (six feet) late Tuesday, forcing stranded tourists to wade through rapidly rising waters in the dark in search of safety as the flood alarm rang out.

Only once since records began in 1923 has the water crept even higher, reaching 1.94 metres in 1966.

As winds whipped the waves on the famous square, transformed into a lake, the waters surged into the Basilica with a force "never seen before, not even in the 1966 flood," Tesserin said.

Sewage and drowned rats could be seen floating in the city's pungent alleyways.

Warnings a year ago about potential damage from increasingly high tides "went unheeded," he said.

Thousands of tourists flock to the Italo-Byzantine monument every day, gazing up at the shimmering gold ground mosaics that decorate its majestic domes or pausing in front of the venerated tomb of St Mark.

It is particularly at risk, sitting as it does in one of the lowest parts of the city.

"The damage we see now is nothing compared to that within the walls. The salt enters the marble, the bricks, everywhere," Tesserin said.

'Warnings ignored'

Italy's culture minister Dario Franceschini said Tuesday the government would cough up an as-yet-unspecified amount of funding to help preserve the site in the UNESCO city.

"The experts gave us ample warning. They weren't listened to," the procurator said.

The city stands on wooden piles driven by their thousands into the mud, but rising sea levels and heavy cruise ship traffic have eaten away at the surrounding marshes and mudbanks.

That leaves the gradually sinking Serenissima more vulnerable to the whims of the Adriatic sea.

A massive infrastructure project called MOSE has been underway since 2003 to protect it, but has been plagued by cost overruns, corruption scandals and delays.

The plan involves 78 gates that can be raised to protect Venice's lagoon during high tides -- but a recent attempt to test part of the barrier caused worrying vibrations and engineers discovered parts had rusted.

Tesserin said climate change and the city's subsidence problems meant "we need to act now".

"We either need the MOSE to work -- but we need to know immediately if it will -- or we need another plan," Tesserin said, as civil protection workers checked the crypt for structural damage.

"We're thinking of a plan whereby we turn St Mark's Basilica into an island that can be protected.

"It's a religious, cultural and artistic symbol, and it's unique," he added.

As volunteers struggled to sweep waters off the Basilica's mosaic floor, the procurator said he was "very worried", as "every day there's a risk of a big flood".

"There's another high tide tonight, and more forecast for the coming days," Tesserin said.

"For Venice to survive we need to act now".

Dirty water swirls around marble tombs inside the 12th-century crypt of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, which suffered untold damage when an unprecedented high tide swept through the city.

Dirty water swirls around marble tombs inside the 12th-century crypt of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, which suffered untold damage when an unprecedented high tide swept through the city. Pumps work overtime to clear the seawater from around the altar and under the pink and white stone arches, as the historic monument's custodians look on in sadness and anger. "We're talking about millions of euros worth of damage," said Carlo Alberto Tesserin, First Procurator of the Basilica, who is the president of a team responsible for managing the historic site. "We said last year that the Basilica had aged 20 years in a high tide. It risks having aged much more than that in this one," he told AFP. The exceptionally intense "acqua alta," or high water, peaked at 1.87 metres (six feet) late Tuesday, forcing stranded tourists to wade through rapidly rising waters in the dark in search of safety as the flood alarm rang out. Only once since records began in 1923 has the water crept even higher, reaching 1.94 metres in 1966. As winds whipped the waves on the famous square, transformed into a lake, the waters surged into the Basilica with a force "never seen before, not even in the 1966 flood," Tesserin said. Sewage and drowned rats could be seen floating in the city's pungent alleyways. Warnings a year ago about potential damage from increasingly high tides "went unheeded," he said. Thousands of tourists flock to the Italo-Byzantine monument every day, gazing up at the shimmering gold ground mosaics that decorate its majestic domes or pausing in front of the venerated tomb of St Mark. It is particularly at risk, sitting as it does in one of the lowest parts of the city. "The damage we see now is nothing compared to that within the walls. The salt enters the marble, the bricks, everywhere," Tesserin said. 'Warnings ignored' Italy's culture minister Dario Franceschini said Tuesday the government would cough up an as-yet-unspecified amount of funding to help preserve the site in the UNESCO city. "The experts gave us ample warning. They weren't listened to," the procurator said. The city stands on wooden piles driven by their thousands into the mud, but rising sea levels and heavy cruise ship traffic have eaten away at the surrounding marshes and mudbanks. That leaves the gradually sinking Serenissima more vulnerable to the whims of the Adriatic sea. A massive infrastructure project called MOSE has been underway since 2003 to protect it, but has been plagued by cost overruns, corruption scandals and delays. The plan involves 78 gates that can be raised to protect Venice's lagoon during high tides -- but a recent attempt to test part of the barrier caused worrying vibrations and engineers discovered parts had rusted. Tesserin said climate change and the city's subsidence problems meant "we need to act now". "We either need the MOSE to work -- but we need to know immediately if it will -- or we need another plan," Tesserin said, as civil protection workers checked the crypt for structural damage. "We're thinking of a plan whereby we turn St Mark's Basilica into an island that can be protected. "It's a religious, cultural and artistic symbol, and it's unique," he added. As volunteers struggled to sweep waters off the Basilica's mosaic floor, the procurator said he was "very worried", as "every day there's a risk of a big flood". "There's another high tide tonight, and more forecast for the coming days," Tesserin said. "For Venice to survive we need to act now".

Venice: Flooding drowns St Mark's priceless mosaics in sewage

Mexico City came alive on Friday (November 01) to celebrate the dead with a Day of the Dead celebration complete a with massive offering dedicated to iconic deceased Mexicans in the capital city's main square - the Zocalo.

Day of the Dead altars take over Mexico City's main square

A fire has spread among structures at Shuri Castle on Japan's southern island of Okinawa, nearly destroying the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historic UNESCO heritage Japanese castle on fire

As Saudi Arabia opens to the world, a look at its key tourist spots

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers.

Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land.

Marauding elephants also claim the lives of about 50 people annually, mostly by trampling through villages built near their habitats.

A pregnant female and a male were among the four carcasses found on Friday at a forest reserve near Sigiriya, a fifth-century rock fortress and UNESCO-protected heritage site, police said.

"We have called wildlife experts and vets to carry out autopsies," a police official in Sigiriya, 175 kilometres (110 miles) north of Colombo, said by telephone.

Other elephants may also have died but no further remains have yet been found.

He said there had been a spate of incidents involving wild elephants storming villages and destroying crops in the area.

"We suspect the elephants may have been poisoned. We are investigating," the officer said.

He said the four animals appeared to be aged between 15 and 25 years old.

Killing an elephant is in theory punishable by death in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's elephant population has dwindled to just over 7,000, according to the latest census, down from an estimated 12,000 at the beginning of the last century.

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers. Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land.

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers. Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land. Marauding elephants also claim the lives of about 50 people annually, mostly by trampling through villages built near their habitats. A pregnant female and a male were among the four carcasses found on Friday at a forest reserve near Sigiriya, a fifth-century rock fortress and UNESCO-protected heritage site, police said. "We have called wildlife experts and vets to carry out autopsies," a police official in Sigiriya, 175 kilometres (110 miles) north of Colombo, said by telephone. Other elephants may also have died but no further remains have yet been found. He said there had been a spate of incidents involving wild elephants storming villages and destroying crops in the area. "We suspect the elephants may have been poisoned. We are investigating," the officer said. He said the four animals appeared to be aged between 15 and 25 years old. Killing an elephant is in theory punishable by death in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's elephant population has dwindled to just over 7,000, according to the latest census, down from an estimated 12,000 at the beginning of the last century.

Four Sri Lankan elephants found dead of suspected poisoning

'IN' plus 'FRA' is the alliance of 'INDIA' and 'FRANCE', Modi hails India-France partnership

PM Modi addresses Indian diaspora in France, Modi-Modi Chants at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. PM Modi addresses the people of Indian community in Paris. PM Modi said, ''There is no place of corruption in New India.''

PM Modi in France: Paris chants 'Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai'

WION Exclusive: PM Modi addresses Indian diaspora in France, Modi-Modi Chants at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. PM Modi addresses the people of Indian community in Paris. PM Modi said, ''There is no place of corruption in New India.''

PM Modi addresses Indian diaspora in France

PM Modi meets Macron ahead of G7 summit

UNESCO inscribed Myanmar's ancient capital of Bagan as a World Heritage Site on Saturday, nearly a quarter of a century after the complex of Buddhist temples was first nominated for listing.

The decision recognises the importance of the central Myanmar site – which includes more than 3,500 stupas, temples, monasteries and other structures built between the 11th and 13th centuries – and will likely be a boon to Myanmar’s tourist industry.

The Myanmar proposal to list the site was approved at a meeting of the UN's cultural body in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites recommended the listing, noting that Myanmar had adopted a new heritage law and had formed plans to reduce the impact of hotels and tourism developments around the temple.

Myanmar had reversed some “inappropriate conservation interventions,” the body said, noting that Bagan was important for its historical significance and as a place of continuing Buddhist worship.&nbsp;

Bagan was first nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1995, but the military junta that ruled the country at the time was accused of ignoring experts’ advice on restoration efforts and the nomination was rejected.

Earthquakes have also damaged the ancient structures, most recently in 2016 when nearly 200 temples were damaged by a 6.8 magnitude quake.

Myanmar has renewed efforts to list the site since a transition from military rule began in 2011.

"Bagan is living heritage, having endured all forms of challenges for more than a thousand years,"&nbsp;said Myanmar diplomat Kyaw Zeya, speaking on behalf of the Myanmar delegation at the Baku meeting.&nbsp;

"Today we are celebrating the joyous moment of the successful inscription of Bagan in the World Heritage List. Afterwards, we will continue our efforts on the conservation and management of Bagan so that this treasured heritage will remain for another thousand years."

UNESCO inscribed Myanmar's ancient capital of Bagan as a World Heritage Site on Saturday, nearly a quarter of a century after the complex of Buddhist temples was first nominated for listing.

UNESCO inscribed Myanmar's ancient capital of Bagan as a World Heritage Site on Saturday, nearly a quarter of a century after the complex of Buddhist temples was first nominated for listing. The decision recognises the importance of the central Myanmar site – which includes more than 3,500 stupas, temples, monasteries and other structures built between the 11th and 13th centuries – and will likely be a boon to Myanmar’s tourist industry. The Myanmar proposal to list the site was approved at a meeting of the UN's cultural body in Baku, Azerbaijan. The International Council on Monuments and Sites recommended the listing, noting that Myanmar had adopted a new heritage law and had formed plans to reduce the impact of hotels and tourism developments around the temple. Myanmar had reversed some “inappropriate conservation interventions,” the body said, noting that Bagan was important for its historical significance and as a place of continuing Buddhist worship. Bagan was first nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1995, but the military junta that ruled the country at the time was accused of ignoring experts’ advice on restoration efforts and the nomination was rejected. Earthquakes have also damaged the ancient structures, most recently in 2016 when nearly 200 temples were damaged by a 6.8 magnitude quake. Myanmar has renewed efforts to list the site since a transition from military rule began in 2011. "Bagan is living heritage, having endured all forms of challenges for more than a thousand years," said Myanmar diplomat Kyaw Zeya, speaking on behalf of the Myanmar delegation at the Baku meeting. "Today we are celebrating the joyous moment of the successful inscription of Bagan in the World Heritage List. Afterwards, we will continue our efforts on the conservation and management of Bagan so that this treasured heritage will remain for another thousand years."

Myanmar’s temple city Bagan awarded UNESCO World Heritage status

Pink City Jaipur, known for its iconic architectural legacy and vibrant culture, is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The UN body, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, in its 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee announced its decision in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II and is a major tourist destination being part of the golden triangle--a tourist circuit that connects Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The UNESCO describing Jaipur said," The city's urban planning shows an exchange of ideas from ancient Hindu and modern Mughal as well as Western cultures. The grid plan is a model that prevails in the West, while the organisation of the different districts refers to traditional Hindu concepts."

"The streets feature continuous collonaded businesses that intersect in the centre, creating large public squares called 'chaupars', Markets, stalls, residences and temples built along the main streets have uniform facades," it added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move as he said, " Jaipur is a city associated with culture and valour. Elegant and energetic, Jaipur’s hospitality draws people from all over. &nbsp;Glad that this city has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO."

India now has 38 UNESCO World Heritage sites.&nbsp;

Seven sites from seven countries, India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao, Bahrain and Australia were also added to the list on Saturday.&nbsp;

Being on the heritage list means, it has a cultural and historical significance and is protected under international laws such as Geneva conventions and Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict.&nbsp;

Pink City Jaipur, known for its iconic architectural legacy and vibrant culture, is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The UN body, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, in its 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee announced its decision in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Pink City Jaipur, known for its iconic architectural legacy and vibrant culture, is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The UN body, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, in its 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee announced its decision in Baku, Azerbaijan. Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II and is a major tourist destination being part of the golden triangle--a tourist circuit that connects Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The UNESCO describing Jaipur said," The city's urban planning shows an exchange of ideas from ancient Hindu and modern Mughal as well as Western cultures. The grid plan is a model that prevails in the West, while the organisation of the different districts refers to traditional Hindu concepts." "The streets feature continuous collonaded businesses that intersect in the centre, creating large public squares called 'chaupars', Markets, stalls, residences and temples built along the main streets have uniform facades," it added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move as he said, " Jaipur is a city associated with culture and valour. Elegant and energetic, Jaipur’s hospitality draws people from all over. Glad that this city has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO." India now has 38 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Seven sites from seven countries, India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao, Bahrain and Australia were also added to the list on Saturday. Being on the heritage list means, it has a cultural and historical significance and is protected under international laws such as Geneva conventions and Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict.

UNESCO names Jaipur city world heritage site

UNESCO has added the ancient city of Babylon as UNESCO World Heritage Site on Friday, July 5.

UNESCO lists Babylon as World Heritage Site

The Taj Mahal is all set to become the first Indian monument to have a breastfeeding room. The decision to set up the room was taken by The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and it is aimed at changing the conservative attitudes towards public breastfeeding in the country.

Taj Mahal is the first Indian UNESCO Heritage Site to get a Breastfeeding Room

Serbia&nbsp;ordered its security forces on full alert on Tuesday after police in neighbouring Kosovo mounted an anti-smuggling operation in a northern region of the country populated mainly by Serbs.

The move came amid rising tension in four Serb-populated municipalities in Kosovo's north, which remains largely outside the control of Pristina and pledges allegiance to Belgrade.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday acknowledged Belgrade had lost control over Kosovo, its former southern province, but warned it would react if Kosovo attacked Serbs there.

In the Kosovan operation, police arrested dozens of officers on Tuesday, including ethnic Serbs, accused of smuggling goods into the country. They said police had faced "armed resistance" and one policeman was wounded.

Serbian state RTS TV reported two Serbs were also wounded during the police action.

Belgrade saw the action as an attempt by Pristina authorities to take control of northern parts of Kosovo which border&nbsp;Serbia, and&nbsp;Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic placed special police units under alert.

The head of&nbsp;Serbia's Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, said Kosovo police "armed to their teeth" raided four Serb municipalities in the north.

"They did it with an aim to intimidate and if possible to sow panic...to create an impossible climate for Serbs in Kosovo," Djuric said in a broadcast on&nbsp;Serbia's RTS TV.

Emergency sirens sounded in the Serb part of Mitrovica and people gathered in the town's main square but no incidents occurred, witnesses said.

Kosovo police said their investigation had been launched months ago. The operation also took place in other parts of the country.

"I confirm that the operation is about law enforcement and nothing else. I call Serbs in the north to stay calm and respect the law," Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said.

Majority-Albanian Kosovo declared independence in 2008, almost a decade after NATO air strikes wrested control of the territory away from Belgrade to end a counter-insurgency campaign by&nbsp;Serbian security forces.

But&nbsp;Serbia, which under its constitution considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory, has been blocking Kosovo from membership of international institutions including Interpol and UNESCO. It also still provides financial aid to Serbs in Kosovo.

Smuggling is rampant in the area and it further increased since Kosovo last November introduced 100 per cent tariffs on goods from&nbsp;Serbia.

Serbia ordered its security forces on full alert on Tuesday after police in neighbouring Kosovo mounted an anti-smuggling operation in a northern region of the country populated mainly by Serbs.

Serbia ordered its security forces on full alert on Tuesday after police in neighbouring Kosovo mounted an anti-smuggling operation in a northern region of the country populated mainly by Serbs. The move came amid rising tension in four Serb-populated municipalities in Kosovo's north, which remains largely outside the control of Pristina and pledges allegiance to Belgrade. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Monday acknowledged Belgrade had lost control over Kosovo, its former southern province, but warned it would react if Kosovo attacked Serbs there. In the Kosovan operation, police arrested dozens of officers on Tuesday, including ethnic Serbs, accused of smuggling goods into the country. They said police had faced "armed resistance" and one policeman was wounded. Serbian state RTS TV reported two Serbs were also wounded during the police action. Belgrade saw the action as an attempt by Pristina authorities to take control of northern parts of Kosovo which border Serbia, and Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic placed special police units under alert. The head of Serbia's Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, said Kosovo police "armed to their teeth" raided four Serb municipalities in the north. "They did it with an aim to intimidate and if possible to sow panic...to create an impossible climate for Serbs in Kosovo," Djuric said in a broadcast on Serbia's RTS TV. Emergency sirens sounded in the Serb part of Mitrovica and people gathered in the town's main square but no incidents occurred, witnesses said. Kosovo police said their investigation had been launched months ago. The operation also took place in other parts of the country. "I confirm that the operation is about law enforcement and nothing else. I call Serbs in the north to stay calm and respect the law," Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said. Majority-Albanian Kosovo declared independence in 2008, almost a decade after NATO air strikes wrested control of the territory away from Belgrade to end a counter-insurgency campaign by Serbian security forces. But Serbia, which under its constitution considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory, has been blocking Kosovo from membership of international institutions including Interpol and UNESCO. It also still provides financial aid to Serbs in Kosovo. Smuggling is rampant in the area and it further increased since Kosovo last November introduced 100 per cent tariffs on goods from Serbia.

Serbia puts forces on alert after Kosovo police operation in Serb-populated north

A YouTube fact-check feature which is meant to tackle misinformation accidentally tagged live broadcasts of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-fire-under-control-partially-extinguished-210772">fire engulfing Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris</a> with details about the 9/11 terror attacks.

The blaze erupted in the UNESCO world heritage landmark in the French capital Monday, sending its spire and roof crashing to the ground as flames and clouds of smoke billowed into the sky.

The fire, which at one point threatened the entire edifice, was brought under control early Tuesday about nine hours after it broke out.

News outlets began live-streaming broadcasts of the fire on YouTube, but below some of the clips an unusual text box popped up -- an entry from the Encyclopedia Britannica about the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

In those attacks, Al-Qaeda militants hijacked two passenger planes and flew them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York, causing them to collapse, while a third hijacked jet smashed into the Pentagon. Some 3,000 people were killed.

A spokesman for YouTube, which is owned by Google, said the text box feature had been disabled for live streams related to the fire.

"These panels are triggered algorithmically and our systems sometimes make the wrong call," the spokesman told AFP. "We are deeply saddened by the ongoing fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral."

The feature, which also links to other outside sources such as Wikipedia, was introduced last year after YouTube faced intense criticism over videos containing misleading and extreme content.&nbsp;

The panels are supposed to combat misleading videos about well-known events -- such as the first successful manned landing on the moon -- by presenting the true facts, in a bid to stop the spread of conspiracy theories.

YouTube, Facebook and Twitter came under fire last month after a horrific video of a gunman's deadly rampage at two New Zealand mosques was circulated on the sites.&nbsp;

The Christchurch massacre, in which 50 people were killed, was live-streamed on Facebook, which moved to block the footage. But it was then shared repeatedly on the other two sites.

A YouTube fact-check feature which is meant to tackle misinformation accidentally tagged live broadcasts of a fire engulfing Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris with details about the 9/11 terror attacks.

A YouTube fact-check feature which is meant to tackle misinformation accidentally tagged live broadcasts of a fire engulfing Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris with details about the 9/11 terror attacks. The blaze erupted in the UNESCO world heritage landmark in the French capital Monday, sending its spire and roof crashing to the ground as flames and clouds of smoke billowed into the sky. The fire, which at one point threatened the entire edifice, was brought under control early Tuesday about nine hours after it broke out. News outlets began live-streaming broadcasts of the fire on YouTube, but below some of the clips an unusual text box popped up -- an entry from the Encyclopedia Britannica about the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. In those attacks, Al-Qaeda militants hijacked two passenger planes and flew them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York, causing them to collapse, while a third hijacked jet smashed into the Pentagon. Some 3,000 people were killed. A spokesman for YouTube, which is owned by Google, said the text box feature had been disabled for live streams related to the fire. "These panels are triggered algorithmically and our systems sometimes make the wrong call," the spokesman told AFP. "We are deeply saddened by the ongoing fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral." The feature, which also links to other outside sources such as Wikipedia, was introduced last year after YouTube faced intense criticism over videos containing misleading and extreme content. The panels are supposed to combat misleading videos about well-known events -- such as the first successful manned landing on the moon -- by presenting the true facts, in a bid to stop the spread of conspiracy theories. YouTube, Facebook and Twitter came under fire last month after a horrific video of a gunman's deadly rampage at two New Zealand mosques was circulated on the sites. The Christchurch massacre, in which 50 people were killed, was live-streamed on Facebook, which moved to block the footage. But it was then shared repeatedly on the other two sites.

YouTube accidentally links Notre-Dame fire to 9/11 attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday vowed to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-breaks-out-at-notre-dame-cathedral-in-paris-210725"> colossal fire caused the spire of the historic edifice to crash</a> to the ground and wiped out centuries of heritage.

Macron expressed relief that "the worst had been avoided" in a fire that risked bringing the entire edifice down and left France in shock over the damage to a building described as the soul of the nation.

But the blaze destroyed the roof of the 850-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark, whose spectacular Gothic spire collapsed before the eyes of horrified onlookers on a previously pristine early spring evening.

The fire, which came as Catholics prepare to celebrate Easter, sent orange flames and clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky as stunned Parisians and tourists watched on in horror.

As darkness fell, some 400 firefighters then battled to control the blaze and save at least its iconic front towers. They finally gained the upper hand as midnight approached.

<img alt="Notre Dame fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75cb4cef-637b-48d8-9b4f-f152ae33a87c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notre%20dame%20fire1_0.jpg" />

(Picture courtesy: Reuters)

<img alt="Notre Dame fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d6f6d10-3b0b-4cb9-ad64-43089ada3bdc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notre%20dame%20fire3.jpg" />

(Picture courtesy: Reuters)

<img alt="Notre Dame fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="936905eb-5920-4920-b7f6-f202c187ff67" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notre%20Dame%20fire4.jpg" />

(Picture courtesy: Reuters)

Paris fire brigade chief Jean-Claude Gallet said "we can consider that the main structure of Notre-Dame has been saved and preserved" as well as the two towers.

Deputy Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, also present at the scene, said that for the first time "the fire had decreased in intensity" while still urging "extreme caution".

'France is Notre Dame'

"Notre-Dame survived all the wars, all the bombardments. We never thought it could burn. I feel incredibly sad and empty," Stephane Seigneurie, a consultant who joined other shocked onlookers in a solemn rendition of "Ave Maria" as they watched the fire from a nearby bridge.

Gasps and cries of "Oh my god" erupted around an hour after the fire first broke out when the top portion of the church's spire came crashing down.

"We have been dealt a knockout blow," a stricken-looking Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit told reporters.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately confirmed. The cathedral had been undergoing intense restoration work which the fire service said could be linked to the blaze.

French prosecutors said it was being treated as an "involuntary" fire, indicating that foul play was ruled out for now.

Historians expressed incredulity at the collapse of a building that has been a symbol of France for almost a millennium and withstood war and revolution.

"If Paris is the Eiffel Tower then France is Notre Dame. It's the entire culture, entire history of France incarnated in this monument," Bernard Lecomte, a writer and specialist in religious history told BFM TV.

Deputy Paris mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told the channel that workers were scrambling "to save all the artworks that can be saved." Officials later said teams had managed to salvage an unknown quantity of the cultural treasures.

'Emotion of a nation'

Macron had earlier cancelled a major televised policy speech he was due to give on Monday evening to respond to months of protests and instead headed to the scene in person.

Visibly emotional, he said while the "worst had been avoided" and the facade and two towers saved "the next hours will be difficult".

"And we will rebuild Notre-Dame because it is what the French expect," he said, describing Notre Dame as "the epicentre of our life" and the cathedral of "all the French", whether religious or not.&nbsp;

France's billionaire Pinault dynasty immediately pledged 100 million euros for the effort.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Notre-Dame cathedral a "symbol of European culture" as the blaze raged.

The Vatican on Monday expressed its "incredulity" and "sadness", expressing "our closeness with French Catholics and with the Parisian population."

'Water bombers not used'

There was no immediate indication of any casualties in the blaze.

US President Donald Trump in a tweet said it was "horrible" to watch the fire but caused controversy by offering advice on how to put it out.

"Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!" he said.

But France's civil security service, which oversees crisis management in the country, tweeted back at Trump that the use of water-bombing aircraft was not being considered.

"If used, (this) could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral," it said.

'Will never be the same'

The cathedral was located at the centre of the French capital in the Middle Ages and its construction was completed in the mid-12th century after some 200 years of work.

During the French Revolution in the 18th century, the cathedral was vandalised in widespread anti-Catholic violence: its spire was dismantled, its treasures plundered and its large statues at the grand entrance doors destroyed.

It would go on to feature as a central character in a Victor Hugo novel published in 1831, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" and shortly afterwards a restoration project lasting two decades got underway, led by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.

It would survive the devastation of two world conflicts in the 20th century and famously rang its bells on August 24, 1944, the day of the Liberation of Paris from German occupation at the end of the World War II.

"Paris is disfigured. The city will never be like it was before," said Philippe, a communications worker in his mid-30s, who had biked over to the scene after being alerted of the fire by a friend.

Jacky Lafortune, a 72-year-old artist and self-described atheist stood forlornly on the banks of the River Seine starting at the cathedral.

Comparing the mood in the French capital to the aftermath of a terror attack he said: "But this stirs much deeper emotions because Notre-Dame is linked to the very foundations of our culture."

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday vowed to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after a colossal fire caused the spire of the historic edifice to crash to the ground and wiped out centuries of heritage.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday vowed to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after a colossal fire caused the spire of the historic edifice to crash to the ground and wiped out centuries of heritage. Macron expressed relief that "the worst had been avoided" in a fire that risked bringing the entire edifice down and left France in shock over the damage to a building described as the soul of the nation. But the blaze destroyed the roof of the 850-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark, whose spectacular Gothic spire collapsed before the eyes of horrified onlookers on a previously pristine early spring evening. The fire, which came as Catholics prepare to celebrate Easter, sent orange flames and clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky as stunned Parisians and tourists watched on in horror. As darkness fell, some 400 firefighters then battled to control the blaze and save at least its iconic front towers. They finally gained the upper hand as midnight approached. (Picture courtesy: Reuters) (Picture courtesy: Reuters) (Picture courtesy: Reuters) Paris fire brigade chief Jean-Claude Gallet said "we can consider that the main structure of Notre-Dame has been saved and preserved" as well as the two towers. Deputy Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, also present at the scene, said that for the first time "the fire had decreased in intensity" while still urging "extreme caution". 'France is Notre Dame' "Notre-Dame survived all the wars, all the bombardments. We never thought it could burn. I feel incredibly sad and empty," Stephane Seigneurie, a consultant who joined other shocked onlookers in a solemn rendition of "Ave Maria" as they watched the fire from a nearby bridge. Gasps and cries of "Oh my god" erupted around an hour after the fire first broke out when the top portion of the church's spire came crashing down. "We have been dealt a knockout blow," a stricken-looking Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit told reporters. The cause of the blaze was not immediately confirmed. The cathedral had been undergoing intense restoration work which the fire service said could be linked to the blaze. French prosecutors said it was being treated as an "involuntary" fire, indicating that foul play was ruled out for now. Historians expressed incredulity at the collapse of a building that has been a symbol of France for almost a millennium and withstood war and revolution. "If Paris is the Eiffel Tower then France is Notre Dame. It's the entire culture, entire history of France incarnated in this monument," Bernard Lecomte, a writer and specialist in religious history told BFM TV. Deputy Paris mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told the channel that workers were scrambling "to save all the artworks that can be saved." Officials later said teams had managed to salvage an unknown quantity of the cultural treasures. 'Emotion of a nation' Macron had earlier cancelled a major televised policy speech he was due to give on Monday evening to respond to months of protests and instead headed to the scene in person. Visibly emotional, he said while the "worst had been avoided" and the facade and two towers saved "the next hours will be difficult". "And we will rebuild Notre-Dame because it is what the French expect," he said, describing Notre Dame as "the epicentre of our life" and the cathedral of "all the French", whether religious or not. France's billionaire Pinault dynasty immediately pledged 100 million euros for the effort. German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Notre-Dame cathedral a "symbol of European culture" as the blaze raged. The Vatican on Monday expressed its "incredulity" and "sadness", expressing "our closeness with French Catholics and with the Parisian population." 'Water bombers not used' There was no immediate indication of any casualties in the blaze. US President Donald Trump in a tweet said it was "horrible" to watch the fire but caused controversy by offering advice on how to put it out. "Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!" he said. But France's civil security service, which oversees crisis management in the country, tweeted back at Trump that the use of water-bombing aircraft was not being considered. "If used, (this) could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral," it said. 'Will never be the same' The cathedral was located at the centre of the French capital in the Middle Ages and its construction was completed in the mid-12th century after some 200 years of work. During the French Revolution in the 18th century, the cathedral was vandalised in widespread anti-Catholic violence: its spire was dismantled, its treasures plundered and its large statues at the grand entrance doors destroyed. It would go on to feature as a central character in a Victor Hugo novel published in 1831, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" and shortly afterwards a restoration project lasting two decades got underway, led by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. It would survive the devastation of two world conflicts in the 20th century and famously rang its bells on August 24, 1944, the day of the Liberation of Paris from German occupation at the end of the World War II. "Paris is disfigured. The city will never be like it was before," said Philippe, a communications worker in his mid-30s, who had biked over to the scene after being alerted of the fire by a friend. Jacky Lafortune, a 72-year-old artist and self-described atheist stood forlornly on the banks of the River Seine starting at the cathedral. Comparing the mood in the French capital to the aftermath of a terror attack he said: "But this stirs much deeper emotions because Notre-Dame is linked to the very foundations of our culture."

Notre Dame fire: Main structure saved; President Emmanuel Macron says will rebuild Paris' historic cathedral

Fighting between Myanmar's military and ethnic Rakhine rebels in Mrauk U, the ancient capital of the Rakhine kingdom, has left at least eight locals injured, scaring tourists and sparking fears that the historical monuments are under threat.

Ethnic and religious tensions divide western Rakhine state, where the army forced out some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims in a brutal crackdown in 2017.

Now the military is waging war against the Arakan Army (AA), which claims to represent ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and has killed 22 officers since early January.

Over the weekend the conflict spread to Mrauk U, renowned for its ancient temples and popular with hardier travellers.

"About eight injured people are still getting treatment at Mrauk U hospital," Aung Than Tun, chairman of Garuna Hlaing Blood Donors Association in Mrauk U, told AFP on Wednesday.

He also confirmed the deaths of two men from a nearby village, who were wounded last week from the fighting.

A British tourist posted videos on Twitter of him and his fiancee exploring the temples on Sunday, clearly worried by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/six-wounded-in-gunfire-as-myanmar-soldiers-hunt-insurgents-in-temple-town-204371">sound of gunfire and explosions outside</a>.

Christopher Caddy told AFP they thought it was just military training -- until they came out of one temple and realised the vendors and security had fled.

It suddenly felt "more real", he said, adding that a local arrived on a moped to pick up friends and he told them to get out as well.

As they cycled back to their hotel, they could see soldiers in "combat positions behind the ruins" of a neighbouring pagoda.

Hotels contacted by AFP had no guests left.

One staff member, requesting anonymity, said his hotel had been hit in the crossfire on Sunday night.

"The windows of our hotel were destroyed in the shooting," he said.

Local historian Khin Than told AFP she did not dare to go assess the damage done to the monuments yet.

"There are still armed groups deployed in the hills nearby," she said by phone. "We are still scared."

Myanmar hopes to obtain UNESCO world heritage status for Mrauk U, and the Myanmar Archaeology Association Monday expressed concerns that the ongoing clashes might affect its nomination.

It issued an emergency appeal for all sides to demarcate the town as a "fire-free zone".

The army said they deployed troops to downtown Mrauk U after receiving a tip-off the AA was going to mount an attack.

The insurgent group could not be reached for comment.

Authorities have vowed to crush the rebellion, which has simmered since the group's formation in 2009.

The rebels enjoy widespread support from ethnic Rakhine, who have felt marginalised for decades in one of the country's poorest states.

But thousands have been displaced by the spreading violence which is also edging closer to the state capital Sittwe.

Much of Rakhine is in a strict lockdown and information is difficult to verify independently.

Fighting between Myanmar's military and ethnic Rakhine rebels in Mrauk U, the ancient capital of the Rakhine kingdom, has left at least eight locals injured, scaring tourists and sparking fears that the historical monuments are under threat.

Fighting between Myanmar's military and ethnic Rakhine rebels in Mrauk U, the ancient capital of the Rakhine kingdom, has left at least eight locals injured, scaring tourists and sparking fears that the historical monuments are under threat. Ethnic and religious tensions divide western Rakhine state, where the army forced out some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims in a brutal crackdown in 2017. Now the military is waging war against the Arakan Army (AA), which claims to represent ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and has killed 22 officers since early January. Over the weekend the conflict spread to Mrauk U, renowned for its ancient temples and popular with hardier travellers. "About eight injured people are still getting treatment at Mrauk U hospital," Aung Than Tun, chairman of Garuna Hlaing Blood Donors Association in Mrauk U, told AFP on Wednesday. He also confirmed the deaths of two men from a nearby village, who were wounded last week from the fighting. A British tourist posted videos on Twitter of him and his fiancee exploring the temples on Sunday, clearly worried by the sound of gunfire and explosions outside. Christopher Caddy told AFP they thought it was just military training -- until they came out of one temple and realised the vendors and security had fled. It suddenly felt "more real", he said, adding that a local arrived on a moped to pick up friends and he told them to get out as well. As they cycled back to their hotel, they could see soldiers in "combat positions behind the ruins" of a neighbouring pagoda. Hotels contacted by AFP had no guests left. One staff member, requesting anonymity, said his hotel had been hit in the crossfire on Sunday night. "The windows of our hotel were destroyed in the shooting," he said. Local historian Khin Than told AFP she did not dare to go assess the damage done to the monuments yet. "There are still armed groups deployed in the hills nearby," she said by phone. "We are still scared." Myanmar hopes to obtain UNESCO world heritage status for Mrauk U, and the Myanmar Archaeology Association Monday expressed concerns that the ongoing clashes might affect its nomination. It issued an emergency appeal for all sides to demarcate the town as a "fire-free zone". The army said they deployed troops to downtown Mrauk U after receiving a tip-off the AA was going to mount an attack. The insurgent group could not be reached for comment. Authorities have vowed to crush the rebellion, which has simmered since the group's formation in 2009. The rebels enjoy widespread support from ethnic Rakhine, who have felt marginalised for decades in one of the country's poorest states. But thousands have been displaced by the spreading violence which is also edging closer to the state capital Sittwe. Much of Rakhine is in a strict lockdown and information is difficult to verify independently.

Eight injured in Myanmar temple town violence

An award-winning Egyptian photojournalist was freed on Monday after serving more than five years in prison on charges of attending an Islamist protest in 2013.

Mahmoud Abu Zeid, also known as Shawkan, had been in custody since August 14, 2013, when he was arrested while covering the pro-Muslim Brotherhood sit-in at Cairo's Rabaa al-Adawiya Square.

"Shawkan is free," according to post on the Freedom for Shawkan Facebook page.&nbsp;

Abu Zeid also posted an image celebrating his release on his own Twitter account.

The photojournalist's lawyer Taher Abu al-Nasr told EFE that Shawkan was released around 6 am from a police station in the district of al-Haram, in Giza, just outside the capital city.

Shawkan won the 2018 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize, which was announced in Ghana on World Press Freedom Day on May 2.

Ahead of the official announcement, the Egyptian government had denounced UNESCO's decision, saying the charges against Shawkan were related to terrorism and not press freedoms.

The Foreign Ministry said at the time that Shawkan was accused of "terrorism offences and criminal offences, which include murder, attempted murder, assault on police and citizens, and the burning and destruction of public and private property."

After Shawkan completed his sentence, the prosecutor's office decided to extend his detention for additional six months after he failed to pay a fine for allegedly "destroying public and private property."

Shawkan's lawyer told EFE that the photojournalist would be placed on probation for another five years, meaning he will need to report to a police station each night after sunset, although those restrictions could still be adjusted by the Ministry of Interior.&nbsp;

The Committee to Protect Journalists also said that he would remain under "police observation" for five years, during he which he will be required to appear at a police station daily at sunset.

Shawkan was held at al-Haram police station for about two weeks prior sign his release as he awaited permission from Egypt's National Security body to approve his release, Abu al-Nasr added without providing further details.

Shawkan has already returned home to his family in Giza, his lawyer said, while CPJ published an image of him reuniting with his parents at their home in Cairo early on Monday morning.

Several human rights organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International have condemned Shawkan's arrest.

Hundreds of people were killed during the 2013 sit-in, which came after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a former military chief, led the ouster of Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

An award-winning Egyptian photojournalist was freed on Monday after serving more than five years in prison on charges of attending an Islamist protest in 2013. Mahmoud Abu Zeid, also known as Shawkan, had been in custody since August 14, 2013, when he was arrested while covering the pro-Muslim Brotherhood sit-in at Cairo's Rabaa al-Adawiya Square.

An award-winning Egyptian photojournalist was freed on Monday after serving more than five years in prison on charges of attending an Islamist protest in 2013. Mahmoud Abu Zeid, also known as Shawkan, had been in custody since August 14, 2013, when he was arrested while covering the pro-Muslim Brotherhood sit-in at Cairo's Rabaa al-Adawiya Square. "Shawkan is free," according to post on the Freedom for Shawkan Facebook page. Abu Zeid also posted an image celebrating his release on his own Twitter account. The photojournalist's lawyer Taher Abu al-Nasr told EFE that Shawkan was released around 6 am from a police station in the district of al-Haram, in Giza, just outside the capital city. Shawkan won the 2018 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize, which was announced in Ghana on World Press Freedom Day on May 2. Ahead of the official announcement, the Egyptian government had denounced UNESCO's decision, saying the charges against Shawkan were related to terrorism and not press freedoms. The Foreign Ministry said at the time that Shawkan was accused of "terrorism offences and criminal offences, which include murder, attempted murder, assault on police and citizens, and the burning and destruction of public and private property." After Shawkan completed his sentence, the prosecutor's office decided to extend his detention for additional six months after he failed to pay a fine for allegedly "destroying public and private property." Shawkan's lawyer told EFE that the photojournalist would be placed on probation for another five years, meaning he will need to report to a police station each night after sunset, although those restrictions could still be adjusted by the Ministry of Interior. The Committee to Protect Journalists also said that he would remain under "police observation" for five years, during he which he will be required to appear at a police station daily at sunset. Shawkan was held at al-Haram police station for about two weeks prior sign his release as he awaited permission from Egypt's National Security body to approve his release, Abu al-Nasr added without providing further details. Shawkan has already returned home to his family in Giza, his lawyer said, while CPJ published an image of him reuniting with his parents at their home in Cairo early on Monday morning. Several human rights organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International have condemned Shawkan's arrest. Hundreds of people were killed during the 2013 sit-in, which came after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a former military chief, led the ouster of Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

Egyptian photojournalist freed after over 5 years in prison

Peru's cuisine, renowned for being exquisitely diverse, fresh and punchy with its flavours, has championed ceviche — fresh raw fish cured in lime juice, onions, salt and yellow chili peppers— from a catalog of some 3,000 national dishes in its bid to secure intangible world cultural heritage status from Unesco after a failed attempt in 2010.

Following a drawn-out process involving experts and representatives across several sectors, Peru decided to submit the tangy dish that uses the freshest of fish as its main ingredient in a bid to secure the prestigious status.

"The error was that (in the previous 2010 application) the history of Peruvian cuisine and all regions were included," Mariano Valderrama, former representative of the Peruvian Gastronomical Association (APEGA) and an expert on ceviche told EFE.

"But that isn't the line Unesco follows if we take a look at how Mexico achieved its status in 2010 with Michoacán food being recognized as a paradigm of Mexican cuisine," Valderrama said in reference to the rustic and hearty food from the central Mexican state also know as the "soul of Mexico."

Soledad Mujica, director for intangible cultural heritage at Peru's Culture Ministry told EFE that the 2010 application did not meet the criteria that Unesco sets in order to achieve world heritage status.

"Unesco requires, as a first step, a clear definition of what is being tendered to be considered intangible cultural heritage, in order to then define how it meets the standards from a cultural point of view taking into consideration traditions, customs and wisdom," Mujica added.

It is a very complex application process and the endeavour to include the entirety of Peruvian cuisine in the tender was impossible given the word limit, she continued.

"There are 3,000 dishes in Peruvian cuisine. It is impossible to elaborate on all Peruvian cuisine, the historical side alone wouldn't fit on the form," Mujica said.

So the choice to champion ceviche relied on the fact that it is "a dish that is anchored in the Peruvian psyche, in the mountains, by the sea and in the jungle," the civil servant said adding that it represented the diversity of the nation with communities using either fresh-water fish or seafood depending on their location pairing it with various side dishes such as sweet potato, corn on the cob, "zarandaja," (a type of pulse) and yuca (a starchy tuberous root from the tropics).

Ceviche is the most representative dish of Peruvian cuisine according to an Ipsos 2018 report whereby 77 percent of surveyed Peruvians overwhelmingly identified it as the national dish with other dishes such as "pachamanca" — a traditional but complex recipe that bakes spiced meats inside an underground oven made of hot stones — at 25 percent and 23 percent voting for "lomo saltado" — a sirloin beef stirfry that has been marinated with tomatoes and onions, served with fried potatoes and rice.

"It is a product that has its origins in the Pacific basin, given it is also consumed in Polynesia, Ecuador, Chile and Mexico, but it is only in Peru where it is one of the most consumed and popular dishes," Valderrama added.

The fact that ceviche is also a social pursuit was also taken into consideration for the submission, Adolfo Perret, a chef, told EFE.

"It is a dish that is anchored within homes, in our family units. It is an expression of where we come from and who we are," Perret added.

A key factor for choosing ceviche as Peru's contender for Unesco's intangible cultural heritage was the fact it ticked various boxes including its diversity, nutritional value and sustainability.

Sustainability, in particular, could be decisive for this nomination which taps into the protection of Peruvian seas that have faced several conservation challenges and for which Peru will have to ponder how it can include details as to how it would safeguard the oceans and fish, a required step in the application process for the prestigious Unesco title.

In line with this, the Unesco working group were also developing action plans, commitments and timelines in a bid to curb the threat rivers, lakes and oceans face with plastic pollution, illegal fishing techniques that rely on dynamite or banned nets and a demand to respect quotas on sizes of fish.

"The work will not finish the day we are all celebrating that ceviche is considered a Cultural Heritage, but rather the work will start then," Perret continued.

"The legacy will be a safeguarding policy that we will have to respect and that Unesco will ensure we enforce. That's the beauty of it," the chef concluded.

Peru's cuisine, renowned for being exquisitely diverse, fresh and punchy with its flavours, has championed ceviche — fresh raw fish cured in lime juice, onions, salt and yellow chili peppers— from a catalog of some 3,000 national dishes in its bid to secure intangible world cultural heritage status from Unesco after a failed attempt in 2010.

Peru's cuisine, renowned for being exquisitely diverse, fresh and punchy with its flavours, has championed ceviche — fresh raw fish cured in lime juice, onions, salt and yellow chili peppers— from a catalog of some 3,000 national dishes in its bid to secure intangible world cultural heritage status from Unesco after a failed attempt in 2010. Following a drawn-out process involving experts and representatives across several sectors, Peru decided to submit the tangy dish that uses the freshest of fish as its main ingredient in a bid to secure the prestigious status. "The error was that (in the previous 2010 application) the history of Peruvian cuisine and all regions were included," Mariano Valderrama, former representative of the Peruvian Gastronomical Association (APEGA) and an expert on ceviche told EFE. "But that isn't the line Unesco follows if we take a look at how Mexico achieved its status in 2010 with Michoacán food being recognized as a paradigm of Mexican cuisine," Valderrama said in reference to the rustic and hearty food from the central Mexican state also know as the "soul of Mexico." Soledad Mujica, director for intangible cultural heritage at Peru's Culture Ministry told EFE that the 2010 application did not meet the criteria that Unesco sets in order to achieve world heritage status. "Unesco requires, as a first step, a clear definition of what is being tendered to be considered intangible cultural heritage, in order to then define how it meets the standards from a cultural point of view taking into consideration traditions, customs and wisdom," Mujica added. It is a very complex application process and the endeavour to include the entirety of Peruvian cuisine in the tender was impossible given the word limit, she continued. "There are 3,000 dishes in Peruvian cuisine. It is impossible to elaborate on all Peruvian cuisine, the historical side alone wouldn't fit on the form," Mujica said. So the choice to champion ceviche relied on the fact that it is "a dish that is anchored in the Peruvian psyche, in the mountains, by the sea and in the jungle," the civil servant said adding that it represented the diversity of the nation with communities using either fresh-water fish or seafood depending on their location pairing it with various side dishes such as sweet potato, corn on the cob, "zarandaja," (a type of pulse) and yuca (a starchy tuberous root from the tropics). Ceviche is the most representative dish of Peruvian cuisine according to an Ipsos 2018 report whereby 77 percent of surveyed Peruvians overwhelmingly identified it as the national dish with other dishes such as "pachamanca" — a traditional but complex recipe that bakes spiced meats inside an underground oven made of hot stones — at 25 percent and 23 percent voting for "lomo saltado" — a sirloin beef stirfry that has been marinated with tomatoes and onions, served with fried potatoes and rice. "It is a product that has its origins in the Pacific basin, given it is also consumed in Polynesia, Ecuador, Chile and Mexico, but it is only in Peru where it is one of the most consumed and popular dishes," Valderrama added. The fact that ceviche is also a social pursuit was also taken into consideration for the submission, Adolfo Perret, a chef, told EFE. "It is a dish that is anchored within homes, in our family units. It is an expression of where we come from and who we are," Perret added. A key factor for choosing ceviche as Peru's contender for Unesco's intangible cultural heritage was the fact it ticked various boxes including its diversity, nutritional value and sustainability. Sustainability, in particular, could be decisive for this nomination which taps into the protection of Peruvian seas that have faced several conservation challenges and for which Peru will have to ponder how it can include details as to how it would safeguard the oceans and fish, a required step in the application process for the prestigious Unesco title. In line with this, the Unesco working group were also developing action plans, commitments and timelines in a bid to curb the threat rivers, lakes and oceans face with plastic pollution, illegal fishing techniques that rely on dynamite or banned nets and a demand to respect quotas on sizes of fish. "The work will not finish the day we are all celebrating that ceviche is considered a Cultural Heritage, but rather the work will start then," Perret continued. "The legacy will be a safeguarding policy that we will have to respect and that Unesco will ensure we enforce. That's the beauty of it," the chef concluded.

Peru champions ceviche in bid to secure Unesco world cultural heritage status

Nearly three hundred scientists gathered in a global program for the planet are trying to promote a "big bang" of women in science, in order to motivate more girls to take an interest in this field and advance in the struggle for equality and visibility.

Data presented by the United Nations on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11 reveal that, despite the international effort over the past 15 years to promote women's participation in science, they continue to face barriers.

"When I was pregnant they did not renew my temporary contract and many potential employers told me that I was not suitable for fieldwork or that because I had to take care of my family I would not meet the deadlines," explains Australian Beth Strain after returning from a trip to Antarctica under the women's leadership program Homeward Bound, in which EFE also participated.

"I submitted hundreds of job applications and spent approximately two years looking for work as a researcher," added the marine biologist, who is currently a lecturer at the University of Melbourne and a driving force for green development in her country.

Strain's experience is shared by many of the nearly 300 engineers, doctors, astronomers, biologists and mathematicians in the global Homeward Bound program, who nonetheless see it possible to overcome obstacles with three objectives: becoming visible, working together and impacting the world.

"I still remember the first conference I attended: I almost ran out, seeing only old men in the same dark suits," says Danish Mette Hoe, a leader in the transition to electric transport in her country.

"But, on closer inspection, I discovered that the key to them was networking. I focused on it, I made mistakes like almost everyone else, but I improved, and today strategic networking is a central skill in my leadership role," the 45-year-old expert explains.

The main objective of the Homeward Bound program, of which these scientists are part, is to create a network of 1,000 women of different ages and nationalities within ten years, in order to address the low representation of women in leadership positions and in the same field of science.

According to the UN, " at present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women. According to UNESCO data (2014 - 2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)fields in higher education."

"I've never doubted the potential of women in science, but we've been losing that potential inside a leaking pipeline, where the higher the academic level, the fewer women we find," says Daisy Hessenberger, a 29-year-old Austrian geneticist and passionate member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

That dropout, according to engineers Kristen Howard and Kelsie Clarke, can be attributed to factors such as job bias, in which a man is more likely to be hired than a woman; the gender pay gap, which increases with age, race or disability; or the difficulty of being both a scientist and a mother.

In line with the goals of Homeward Bound, which already includes scientists from some thirty nationalities, including Spanish and Latin American, the UN is promoting this year's campaign "Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth."

The theme is part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, in which it has been stressed that future work will be driven by technology and innovation and if inequality in the field of STEM is maintained, the overall gender gap is likely to widen.

Homeward Bound, a 12-month program created by Australian Fabian Dattner and whose annual ending has taken place in Antarctica with the support of Spanish firm Acciona, provides participants with tools to improve their leadership style.

Nearly three hundred scientists gathered in a global program for the planet are trying to promote a "big bang" of women in science, in order to motivate more girls to take an interest in this field and advance in the struggle for equality and visibility.

Nearly three hundred scientists gathered in a global program for the planet are trying to promote a "big bang" of women in science, in order to motivate more girls to take an interest in this field and advance in the struggle for equality and visibility. Data presented by the United Nations on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11 reveal that, despite the international effort over the past 15 years to promote women's participation in science, they continue to face barriers. "When I was pregnant they did not renew my temporary contract and many potential employers told me that I was not suitable for fieldwork or that because I had to take care of my family I would not meet the deadlines," explains Australian Beth Strain after returning from a trip to Antarctica under the women's leadership program Homeward Bound, in which EFE also participated. "I submitted hundreds of job applications and spent approximately two years looking for work as a researcher," added the marine biologist, who is currently a lecturer at the University of Melbourne and a driving force for green development in her country. Strain's experience is shared by many of the nearly 300 engineers, doctors, astronomers, biologists and mathematicians in the global Homeward Bound program, who nonetheless see it possible to overcome obstacles with three objectives: becoming visible, working together and impacting the world. "I still remember the first conference I attended: I almost ran out, seeing only old men in the same dark suits," says Danish Mette Hoe, a leader in the transition to electric transport in her country. "But, on closer inspection, I discovered that the key to them was networking. I focused on it, I made mistakes like almost everyone else, but I improved, and today strategic networking is a central skill in my leadership role," the 45-year-old expert explains. The main objective of the Homeward Bound program, of which these scientists are part, is to create a network of 1,000 women of different ages and nationalities within ten years, in order to address the low representation of women in leadership positions and in the same field of science. According to the UN, " at present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women. According to UNESCO data (2014 - 2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)fields in higher education." "I've never doubted the potential of women in science, but we've been losing that potential inside a leaking pipeline, where the higher the academic level, the fewer women we find," says Daisy Hessenberger, a 29-year-old Austrian geneticist and passionate member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). That dropout, according to engineers Kristen Howard and Kelsie Clarke, can be attributed to factors such as job bias, in which a man is more likely to be hired than a woman; the gender pay gap, which increases with age, race or disability; or the difficulty of being both a scientist and a mother. In line with the goals of Homeward Bound, which already includes scientists from some thirty nationalities, including Spanish and Latin American, the UN is promoting this year's campaign "Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth." The theme is part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, in which it has been stressed that future work will be driven by technology and innovation and if inequality in the field of STEM is maintained, the overall gender gap is likely to widen. Homeward Bound, a 12-month program created by Australian Fabian Dattner and whose annual ending has taken place in Antarctica with the support of Spanish firm Acciona, provides participants with tools to improve their leadership style.

Women from all over the world promote a female 'big bang' in science

The United States and Israel have formally quitted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Tuesday.

The Times of Israel reported that the move came following alleged allegations that the Paris-based organisation criticised Israel's policies of East Jerusalem's occupation and the grant of full-time membership to Palestine in defiance of the American and Israeli pressure.

"UNESCO is a body that continually rewrites history, including by erasing the Jewish connection to Jerusalem," Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon was quoted as saying."

It is corrupted and manipulated by Israel's enemies, and continually singles out the only Jewish state for condemnation. We are not going to be a member of an organisation that deliberately acts against us," Danon added.

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UNESCO is among the most corrupt and politically biased UN agencies. Today the U.S. withdrawal from this cesspool became official. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USStrong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USStrong</a>❤️🇺🇸
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Israel initiated the withdrawal process after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-from-unesco-over-anti-israel-bias-22354">US declared to step out of UNESCO in 2017</a>.

"We hope that the organization will change its ways but we are not pinning hopes on this; therefore, my directive to leave the organisation stands and we will move forward to carry it out," Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

The Jewish state, which is home to six UNESCO world heritage sites including Masada, the Old City of Acre, the Bahai Temples in Haifa and the "White City" of Tel Aviv, had joined the United Nations organisation on September 16, 1949.

However, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem confirmed that these sites will continue to remain as world heritage sites even after Israel formally quits from the UNESCO membership.

However, Al Jazeera further stated that the withdrawal from both the countries would not affect the UN organisation financially as both Israel and the US had stopped funding it since Palestine's membership was granted in 2011.

The United States and Israel have formally quitted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Tuesday. The Times of Israel reported that the move came following alleged allegations that the Paris-based organisation criticised Israel's policies of East Jerusalem's occupation and the grant of full-time membership to Palestine in defiance of the American and Israeli pressure.

The United States and Israel have formally quitted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Tuesday. The Times of Israel reported that the move came following alleged allegations that the Paris-based organisation criticised Israel's policies of East Jerusalem's occupation and the grant of full-time membership to Palestine in defiance of the American and Israeli pressure. "UNESCO is a body that continually rewrites history, including by erasing the Jewish connection to Jerusalem," Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon was quoted as saying." It is corrupted and manipulated by Israel's enemies, and continually singles out the only Jewish state for condemnation. We are not going to be a member of an organisation that deliberately acts against us," Danon added. UNESCO is among the most corrupt and politically biased UN agencies. Today the U.S. withdrawal from this cesspool became official. #USStrong❤️🇺🇸 — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) January 2, 2019 × Israel initiated the withdrawal process after the US declared to step out of UNESCO in 2017. "We hope that the organization will change its ways but we are not pinning hopes on this; therefore, my directive to leave the organisation stands and we will move forward to carry it out," Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The Jewish state, which is home to six UNESCO world heritage sites including Masada, the Old City of Acre, the Bahai Temples in Haifa and the "White City" of Tel Aviv, had joined the United Nations organisation on September 16, 1949. However, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem confirmed that these sites will continue to remain as world heritage sites even after Israel formally quits from the UNESCO membership. However, Al Jazeera further stated that the withdrawal from both the countries would not affect the UN organisation financially as both Israel and the US had stopped funding it since Palestine's membership was granted in 2011.

United States, Israel officially quit UNESCO

The Supreme Court told the Uttar Pradesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-taj-mahal-goes-authorities-will-not-get-a-second-chance-says-supreme-court-162141">government on Thursday</a> that the vision document on the Taj Mahal, being prepared by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, should be made public.

"There is nothing secret about it," a bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said.&nbsp;

The Delhi School of Planning and Architecture told the court that it is in the process of preparing a vision document for the protection and the preservation of the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh's Agra town and will complete it in a few days.&nbsp;

It said the document would be submitted to the state government.&nbsp;

Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that the first draft of the Heritage Plan for Taj Mahal, which is to be submitted to the UNESCO, will be finalised within eight weeks.

In an earlier observation, the Supreme COurt had said there will be no “second chance” to preserve the Taj Mahal. It had asked the authorities to take a larger perspective on issues of pollution and green cover to prepare a vision document on protecting the monument.

The bench had said the authorities would have to look into several issues to protect the Taj Mahal and had sought to know about the green cover, the number of industries operating in the area and the hotels and restaurants there.&nbsp;

Besides looking into issue of protection of Taj Mahal, they were also considering a larger comprehensive plan to deal with all these issues.

The bench, which has been monitoring development in the TTZ area to protect the Taj Mahal had asked the petitioner to give his suggestions to the expert body.

The top court had earlier slammed the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and TTZ authority for their failure to restore the pristine glory of Taj Mahal.

The Supreme Court told the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday that the vision document on the Taj Mahal, being prepared by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, should be made public.

The Supreme Court told the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday that the vision document on the Taj Mahal, being prepared by the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture, should be made public. "There is nothing secret about it," a bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said. The Delhi School of Planning and Architecture told the court that it is in the process of preparing a vision document for the protection and the preservation of the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh's Agra town and will complete it in a few days. It said the document would be submitted to the state government. Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that the first draft of the Heritage Plan for Taj Mahal, which is to be submitted to the UNESCO, will be finalised within eight weeks. In an earlier observation, the Supreme COurt had said there will be no “second chance” to preserve the Taj Mahal. It had asked the authorities to take a larger perspective on issues of pollution and green cover to prepare a vision document on protecting the monument. The bench had said the authorities would have to look into several issues to protect the Taj Mahal and had sought to know about the green cover, the number of industries operating in the area and the hotels and restaurants there. Besides looking into issue of protection of Taj Mahal, they were also considering a larger comprehensive plan to deal with all these issues. The bench, which has been monitoring development in the TTZ area to protect the Taj Mahal had asked the petitioner to give his suggestions to the expert body. The top court had earlier slammed the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and TTZ authority for their failure to restore the pristine glory of Taj Mahal.

Nothing secret about vision document on Taj Mahal, Supreme Court tells UP govt

World leaders gathered in Paris will lead global commemorations on Sunday to mark 100 years since the end of World War I at a time of growing nationalism and diplomatic tensions.

Around 70 leaders including US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice in the French capital.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth will attend a separate event in London, while New Zealand and Australia are holding their own ceremonies.

The Paris commemorations, centred on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe, are set to feature warnings about the modern-day danger of nationalism.

"This day is not just about remembering, but should be about a call to action," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday after visiting the forest clearing in eastern France where the Armistice was signed.

Merkel will give the opening address alongside UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at a conference called the Paris Peace Forum which will take place after a memorial service on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday morning.

Conceived by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Forum is intended to highlight the importance of international institutions in helping resolve conflicts, avert wars and spread prosperity.

Tensions lurk

But despite the show of unity at the Arc de Triomphe, where school children will read out messages written by soldiers in eight languages, tensions are expected to lurk beneath the surface.

US President Donald Trump, whose hardline nationalism has badly shaken the Western alliance, arrived in Paris on Friday criticising host Macron for being "insulting."

Trump took umbrage at a recent interview in which Macron talked about the need for a European army and listed the US along with Russia and China as a threat to national security.

The "America First" leader, who faced criticism on Saturday for cancelling a trip to an American cemetery because of the rainy weather, will snub the Paris Peace Forum.&nbsp;

Other attendees of the memorial service and Forum include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Canadian premier Justin Trudeau and Israel's Benyamin Netanyahu, as well as Putin.

With far-right nationalist politicians coming to power from Brazil to Italy to Austria, 40-year-old centrist Macron is set to invoke the war to make the case for international cooperation.

"We want to make these commemorations a time to reflect on the present, not just the past, so that they have a meaning for us today," an aide to Macron said earlier this week.

He will deliver a short speech during Sunday's ceremony, which organisers have made deliberately international and cross-cultural.

The French-born Chinese-American cellist Yo-yo Ma will perform, as will West African singer Angelique Kidjo, and a European youth orchestra with a Russian conductor.&nbsp;

Some 10,000 police have been drafted in to ensure maximum security in a city repeatedly targeted by jihadists since 2015.

Macron is also set to speak later at UN cultural body UNESCO and at the Peace Forum.

The Forum is part of the "fightback" against nationalism worldwide, chief organiser Justin Vaisse told AFP as he played down the significance of Trump's decision not to attend.

"The aim of the forum is to show that there are lots of forces in the international system -- states, NGOs, foundations, intellectuals, companies -- who believe we need a world of rules, an open world and a multilateral world," he said.

Other ceremonies

About 70 current-day nations were involved in the conflict that had six empires and colonial powers at its heart: Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the Ottoman Empire.

Around 10 million soldiers are generally estimated to have been killed during the fighting and more than double that number wounded overall.

Between five and 10 million civilians are estimated to have been killed.

In Britain, church bells are set to ring out across the country at 11 am, at the same time as a national remembrance service at the Cenotaph in London.

In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison will address crowds at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Sunday morning.

World leaders gathered in Paris will lead global commemorations on Sunday to mark 100 years since the end of World War I at a time of growing nationalism and diplomatic tensions.

World leaders gathered in Paris will lead global commemorations on Sunday to mark 100 years since the end of World War I at a time of growing nationalism and diplomatic tensions. Around 70 leaders including US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice in the French capital. British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth will attend a separate event in London, while New Zealand and Australia are holding their own ceremonies. The Paris commemorations, centred on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe, are set to feature warnings about the modern-day danger of nationalism. "This day is not just about remembering, but should be about a call to action," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday after visiting the forest clearing in eastern France where the Armistice was signed. Merkel will give the opening address alongside UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at a conference called the Paris Peace Forum which will take place after a memorial service on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday morning. Conceived by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Forum is intended to highlight the importance of international institutions in helping resolve conflicts, avert wars and spread prosperity. Tensions lurk But despite the show of unity at the Arc de Triomphe, where school children will read out messages written by soldiers in eight languages, tensions are expected to lurk beneath the surface. US President Donald Trump, whose hardline nationalism has badly shaken the Western alliance, arrived in Paris on Friday criticising host Macron for being "insulting." Trump took umbrage at a recent interview in which Macron talked about the need for a European army and listed the US along with Russia and China as a threat to national security. The "America First" leader, who faced criticism on Saturday for cancelling a trip to an American cemetery because of the rainy weather, will snub the Paris Peace Forum. Other attendees of the memorial service and Forum include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Canadian premier Justin Trudeau and Israel's Benyamin Netanyahu, as well as Putin. With far-right nationalist politicians coming to power from Brazil to Italy to Austria, 40-year-old centrist Macron is set to invoke the war to make the case for international cooperation. "We want to make these commemorations a time to reflect on the present, not just the past, so that they have a meaning for us today," an aide to Macron said earlier this week. He will deliver a short speech during Sunday's ceremony, which organisers have made deliberately international and cross-cultural. The French-born Chinese-American cellist Yo-yo Ma will perform, as will West African singer Angelique Kidjo, and a European youth orchestra with a Russian conductor. Some 10,000 police have been drafted in to ensure maximum security in a city repeatedly targeted by jihadists since 2015. Macron is also set to speak later at UN cultural body UNESCO and at the Peace Forum. The Forum is part of the "fightback" against nationalism worldwide, chief organiser Justin Vaisse told AFP as he played down the significance of Trump's decision not to attend. "The aim of the forum is to show that there are lots of forces in the international system -- states, NGOs, foundations, intellectuals, companies -- who believe we need a world of rules, an open world and a multilateral world," he said. Other ceremonies About 70 current-day nations were involved in the conflict that had six empires and colonial powers at its heart: Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Around 10 million soldiers are generally estimated to have been killed during the fighting and more than double that number wounded overall. Between five and 10 million civilians are estimated to have been killed. In Britain, church bells are set to ring out across the country at 11 am, at the same time as a national remembrance service at the Cenotaph in London. In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison will address crowds at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Sunday morning.

World leaders mark 100 years since WWI Armistice in Paris

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