UNESCO
UNESCO recognises 307-year-old Mahabharata manuscript preserved at Visva-Bharati
The UNESCO register preserves and highlights documentary heritage of major cultural, historical, and scientific significance across the region.
In 1793, England completed an inclined plane that carried canal boats 207 feet uphill on wheeled cradles before returning them to the water
Around 200 years ago, a brilliant team of engineers in England created the Hay Inclined Plane, revolutionizing canal boat transport. This ingenious design enabled boats to move between the River Severn and the Shropshire Canal bypassing locks. By harnessing gravity and the power of counterweights, the system enhanced transport efficiency. As railways became more prevalent in the 19th century, its importance waned.
Gauhati High Court quashes preventive detention of Assam rights activist Pranab Doley under NSA
Doley was arrested in Guwahati on July 12 in connection with protests against a proposed luxury hotel at Inglay Pathar near Kaziranga National Park in Golaghat district. He was lodged in Golaghat district jail and secured bail from a district court on July 29. However, the state government invoked the NSA against him the following day, resulting in his continued detention.
900-year-old book records Kashmir's kings and their wars, now earns UN recognisition along with Mahabharata and Chanakya's Arthashastra
UNESCO has added Kalhana's Rajatarangini, the Mahabharata and Kautilya's Arthashastra to its Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific. The decision was taken at the committee's 11th session in Jakarta, taking India's total regional inscriptions to six, following three recognitions in 2024.
Hydrogen-Powered Toy Train: Indian Railways plans big change on iconic Kalka-Shimla route; check what could soon be different for passengers
Indian Railways is planning to introduce a hydrogen-powered toy train on the 96-km Kalka-Shimla heritage route under the Centre's Hydrogen for Heritage initiative. Barog railway station has been identified as a possible site for a hydrogen production plant. The project aims to promote cleaner rail transport in the ecologically sensitive Shivalik hills, subject to technical feasibility and official approvals.
Hundreds protest in Israel's Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa calling for Jewish-Arab government
Around 300 people protested across major cities in Israel, calling for a Jewish-Arab government and inclusive governance. Demonstrators displayed placards with slogans advocating for freedom and cooperation between communities. As protests unfolded, initial election results indicated a tightly contested political landscape with significant implications. Key opposition leaders expressed intent to form a new government addressing pressing issues and restoring hope.
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India to criminalise doping supply chains to boost bid to host Olympics
India has topped the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of offenders for three consecutive years, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing the world's most populous nation.
Beyond ethics policies, businesses face an AI accountability test
Indian organizations are increasingly focusing on Responsible AI, emphasizing fairness, transparency, privacy, and accountability in deploying AI technologies. The Responsible AI & Ethics category at the ET AI Awards 2027 highlights the necessity for governance, ongoing monitoring, and clear procedures for addressing errors to ensure ethical AI integration in business decision-making.
UNESCO adds three Indian sites to Tentative List, from Andaman volcanoes to Chhattisgarh’s Sirpur: What makes them significant?
UNESCO has added three Indian properties to its World Heritage Tentative List: the Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang, the Andaman Subduction Volcanoes and the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape. Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chhattisgarh, the sites represent India’s geological diversity and archaeological heritage. Tentative-list inclusion is a preliminary step, not final World Heritage recognition.
Two injured as part of ceiling collapses at CSMT in Mumbai
On Thursday night, a part of the ceiling at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus collapsed, injuring two passengers. The incident took place near the booking hall during ongoing redevelopment work aimed at modernizing the station. The injured individuals were swiftly transported to St George's Hospital for medical attention and treatment. Authorities confirmed that both suffered various injuries, requiring medical intervention.
Darjeeling toy train joyrides ferry 12,000 passengers, earn Rs 1.41 crore in 3 weeks
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway reported record passenger numbers during the first three weeks of October. The heritage railway generated significant revenue from joyride services offered to tourists. Special joyrides were introduced to facilitate the increased tourist numbers and enhance their experiences. Both steam and diesel locomotives operate on selected routes, showcasing the scenic beauty of Darjeeling. This initiative caters to the growing interest in heritage train journeys among visitors.
School assembly headlines October 23: Latest national, international, sports and business news
School assembly news headlines for October 23, 2026, cover major developments across India, international affairs, sports and business. Key updates include PM Modi’s diplomatic engagements, Sirpur’s UNESCO recognition, India’s medal-winning performances at the Asian Para Games, India’s T20 victory over New Zealand, and developments involving the Jio Platforms and OYO parent company IPOs. These concise headlines help students stay updated on current affairs and strengthen their general knowledge.
Norway named best among National Geographic's world travel map for 2027; Indian city among the top
National Geographic has named destinations for exploration in its Best of the World 2027 list, which includes Jaipur, which will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2027, providing a unique opportunity to explore its cultural heritage. The city is all set to host the Jaipur Literature Festival, drawing around 400,000 attendees from around the world. Visitors can explore Jaipur’s historic buildings, markets, and craftsmanship, which reflect rich traditions.
Lake Apopka alligator attack: Florida is home to 1.3 million alligators, with these five lakes teeming with thousands
The fatal Lake Apopka alligator attack in Florida has raised concerns about the state's large alligator population. Florida has an estimated 1.3 million alligators, with Lake Okeechobee, Lake Jesup, Lake Kissimmee and Orange Lake among the waterways known for their large populations. Here's what to know about these alligator hotspots and the safety precautions recommended by wildlife officials.
Kolkata: Durga’s diversities add to the city’s joy
The famed creativity of Bengalis is very much in evidence at this pre-eminent religio-cultural festival. In recent decades, artists and visualisers have been tapped to create modern settings and contexts to act as foils to the traditional Bengali clay craftspeople's portrayals of Ma Durga and her divine brood comprising Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik and their animal mounts, not to mention the fearsome vanquished buffalo demon at her holy feet.
Must-Visit Pandals During Durga Puja 2026 in Kolkata And Know Why Durga Puja Is More Than a Festival That Make West Bengal's Heart Beat
Durga Puja 2026 will transform Kolkata into a celebration of faith, art, culture and community. From Mahalaya and Bodhon to Sandhi Puja, Dhunuchi Naach and Sindoor Khela, discover the rituals that make Kolkata’s Pujo unique. The guide also explores must-visit pandals, Kumartuli’s idol-making traditions, festive food and why Durga Puja is considered a homecoming for Bengalis.
India's cultural heritage receiving growing recognition at global level: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of India's music, dance, cinema, and cuisine during a conference. The event, titled 'Brihattar Bharat', focuses on India's cultural connections and legacy across the globe. Modi mentioned preserving India's cultural and manuscript heritage through various government initiatives. The conference also marks the centenary of the Greater India Society founded in 1926.
Indonesia's top Muslim council opposes upcoming Andrea Bocelli concerts over Israel ties
Indonesia's top Islamic council has voiced opposition to Andrea Bocelli's upcoming concerts in the country. The council's objections stem from Bocelli's previous support for Israel, which contradicts the values in Indonesia. Talks with government officials have been initiated to address the issue while public sentiment remains in favor of Palestinian independence. Local police have even withdrawn support for the concert at the historic Borobudur Temple.
India must seek UNESCO tag for ports to mark oceanic journeys of girmitiyas: Fiji envoy
Fiji's High Commissioner to India, Jagnnath Sami, has urged the Centre to consider seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Madras ports to commemorate the historic journeys of Indian indentured labourers, known as girmitiyas. He also called for India and Fiji to collaborate on preserving archives and documenting their shared heritage.
Egypt reopens 3,400-year-old tomb located 46 feet underground. First found during Napoleon era, it has hieroglyphs from the Book of the Dead
Amenhotep III's tomb has been reopened to the public after undergoing significant restoration in Egypt. Initially unearthed during Napoleon’s expedition in 1799 and thoroughly excavated in 1915, the tomb still showcases remarkable wall paintings and hieroglyphs, despite extensive looting. Amenhotep III, who ruled for an impressive 38 years, was responsible for erecting numerous grand monuments. His mummy is currently housed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in Cairo.
This stunning UK seaside town is famous for natural beauty, rich history and incredible fossils
Lyme Regis is a lovely seaside town in the UK, with a lovely coast line, rich history and important fossil discoveries. Situated between Dorset and Devon, it forms part of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, where rocks featuring 185 million years of Earth's history can be found. The town is closely linked with pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning and is particularly popular for its ammonite fossils.
10,000 people combed Mongolia for Genghis Khan’s grave in a 30,000-hour search in 2010; 800 years later, it’s still missing - and a tiny tribe may hold the clue
Genghis Khan’s grave: For 800 years, Genghis Khan's final resting place has remained a mystery, despite countless expeditions and tales. Over 10,000 volunteers have utilized satellite imagery to comb through Mongolia in search of answers. It's believed that Khan's soldiers may have hidden his tomb intentionally following his death. The isolated Burkhan Khaldun site is difficult for archaeologists to access due to political restrictions.
World Teachers’ Day 2026: Date, theme, history and significance; know why October 5 is dedicated to teachers and how the day is celebrated worldwide
World Teachers' Day 2026 is set for October 5, shining a spotlight on the pivotal contributions of educators. This year's theme is centered around the importance of advocating for teachers globally. Celebrations at UNESCO Headquarters will include meaningful discussions about the pressing challenges educators face today, urging both policymakers and society to elevate teachers' statuses amidst issues like the effects of digital technology, climate change, and migration.
Going to Darjeeling on the Toy Train? This 146-year-old station has been recreated with a new attraction passengers won’t want to miss
The Northeast Frontier Railway has recreated the 146-year-old Sukna railway station in West Bengal to preserve and promote the heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train. The station now features a photo gallery with QR codes offering historical details. With passenger footfall reaching record levels, NFR will also run additional Toy Train services during Durga Puja to meet the festive rush, an official told ANI.
ED says ex-Bengal minister Indranil Sen awarded Rs 85 cr tenders to associates, Rs 30 lakh to Mamata
Indranil Sen, a former minister, is under investigation for awarding tenders to close associates for personal gain. The Enforcement Directorate claims around Rs 30 lakh was transferred to Mamata Banerjee, which Sen described as a royalty payment. It is further alleged that Sen's company collected large sums from the public for preview shows of Durga Puja. The investigation revealed over one lakh tickets sold, with funds misappropriated.
Darjeeling 'Toy Train' chugs into top 50 global destinations in 2027
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has been named among Lonely Planet’s 50 Best in Travel 2027 destinations, with Darjeeling recognised as a top destination for a toy-train journey.
NCERT's new Class 9 textbook highlights anecdotes of lesser-known women rulers in Indian history
The National Council of Educational Research and Training released a new Class 9 Social Science textbook recently. This textbook highlights women rulers, including Queen Naiki Devi and Rani Abbakka Chowta, among others. It also covers resistance movements against foreign invasions, detailing significant episodes in Indian history. The textbook emphasizes the contributions of both male and female leaders during these crucial events.
ED raids 15 premises in Kolkata, covers former Minister Indranil Sen, associates in MassArt financial irregularities case
The Enforcement Directorate executed search and seizure operations at 15 locations linked to MassArt Society's financial irregularities. The action involved former Minister Indranil Sen and several associates amid allegations of fraudulent practices. MassArt is accused of misleading the public by claiming to be affiliated with UNESCO. Investigators are examining documents to understand the flow of funds and their usage.
74 more villages in Odisha declared 'tsunami ready' under UNESCO programme, total reaches 100
Odisha has declared 74 more coastal villages “tsunami ready” under the UNESCO-IOC programme, taking the total number of recognised villages in the state to 100. The recognition followed field verification in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Puri and Jagatsinghpur, focusing on tsunami awareness, preparedness and response. Odisha has identified 381 coastal villages and habitations as tsunami-prone and is preparing them in phases.
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