The United Nations Education, Social and Cultural Organisation's latest findings on the impact of socio-economic inequalities on primary education underscore the need to widen the current focus on raising enrolments in schools to include issues related to the learning environment. Although ensuring that children go to school has been a key element in the strategy to combat child labour, consolidating the gains from near-universal primary enrolment calls for a concerted effort in several related areas.

Environmentalists rescued some 20 penguins covered in crude oil off Argentina's mid-Atlantic coast, two of which have died and four are in critical condition, the Patagonia Natural Foundation (FPN) has said. The Magallanes penguins were found far from their natural habitat for this time of the year, and were severely undernourished and suffered from dehydration, the environmental group said. FPN coordinator Carla Poleschi said the topmost concern was cleaning the birds thoroughly and feeding them back to good health.

Confusion marks the fate of India's proposal to include endangered Majuli Island in World Heritage Site List, with the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee, winding up inscription of new sites yesterday. At least 19 cultural sites and eight natural sites were added this year.

THE International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of the UNESCO will work extensively in the field of rainwater harvesting, not only to consolidate existing knowledge, but also to develop cheaper and more efficient technologies for water harvesting, said Minja Yang, Director, UNESCO, New Delhi. "About 40 per cent of the world pop ulation is suffering from acute water shortage,' said Yang, whose message was read out at the International Symposium on Water Harvesting at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) here on Monday She said .

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) South Asia's Education for All (EFA) mid-term policy review conference kicked off in Kathmandu Monday. The four-day conference will review existing policies, identify policy gaps and devise policies and action plans to achieve the EFA goals. Speaking at the inaugural function, director of UNESCO Asia and Pacific region, Sheldon Shaeffer, said "We are happy for the progress in this region but not fully satisfied."

The lava from an erupting Galapagos volcano did not affect the islands' famed giant tortoises as first feared, Galapagos National Park officials said today. The Cerro Azul volcano on Isabela Island erupted between Thursday and Sunday, unleashing a heavy flow of lava, park authorities said in a statement. Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, is home to rare and unique flora and fauna, including the Galapagos giant tortoise, which can weigh more than 230 kilos and live more than 100 years.

Confirming that UNESCO has put Manas and Keoladeo National Parks in

It is said to be the only place in the world to house the mother plant of citrus-Indica (orange). And for this, the world's first citrus gene sanctuary was established in this reserve. Now, the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment has forwarded the nomination of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Garo Hills of Meghalaya for UNESCO recognition on the world network of biosphere reserves. Foresters say that forwarding of the nomination implies that the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is admitted to be a pristine area and a biodiversity hotspot.

the majestic image you see on the right is going to fade away. The Crawford market in south Mumbai is going to be "redeveloped'. On March 10, amid strong protests from heritage activists, majority

The United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared Manas as a "World Heritage Sight in Danger' in 1992, when the region had been under the threat of extremists and suffering from an acute lack of infrastructure.