♦ India is set to chair UNESCO's World Heritage Committee and host its 46th session in New Delhi from July 21 to 31, 2024. India's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma announced this decision on 9 January 2024. 

♦ UNESCO is a United Nations agency dedicated to fostering global cooperation in education, arts, science, and culture to promote world peace, expressed enthusiasm for India's role in hosting this esteemed event.

♦ The World Heritage Committee, comprising representatives from 21 member states, gathers annually to recognize global cultural and natural heritage. Their work contributes to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.