New additions to the Tentative List
India Expands Heritage List with Seven New UNESCO Sites: On 12 September 2025, the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO announced the inclusion of seven natural heritage sites to the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. With these, India’s total entries on the list have risen to 69 properties, comprising 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed sites.
The Tentative List acts as the first step toward nomination for the final UNESCO World Heritage List, ensuring proper evaluation and conservation planning.
The seven natural sites
The newly added properties showcase India’s vast ecological and geological diversity:
- Deccan Traps (Maharashtra) – An ancient volcanic terrain with unique geological features.
- St Mary’s Island Cluster (Karnataka) – Famous for rare columnar basaltic lava formations.
- Meghalayan Age Caves (Meghalaya) – Cave systems linked to the Meghalayan geological age.
- Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland) – Geological formations reflecting remnants of ancient oceanic crust.
- Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh) – Distinct red sand dunes of scientific significance.
- Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh) – Known for biodiversity and sacred cultural identity.
- Varkala Cliff (Kerala) – A coastal red laterite cliff formation with fossil-rich deposits.
Static GK fact: The UNESCO World Heritage Convention was adopted in 1972, with India ratifying it in 1977.
Importance of heritage recognition
Every country must submit a Tentative List before proposing any site for full recognition. This ensures the site is safeguarded through a comprehensive conservation plan. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) played a major role in preparing India’s nominations for UNESCO.
Static GK Tip: As of 2025, India already has 42 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including cultural, natural, and mixed properties.
Strengthening cultural diplomacy
The announcement was shared on social media platform X by India’s delegation, underlining that heritage conservation strengthens India’s global image. Such moves not only protect natural wonders but also promote sustainable tourism and scientific heritage awareness.
By increasing entries on the Tentative List, India enhances its chances of getting more sites inscribed in the future, further boosting its international standing in heritage diplomacy.
Key takeaways for exams
The step highlights India’s heritage diversity and reaffirms its commitment to preserving both cultural and natural assets. It also reflects the synergy between governmental agencies and international organizations in safeguarding heritage for future generations.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Expands Heritage List with Seven New UNESCO Sites:
| Topic | Detail |
| Date of announcement | 12 September 2025 |
| Announced by | Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO |
| Total properties on Tentative List | 69 |
| Cultural properties | 49 |
| Natural properties | 17 |
| Mixed properties | 3 |
| Newly added sites | 7 natural heritage sites |
| Example sites | Deccan Traps, Tirumala Hills, Varkala Cliff |
| Role of ASI | Prepared and submitted nominations |
| India’s ratification of UNESCO convention | 1977 |
