Question 1
India’s UNESCO Tentative List Reaches 81 Sites
By Rakesh Kushwaha, Lead Tech & Exam Analyst
Places in NewsHistory & Culture
India’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List has expanded to 81 sites following the addition of three cultural and geological heritage proposals. The new entries include the Karst-Mud-Volcano Complex of Baratang, Andaman Subduction Volcanoes and Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape.
Why Is It in News?
In October 2026, three Indian sites were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, taking the total to 81 sites. The additions were submitted by India’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO on 28 September 2026.
About
The UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List is an inventory of properties that a country intends to consider for future nomination to the World Heritage List. Inclusion is an important preliminary step, but it does not mean that a site has already received official World Heritage status.
The three newly added sites are:
- Karst-Mud-Volcano Complex of Baratang: Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this geological landscape includes limestone caves and mud volcanoes.
- Andaman Subduction Volcanoes: This proposal covers Narcondam and Barren Islands and highlights the region’s volcanic and geological significance.
- Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape: Located in Chhattisgarh, Sirpur is known for its archaeological remains and historical significance as an important cultural centre.
The additions reflect India’s efforts to promote both natural and cultural heritage internationally.
India’s Tentative List is distinct from the official UNESCO World Heritage List. A tentative site must undergo further assessment and nomination procedures before it can be considered for inscription.
Key Points
- Organisation: UNESCO — United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
- List: World Heritage Tentative List.
- Total Indian sites on the Tentative List: 81.
- New additions: 3.
- Karst-Mud-Volcano Complex of Baratang: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Andaman Subduction Volcanoes: Narcondam and Barren Islands.
- Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape: Chhattisgarh.
- Submission date: 28 September 2026.
- Main purpose of the Tentative List: Identify sites that may be nominated for World Heritage status in the future.
- Important distinction: Tentative List inclusion does not equal official World Heritage inscription.
Test your knowledge
Try these questions from this current-affairs topic.
Question 2
Which international organization maintains the World Heritage Tentative List?
Continue practicing
6 more questions available in the Quizovers app.