InternationalMonday, 27 July 2026·The Hindu - National
UNESCO adds Sarnath to World Heritage List; India’s total rises to 45 sites
Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan on July 25, 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 25, 2026, at the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, UNESCO inscribed Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh as a World Heritage Site, taking India’s total to 45 sites.
Key specifics
- The announcement was made by the UN grouping UNESCO during the 48th Session held in Busan, South Korea.
- India now has 45 World Heritage Sites, according to the UNESCO website.
- The last Indian inscription before Sarnath was in 2024, when the Maratha Military Landscapes were added.
- To qualify, a site must demonstrate “outstanding universal value” and meet at least one of 10 criteria.
- Criterion 6 refers to direct association with events, living traditions, ideas, beliefs, or artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Exam lens
International organisations and heritage MCQ focus: UNESCO, Busan, South Korea, 48th Session, India’s 45 World Heritage Sites, 2024 Maratha Military Landscapes, 10 criteria, outstanding universal value.