World Heritage Day 2025: Theme and India’s UNESCO Sites
Why in the news
World Heritage Day was marked on 18 April 2025. This year’s theme looked at how heritage is threatened by disasters and conflicts and what preparedness can learn from 60 years of work by ICOMOS.
Key facts
- Theme: heritage under threat from disasters and conflicts, with preparedness and lessons from 60 years of ICOMOS actions.
- ICOMOS is the International Council on Monuments and Sites.
- India had 43 World Heritage Sites as of 2024.
- India’s first listings came in 1983: Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves.
- India hosted the 46th World Heritage Committee session in 2024.
| Category | Examples from India |
|---|---|
| Cultural | Taj Mahal, Hampi |
| Natural | Western Ghats, Sundarbans |
| Mixed | Khangchendzonga National Park |
About World Heritage sites
UNESCO lists sites as cultural, natural or mixed. Heritage tourism is economically significant; the Taj Mahal alone is reported to draw over 6 million visitors a year.
Exam angle
- Know the 2025 theme and the ICOMOS link.
- Number of Indian sites: 43 (as of 2024).
- Classic question: examples of cultural, natural and mixed sites.