Tentative World Heritage List
News-Seven Indian Natural Sites Added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List.
- UNESCO Tentative List Update – 7 new natural heritage sites added.
- India’s Tally – Now 69 sites: 49 cultural, 17 natural, 3 mixed.
- Newly Added Sites –
- Deccan Traps (Maharashtra)
- Meghalaya’s cave systems
- Varkala cliffs (Kerala)
- St Mary’s Island (Karnataka)
- Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland)
- Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh)
- Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh)
- Submitted by – Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Significance – Tentative list is the first step toward UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Election Commission
News-Election Commission Revamps EVM Ballot Paper Design.
- EC Revamp – EVM Ballot Paper design updated for clarity and readability.
- New Features –
- Candidate photos in colour.
- Face covers ¾ of photo space.
- Candidate names & NOTA in uniform font.
- Usage – First implemented in upcoming Bihar elections.
- Instructions –
- Max 15 candidates per sheet.
- NOTA placed last.
- Part of Reforms – One of 28 initiatives to enhance election process and voter convenience.
- About Election Commission –
- Constitutional Body – Article 324 (1950).
- Purpose – Conducts free and fair elections in India.
- Composition – 1 Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) + 2 Election Commissioners.
- Powers: Control and supervise elections, cancel/postpone if malpractice.
Geothermal Energy Policy
News- MNRE Launches India’s First National Geothermal Energy Policy.
- Launched by – Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Policy – National Geothermal Energy Policy.
- Aim – Harness India’s 10 GW geothermal potential.
- Key Regions – Himalayas, Cambay Basin, Godavari Basin.
- Focus – Research, inter-ministerial collaboration, global best practices.
- Goal – Support Net Zero target and expand renewable energy mix.
Global Innovation Index
News-India Rises to 38th in Global Innovation Index 2025.
- Report – Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 by WIPO.
- India’s Rank – #38 (up from #48 in 2020).
- Regional/Income Rank – #1 among lower-middle-income economies & Central & Southern Asia.
- Global Leaders – Switzerland (#1), Sweden (#2), USA (#3).
- China – Ranked #10; strong in patents, R&D, tech outputs.
- India’s Strengths – Knowledge & Technology Outputs (#22), Market Sophistication (#38).
- India’s Weaknesses – Business Sophistication (#64), Infrastructure (#61).
World Bamboo Day
News- World Bamboo Day 2025.
- Event – World Bamboo Day.
- Date – 18 September.
- Theme – “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design.”
- Focus – Climate action, green design, youth-led innovation.
- India’s Role – Major bamboo producer.
- Support – National Bamboo Mission (NBM).
- Significance – Boosts cultivation, processing & artisan livelihoods.
- Region Highlight – Northeast India holds over 2/3rd of country’s bamboo stock.
MCQs
Q1. How many Indian sites are now on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List after the latest update?
a) 59
b) 69
c) 49
d) 79
Q2. How many candidates’ names can be printed on one sheet of EVM Ballot Paper?
a) 10
b) 12
c) 15
d) 20
Q3. Which ministry launched India’s first National Geothermal Energy Policy?
a) Ministry of Power
b) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
c) Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
d) Ministry of Environment
Q4. What is India’s rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025?
a) 28
b) 38
c) 48
d) 58
Q5. On which date is World Bamboo Day observed?
a) 15 September
b) 16 September
c) 17 September
d) 18 September