India hosts UNESCO’s intangible heritage committee for the first time
Next story · 7 DecBRO opens 125 projects at once, including Shyok tunnel in Ladakh
Asked by UPSCPrelims 2026, 20244 PYQs
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
What happened
- India hosted the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort, New Delhi, from 8 to 13 December 2025, the first time India has hosted it [PIB].
- Before the session, 15 Indian elements were on UNESCO’s Representative List [PIB].
Background
- UNESCO adopted the ICH Convention in 2003. India ratified it in 2005, so the session marked 20 years [PIB].
Why it matters
- Intangible heritage means living practices: festivals, crafts, music. Listing brings attention but the real work is keeping the practice alive in communities.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-12-07): india hosted the 20th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort, New Delhi, from 8 to 13 December 2025, the first time India has hosted it.
- Intangible heritage means living practices: festivals, crafts, music. Listing brings attention but the real work is keeping the practice alive in communities.
Quotable data pointBefore the session, 15 Indian elements were on UNESCO's Representative List.
PIB: PIB Backgrounder: India hosts UNESCO 20th ICH session, 7 Dec 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: ICH list, 2003 Convention.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Venue of the 20th ICH Committee session
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
The ICH Convention was adopted in
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
India ratified the ICH Convention in
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerGeographical Indication (GI) Tags in India: Meaning, GI Act 1999, Registration, Benefits, Famous Examples and Issues (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerIndian Temple Architecture: Parts of a Temple, Nagara, Dravida and Vesara Styles, with Key Examples (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
Official source: PIB: PIB Backgrounder: India hosts UNESCO 20th ICH session, 7 Dec 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending