State PCS - Assam (APSC)

• 02 Feb 2026

Three Buddhist Sites of Odisha Included in UNESCO Tentative List

Why in News? 

Three Buddhist sites of Odisha have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, marking an important step towards their future recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Key Points 

• Sites Included: Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri Buddhist archaeological sites have been added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List. 
  • Location: Ratnagiri and Udayagiri are in Jajpur district while Lalitgiri is in Cuttack district. 
  • All three sites collectively form the Diamond Triangle of Buddhism 
• UNESCO Tentative List: The Tentative List is a mandatory prerequisite for any site to be formally nominated for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Historical Significance: These sites reflect the evolution of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism and were major centres of Buddhist learning between the 5th and 13th centuries CE. 
  • Excavations have revealed monasteries (viharas), stupas, sculptures, inscriptions and votive stupas. 
• Government Response: The Odisha government termed the inclusion a milestone for heritage conservation, tourism promotion and global recognition of the state’s Buddhist legacy. 
• Submission by India: The proposal was submitted by India to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, leading to acceptance in the Tentative List. 

Read More: UNESCO, World Heritage Sites, Buddhism 

Two New Wetlands Added to India’s Ramsar List

Why in News? 

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced  the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar List, ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026.  

Key Points 

• New Ramsar Sites: Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat have been included in India’s Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance. 
  • India’s Ramsar network has grown from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites in 2026. 
• Patna Bird Sanctuary: Patna Bird Sanctuary is one of the smallest protected bird sanctuaries and is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). 
• Chhari-Dhand Wetland: A seasonal saline wetland in the Rann of Kutch region, crucial for migratory waterfowl and desert biodiversity.  
  • It is Gujarat’s fifth Ramsar site after Nalsarovar, Thol, Khijadiya and Wadhwana. 
• Importance: The newly added sites support hundreds of migratory and resident bird species and host wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes, besides endangered bird species.  
• Significance: Inclusion in the Ramsar list reflects international recognition of India’s commitment to wetland conservation and sustainable management under globally accepted frameworks.  
• Ramsar Convention: It is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran. 
  • India became a signatory on 1 February 1982. 
• World Wetlands Day 2026: It is observed on 2 February. 
  • Theme: Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage

Read More: World Wetlands Day, Ramsar sites, Ramsar Convention, Migratory birds 

PAIMANA Portal Launched by MoSPI

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has operationalised PAIMANA — a new web-based monitoring portal for Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above. 

Key Points 

• PAIMANA: It stands for Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building and is a centralized digital platform to monitor large infrastructure projects. 
  • It has replaced the earlier OCMS-2006 (Online Computerised Monitoring System) to improve real-time tracking and analytics. 
• Integration: PAIMANA is integrated with the DPIIT’s Integrated Project Monitoring Portal using APIs (Application Programming Interface), enabling automatic data flow and reducing manual data entry. 
  • The integration follows the principle of “one data, one entry” to standardise project reporting and minimise errors. 
• Project Coverage: As of December 2025, a total of 1,392 ongoing central sector infrastructure projects have been onboarded on the PAIMANA portal.  
• Sectoral Spread: Projects span key sectors including Transport & Logistics, Railways, Coal, Power, Housing & Urban Affairs, Water Resources, Telecommunications, Health & Family Welfare, etc.  
• Features: The portal offers interactive dashboards, advanced analytics, role-based access, automated reports and query modules for better oversight and decision-making. 
• Objective: To enhance transparency, data quality and timely implementation of major infrastructure projects, supporting nation-building and economic growth. 

Read More:  Digital platform, Economic growth, DPIIT