Daily filter — 25 July 2026
5 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
📜 Reports & Indices · UPSC track
Sarnath Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, a proud moment for India's heritage.
- Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Sarnath has a close association with Lord Buddha.
- The inscription celebrates India’s civilisational and spiritual heritage.
💡 Remember: Sarnath (UP) on UNESCO World Heritage List is linked to Lord Buddha.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2289424
🛕 Art & Culture · UPSC track
Sarnath Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
The **Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath** became India's 45th property on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee.
- Sarnath is located within Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- It includes Chaukhandi Stupa and Archaeological Remains of Sarnath (e.g., Dhamekh Stupa, Ashokan Pillar).
- The Buddha delivered his first sermon, Dharmachakra pravartana, at Sarnath in the 6th century BCE.
- India now has 45 sites on the World Heritage List, ranking 6th globally.
💡 Remember Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) is India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for Buddha's first sermon.
Source: Ministry of Culture · PIB PRID 2289399
🌱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
SVEP Boosts Rural Non-Farm Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods
The Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) supports rural non-farm enterprises, a sub-scheme of DAY-NRLM since 2016.
- SVEP, launched in 2016, is a sub-scheme of DAY-NRLM.
- As of June 30, 2026, 4.32 lakh rural enterprises were supported.
- Around 86% of entrepreneurs belong to SC, ST, Minority, and OBC communities.
- Government released cumulative central share of ₹942.09 crore up to February 2026.
- At least 60% of beneficiaries and CRP-EPs are mandated to be women.
💡 For the exam: SVEP (sub-scheme of DAY-NRLM) launched in 2016, supported 4.32 lakh rural enterprises by 2026, with 86% social inclusion and 60% women beneficiaries.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2289268
🇺🇸🇮🇳 International Relations · UPSC track
US Section 301 Forced Labour Tariffs: India at 10%
The USTR has imposed an additional 10% ad valorem duty on imports from India under Section 301 measures.
- The USTR announced final measures under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, 1974 on 23rd July 2026.
- India faces an additional 10% ad valorem duty, reduced from 12.5% initially proposed.
- Approximately 45% of India's exports to the US are exempt from this new duty.
- India's tariff incidence is comparatively lower than most other investigated economies.
- The textile specific mechanism is yet to be established and operationalized.
💡 Section 301 duties on forced labor mean 10% additional tariffs for 55% of India's US exports, but it's lower than initially proposed due to engagement.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2289348
🛃 Defence & Security · LAW track
DRI Seizes 27 Kg Smuggled Gold, 12 Arrested in Crackdown
The **Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)** intensified its crackdown on gold smuggling, seizing over 27 kg and arresting 12 individuals across India.
- Over 27 kg foreign-origin gold was seized in nationwide intelligence-led operations.
- 12 persons were arrested in connection with gold smuggling activities.
- Smuggling methods included aircraft lavatories, vehicle cavities, and body concealment.
- Operations occurred between 19-20.07.2026 and 23-24.07.2026.
- Key seizures were made in Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata, Cochin, and Guwahati.
💡 DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence) seized over 27 kg of smuggled gold and arrested 12 individuals in nationwide operations using varied concealment methods.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2289357