Festivals, Fairs & GI Crafts (Art & Culture).
Syllabus: UPSC Mains GS1: Indian culture - art forms, literature, architecture
GI tags for UPSC: Geographical Indications Act 1999, TRIPS link, registration at Chennai, 10-year validity, famous GI products, UP's ODOP and key…
At the 77th Foundation Day of the Central Silk Board in Bengaluru on 20 September 2026, the Textiles Minister said India's silk output has grown from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 42,000 tonnes now. The target is 60,000 tonnes by 2030-31, and the No. 1 global rank by 2028-29. Karnataka leads India's silk production.
UPSC angle: Prelims: four varieties of silk; leading State.
20 Sep 2026
On 21 July 2026 MDoNER and Meghalaya launched Mission Golden Spice, a Rs 175.45 crore convergence project to strengthen the Lakadong turmeric value chain. The five-year roadmap (2025 to 2030) has two phases. Targets include raising farmgate prices toward Rs 80 a kilo and area from about 2,500 ha to nearly 7,500 ha.
UPSC angle: Prelims: GI products of NE.
21 Jul 2026
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and the Assam Government launched Mission Senehjori on 2 June 2026 to make Assam's Muga silk a global luxury brand. Muga is the world's only naturally golden silk and supports about 2.6 lakh families. The mission plans ₹396 to 411 crore over three years, including ₹136 to 151 crore from MDoNER.
UPSC angle: Prelims: types of silk and States.
2 Jun 2026
MDoNER and the Tripura government launched Mission Queen Pineapple, a ₹236 crore convergence initiative, on 27 May 2026. It runs from Q2 FY2026 to Q4 FY2028 to build the value chain around Tripura's GI-tagged Queen Pineapple—from cultivation and aggregation to processing, branding and exports—with multiple Central ministries and agencies.
UPSC angle: Prelims: GI products of the North-East.
27 May 2026
The nomination stressed the people who keep the festival going: potters, artisans, sweet makers. That is how ICH listings are judged.
UPSC angle: Prelims: India's ICH elements.
10 Dec 2025
Weavers lose to middlemen; direct retail improves margins.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Handloom Day.
5 Aug 2025