GI and Beyond 2.0 Summit to be held in New Delhi on August 5
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Ministry of Textiles is organizing the 'GI and Beyond 2.0 Summit' on August 5, 2026, in New Delhi, to promote India's GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products. The summit will showcase over 100 GI products, launch the Digital Handloom Atlas, and unveil the Handloom Export Promotion Council's Diamond Jubilee logo. This event is significant for boosting domestic and international market presence of these traditional products.
Background
Geographical Indications (GI) tags are intellectual property rights that identify goods as originating from a specific region, where a given quality, reputation, or characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. India has a rich heritage of handloom and handicraft products, many of which have received GI tags to protect and promote them. The first 'GI and Beyond' summit was held earlier, and this second edition aims to further strengthen the GI ecosystem.
Key facts
The 'GI and Beyond 2.0 Summit' will be held on August 5, 2026, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
The summit is organized by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC).
The Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, will be the Chief Guest, and Textiles Secretary Smt. Neelam Shami Rao will be the Special Guest.
The summit aims to promote India's GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders in the GI ecosystem.
Over 100 GI-registered handloom and handicraft products from across the country will be displayed.
The event will include thematic exhibitions, live demonstrations of handloom weaving and handicrafts, and technical sessions on GI registration, intellectual property rights, and market strategies.
GI certificates will be awarded to registered owners and new authorized users during the inaugural session.
The Digital Handloom Atlas, named 'Ek Manch, Anant Bazaar' (One Platform, Infinite Market), will be launched to showcase handloom products and connect artisans with global markets.
The Diamond Jubilee logo of the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) will be unveiled.
A special presentation on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by IIT Madras experts will be held to strengthen the GI ecosystem.
Prelims pointers
- GI and Beyond 2.0 Summit: August 5, 2026, New Delhi
- Organized by: Ministry of Textiles (Development Commissioner Handlooms) with HEPC
- Digital Handloom Atlas: 'Ek Manch, Anant Bazaar'
- HEPC Diamond Jubilee Logo
- GI certificates awarded to registered owners and authorized users
- Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi
- Pabitra Margherita: MoS External Affairs and Textiles
- IIT Madras AI presentation
- Geographical Indications (GI) tag: intellectual property right
- Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of Geographical Indications (GI) tags in promoting traditional Indian handicrafts and handlooms in domestic and international markets.
- Critically examine the challenges faced by GI-tagged products in India and suggest measures to enhance their global competitiveness.
- Evaluate the impact of digital platforms like the Digital Handloom Atlas on the livelihoods of artisans and the handloom sector.
- Analyze the significance of government initiatives like the 'GI and Beyond' summit in preserving India's cultural heritage and boosting exports.