gi tag

Assam, the world's tea capital, produces a significant portion of global tea, with its Orthodox variety standing out. This robust, malty black tea, known for its rich amber-red hue and briskness, boasts powerful antioxidants. The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre's record sales and premium prices for Tippy Orthodox highlight its global demand and the skilled craftsmanship involved in its production.

There is a lot that Darjeeling could learn from Champagne when it comes to protecting its legacy. As the 87 odd estates in the Himalayan foothills gear up to educate the world about their authentic gi tagged teas, we get a whiff of what’s brewing

Bengaluru is set to host the first batch of 15 artisans from Belagavi for a training program at KILT, a Prada-Lidkar initiative. This three-year collaboration aims to skill 90 artisans statewide, offering advanced training in design, market study, and digital literacy. Selected artisans will even travel to Italy for further development, fostering entrepreneurship and market access through Lidkar outlets.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered a 50% cut in official vehicle fleets and urged a public movement for austerity. Measures include promoting work-from-home, public transport, and reducing fuel and gold consumption. The state aims to boost domestic tourism and local products.

Distinguishing handloom from powerloom sarees in India is crucial. Handloom, a slow, artisanal craft, reveals subtle human imperfections and a unique texture. Powerloom, machine-made for mass production, exhibits robotic precision and uniformity. Buyers can identify handloom by checking for minor flaws, the reverse side, fabric feel, and pattern consistency, ensuring they support genuine craftsmanship.

The humble Kolhapuri chappal has transcended its traditional roots to become a global fashion icon, even prompting luxury brands like Prada to collaborate with Indian artisans. This practical, comfortable, and eco-friendly footwear now epitomizes "power flats" and "old money" aesthetics, proving its relevance and chic appeal beyond ethnic wear.

India's Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is a global spiritual magnet, attracting tens of millions annually and standing as the most visited temple by April 2026. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the temple offers a profound experience beyond darshan, with unique rituals like hair offerings and a GI-tagged laddu prasadam.

Genelia Deshmukh revives the royal Kashi Bai aesthetic in a vibrant GI-tagged cobalt blue saree with stunning cinematic flair, feeling like a traditional Maratha dream.

With Bihar making renewed efforts to secure gi tags for more of its unique agricultural products, Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) vice-chancellor P S Pandey tells STOI’s B K Mishra in an interview that rigorous scientific documentation and stronger producer organisations are essential to accelerate the process. Excerpts: