(FREE) UPSC Current Affairs 2024 PDF

(THE GIST OF PIB) VIRAASAT

(DECEMBER-2024)

The third edition of the VIRAASAT Sari Festival is being organized by the Ministry of Textiles from 15th to 28th December 2024 at Handloom Haat in New Delhi.

Organizer: National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the Ministry of Textiles.
Focus: Celebrates the tradition of handloom and handicrafts while providing market access to weavers and artisans.
Unique products: Features Paithani, Kotpad, Kota Doria, Tangail, Pochampally, Kancheepuram, Thirubuvanam, Jamdani, Santipuri, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Patola, Moirangphee, Banarasi Brocade, Tanchoi, Bhagalpuri Silk, Bawan Buti, and Pashmina Sari.

It commemorates the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7th August 1905, which encouraged indigenous industries, particularly handloom weavers.
The First National Handloom Day was held on 7th August 2015 in Chennai.
Significance: It recognises the efforts and skills of the handloom weaving community and also aims to promote the handloom sector and enhance the livelihood of weavers.

National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Aimed at the overall development of the handloom sector.
Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): Ensures the supply of essential raw materials to handloom weavers.
Weavers' MUDRA Loan/Concessional Credit Scheme: Provides financial support to weavers.
Handloom Producer Companies: Encourages the formation of producer companies to enhance the marketing and sales of handloom products.
Design Resource Centers (DRCs): Offers design support to weavers to improve product quality and marketability.
One District One Product: Promotes unique handloom products from each district.