India Paving the Way in Textile Industry: Establishing 'Bharat Park' and its Implications

I. Unveiling the 'Bharat Park':

- The Indian Government intends to establish 'Bharat Park,' an exclusive trade zone, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

- This zone would consist of showrooms and warehouses that stock and display Indian-manufactured goods intended for a global consumer base.

- Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised its role in enabling hassle-free, secure international procurement of Indian products straight from the UAE.

II. Harnessing Potential of Man-Made Fibre Textiles:

- Highlighting the growing demand for cotton and the ensuing supply challenges, Goyal underscored the importance of focusing on Man-Made Fibre Textiles.

- He stressed on maximising utilisation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with nations such as Japan, Australia, UAE, and South Korea.

III. Fresh Look at Export Targets and Challenges:

- Export of man-made fibre textiles witnessed a 9% fall, contributing only $3.1 billion in the first seven months of the current fiscal year.

- A small rise in technical textile exports was noted, amounting to $1.51 billion.

- By the end of the fiscal year, the industry plans to surpass $6 billion in exports and $3 billion in technical textile shipments. This target aligns with the government's challenging goals for boosting the textile industry.

IV. Call for Greater Governmental Intervention:

- The Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council advocates for the government to address issues of GST rates and inverted duty structures that serve as obstacles to growth.

- They called for an equal GST rate across the Man-Made Fibre Textiles value chain for simplification and transparency.

- Furthermore, it was suggested that textiles and clothing should be integrated into the Interest Equalization Scheme, enhancing their competitiveness in international markets.

GK Updates:

- The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, has grown into a global business hub, making it a strategic location for 'Bharat Park'.

- Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are deals between countries that aim to cut trade barriers and promote economic linkages. India has several FTAs with countries like Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the UAE.

- The Interest Equalization Scheme (IES) was introduced by the Indian government to boost exports, allowing exporters to borrow money at reduced rates resulting in affordable credit for international marketing endeavours.

The Launch of 'Sanatan Khadi Vastra': Fusing India's Heritage with Modern Trends

1. Introduction: Launch of 'Sanatan Khadi Vastra'

- The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) unveiled a new clothing line named 'Sanatan Khadi Vastra' on January 17, 2024.

- The launch took place at the Khadi Bhawan, situated in Connaught Place, Delhi.

- To commemorate the occasion, KVIC announced promotional discounts available from January 17 to January 25, 2024. The offers include a discount of 20% on the 'Sanatan Vastra' clothing range and a 10%- 60% discount on other Khadi and village industry products.

2. Manufacturing Process: Merging Tradition with Innovation

- The designs for the 'Sanatan Vastra' range were conceptualised and brought to life at the Khadi Center of Excellence (COEK), housed at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

- To stay true to its name, Sanatan, which means eternal or traditional, the manufacturing process for this Khadi clothing line abstains from using any mechanical or chemical procedure. It instead adheres to traditional Indian manufacturing methods.

3. Why is it in the News: Cultural and Economic Significance

- Cultural Aspect: 'Sanatan Vastra' effectively marries India's rich cultural heritage with contemporary fashion trends. It aims to appeal to the youth of the nation and promotes the usage of Swadeshi, or homeland-produced, products.

- Economic Aspect: This new initiative is predicted to enhance the livelihood of numerous rural artisans throughout the country. It will contribute to their economic empowerment, thus also boosting the rural economy.

4. Broader Vision: Reinforcing Khadi as a National Symbol

- The launch of 'Sanatan Vastra' is in alignment with KVIC's larger vision of propelling Khadi as a symbol of national pride and sustainable fashion.

- It also underscores the importance of incorporating sustainability into daily life and preserving traditional Indian arts and crafts which have existed for centuries.

- The launched collection stands for more than just clothing; it is a powerful testament to Indian heritage and the country's commitment to eco-friendly fashion.

GK Part:

- KVIC is a statutory body established by an act of Parliament. It is charged with planning, promoting, organising, and implementing programs for the development of Khadi and other village industries in rural areas.

- KVIC aims to create self-reliant rural communities through various employment opportunities.

- Khadi is handspun and handwoven cloth made from cotton, silk, or wool. Khadi played a significant role in India's fight for freedom, and it became a symbol of self-sufficiency and resistance during the Swadeshi Movement.