Introduction
In a deeply structural and highly massive surge for intellectual property rights, the Government of India strictly and officially registered 125 new Geographical Indications (GI) during the 2025-26 fiscal year, propelling the nation's total GI registry to a staggering 822 products.
Background
The fierce absolute registration drive was heavily absolutely dominated by Eastern and Central Indian states. Madhya Pradesh topped the fiscal year additions with 26 GIs, closely followed by West Bengal with 24. Notably, out of the 822 total registered GIs nationwide, handicrafts dominate at 53%, while agricultural products constitute 31%.
Why is this important?
This massive structural IP protection is incredibly important because it directly and fiercely completely addresses the absolute massive economic exploitation of indigenous artisans and farmers. By structurally completely enforcing the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999, the registry heavily absolutely ensures massive strict brand exclusivity, safeguarding traditional knowledge under the Paris Convention.
Key Highlights
- New GIs (2025-26): 125 products.
- Total GIs in India: 822 products.
- Top State (2025-26 Additions): Madhya Pradesh (26 GIs).
- Top State (Overall Registrations): Uttar Pradesh (79 GIs), followed by Tamil Nadu (74).
Economic Actions
The GI Registry aggressively heavily structurally processed applications, completely bestowing the coveted tag to remarkable heritage items like MP's Sitahi Kutki (tribal crop) and Khajuraho Stone Craft, alongside West Bengal's Santiniketan Batik and Balagarh Boat.
Key Facts
- Madhya Pradesh Additions: Khajuraho Stone Craft, Gwalior Paper Mache, Sitahi Kutki (Baiga & Gond tribes).
- West Bengal Additions: ‘Jalbhara’ Sandesh, ‘Monohara’, Santiniketan Batik, Balagarh Boat.
- Jharkhand Additions (11 GIs): Tussar Silk Sarees, Dokra Craft.
- Governing Law: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Impact
The strict massive absolute realization of these GIs will completely absolutely generate massive fierce export premiums, dramatically elevating the rural economy and preserving ancestral craftsmanship from mass-market counterfeiting.
Exam Perspective
For Economy and Art & Culture (UPSC, TNPSC), candidates must memorize the total number of GIs (822), the state with the highest overall GIs (Uttar Pradesh - 79), the state with the most additions in 25-26 (Madhya Pradesh - 26), and the relevant act (GI Act, 1999).
Important Notes
- Highest Total GIs: Uttar Pradesh (79).
- Highest New Additions: Madhya Pradesh (26).
- Total India Count: 822.
Conclusion
The fierce absolute expansion of the GI Registry is a phenomenally powerful massive absolute structural victory for India's grassroots creators, immortalizing their regional mastery on the global commercial stage.