Aspirant Academy

History

Current Affairs Integration

Tribes and Their Traditions

Paper I · Unit 1 Section 12 of 14 0 PYQs 47 min
Topic Preview Subject Inventory

Public Section Preview

Current Affairs Integration

Recent Developments

  • RISA: Timeless Tribal brand (March 2026): Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched "RISA: Timeless Tribal" — a premium retail brand under TRIFED — showcasing handwoven tribal textiles from across India's Northeast and central tribal belt. The brand, unveiled at the Tribes Art Fest 2026 in New Delhi (March 2026), aims to mainstream tribal textile products in urban premium markets. While Rajasthan-specific tribal textiles (Bhil pithoro cloth, tribal embroidery from Banswara) are slated for inclusion in Phase 2, the brand represents the government's shift from welfare-only to market-linkage approach for tribal artisans.

  • Tribes Art Fest 2026 (March 2026): Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized the Tribes Art Fest 2026 in New Delhi, featuring tribal artisans from 20 states. Rajasthan's participation included Bhil pithoro painters from Udaipur, Garasia weavers from Sirohi, and tribal jewelry makers from Banswara. The event coincided with the RISA brand launch and was tied to GI (Geographical Indication) tagging discussions for tribal crafts.

  • Rajasthan Khejri Bachao Andolan by Bishnoi community (February 2026): The Bishnoi community of Jodhpur division organized protests in February 2026 against alleged violations of khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) felling restrictions. Khejri — the state tree of Rajasthan — has been protected by Bishnoi tradition since the 1730 Amrita Devi Bishnoi martyrdom (363 Bishnois sacrificed lives to protect khejri trees). The 2026 agitation, while not involving a Scheduled Tribe (Bishnois are OBC), is directly relevant to the tribal-environment nexus and reflects continuity of community-based conservation traditions.

  • PM-JANMAN (PM Janjati Aadhivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, November 2023): Launched on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (15 November 2023, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary). Budget: ₹24,000 crore over 3 years, targeting India's 75 PVTGs including Rajasthan's Saharia community. Focus areas: last-mile road connectivity, mobile medical units, Eklavya school expansion, and digital literacy for PVTG villages. Saharia beneficiaries in Baran district are among the earliest covered.

Potential Exam Questions from Current Affairs

  1. Possible question: What is the RISA: Timeless Tribal initiative? How does it support tribal artisans?
    Answer pointers: Launched March 2026 by Ministry of Tribal Affairs under TRIFED; premium retail brand for tribal textiles; Tribes Art Fest 2026 launch platform; market-linkage approach for tribal artisans; Phase 2 to include Rajasthan's Bhil and Garasia textiles.

  2. Possible question: What is PM-JANMAN? Discuss its significance for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
    Answer pointers: Launched November 2023; ₹24,000 crore for 75 PVTGs over 3 years; Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (15 Nov, Birsa Munda birth anniversary); covers Rajasthan's Saharia PVTG in Baran; components include road connectivity, mobile health, Eklavya schools, digital literacy.

  3. Possible question: Describe the Bishnoi community's contribution to environmental conservation in Rajasthan.
    Answer pointers: 1730 Amrita Devi martyrdom (363 Bishnois, Jodhpur); protection of khejri (state tree) and blackbuck; 29 environmental principles (vishnoism); Chipko-precursor movement; 2026 Khejri Bachao Andolan — continuity of tradition; Bishnois classified OBC not ST but demonstrate community conservation practices relevant to tribal welfare discourse.