The Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is a mark of identification given to products that represent the uniqueness of a particular region or place. Recently, 33 products were granted GI certification on a single day by the GI Registry in Chennai, and among them were two products from Uttar Pradesh, namely the Banarasi Paan and Banarasi Langda mango.
What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is a special identification mark given to certain products that represent the unique characteristics of a particular region, town, or state. These tags are given to products like agriculture or handicrafts that have distinct qualities that are representative of that particular region or place.
India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999. This act came into effect in 2003 and defines GI as indications that identify a product as originating in a member’s territory, region, or locality where a particular quality, reputation, or characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to its geographic origin.
The GI tag signifies that the product, name, or sign assigned to it is unique, has distinctive qualities, and is made using traditional methods that represent the reputation of the region. This tag also provides protection from any sort of copyright violation.
The Latest Products with GI Tags
On a single day, 33 products were granted GI certification by the GI Registry in Chennai. Among them, ten products belong to Uttar Pradesh, including three from Varanasi. So far, Uttar Pradesh has 45 GI goods, out of which 20 belong to the Varanasi region of eastern UP.
The newly certified goods from UP include Aligarh Tala, Bakharia Brassware, Banda Shazar Patthar Craft, Nagina Wood Craft, Pratapgarh Aonla, Hathras Hing, Banaras Langda Aam, Ramnagar Bhanta, Muzaffarnagar Gur (jaggery), and Banarasi Pan.
The Importance of GI Tags
The GI tag plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving traditional products of a particular region. It helps to protect the reputation and unique qualities of the product and the region it originates from. It also helps to promote the product by providing it with legal protection against imitations and counterfeits.
Moreover, GI tags help to create a brand identity for the product and promote its commercial value, thereby contributing to the economic development of the region. The GI tag can also create opportunities for local artisans and farmers to increase their income and support their livelihoods.
Why In News
The Banarasi Paan and Banarasi Langda mango are not only famous for their unique taste and flavor, but they have also been recognized as products with exceptional geographical significance, earning them the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India. This recognition further highlights the importance of protecting traditional products and promoting the economic development of the regions they originate from.
MCQs about Geographical Indication (GI) Tags in India
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What is a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India?
A. A special identification given to any person or business in a particular region.
B. A type of patent given to a product with a unique geographic origin.
C. A trademark given to products with traditional methods of production.
D. A certification given to products with a reputation for quality.
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What is the significance of a GI tag for a product?
A. It protects the product from copyright infringement.
B. It guarantees the quality and safety of the product.
C. It promotes economic development in the region where the product originates.
D. It ensures that the product is sold at a fair price.
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Which product was the first to receive a GI tag in India?
A. Darjeeling Tea
B. Banarasi Paan
C. Nagina Wood Craft
D. Ramnagar Bhanta
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How many Indian products have been granted a GI tag so far?
A. 34
B. 45
C. 441
D. 33
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