Daily Current Affairs : 6-January-2024

In a significant recognition of India’s rich cultural diversity, seventeen distinct products from various states and Union Territories have been honored with the prestigious Geographical Indications (GI) tag. This recognition not only emphasizes the uniqueness of these products but also safeguards the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with them.

Odisha: A Canvas of Culture
  • Lanjia Saura Paintings: These wall mural artworks are not merely decorations but hold profound spiritual significance, reflecting the cultural ethos of the Lanjia Saura community.
  • Dongaria Kondh Shawl: An ancient craft of knitting shawls by the Dongaria Kondh community, each piece tells a story of their culture and beliefs through intricate designs.
  • Khajuri Guda: A natural sweetener derived from date palm juice, showcasing the state’s commitment to traditional methods of food production.
  • Dhenkanal Magji: A unique milk product, adding a dairy touch to the cultural diversity celebrated by the GI tag.
  • Similipal Kai Chutney: Crafted from the indigenous Kai fruit, this chutney adds a burst of flavor and tradition to the culinary heritage of Similipal.
  • Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal: A vegetable crop characterized by prickly thorns, symbolizing the resilience and diversity of agricultural practices in Nayagarh.
  • Koraput Kalajeera Rice: A variety of rice from Koraput, demonstrating the region’s commitment to preserving traditional crops.
Arunachal Pradesh: Weaving Stories with Art
  • Handmade Carpets: The artistic flair of Arunachal Pradesh comes to life through these artisan-crafted carpets, showcasing the intricate skills passed down through generations.
  • Wancho Wooden Craft: Practiced by Wancho tribes, this ethnic art form breathes life into wood, telling tales of cultural significance and artistic prowess.
  • Adi Kekir (Ginger): A distinctive ginger variety, underlining the state’s contribution to agricultural diversity and traditional medicinal practices.
West Bengal: Sarees and Rice, Weaving Tradition
  • Tangail, Garad, Korial Sarees: These traditional sarees are not just pieces of fabric but embodiments of West Bengal’s rich weaving tradition.
  • Kalonunia Rice: A rice variety that exemplifies the agricultural expertise of the region, contributing to the culinary legacy of West Bengal.
  • Sundarban Honey: Harvested from the Sundarbans, this honey is a testament to the unique flora and fauna of the region, reflecting in its distinct flavor.
Jammu & Kashmir: Pomegranate Pleasures
  • Anardana: A pomegranate product from Ramban, showcasing the fruit’s diverse applications and the agricultural prowess of the region.
Gujarat: Local Delights
  • Kachchhi Kharek: A local product from Gujarat, this sweet delight adds a touch of authenticity to the culinary landscape of the state.

In conferring the GI tag, India not only celebrates the diversity of its products but also ensures the preservation of the cultural heritage embedded in each of them. These products are not just commodities; they are stories, traditions, and a testament to the unique tapestry of India’s cultural landscape.

Important Points:
  • Geographical Indications (GI) Tags Celebration:
    • Seventeen unique products from various states and Union Territories honored.
    • Recognizes and safeguards traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
  • Odisha: A Canvas of Culture:
    • Lanjia Saura Paintings – Spiritual wall mural art.
    • Dongaria Kondh Shawl – Ancient knitted shawls reflecting culture.
    • Khajuri Guda – Natural sweetener from date palm juice.
    • Dhenkanal Magji – Unique milk product.
    • Similipal Kai Chutney – Indigenous chutney from Kai fruit.
    • Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal – Vegetable crop with prickly thorns.
    • Koraput Kalajeera Rice – Rice variety preserving tradition.
  • Arunachal Pradesh: Weaving Stories with Art:
    • Handmade Carpets – Artisan-crafted, culturally rich carpets.
    • Wancho Wooden Craft – Ethnic art form by Wancho tribes.
    • Adi Kekir (Ginger) – Unique ginger variety showcasing agricultural diversity.
  • West Bengal: Sarees and Rice, Weaving Tradition:
    • Tangail, Garad, Korial Sarees – Traditional sarees embodying weaving tradition.
    • Kalonunia Rice – Rice variety contributing to culinary legacy.
    • Sundarban Honey – Distinct honey from Sundarbans reflecting unique flora and fauna.
  • Jammu & Kashmir: Pomegranate Pleasures:
    • Anardana – Pomegranate product from Ramban showcasing agricultural prowess.
  • Gujarat: Local Delights:
    • Kachchhi Kharek – Authentic sweet delight adding to culinary landscape.
  • Overall Significance:
    • GI tag not only celebrates product diversity but also preserves cultural heritage.
    • Products are more than commodities; they are stories, traditions, and cultural tapestry.
Why In News

Seventeen products, recognized for their unique qualities and origins, have been awarded the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, affirming their distinctiveness and protecting their cultural heritage.

MCQs about Geographical Indications (GI) Tags

  1. What is the primary purpose of conferring the Geographical Indications (GI) tag on products in India?
    A. To increase product prices
    B. To recognize and safeguard traditional knowledge and cultural heritage
    C. To promote international trade
    D. To restrict the availability of products
    Correct Answer: B. To recognize and safeguard traditional knowledge and cultural heritage
    Explanation: The GI tag is aimed at acknowledging the uniqueness of products and ensuring the preservation of the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with them.
  2. Which state’s products include Lanjia Saura paintings, Dongaria Kondh shawls, and Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal?
    A. Arunachal Pradesh
    B. Odisha
    C. West Bengal
    D. Jammu & Kashmir
    Correct Answer: B. Odisha
    Explanation: Lanjia Saura paintings, Dongaria Kondh shawls, and Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal are products from Odisha, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the state.
  3. What does the Adi Kekir variety mentioned in the essay refer to?
    A. Handmade Carpets
    B. Wancho Wooden Craft
    C. Ginger variety
    D. Sundarban Honey
    Correct Answer: C. Ginger variety
    Explanation: Adi Kekir is a distinctive ginger variety from Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the state’s contribution to agricultural diversity and traditional medicinal practices.
  4. Which region is associated with the product “Kachchhi Kharek”?
    A. West Bengal
    B. Gujarat
    C. Jammu & Kashmir
    D. Arunachal Pradesh
    Correct Answer: B. Gujarat
    Explanation: Kachchhi Kharek is a local product from Gujarat, adding authenticity to the culinary landscape of the state.

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