Daily Current Affairs : 2-May-2024

In recent years, the concept of Geographical Indications (GI) has gained significant importance in India. To evaluate its impact, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) has launched a study. This study aims to assess how artisans and producers benefit from receiving a GI tag for their products.

What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a label used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics inherent to that region. These goods can be agricultural products, handicrafts, or even natural resources that are closely tied to a particular area.

  • For example, products like Darjeeling Tea, Kanjeevaram Silk, or Alphonso Mangoes are famous GI products in India.
  • A GI tag helps in identifying products that come from a specific region and have qualities that are unique to that area.

Purpose of NABARD’s Study

The primary objective of NABARD’s study is to understand the economic, social, and cultural impact of GI products on producers and artisans. The study will focus on the following areas:

  • Income Growth: How the GI tag helps artisans and producers increase their income.
  • Market Access: The ability of GI-tagged products to reach national and international markets.
  • Product Quality: Whether GI registration improves the quality and reputation of the product.
  • Community Development: How GI tags contribute to the social and cultural well-being of the region.

Legal Framework for GI in India

In India, the registration and protection of GI products are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999. This act ensures that:

  • Only products originating from specific regions can be classified as GI products.
  • GI products are given legal protection for 10 years, which is renewable after the term expires.
  • The Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI) oversees the entire process, ensuring that the products meet the criteria set for a GI tag.

Important Points:

  • NABARD Study: Launched to evaluate the impact of Geographical Indication (GI) tags on artisans and producers in India.
  • What is GI?: A label used on products with a specific geographical origin and unique qualities tied to that region.
  • Examples of GI Products in India: Darjeeling Tea, Kanjeevaram Silk, Alphonso Mangoes.
  • Study Focus Areas:
  • Income Growth: Assessing if GI tags increase income for artisans and producers.
  • Market Access: Examining how GI tags help products reach national and international markets.
  • Product Quality: Investigating whether GI registration enhances the product’s quality and reputation.
  • Community Development: Exploring the social and cultural impact of GI tags on the region.
  • Legal Framework: Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
  • GI products are protected for 10 years, renewable after the term expires.
  • Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI) oversees the registration process.
  • Importance of GI: Helps promote regional products, protect local artisans’ interests, and preserve cultural heritage.

Why In News

NABARD has initiated a comprehensive study to evaluate the economic, social, and cultural impact of Geographical Indication (GI) products, focusing on how these products benefit artisans, producers, and local communities.

MCQs about The Role of GI Tags in Supporting Indian Artisans

  1. What is the primary objective of NABARD’s study on Geographical Indication (GI) products?
    A. To explore the history of GI products in India
    B. To assess the benefits of GI tags for artisans and producers
    C. To promote the sale of GI products globally
    D. To reduce the legal protection period for GI products
    Correct Answer: B. To assess the benefits of GI tags for artisans and producers
    Explanation: NABARD’s study is aimed at evaluating how receiving a GI tag impacts artisans and producers economically, socially, and culturally.
  2. How long is the legal protection granted to GI products in India?
    A. 5 years
    B. 10 years
    C. 15 years
    D. 20 years
    Correct Answer: B. 10 years
    Explanation: According to the **Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999**, GI products are granted legal protection for 10 years, which is renewable after the period expires.
  3. Which of the following is an example of a Geographical Indication (GI) product in India?
    A. Basmati Rice
    B. Surat Diamond
    C. Darjeeling Tea
    D. Punjab Cotton
    Correct Answer: C. Darjeeling Tea
    Explanation: **Darjeeling Tea** is one of the well-known GI products in India, known for its unique quality and geographical origin in the Darjeeling region.
  4. Who oversees the registration process of GI products in India?
    A. Ministry of Agriculture
    B. Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI)
    C. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
    D. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)
    Correct Answer: B. Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI)
    Explanation: The **Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI)** is responsible for overseeing the registration and protection of GI products in India.

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