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Geographical Indication Tag: Nagaswaram- UPSC Current Affairs
Mar 30, 2022
In today's edition of our Current Affairs Dialog box, we will discuss an important topic, Geographical Indication Tag: Nagaswaram. Read the entire article to boost your IAS Preparation.
For Prelims: Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram, GI Tag and Trade
ForMains: Benefits of GI Tag.
Why in the News?
Recently, the Narasinghapettai nagaswaram, a classical wind music instrument traditionally made by artisans based at a village near Kumbakonam, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
The application for the GI tag was filed by the Thanjavur Musical Instruments Workers Co-operative Cottage Industrial Society Ltd.
Probable Question
Recently Geographical Indication Tag status was provided to Narasinghapettai nagaswaram, a classical wind musical instrument. In this context, highlight the meaning of Geographical Indication and the significance of awarding GI status to any product?
Key Points
About Nagaswaram
It is a double-reed wind instrument with a large flaring bell.
The unique feature of the nagaswaram is its production process - it is handmade in Narasingapettai village in Thanjavur, unlike the other machine-made ones.
Generally, it is made up of a type of ebony that does not absorb moisture.
The top portion has a metal staple into which a small metallic cylinder is inserted to hold the mouthpiece made of reed.
The reeds are made from the leaves of a locally grown plant called 'naanal' (a variety of bamboo).
The instrument has a cylindrical body that flares out into a bell shape at the bottom.
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What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
In addition, the qualities, characteristics, or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin.
A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards.
GI tag in India:
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 governs the GI tag in India.
It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).
Products Covered: Agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
Tenure: Geographical indications registered as collective and certification marks are generally protected for renewable ten-year periods.
Image Source: Times of India
Benefits of GI Tag
Prevents unauthorized use of a Registered Geographical Indication by others.
It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications which in turn boost exports.
It promotes the economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory.
How are Geographical Indication Rights Enforced?
Like all intellectual property rights, the rights to geographical indications (GI) are enforced by the application of national legislation, typically in a court of law.
The right to take action could rest with a competent authority, the public prosecutor, or to any interested party, whether a natural person or a legal entity, whether public or private.
How is a Geographical Indication Different from a Trademark?
A trademark is a sign which is used in the course of trade, and it distinguishes goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises.
Whereas a geographical indication is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.
News Source: The Hindu
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