Jamakkalam weavers

A geographical indication or 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.
Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India.
The registration of GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed.

In India, GI is given under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
The Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & TradeMarks, GI (CGPDTM-India) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
India enacted its GI legislation to comply with India’s obligations under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement.
Geographical Indications are part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
GI registration gives to the registered proprietor and its authorized users, the legal right to the exclusive use of the GI and also the right to obtain relief in case of its infringement.
GI is a collective intellectual property right and is thus owned by all the producers within the defined GI territory unlike intellectual properties like patent and trademark which are owned by an individual or a business entity.

The Covid pandemic has negatively impacted the GI-tagged Bhavani jamakkalam’s production.

Bhavani Jamakkalam refers to blankets and carpets manufactured in Bhavani in Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
It has been recognized as a Geographical indication by the Government of India.

Today Current Affairs Upsc Exam Syllabus & Previous Yearpaper.