Published on Apr 3, 2024
Daily PIB Summaries
PIB Summaries 03 April 2024
PIB Summaries 03 April 2024

CONTENTS

  1. Recognition of Matabari Pera and Pachra with GI Tags
  2. SKOCH ESG Award 2024

Recognition of Matabari Pera and Pachra with GI Tags

Context:

The Tripura Chief Minister announced that two traditional items from the state, Matabari Pera and Pachra, have been honoured with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag marking a significant milestone for local artisans and weavers.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

  1. Recognition of Matabari Pera and Pachra with GI Tags
  2. Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

Recognition of Matabari Pera and Pachra with GI Tags

Matabari Pera:

  • A dairy-based confectionery traditionally served as prasad at the Tripurasundari temple.

Pachra:

  • A handwoven cloth used by Indigenous communities.

Significance of GI Tag:

  • Ensures legal protection against unauthorized imitation or misuse of the product.
  • Safeguards the product’s authenticity and preserves the cultural heritage it represents.

Benefits of GI Recognition:

  • Facilitates market access and promotion, both within India and internationally.
  • Creates economic opportunities for local communities engaged in the production of these products.

Previous GI Recognitions from Northeast:

  • Tripura’s queen pineapple and 13 other products from the Northeast have previously received the GI tag, underscoring the region’s diverse and unique offerings.

Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

Definition and Importance:
  • Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product.
  • They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality.
  • GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS.
Administration and Registration:
  • Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
  • The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each.
Significance and Examples:
  • GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin.
  • The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea.
  • Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39.
Ownership and Proprietorship:
  • Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag.
  • The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product.
  • Protection and Enforcement:
  • Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin.
  • Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions.
Location of the Geographical Indications Registry:
  • The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India.

SKOCH ESG Award 2024

Context:

REC Limited won the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 for ‘Renewable Energy Financing’.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Overview of REC (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited)

Profile:

  • A ‘Maharatna’ Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power.
  • Registered with RBI as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC).

Scope of Funding:

  • Funds various infrastructure projects, both power and non-power.
  • Projects span from power generation to transportation and communication.
  • Supports sectors like renewables, electric vehicles, and green technologies.
SKOCH ESG Awards and Significance

Award Description:

  • SKOCH ESG Awards recognize organizations excelling in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.

Benchmark for Sustainable Business:

  • The Award and Assessment serve as a vital benchmark.
  • Highlights organizations’ commitment to India 2047 by emphasizing sustainable investments and processes for a sustainable business future.
About SKOCH Group
  • Established in 1997, the SKOCH Group is a leading Indian think tank.

Focus Areas:

  • Specializes in socio-economic issues.
  • Engages with a diverse spectrum of entities, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to community-based organizations.