Alphonso mango gets Geographical Indication tag

Chennai based Geographical Indication Registry and Intellectual Property India has granted Alphonso Mango from 5 districts of Maharashtra- Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• These five districts Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Thane and Raigad are from western Konkan coastal region of the State.
• With this recognition, Alphonso has joined the list of 325 products from India with GI tag.

About Alphonso mango:

• Alphonso, better known as 'Hapus' in Maharashtra is considered as the king of mangoes. 
• It is best known for its taste and also for pleasant fragrance and vibrant colour. 
• It is in demand in domestic and international markets.
• It has long been one of world's most popular fruits and is exported to various countries including Japan, Korea, Europe, US and Australia.

About Geographical Indication (GI):

• GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• It is primarily given to agricultural, natural and manufactured goods having special quality and established reputation.
• The goods and products having the tag are recognised for their origin, quality and reputation and gives it the required edge in global market.
• It also ensures that none can use their name, giving them exclusivity.
• GI is covered as an element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property.
• At the international level, GI is governed by WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• In India, GI tag Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999 governs it.
• This Act is administered by Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also the Registrar of Geographical Indications and is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 
• It comes under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The registration of GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed. 
• Violation of GI tags is a punishable offence under law.
• The purpose of GI tag enables stakeholders to authenticate their production while earning a premium and derive an improved livelihood.
• The first GI in India was given to Darjeeling tea in 2004. 
• Tirupathi Laddu, Kangra Paintings, Nagpur Orange and Kashmir Pashmina are among registered GIs in India.
• Karnataka tops with 38 GI products, followed by Maharashtra which has 33 GI products.
• Tamil Nadu comes third with 25 GI products.

Question:

Q. Chennai based Geographical Indication Registry and Intellectual Property India has granted which fruit from 5 districts of Maharashtra- Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
a. Dussehri Mango
b. Alphonso Mango
c. Sindoori Mango
d. None of the above