Which of the following products is not recognized as a geographical indication in India?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Darjeeling Basmati

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is about geographical indications, often abbreviated as GI, which are a form of intellectual property right. A geographical indication identifies products that originate from a specific region and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin. India maintains a register of GI tagged products, including textiles, agricultural goods, and handicrafts. The question asks which of the listed products is not recognized as a GI in India, testing awareness of correct product names and locations.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The options include Kani Shawl, Naga Mircha, Mysore Silk, and Darjeeling Basmati.
  • Some of these are well known traditional products associated with specific regions.
  • The question asks which product name is not a valid geographical indication.
  • We assume familiarity with commonly cited GI examples from exam resources.


Concept / Approach:
Kani Shawl is a traditional handloom shawl from Jammu and Kashmir and has been recognized as a geographical indication. Naga Mircha, also known as Naga chilli, has been granted GI tag due to its unique characteristics in Nagaland. Mysore Silk, associated with Karnataka, is another famous GI protected textile. Darjeeling, on the other hand, is associated with Darjeeling Tea, which holds the distinction of being the first Indian GI. The combination Darjeeling Basmati does not correspond to a recognized product or GI. Basmati rice itself is subject to separate GI claims, but not under the name Darjeeling Basmati. Therefore, Darjeeling Basmati is not a recognized GI product.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Kani Shawl as a traditional shawl from Jammu and Kashmir with GI protection. Step 2: Recognize Naga Mircha as a chilli variety from Nagaland that has received GI status. Step 3: Recall Mysore Silk as a well known GI registered textile from Karnataka. Step 4: Observe that Darjeeling Basmati is not a recognized product; Darjeeling is linked with tea, not a basmati rice GI.


Verification / Alternative check:
The official list of Indian geographical indications includes entries such as Kani Shawl, Naga Mircha or Naga chilli, and Mysore Silk. It also lists Darjeeling Tea as a GI product. There is no entry for any product called Darjeeling Basmati, confirming that this name does not correspond to a recognized GI. This absence in the official registry is sufficient to identify Darjeeling Basmati as the incorrect product in the options.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kani Shawl, Naga Mircha, and Mysore Silk are all established products whose origins and special qualities are tied to specific regions in India and are therefore protected under the GI regime. These products are regularly cited in exam materials as examples of geographical indications. Selecting any of these as not being a GI would contradict the official registry and common learning resources.


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to be misled by the word Darjeeling, which is strongly associated with GI protection, and overlook that the product here is labelled as Basmati. Some candidates may see the term Basmati and assume that any combination involving it is protected, without paying attention to the actual registered name. Careful reading of the full product name and comparison with known GI examples helps avoid such confusion.


Final Answer:
Darjeeling Basmati is not a recognized geographical indication product in India.

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