Question of the Day – GI Tags products
QOTD March 9,2026
With reference to the Geographical Indication (GI) tagged food products in India in 2024, consider the following statements:
- Red Ant Chutney (Kai chutney) received a GI tag and is traditionally prepared using red weaver ants in Odisha.
- Uthukuli Butter is produced in the Uthukuli region of Tamil Nadu and is known for its rich creaminess due to milk from indigenous cattle breeds.
- A Geographical Indication tag is granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 to protect products linked with a specific geographical origin.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)1,2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1-Correct
Red Ant Chutney, locally known as Kai Chutney from Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, received the GI tag in January 2024. It is made from red weaver ants mixed with spices such as garlic, salt, and chillies.
Statement 2-Correct
Uthukuli Butter from the Uthukuli region of Tiruppur district in Tamil Nadu was granted a GI tag in 2024. It is famous for its creamy texture and distinctive aroma due to traditional churning methods and high-quality local milk.
Statement 3-Correct
GI tags in India are granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 to protect products whose qualities or reputation are linked to a particular region.
Why in news–
Several traditional Indian food items came into focus in 2024 after they were granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags, highlighting India’s rich culinary heritage and regional specialities. Among the notable products are Red Ant Chutney from Odisha, prepared by tribal communities using red weaver ants, and Uthukuli Butter from Tamil Nadu, known for its distinctive taste and traditional preparation methods. The recognition was granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which protects products linked to a particular geographical origin and traditional knowledge. These new GI tags aim to preserve indigenous food practices, ensure legal protection against imitation, and provide economic benefits to local producers. The development has attracted attention because GI recognition strengthens rural livelihoods, promotes regional branding, and boosts the export potential of unique Indian food products.
News-Red Ant Chutney To Uthukuli Butter, 10 Indian Foods That Were Awarded A GI Tag In 2024 | Times Now
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1. With reference to Geographical Indication (GI) tags, consider the following statements:
- A GI tag indicates that a product possesses qualities or reputation attributable to a specific geographical origin.
- GI tags are granted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) directly to producers.
- In India, the GI Registry is located in Chennai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)1 and 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1-Correct
GI tag identifies products whose qualities or reputation are linked to a specific geographical region.
Statement 2-Incorrect
In India, GI tags are granted by the GI Registry under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, not directly by WIPO.
Statement 3-Correct
The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai.
PQ2. With reference to GI-tagged food products in India, consider the following statements:
- Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya is known for its high curcumin content.
- Banaras Thandai received GI recognition for its association with cultural traditions of Varanasi.
- GI tags can be granted only to agricultural products and not to handicrafts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1-Correct
Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya is known for its unusually high curcumin content.
Statement 2-Correct
Banaras Thandai received GI status due to its long cultural and culinary association with Varanasi.
Statement 3-Incorrect
GI tags can be granted to agricultural products, food items, handicrafts, manufactured goods, and natural products.
PQ3. Consider the following pairs:
| GI Product | State |
|---|---|
| 1. Red Ant Chutney | Odisha |
| 2. Uthukuli Butter | Tamil Nadu |
| 3. Kala Jeera Rice | Odisha |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation:
Pair 1-Correct
Red Ant Chutney (Kai Chutney) is associated with the Mayurbhanj region of Odisha.
Pair 2-Correct
Uthukuli Butter originates from Uthukuli in Tamil Nadu.
Pair 3-Correct
Kala Jeera Rice is a traditional aromatic rice from Odisha
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
Which of the following are the objectives of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999?
- To protect the interests of producers of goods having specific geographical origin
- To promote exports of goods having GI tags
- To prevent unauthorized use of registered GI products
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1-Correct
One of the main objectives of the Geographical Indications Act, 1999 is to protect the interests of producers whose goods originate from a specific region. GI recognition ensures that only authorized producers from that geographical area can use the product name. This prevents misuse and protects traditional knowledge and local livelihoods.
Statement 2 -Correct
GI tags help in enhancing the reputation and market value of products, which increases their demand in domestic and international markets. Because of this recognition and authenticity, GI-tagged goods often experience better export opportunities, thereby promoting exports.
Statement 3-Correct
The Act aims to prevent unauthorized use or imitation of GI-tagged products. For example, only producers from the designated region can legally use that product name. This protects consumers from fake products and maintains the authenticity of traditional goods.
