A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a form of intellectual property right (IPR) that identifies goods as originating from a specific geographical location, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the product is essentially linked to its geographical origin.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Static GK – GI Tags
In India, GI tags are governed under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in September 2003. The first GI tag in India was given to Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal) in 2004.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is responsible for GI registration and protection.
🔹 Purpose of GI Tag
- To protect traditional products and local craftsmanship.
- To ensure economic benefits to local producers.
- To prevent misuse or duplication of the product’s name.
- To promote exports and tourism through regional identity.
🔹 Categories Covered Under GI Tags
- Agricultural Products
- Handicrafts
- Manufactured Goods
- Foodstuffs
- Natural Goods
🔹 Recent GI Tags (2024–2025 Updates)
Some of the newly granted GI tags that are important for AFCAT 1 2026 Static GK include:
| Product | State/Region | Category | Year of GI Tag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mithila Makhana | Bihar | Agricultural | 2022 |
| Gamosa | Assam | Handicraft | 2022 |
| Kangra Tea | Himachal Pradesh | Agricultural | 2023 |
| Alibag White Onion | Maharashtra | Agricultural | 2024 |
| Lahaul Potato | Himachal Pradesh | Agricultural | 2024 |
| Banaras Thandai | Uttar Pradesh | Foodstuff | 2024 |
| Salem Sago | Tamil Nadu | Manufactured | 2024 |
| Muga Silk | Assam | Handicraft | 2024 |
| Kaji Nemu (Assam Lemon) | Assam | Agricultural | 2024 |
| Kodungallur Pottichor | Kerala | Foodstuff | 2025 |
| Jalesar Brassware | Uttar Pradesh | Handicraft | 2025 |
| Ladakh Apricot | Ladakh | Agricultural | 2025 |
🔹 Some Famous GI Tagged Products in India
| State/UT | Famous GI Product(s) |
|---|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir | Kashmir Saffron, Pashmina Shawl, Kani Shawl |
| Punjab | Phulkari Embroidery |
| Uttar Pradesh | Banarasi Saree, Allahabad Surkha Guava, Kannauj Perfume |
| Bihar | Madhubani Painting, Magahi Paan, Sikki Grass Products |
| West Bengal | Darjeeling Tea, Nakshi Kantha, Rasgulla |
| Assam | Muga Silk, Bihu Dhol, Tezpur Litchi |
| Tamil Nadu | Kancheepuram Silk Saree, Madurai Malli, Thanjavur Painting |
| Kerala | Alleppey Coir, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Aranmula Kannadi |
| Maharashtra | Paithani Saree, Nashik Grapes, Kolhapuri Chappal |
| Gujarat | Patan Patola, Gir Kesar Mango |
| Rajasthan | Kota Doria, Blue Pottery of Jaipur |
| Odisha | Pipli Applique Work, Kotpad Handloom |
| Ladakh | Ladakh Apricot, Seabuckthorn Products |
🔹 GI Tags and National Importance
- Promote Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local initiatives.
- Support sustainable rural development by empowering artisans and farmers.
- Enhance India’s global trade image by protecting traditional brands internationally.
🔹 International Recognition
India is a signatory to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which mandates the protection of geographical indications at a global level.
🔹 Interesting Facts
- India has over 480+ registered GI products as of 2025.
- Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have the highest number of GI tags among Indian states.
- Handicraft items account for the largest share of GI registrations in India.
- Some GI products have dual tags from India and abroad—for example, Darjeeling Tea is recognized in the EU as well.
🔹 GI Tags – A Common Static GK Question Area
In the AFCAT, NDA, and CDS exams, questions are often framed like:
- Which of the following products has a GI Tag?
- Match the product with its state.
- Which was India’s first GI Tag product?
- Which state has the maximum number of GI tags?
✅ Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Geographical Indication |
| Governing Act | Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 |
| Administered By | DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| First GI Tag in India | Darjeeling Tea (2004) |
| Total GI Tags (as of 2025) | Over 480 |
| Top States | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh |
| Purpose | Protect local products, boost exports, prevent misuse |
