In a major boost to exports of Geographical Indications (GI) products from the north-eastern region, a consignment of ‘Raja Mircha’ also referred to as king chili from Nagaland was exported to London via Guwahati by air for the first time.

Raja Mircha

• The King chili from Nagaland is also referred to as Bhoot Jolokia and Ghost pepper.
• It got GI certification in 2008.
• Raja Mircha contains Scoville Heat Units (SHUs) which makes it the world’s hottest chili.
• It belongs to the genus Capsicum of the family Solanaceae.
• It has been considered as the world’s hottest chili and is constantly on the top five in the list of the world’s hottest chilies based on the SHUs.

Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?

1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)

• The World Intellectual Property Organization defines a GI as “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”.
• GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines, and spirit drinks.
• Internationally, GIs are covered as an element of intellectual property rights under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• They have also covered under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.

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