December 7th, 2020

Topic: GI Tags

What is the news?

The Himachal government to obtain Geographical Indication (GIs) for five products- Chamba Metal Crafts, Thangi of Pangi, Chamba Chukh, Karsog Kulth, Rajmah of Bharmour.

What is a Geographical Indication?

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, a GI tag is used as a symbol or name for products that originate in a specific geographical area and possess qualities and identification due to that origin’.
GI Tags are important components of Intellectual property.

For what GI Tags are typically used?

Agriculture products, handicrafts, food items, industrial products, drinks, etc.
For example Kullu Shawls, Solapur Chaddar, Darjeeling tea and many more.

Importance of GI Tag:

GIs are considered as part of intellectual property rights under the Paris Convention on Protection of Industrial Property.

Why these five products are so special in Himachal?

Chamba metal crafts: These include metal idols and brass utensils which are way back 100s of years old during the regime of Chamba kings. The famous one is a plate which is made from brass-like alloy, having Gods and Goddesses carved on it.
Pangi ki Thangi: It is a food item identical to hazelnut. It is grown in Pangi, district Chamba. It is known for its unique flavour and sweetness.

Chamba Chukh: It is also a food item called ‘chutney’, made from green and red chillies which are grown in Chamba and prepared traditionally.
Karsog Kulth: Kulth is also caleed horse gram. It is a legume which is grown as a Kharif crop in Himachal. The Kulth of Karsog is important as it is rich in amino acid.
Rajmah of Bharmour: It grows in the area of Kugti pass in Bharmour region of District Chamba, so it is also called Kugtalu Rajmah. It is very rich in protein and has a typical flavour.

GI Tag status of Himachal:

Currently, Himachal holds 8 GI Tags, which includes: –

Kangra Tea
Basmati
Himachali Chulli (Apricot) Oil, (Kinnaur)
Himachali Kala Zera, (Kinnaur)
Chamba Rumal
Kullu Shawl
Kangra Paintings
Kinnauri Shawls

Note:

Kullu Shawls and Kangra Tea were the first GI Tags of the state.
There are 370 GI Tags in India.

How does GI Tag help?

It prevents misuse of the name and provides a better market for sale nationally and internationally.
The GI registration is given to an area not to trade.

Source: Indian Express

Topic: Health Infrastructure

What is the news?

A new Oxygen generation plant to come up in Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College and Hospital, Nerchowk, Mandi.

What was the need for Oxygen plant?

Due to the sudden surge in COVID patients, there is a heavy demand for more oxygen cylinders in the hospital. To fulfil the demand of Oxygen without any interruption, Oxygen generation plant will be installed in the hospital soon.

The capacity of the Plant

The proposed capacity of the plant will be 500 litres per minute.

Why Oxygen is needed in Hospitals?

Oxygen gas is used for patients having respiratory-related issues, like in COVID-19.
When the patient is unable to breathe itself sufficiently, then a controlled pressurized Oxygen gas from the oxygen cylinder is delivered to the patient through the nose by a suitable arrangement.

Source: Tribune HP

Topic: HP government scheme

What is the news?

Chief Minister Minority Welfare Scheme Himachal Pradesh announced financial assistance to the minorities of state, especially poor Muslim families, in girl marriage, health and pension.

Purpose of the scheme:

Poor people, belonging to the minority community, whose economic situation is not good, the state government will assist them with Rs. 25000/- in their girl child’s marriage, medical treatment of the family and helping disabled, widow and elderly persons through a pension.

Source: Miracletech

Supplement of the Day

7 December – Armed Forces Flag Day

Armed Forces Flag Day is observed across the country on 7^th December since 1949 to honour the martyrs. On this day especially we remember the men who fought with bravery on the borders to safeguard the country’s honour.