Geographical Indications (GI) in India

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has an agreement called the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). TRIPS requires member countries to protect Geographical Indications (GIs). GIs identify a product as originating from a specific geographical location where its qualities or reputation are essentially due to that origin. India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 to comply with its obligations under the TRIPS agreement of the WTO.

Statement 1 is incorrect. According to the Indian Patents Act (specifically Section 3(j)), biological processes for the production or propagation of plants and animals are not eligible for patents. This means creating a seed through a biological process cannot be patented. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) was established in India in 2003. It deals with appeals against decisions of the patent office and trademark registry. Statement 3 is correct. Plant varieties themselves are not patentable in India. However, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPVFR Act) provides a system for protecting the rights of plant breeders by granting them exclusive rights to sell propagating material of new varieties. _Note: the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 abolished various Tribunals including India's Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) and assigned their functions to the country's Commercial Courts and High Courts. However, UPSC asked this question in 2019 when an Appellate Board existed for intellectual property. Therefore correct answer is 3 only._

A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain products which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin
GIs have been defined under Article 22(1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. Banaras Brocades and Sarees are textiles produced in Varanasi (formerly known as Banaras), Uttar Pradesh. They have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, which recognizes their unique qualities and characteristics associated with the geographic region of Varanasi. Tirupati Laddu is a sweet dish offered as prasad (religious offering) at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, recognizing its association with the temple and the unique recipe and preparation methods used. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

* Carbon fibres are highly valued for their unique properties like strength, lightness, and stiffness. They are widely used in the manufacturing of various components in automobiles and aircraft to reduce weight and improve performance.  * Carbon Fiber Recycling: While traditional carbon fibre recycling methods were limited, advancements are being made in this field. Here are some possibilities  1. Mechanical recycling - This process breaks down carbon fibres into smaller pieces for use in applications where their original form is not necessary.  2. Chemical recycling -This method dissolves the resin holding the fibres together, potentially allowing the extraction of reusable carbon fibres.  3. Thermal recycling - High temperatures are used to convert the resin into usable materials while recovering the carbon fibres.  * These recycling technologies are still evolving, but they offer a more sustainable approach to using carbon fibres. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Black boxes are equipped with an Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB). When immersed in water, the ULB activates and emits an acoustic (ultrasonic) pulse (typically at 37.5 kHz) to guide sonar-equipped searchers. It does not emit light pulses, as light cannot travel effectively through deep ocean water. Statement 2 is Correct: The term "black box" collectively refers to two distinct recording devices (which are sometimes combined into a single unit): the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which records radio transmissions and sounds in the cockpit, and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which records technical flight parameters such as altitude, airspeed, heading, and acceleration. Statement 3 is Correct: The data is stored inside a highly protected component called the Crash-Survivable Memory Unit (CSMU). To survive extreme impact (up to 3,400 Gs), deep-sea pressure, and intense fire (up to 1,100°C), the CSMU's outer armor is manufactured using heavy-duty stainless steel or titanium, layered with thermal insulation. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.