Question 84 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Economy

Question

India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. WTO

Strategy: Focus on the phrase 'obligations to' in the question, recognizing it refers to a legal framework for Geographical Indications (GIs). The World Trade Organization (WTO), specifically through the TRIPS Agreement, mandates member countries to protect GIs. Other listed institutions (ILO, IMF, UNCTAD) do not regulate intellectual property rights, making WTO the only relevant choice.

Key Info: ## Geographical Indications (GIs)

Geographical Indications (GIs) are a form of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) that protect products with a specific geographic origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.

### Key Details
*   **Examples of Indian GIs:** Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice, and Kanchipuram Silk.
*   **Indian Legislation:** India's Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, provides for the registration and enhanced protection of GIs.
*   **International Commitments:** This Act was enacted to comply with India's obligations under the WTO's Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement (Articles 22-24).
*   **TRIPS Agreement:** Adopted during the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations, the TRIPS Agreement is binding on all WTO members and sets minimum standards for the protection and enforcement of IPRs, including GIs.
*   **Institutional Roles:**
    *   **World Trade Organization (WTO):** A multilateral institution that regulates international trade and IPR obligations.
    *   **Other Institutions:** The International Labour Organization (ILO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) do not deal with intellectual property rights regulations.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: ILO

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: IMF

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: UNCTAD