The Prime Minister, in the 128th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, highlighted Ramban Sulai Honey from Jammu and Kashmir, noting that it has gained wider national recognition after receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Ramban Sulai Honey

Ramban Sulai Honey is produced in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir and is renowned for its rich taste, aromatic floral undertones, and high nutritional value.
It is extracted from the nectar of Sulai plants (wild basil) that grow naturally in the Himalayan region.

Botanical Source and Production

The honey is produced when bees forage on the snow-white blossoms of the Sulai plant during the months of August to October.
This natural process results in a well-rounded, naturally sweet honey with floral notes.

Physical and Nutritional Characteristics

Ramban Sulai Honey is crystal-clear, with colour ranging from white to amber.
It contains essential minerals, enzymes, and vitamins, contributing to its high medicinal and health value.
Due to superior bee strains and favourable climatic conditions, honey yields in Ramban are significantly higher than in many other regions.

Recognition and Government Support

• It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021, ensuring authenticity and protection.

• The Government of India has declared Ramban Sulai Honey as the district’s “One District, One Product (ODOP)”, promoting local livelihoods and traditional beekeeping

Geographical Indication (GI)

Introduction

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property right used to identify products that originate from a specific geographical area and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially linked to that place.
GI protection helps preserve traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and regional identity.

Definition of GI

As per Article 22(1) of the TRIPS Agreement, a GI refers to:

Indications which identify a good as originating in the territory, region, or locality of a member, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin.

This definition emphasizes the direct connection between product quality and geography.

Types of Geographical Indications

In many European Union countries, GIs are classified into:

• Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

However, India recognizes only the PGI category, where at least one stage of production takes place in the designated geographical area.

Scope and Significance of GI

GI protection in India extends to both:

• Agricultural products (e.g., rice, tea, spices)

• Non-agricultural products, such as handicrafts, which derive uniqueness from local skills, materials, and traditions

Thus, GI acts as a powerful tool for socio-economic development, rural employment, and promotion of indigenous knowledge systems.

Legal Framework and Governance of Geographical Indications (GI)

Geographical Indications are governed at the international level under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which provides minimum standards for GI protection among member countries.
In India, GI protection is regulated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which aims to provide for the registration, protection, and prevention of misuse of GI-tagged goods.
Additionally, the Paris Convention emphasizes the protection of industrial property and geographical indications under Articles 1(2) and 10, strengthening international recognition of GIs.

Registration of Geographical Indications (GI)

GI Registry and Authority

The Geographical Indication Registry, located in Chennai, is the statutory authority responsible for the registration and issuance of GI tags in India.
It functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which comes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Status of GI Tag Registration

Global Scenario

Globally, the registration of GIs is dominated by developed economies.
Germany leads with 15,566 registered GI products, followed by China with 7,247 registrations, according to 2020 data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
In terms of product categories, wines and spirits constitute about 51.8% of registered GIs worldwide, followed by agricultural products and foodstuffs at 29.9%.

Indian Scenario

Compared to other nations, India lags behind in GI registration.
As of December 2023, Intellectual Property India received 1,167 GI applications, of which only 547 products have been registered, as per the GI Registry.
Within India, handicrafts account for about 45% of GI products, while agricultural products constitute nearly 30%, reflecting the dominance of traditional and rural goods.

Concerns Regarding GI Tags in India

Issues with the GI Act and Registration Process

The GI Act, 1999, framed over two decades ago, requires timely amendments to address evolving economic and global challenges.
The complex registration forms and lengthy application processing time make compliance difficult for small producers and artisans.
The application acceptance ratio is only about 46%, indicating procedural inefficiencies.
Further, the lack of strong institutional support hampers effective enforcement and implementation of GI protection.
Many producers face difficulties after GI registration due to inadequate guidance, marketing support, and capacity building.

Ambiguity in the Definition of Producers

The absence of a clear definition of “producers” in the GI Act, 1999 has allowed intermediaries and traders to benefit disproportionately.
This ambiguity dilutes the intended economic advantages for genuine local producers, farmers, and artisans.

International-Level Disputes

Disputes involving products such as Darjeeling Tea and Basmati Rice highlight the weak international enforcement of GI rights.
These disputes indicate that GIs often receive less priority compared to patents, trademarks, and copyrights in global IPR negotiations.

Limited Academic Attention

Academic engagement with GI-related issues in India remains limited.
Only seven academic publications were recorded initially, although there has been a recent increase in interest, with 35 articles published in 2021.
In contrast, European countries such as Italy, Spain, and France dominate GI-related academic research.

GI / Traditional Products (Recent)

Odisha

Gujarat

Jammu and Kashmir

Arunachal Pradesh

West Bengal

The Khiamniungan tribe is one of the major Naga tribes, inhabiting regions across India and Myanmar.
They are part of the broader Naga ethnic group and possess a distinct cultural and linguistic identity.

Geographical Distribution

The traditional homeland of the Khiamniungans lies in:

• Eastern Nagaland (India)

• North-western Myanmar

This trans-border presence reflects their historical migration and settlement patterns.

Meaning of the Name

The term “Khiamniungan” literally means “source of great water or river”, indicating the community’s close association with natural water sources.

Social Structure

Traditionally, Khiamniungan society is organized around a clan-based social system.
Each clan plays an important role in maintaining social order, customs, and traditions.

Language

The Khiamniungans speak Khiamniungan, one of the Naga languages.
It belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family, reflecting their ethnic roots.

Festivals

• Tsokum Sumai is celebrated during September or early October to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest.

• Khaotzao Sey Hok-ah Sumai marks the completion of all agricultural activities for the year.

These festivals are closely linked to agriculture and nature worship.

Economy and Livelihood

Agriculture is the primary occupation of the Khiamniungan people.
They traditionally practiced jhum (shifting) cultivation, adapted to the hilly terrain.
In addition, the tribe has practiced cliff-honey hunting for centuries, showcasing their indigenous ecological knowledge.

Conclusion

The Khiamniungan tribe represents a distinct Naga community with a rich cultural heritage rooted in agriculture, clan-based society, traditional festivals, and sustainable forest practices, making them an important part of Northeast India’s tribal mosaic.

The Chief Minister of Assam introduced the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 in the Assam Legislative Assembly with the objective of criminalizing polygamy across the state.
The Bill seeks to promote gender justice, social reform, and constitutional equality by imposing strict penalties on polygamous practices.

Key Provisions of the Assam Anti-Polygamy Bill, 2025

Criminalization of Polygamy

The Bill makes polygamy a criminal offence.
Any person who enters into, conceals, or facilitates a second marriage while the first marriage is legally valid will face:

• Imprisonment up to 7 years

• Monetary fine

Exemptions and Jurisdiction

The law does not apply to Sixth Schedule areas of Assam, where customary laws permit polygamy.
Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Constitution are excluded from its purview.
The Bill applies to Assam residents, even if the polygamous marriage is contracted outside the state, and to individuals who benefit from Assam’s welfare schemes.

Accountability of Key Actors

The Bill holds village heads, qazis (Muslim clerics), parents, and legal guardians accountable if they facilitate or knowingly permit polygamous marriages.
This provision aims to curb institutional and social support for the practice.

Compensation for Affected Women

A compensation mechanism will be established for women adversely affected by polygamous marriages, ensuring financial relief and social protection.

Impact on Convicted Persons

Persons convicted under the law will be:

• Disqualified from government jobs

• Barred from government schemes and benefits

• Ineligible to contest elections

Grandfather Clause

Polygamous marriages contracted before the enactment of the law will remain valid, provided they:

• Comply with existing personal or customary laws

• Are supported by valid documentary proof

What is Polygamy?

Meaning and Concept

Polygamy refers to the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. In this system of marriage, one individual may have multiple marital partners simultaneously.

Traditionally, polygamy has existed in several cultures across the world. Among its forms, polygyny—where a man has multiple wives—has been far more prevalent than other forms.

Polygamy in the Indian Context

In India, polygamy was widely practiced in the past, particularly among men. However, with social reform and codification of personal laws:

• The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 formally prohibited polygamy among Hindus.

• The Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954, which governs civil and inter-religious marriages, explicitly bans polygamy.
  Many Muslim women have used this Act as a legal route to challenge or prevent polygamous marriages.

Types of Polygamy

Polygyny

Polygyny is a form of polygamy in which a man has more than one wife.
It has been historically common, with references found in ancient societies and among rulers and emperors.

Polyandry

Polyandry refers to a marriage where a woman has more than one husband.
This form is rare and is usually confined to specific tribal or cultural communities.

Bigamy

Bigamy occurs when a person, already legally married, enters into another marriage while the first marriage remains valid.
It is considered a criminal offence in India and many other countries.

Status of Polygamy in India

Statistical Evidence (NFHS-5: 2019–21)

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5):

• In Assam, polygamy affects 1.8% of Hindu women and 3.6% of Muslim women, with an overall prevalence of 2.4%.

• Meghalaya records the highest polygamy rate in India at 6.1%.

• Nationally, polygamy rates are:

  • Christians: 2.1%

  • Muslims: 1.9%

  • Hindus & Buddhists: 1.3%

  • Sikhs: 0.5%

  • Other religions/castes: 2.5%

These figures indicate that polygamy is not widespread in any single community.

Legal Position Across Communities

Hindus

Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, polygamy is abolished and criminalized.
Section 11 declares polygamous marriages void.

Parsis

The Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 outlaws bigamy, making remarriage illegal during the lifetime of a spouse without lawful divorce.

Muslims

Polygamy is not prohibited under the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937, though:

• It is not mandatory

• It remains subject to constitutional scrutiny if it violates fundamental rights

Judicial Pronouncements on Polygamy

Parayankandiyal v. K. Devi (1996)

The Supreme Court held that monogamy is the core ideology of Hindu society, and a second marriage was traditionally condemned.

State of Bombay v. Narasu Appa Mali (1951)

The Court ruled that:

• Social reform laws are not discriminatory

• The legislature can enact laws for public welfare, even if they interfere with religious customs

Javed v. State of Haryana (2003)

The Supreme Court clarified that:

• Freedom of religion (Article 25) is subject to social order, dignity, and well-being

• Muslim law permitting up to four marriages is optional, not compulsory

Implications of Polygamy in India

Conflict Between Personal Laws and Fundamental Rights

The coexistence of different personal laws leads to legal inconsistency, raising concerns under:

• Article 14 (Equality before law)

• Article 15 (Non-discrimination)

Gender Justice Concerns

Polygamy often affects:

• Women’s dignity

• Autonomy

• Mental and emotional well-being

The Supreme Court, especially in Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017), emphasized aligning personal laws with gender justice and constitutional morality.

Social and Legal Complications

The differential treatment of communities fuels debates on:

• Uniformity in marriage laws

• Religious equality

• Modern constitutional values

Changing Social Norms

With growing awareness of gender equality, polygamy is increasingly viewed as socially unacceptable, prompting calls for stricter regulation.

Measures Needed to Address Implications of Polygamy

1. Gradual Legal Reform

Personal laws should be amended gradually to align with constitutional values of equality and dignity.

• This ensures a balance between respecting religious practices and protecting women’s rights.

• Gradual reform supports gender justice while minimizing social resistance.

2. Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Introducing a Uniform Civil Code can:

• Replace discriminatory personal laws.

• Ensure equal rights for all citizens irrespective of religion.

• Standardize marriage laws and reduce legal disparities and conflicts.

Implementation should be gradual and culturally sensitive to gain societal acceptance.

3. Legal Enforcement

Polygamous practices must be strictly monitored and penalized under the law.

• Strengthening victim‑relief frameworks ensures protection for women.

• Providing social support and compensation safeguards women from exploitation.

4. Public Awareness

Legal reforms should be complemented with awareness campaigns to:

• Promote gender equality and constitutional values.

• Encourage societal acceptance of gender justice.

• Involve NGOs, educational institutions, and community leaders to change public attitudes toward polygamy.

5. Judicial Oversight

Courts should:

• Use legal precedents to challenge discriminatory polygamous practices.

• Ensure alignment with constitutional rights.

• Public Interest Litigations (PILs) can further protect women and children from unconstitutional customs.

Conclusion

Addressing polygamy in India requires a delicate balance between religious freedom and constitutional equality.
A multi-pronged approach—including incremental legal reforms, thoughtful UCC implementation, judicial intervention, and public awareness—can effectively dismantle systemic inequalities and uphold justice for all citizens.

• Recently, several deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been reported in states undergoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

• This has raised concerns about BLO welfare and working conditions during electoral processes.

About Booth Level Officer

• A BLO is a grassroot-level representative of the Election Commission of India (ECI) who helps in updating and maintaining electoral rolls using local knowledge.

• BLOs are usually local government or semi-government officials familiar with electors in their polling area.

• Typical BLO appointments include:

  • Teachers

  • Anganwadi workers

  • Panchayat Secretaries

  • Village Level Workers

  • Electricity Bill Readers, etc.

• Not full-time electoral officials.

• Legal Provision: Section 13B(2) of the Representation of People Act, 1950 enabled the appointment of BLOs, first implemented in August 2006.

Roles and Responsibilities of BLOs

1. Electoral Roll Maintenance

   • Update, revise, and maintain accuracy of electoral rolls at the polling booth level.

   • Collect field information regarding electors.

2. Distribution of Voter Slips

   • Ensure voters receive their voter slips before poll day.

3. Facilitating Postal Ballot

   • Inform senior citizens (85+) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) about home voting and postal ballot facility (Form 12D).

4. Promoting ECI IT Applications

   • Encourage voters to use apps like:

     • Voter Helpline App

     • eVIGIL app

     • Know Your Candidate app

     • Saksham-ECI app

   • Aim to ensure accurate electoral rolls and smooth voting process.

Recently, scientists observed an unexpected gathering of walruses on the remote shores of Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean between mainland Norway and the North Pole. This discovery highlights the significance of the region for Arctic wildlife and climate studies.

About Svalbard

• Geography: Svalbard is situated approximately halfway between the North Pole and northern Norway. It is the northernmost place in the world with a permanent population. The archipelago covers an area of about 61,022 sq.km, with 60% of its land covered by glaciers.

• Major Islands: The main islands include Spitsbergen (largest and most populous), Nordaustlandet, Edgeøya, Barentsøya, Kvitøya, Kong Karls Land, Prins Karls Forland, Bjørnøya, and Hopen.

• Boundaries: The islands are surrounded by the Arctic Ocean, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea.

• History: Svalbard was discovered by Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz in 1596. The 1920 Svalbard Treaty granted Norwegian sovereignty over the islands.

• Climate and Environment: The archipelago experiences an Arctic climate, with temperatures higher than other areas at the same latitude. Due to its polar location, Svalbard has midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter. Vegetation includes lichens, mosses, polar willow, and dwarf birch. Wildlife includes polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, seabirds, and marine mammals.

• Special Feature: Svalbard houses the Global Seed Vault on Spitsbergen, the largest backup facility for the world’s crop diversity.

Walruses in Svalbard

• Scientific Name: Odobenus rosmarus

• Subspecies: Atlantic (O. r. rosmarus) and Pacific (O. r. divergens)

• Habitat: Cold Arctic seas of Europe, Asia, and North America.

• Key Features:

  • Walruses have a stocky body and a rounded head, with flippers instead of legs.

  • They are distinguished by two large tusks (upper teeth) that can grow up to 1 meter long.

  • Their body is covered with wrinkled grayish-brown skin, with a thick layer of blubber to keep warm.

  • Adult walruses can weigh over 1,200 kilograms and reach a length of 3.7 meters.

  • Their mouth is equipped with stiff whiskers, which help in detecting food underwater.

• Conservation Status: Walruses are classified as Vulnerable, facing threats from climate change and habitat loss.

Significance of the Discovery

The recent walrus gathering in Svalbard is significant because it provides insights into:

• The impact of climate change on Arctic marine life.

• Patterns of migration and habitat use by walruses.

• The ecological importance of Svalbard as a habitat for Arctic species.