PASHMINA is Kashmiri: India granted, on September 12, the Geographical Indicat-ion (GI) status to Pashmina yarn, produced in th Kashmir valley by Tahfuz (a body of all Kashmiri handicraft artisans). Islamabad filed an objection claiming that the fine wool is also produced in Pakistan. A consultative committee of the Geographical Indication Registry of India rejected Pakistan's objections. A GI status ensures that a name can only be used by produce from a particular geographical region, not anywhere else. Example: Darjeeling tea, Champagne. Every country has its own GI registry and once awarded, it is recognized around the world. Wildlife groups have been pushing for Pashmina's GI status to promote the cashmere and wean weavers from shahtoosh. This move will ease poaching pressure on the endangered Tibetan antelope, says Wildlife Trust of India.
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