CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Pakistan has decided to register Himalayan pink salt as Geographical Indications (GI) to prevent its unauthorised use by other countries. A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess origin-based qualities and reputation in the region.

Detailed explanation-2: -Himalayan salt is rock salt (halite) mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan. The salt, which often has a pinkish tint due to trace minerals, is primarily used as a food additive to replace refined table salt but is also used for cooking and food presentation, decorative lamps and spa treatments.

Detailed explanation-3: -Himalayan Pink salt is originally from Pakistan only. To be specific, it comes from Khewra salt mine located at Jhelum District, Punjab. The name does not necessarily connect to where it came from because this is located at the nearby Salt Range foothills. This Salt Range extends across the whole province of Punjab.

Detailed explanation-4: -Himalayan salt is harvested from the Khewra Salt Mines, located on the site of an ancient seabed, in Pakistan. It is typically pink in colour, and comes in small and large crystals.

Detailed explanation-5: -India imports most of its Himalayan salt from Pakistan and is the largest importer of Himalayan salt in the World.