Current Affairs - Miscellaneous

Explanation :

• The Yanomami are the largest relatively isolated tribe in South America. They live in the rain forests and mountains of northern Brazil and southern Venezuela.
• They can be classified as foraging horticulturalists, depending heavily on rain forest resources; they use slash-and-burn horticulture, grow bananas, gather fruit, and hunt animals and fish.
• They live in large, circular houses called yanos or shabonos.
• The Yanomami consider all people to be equal, and do not have a chief. Instead, all decisions are based on consensus after long discussions and debates.

Explanation :

Gallantry Awards

• The gallantry awards are announced twice in a year – on Republic Day and Independence Day.
• Order of precedence: ParamVir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.

Wartime gallantry awards

• Established on 26th January, 1950 with effect from 15th August, 1947.
• ParamVir Chakra: Highest-military award in India. Awarded for National bravery in the presence of enemy.
• MahaVir Chakra: Second-highest military decoration in India. Awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in presence of enemy, whether on land, at sea or in air.
• Vir Chakra: Third in precedence in the awards for wartime gallantry.

Peacetime gallantry awards

• Established on 4th January, 1952 with effect from 15th August, 1947.
• Ashoka Chakra: An Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peacetime equivalent of the ParamVir Chakra.
• Kirti Chakra: Second in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.
• Shaurya Chakra: Third in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.

Explanation :

• Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3) is a nitrogen-rich white, crystalline chemical which is soluble in water.
• It is a common chemical ingredient of agricultural fertilisers.
• It is used as an ingredient for the production of anaesthetic gases and cold packs.
• It is also the main ingredient in the manufacture of commercial explosives used in mining and construction.
• Pure ammonium nitrate is not an explosive on its own. It is classified as an oxidiser (Grade 5.1) under the United Nations classification of dangerous goods.
• If mixed with ingredients like fuel or some other contaminants, or because of some other external factors, it can be very explosive.

Explanation :

• Axone , also spelled akhuni, is a fermented soya bean of Nagaland, known for its distinctive flavour and smell.
• As much an ingredient as it is a condiment, axone used to make pickles and chutneys or curries.
• It is prepared and eaten across Nagaland mainly by the Sumi (also Sema) tribe.
• It belongs to the broader phenomena of fermentation necessary for food preservation in certain ecological contexts.

Sumi Tribe

• It is one of the major ethnic group in Nagaland.
• The Sumis mainly inhabit Zunheboto district, Dimapur district and Kiphire district although many have spread and are now living in a few more districts within Nagaland.
• Sumi Naga tribe practiced kiti-do and were headhunters as every other Naga tribe.
• Tuluni and Ahuna are the major festivals.

Explanation :

• The Mizoram government has granted industry status to sports, a move aimed at generating employment.
• Through the new status, the government hopes to commercialise sporting endeavours and woo investors.
• Sports and its infrastructure will be eligible for availing of subsidy, loan and assistance from private and government sources.