Prelims 17-12-2024

Mount Semeru

Mount Semeru Eruption in Indonesia: Mount Semeru, an active volcano in Indonesia’s East Java province, erupted, sending ash clouds up to 1,000 meters into the sky. Authorities have declared a 3-km danger zone around the volcano and advised residents to avoid activities near rivers originating from its slopes.

India’s First Diabetes Biobank

India’s First Diabetes Biobank Established: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) have established India’s first diabetes biobank in Chennai. This facility stores biological samples to support scientific research focused on understanding the causes and variations of diabetes in the Indian population.

Sports

• India Wins Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024: The Indian women’s junior hockey team clinched the 10th Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup by defeating China 3-2 in a penalty shootout in Muscat, Oman. This victory marks their successful defense of the title, having won the previous edition in 2023.

Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia

Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia: Former Georgian national footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected unopposed as the President of Georgia. His election has been met with criticism from pro-Western factions within the country.

Georgia is bordered by the following countries:

• Russia: To the north and northeast
• Azerbaijan: To the east and southeast
• Armenia and Turkey: To the south
• Black Sea: To the west

Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region, located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and West Asia.

Culture

• Konda Reddi Tribe in Andhra Pradesh: The Konda Reddi tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group residing along the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, practices unique cultural traditions, including shifting cultivation and folk Hinduism. Their traditional circular mud houses with thatched roofs resemble Gujarat’s Bhunga architecture.

The Konda Reddi, also known as Hill Reddis, are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India:

• Location: The Konda Reddi live in the hilly and forested areas of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, as well as in the neighboring states of Odisha and Tamil Nadu.
• Lifestyle: The Konda Reddi are shifting cultivators who rely on the forest for their livelihood. They collect and sell non-timber forest products, and also raise livestock.
• Language: The Konda Reddi speak Telugu with a unique accent.
• Religion: The Konda Reddi practice folk Hinduism, which involves local traditions and the worship of local deities.
• Social structure: The Konda Reddi society is structured around caste councils and divisions, which regulate marriages. They allow cross-cousin marriages but prohibit widow remarriage.
• Housing: The Konda Reddi build circular mud-walled houses with thatched roofs.
• Known for: The Konda Reddi are known for their unique way of life and their knowledge of the forest. For example, they claim that the bark of the Indian laurel tree stores water, especially in the summer.