Current Affairs Question - 07 December 2019

Explanation :

• Extra Neutral alcohol (ENA) is a colourless food-grade alcohol without any impurities.It has neutral smell and taste, and typically contains 96% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• It is derived from different sources — sugarcane molasses and grains and is used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as whisky, vodka, gin, cane, liqueurs, and alcoholic fruit beverages.
• In India, almost 90% of ENA is used for potable alcohol, which accounts for an annual production capacity of nearly 2.7 Billion Litres.

Applications

• Essential ingredient in the manufacturing of several cosmetics and personal care products such as perfume, toiletries
• In the production of paints and ink for the printing industry
• In pharmaceutical products in products such as antiseptics, drug, syrups, medicated sprays, etc.

Explanation :

• In order to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December.
• The Festival is named after the Indian Hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes.
• The Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima.
• The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions.

Significance

• The Hornbill Festival has contributed significantly to enhancing the state's tourism brand. Tourism promoters believe that the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland allows tourists to have an insight into the different tribes of Nagaland.
• It fosters understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the state, its resourceful architecture and its ethnic cuisine.

Great Hornbill

• The great hornbill (Bucerosbicornis) also known as the great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family.
• It is found in India, southwestern China, Bangladesh, western Thailand, mainland Southeast Asia, including Laos, the Malaysia Peninsula and Sumatra.
• Conservation Status
  • -IUCN Status: Vulnerable
  • -It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES

Ecological Significance

• Due to its large gape, Horbill is able to transport and disperse the seeds of various important trees like trees knema and Myristica, which tend to be too large for other organisms.