Nigeria’s national award Conferred on PM Modi

• Nigeria conferred its national award — the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger — on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his statesmanship and stellar contribution to fostering bilateral ties, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction after Queen Elizabeth.
• In a ceremony at the State House on November 17, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the national award on PM Modi.
• PM Modi is the first foreign leader to be conferred with this award since 1969. Queen Elizabeth was awarded Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger in 1969.
• The award citation notes that under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership, India has been positioned as a global powerhouse, and his transformative governance has fostered unity, peace and shared prosperity for all.
• This was the 17th such international award conferred on Modi by a country.

Grand Commander of the Order of Niger

• The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) is one of the highest national honors awarded by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• It recognises outstanding contributions to the nation in various fields.
• It is the second-highest honour in Nigeria, following the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
• The order was instituted in 1963, following Nigeria’s establishment as a republic.

Award Categories:

• The Order of the Niger has multiple classes, with GCON being the most prestigious.
• Other classes include Commander (CON), Officer (OON), and Member (MON).

Eligibility:

• Typically awarded to individuals who have made significant achievements in public service, the economy, or other areas contributing to national development.
• Reserved for high-ranking officials such as the Vice President, Senate President, and other eminent personalities.

Global awards conferred on PM Modi

• • Nigeria: Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger
• • Dominica: Award of Honour
• • Russia: Order of St. Andrew the Apostle
• • Greece: Grand Cross of the Order of Honour
• • France: Grand Cross of the Legion
• • Egypt: Order of the Nile
• • Republic of Palau: Ebakl Award
• • Papua New Guinea: Order of Logohu
• • Fiji: Order of Fiji
• • Bhutan: Order of the Druk Gyalpo
• • United States: Legion of Merit
• Bahrain: King Hamad Order of the Renaissance
• Maldives: Order of Nishan Izzuddin
• United Arab Emirates: Order of Zayed Award
• Palestine: Grand Collar of the State of Palestine
• Afghanistan: State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan
• Saudi Arabia: Order of King Abdulaziz.

 APEC Summit

• The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit wrapped up in Lima on November 16.

• The 21 leaders from countries bordering the Pacific, including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended the Summit in Lima.

• America’s incoming President Donald Trump has vowed to withdraw the US from its leadership of a global free trade agenda.

• For the annual photo-op, leaders all wore bark-hued wool scarves from Peru — in the APEC tradition of posing in some garb representative of the host country. 

• Xi Jinping announced that China will host the APEC Summit in 2026.

 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation:

• The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific. 

• APEC’s 21 members aim to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration.

• APEC ensures that goods, services, investment and people move easily across borders. 

Members facilitate this trade through:

i) Faster customs procedures at borders. 

ii) More favourable business climates behind the border.

iii) Aligning regulations and standards across the region.

• For example, APEC’s initiatives to synchronise regulatory systems are key to integrating the Asia-Pacific economy. In such cases, a product can be more easily exported with just one set of common standards across all economies.

• The APEC mission and work remain guided by the commitment, as laid out in the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the Aotearoa Plan of Action, to an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all people in the region and future generations.

• The word ‘economies’ is used to describe APEC members because the APEC cooperative process is predominantly concerned with trade and economic issues, with members engaging with one another as economic entities.

• APEC’s member economies are home to more than 2.9 billion people and make up over 60 per cent of global GDP. 

Members of APEC:

• Australia

• Brunei Darussalam

• Canada

• Chile

• China

• Hong Kong

• Indonesia

• Japan

• South Korea

• Malaysia

• Mexico

• New Zealand

• Papua New Guinea

• Peru

• The Philippines

• Russia 

• Singapore

• Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)

• Thailand

• USA

• Vietnam.

Each year a different member hosts the major APEC meetings.

India is not a member of APEC

• India applied for membership of APEC in 1991 on the basis of its geographic location, potential size of the economy and degree of trade interaction with the Asia-Pacific. 

• However, at the 5th APEC Leaders’ meeting in Vancouver in 1997, a decision was taken to place a 10 year moratorium on expanding membership which continues informally till date.

• India is engaging with APEC member countries to develop a consensus on lifting the informal moratorium on accepting new members and to engage for India’s candidature for membership of APEC.

How APEC works?

• APEC operates as a cooperative, multilateral economic and trade forum.

• Member economies participate on the basis of open dialogue and respect for views of all participants. 

• In APEC, all economies have an equal say and decision-making is reached by consensus.

• There are no binding commitments or treaty obligations. Commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis and capacity building projects help members implement APEC initiatives.

• APEC’s structure is based on both a “bottom-up” and “top-down” approach. 

• Four core committees and their respective working groups provide strategic policy recommendations to APEC leaders and ministers who annually set the vision for overarching goals and initiatives. 

• The working groups are then tasked with implementing these initiatives through a variety of APEC-funded projects. 

• Members also take individual and collective actions to carry out APEC initiatives in their individual economies with the assistance of APEC capacity building projects.

• Capacity building projects play an important role in helping translate APEC’s goals into reality. By enhancing members’ capacity through skills training and technological know-how, APEC-funded projects strengthen members’ readiness to adopt new initiatives from electronic customs processing to regulatory reform. 

• APEC projects also target specific policy areas from enhancing small and medium enterprise competitiveness to facilitating the adoption of renewable energy technologies in the region.

• The APEC Secretariat is based in Singapore and operates as the core support mechanism for the APEC process. It provides coordination, technical and advisory support as well as information management, communications and public outreach services.

DICLIPTERA SRISAILAMICA

•  A team of botanists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has identified Dicliptera srisailamica, a flowering plant found in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Jaishankar-Modi Doctrine:

• The "Jaishankar-Modi Doctrine" refers to India''s shift from a traditional non-aligned foreign policy stance to a "multi-alignment" approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
• This new doctrine focuses on a multi-vector strategy that aims to maintain India''s interests and values across various global relationships, instead of simply avoiding conflict as in the past. 
• It prioritizes being a geopolitical player, actively engaging with multiple countries and parties at the same time.

 How does the "Jaishankar-Modi Doctrine" differ from India''s previous non-aligned policy?

• India''s past non-aligned policy during the Cold War era was more focused on minimizing the impact of geopolitical events and to focus on domestic development instead of actively seeking to influence global affairs. 
• The new "Jaishankar-Modi Doctrine" represents a shift toward a more proactive approach in which India engages with multiple countries and groups at the same time, seeking national interest outcomes while balancing interests and values. 
• This shift in foreign policy highlights a more dynamic and forward-looking approach to global engagement compared to the more passive non-aligned policy.

What is the significance of this new approach?

• The new Doctrine allows India to engage with different global powers and parties to balance its interests and values in such a way that maximizes opportunities and minimizes risks.
• India''s growing global importance has given it the space and capability to pursue such a strategy, allowing it to be stronger in achieving positive results without being limited by a rigid stance.

How do countries and parties respond to India''s multi-alignment strategy?

• Many countries and parties appear to support India''s pragmatic approach. As India balances competing interests and values—such as condemning war while purchasing Russian crude or supporting Israel while discussing Iranian ports—other countries accept India''s multi-alignment as a natural expression of its current geopolitical situation. 
• The "Jaishankar-Modi Doctrine"''s flexibility and pragmatism allowed India to maintain a favorable geopolitical balance.

Challenges to global order and multilateralism

• The pandemic exposed the limitations of global institutions such as the United Nations, World Health Organization, and World Trade Organization. The crisis exposed weaknesses in global coordination, such as a lack of vaccine availability and the TRIPS waiver for vaccines, which was rejected by the US and EU.
• The Failure of the United Nations to manage the Russia-Ukraine conflict and West Asia conflict indicated the limitations of the UN Security Council, and also compromised its credibility as a global peacekeeper.

Way Forward

• India''s multilateral approach is guided by a combination of pragmatic engagement and moral stances on global issues. It aims to protect its national interests while taking part in international leadership structures. India''s call for reforms in multilateral institutions is part of a larger strategy to create a more equitable and rules-based global order that addresses modern-day challenges

 Maori  Dance

• New Zealand’s Parliament was briefly suspended after Maori members staged a haka to disrupt the vote on a contentious Bill that would reinterpret a 184-year-old treaty between the British and Indigenous Maori.

What is haka dance?

• The haka is a traditional Maori dance embodying cultural pride, strength, and unity. 
• Historically, it was performed by warriors to intimidate enemies or welcome guests. 
• Today, it serves broader ceremonial purposes, such as expressing grief, honouring achievements, or showcasing solidarity.

Types of Haka

• • Ka Mate: Celebrates life over death; famously performed by New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team.
• • Peruperu: A war haka used to intimidate adversaries.
• • Ngeri: A short haka to uplift spirits.
• • Powhiri: A welcoming haka for formal occasions.
• • Manawa Wera: Performed at funerals to express sorrow.

Why was haka performed in Parliament?

• The protest haka was staged against the Treaty Principles Bill, which passed its first reading despite opposition from Maori, Labour, and Green MPs. 
• The Bill, tabled by Act Party leader David Seymour, seeks to legally define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• First signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs, the Treaty of Waitangi lays down how the two parties agreed to govern. 
• The interpretation of clauses in the document still guides legislation and policy today. Rulings by the courts and a separate Maori tribunal have progressively expanded Maori rights and privileges over the decades. 
• However, some argue this has discriminated against non-Indigenous citizens.
• New Zealand Party, a junior partner in the ruling centre-right coalition government, last week unveiled a Bill to enshrine a narrower interpretation of the Waitangi treaty in law.
• As parliamentarians gathered for a preliminary vote on the Bill, Te Pati Maori MPs stood and began a haka, a traditional Maori dance made famous by New Zealand’s rugby team.
• Parliament was briefly suspended as people in the gallery joined in, and shouting drowned out others in the chamber

NATIONAL ANTI-DOPING AGENCY (NADA)

• The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports has launched a nationwide campaign to strengthen the fight against doping in sports, urging the entire sporting community to use the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India''s ''Know Your Medicine (KYM)'' app to empower athletes with critical information.

Doping in Sports

• Doping is the use of substances or techniques to improve an athlete''s performance. These substances, known as performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), are banned in competitive sports because they give athletes an unfair advantage.
• Common PEDs include anabolic steroids, diuretics, stimulants, and growth hormones. These substances may be used under strict medical supervision for specific conditions, but unsupervised use can pose serious health hazards.
• PED use can cause cardiovascular problems (such as heart attacks and irregular heartbeats), respiratory issues, hormonal imbalances, mental health problems (such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation), and addiction. Long-term use can also cause infertility and other serious health issues.

What is the role of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?

• WADA was established in 1999 to promote healthy sports and protect athletes'' rights through the development and coordination of anti-doping policies around the world. 
• It ensures compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and educates athletes on prohibited substances. 
• WADA also publishes a list of prohibited substances and, when necessary, grants exemptions for medical use.

What is India''s commitment to anti-doping?

• India ratified the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sports in 2007. To meet its commitments, India established the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in 2009.

What is the National Anti-Doping Agency?

• In 2009, NADA was established as an autonomous body to regulate doping activities in sports under the Society Registration Act of 1860. 
• Due to a lack of regulatory legislation, legal challenges arose. Sanctions were imposed without adequate back-up regulations. To address the challenges associated with doping in sport. The National Anti-Doping Act 2022 was passed.

 Key Provisions of the National Anti-Doping Act of 2022

• NADA was established to supervise anti-doping initiatives.
• International anti-doping conventions, such as those established by UNESCO, are legally enforced.
• There are provisions for testing, investigations, adjudication, and penalties for violations.
• Establishing a National Anti-Doping Board.

Powers of NADA under the Anti-Doping Act 2022

• Coordinating investigation and testing programs.
• Implementing anti-doping policies in all sports.
• Establishing committees and expert teams for investigations.
• Ensure that penalties and sanctions are effectively applied.

PM Inaugurates Bodoland Mahotsov

• The Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 1st Bodoland Mohotsov on 15th November at SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex,  New Delhi, and will also address the gathering on the occasion.

It will be a 2-day (15th and 16th) mega event on language, literature, and culture to sustain peace and build a Vibrant Bodo Society.

• It aims to integrate the indigenous Bodo people residing not only in Bodoland but also in other parts of Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and other international border areas of the North East.
• It also aims to capitalize on the richness of cultural and linguistic heritage, ecological biodiversity, and touristic potential of Bodoland.
• Theme: ‘Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat’.
• It focuses on the rich culture, language and education of the Bodo community along with other communities from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
• The Mohotsov is also about celebrating the remarkable journey of recovery and resilience ever since the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020.

 Bodo Culture:

• Bodo is the largest community among Scheduled Tribes in Assam. They are a part of Bodo-Kachari that constitute up to 6% of Assam’s population.
• They are primarily rice cultivators and are very fond of the fermented rice drink- Zu Mai.
• They also have a tradition of fishery, poultry, piggery, jute cultivation, betel nut plantation, and so on.
• Primary festival: Baishagu, celebrated in April every year.
• Religion: Bathouism, Boro Brahma Dharma, Shaivism. The spread of Christianity is also visible in the recent decades.
• Traditional dance: Bagurumba
  Musical instruments used: Kham, Siphung, Serja, Jotha, Jabsring, Khawang, Bingi, Rege.
• The Bodo language is also listed in the Eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Earlier, these tribes were isolated from the rest of India, which led to a weak economy and high illiteracy rates. This situation triggered the Bodoland movement in the late 80s, led by Upendra Nath Brahma.

SMOG

 UNICORN masts for Indian naval warships

• A Memorandum of Implementation was signed at the Embassy of India, Tokyo between the governments of India and Japan, for co-development of UNICORN mast for fitment onboard Ships of Indian Navy.
• The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) is a mast with Integrated Communication systems which will help improve the stealth characteristics of Naval Platforms.
• It is India’s first military technology transfer pact with Japan.
• The Indian Navy is pursuing the induction of these advanced systems which will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India with Japanese collaboration.
• When implemented, this would be the first case of co-development / co-production of Defence Equipment between India and Japan.

Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN)

• The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) is an advanced integrated communication system designed to enhance the stealth capabilities and operational efficiency of naval vessels. 
• It consolidates multiple communication antennas into a single, state-of-the-art radar dome, known as a radome, offering several advantages over traditional mast systems.

Key Features:

• UNICORN reduces the radar cross-section of ships by integrating various antennas into a single structure, minimising electronic signatures and enhancing stealth.
• The streamlined placement of antennas improves the maximum detection range for incoming radio signals, ensuring better situational awareness.
• Its design reduces the complexity of installation and facilitates easier maintenance compared to conventional systems.
• UNICORN is the result of collaboration between three Japanese companies — NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K, and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. 
• This cutting-edge system is currently installed on Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, showcasing its role in modernising Japan’s naval defense technology.
• By integrating advanced communication systems and reducing the radar profile of vessels, UNICORN exemplifies the future of naval innovation.

 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act”?

• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is an anti-terror law aimed at the effective prevention of unlawful activities of individuals and associations in India. 
• Its main objective is to make powers available for dealing with activities directed against the integrity and sovereignty of India.
• It was passed in 1967 under the Congress government led by PM Indira Gandhi. Later, amendments were brought in under the UPA governments in 2004, 2008 and 2013.
• In August 2019, the President gave approval to The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019. 
• The amended Act included provision of designating an individual as a terrorist. Prior to this amendment, only organisations could be designated as terrorist organisations.
• The amendment gave powers to the director general of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to attach properties acquired from proceeds of terrorism. Earlier, the law required that the NIA take prior permission from the respective state police chief to attach the proceeds of terrorism. 
• Also, the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) has been added in the Second Schedule through the amendment.

What is the judiciary’s view?

• 1) Arup Bhuyan vs State Of Assam (2011): The Supreme Court ruled that mere membership in a banned organisation does not automatically make a person guilty. Guilt is established if the person engages in violence, incites violence, or commits acts intending to cause disorder.
• 2) The People’s Union for Civil Liberties vs Union of India (2004): The Court emphasized that combating terrorism should not lead to human rights violations, as such actions would ultimately undermine the efforts against terrorism.
• 3) Union of India vs K.A. Najeeb (2021): Despite stringent bail restrictions under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), the Supreme Court affirmed that constitutional courts have the authority to grant bail if fundamental rights of the accused are deemed violated.
• 4) Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan vs Union of India (2018): The Court recognised the legitimacy of peaceful protests and assemblies against governmental and parliamentary actions. It stressed the importance of maintaining non-violent methods during such demonstrations.