Current Context : Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of Nigeria, Nigeria’s highest national honor conferred upon a foreign leader.

• This recognition was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, underscoring Modi’s leadership, contributions to strengthening India-Nigeria relations, and his significant impact on the Global South.
• PM Modi is the second foreign leader to receive this award after Queen Elizabeth in 1969.
• It marks his 17th international honor, showcasing his global diplomatic influence.

About Award :

• The Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON)is one of Nigeria’s highest national honors. It is part of the Order of Niger.
• Established to recognize significant achievements and services to the nation.

This particular distinction is typically awarded to:

• Heads of state, diplomats, or distinguished public figures who have made substantial contributions to Nigeria or fostered international relations and cooperation.

Current Context : Super Typhoon Man-yi, locally known as Pepito, has made a second landfall on the Philippines’ main island of Luzon.

• It cause significant damage, particularly in Catanduanes where it damaged homes, schools, and power infrastructure.

About Luzon Island

• Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines.
• Significance: It houses the capital, Metro Manila, and serves as the country’s main political, economic, and cultural hub.
• Geography: Luzon is bordered by the Philippine Sea to the east and the South China Sea to the west. It includes mountainous regions and coastal areas that are highly vulnerable to typhoons and other natural disasters.

Current Context : The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth edition of its nationwide coastal defence exercise, Sea Vigil-24, on November 20 and 21.

• It focuses on bolstering coastal security and readiness across India’s extensive maritime domain.
• It is conducted on an unprecedented scale, involving India’s entire 11,098-kilometre coastline and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.4 million square kilometres.

Historical Significance :

• Sea Vigilwas conceptualized after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 to enhance coastal defence mechanisms. It serves as a comprehensive assessment of India’s maritime security framework.

Observed annually on the 3rd Wednesday of November. For 2024, this falls on November 20.

• Objective: Aims to raise global awareness about COPD, a chronic lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
• Organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), which focuses on enhancing COPD diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

Observed annually on November 20.

• Purpose: Promotes international cooperation, awareness about children’s issues globally, and works to improve their welfare.
• Establishment: Created by the United Nations in 1954to encourage unity among children and promote their rights.

Current Context : Recently, Doctors have reported cases of “walking pneumonia,” a mild yet persistent lung infection that can mimic symptoms of a common cold.

About Walking Pneumonia:

• Walking pneumonia is a type of atypical, mild pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniaebacteria, though other bacteria or viruses can also trigger it.
• It is less severe than typical bacterial pneumonia but may persist for longer periods​
• Symptoms: Presents with cold-like symptoms, including persistent cough, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, runny nose, and chest pain from coughing.
• Transmission : Spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is contagious and can spread more slowly compared to viral colds
• Treatment : There’s no vaccine for Mycoplasma infections.

Current Context : Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 1^st Bodoland Mahotsav in New Delhi.

About Bodoland Mahotsav: 

• It is a mega event on language, literature, and culture to sustain peace and build a Vibrant Bodo Society.
• Aim : to celebrate the peace and unity achieved in Assam’s Bodoland region following the Bodo Peace Accord signed on January 27, 2020. This event marks a shift from historical conflict to stability and coexistence in the region.
• Theme: “Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat”, emphasizing the rich culture, language, and education of the Bodo and other communities in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

About the Bodo Tribe:

• Ethnicity: The Bodo are among the oldest known ethnic groups in Assam, associated with the Indo-Mongoloid or Indo-Tibetan stock.
• Language: They speak Tibeto-Burman languages and are recognized in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Bodo is also an associate official language of Assam and a medium of instruction up to Class XII.
• Geographic Presence: Predominantly found in Assam, with a presence in parts of West Bengal, Nagaland, Tripura, and internationally in Nepal and Bhutan.
• Cultural Identity: Known for their distinct culture and traditions, contributing significantly to Assam’s heritage.​

Current Context : External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched his new book, Why Bharat Matters, at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai, UAE.

• Themes: The book addresses India’s role in a changing global scenario, focusing on self-reliance and internal growth.
• Emphasizes India’s evolving significance amid U.S.-China competition and reshaped world politics.
• Title Significance: The use of “Bharat” symbolizes an authentic identity of the nation.

Current Context : The Dolphin Ambulance project, formally titled “Advancing Rescue System for the Protection of Stranded Ganges River Dolphins,” has been approved by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

• Objective: To assist in the rescue and immediate care of stranded or injured Ganges River dolphins, supporting their conservation and protection within the Ganga ecosystem.
• Budget: The project has an estimated funding allocation of Rs 1 crore.

Key Features:

• Development of a specialized rescue vehicle known as the Dolphin Ambulance.
• Promotion of public awareness on dolphin conservation.
• Training initiatives to empower local communities to manage dolphin rescue and related conservation activities effectively.

Current Context :  Recently, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was announced as a recipient of the Dominica Award of Honour for his exceptional contributions to Dominica

Reason for Recognition:

• COVID-19 Support: The award acknowledges PM Modi’s significant support during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably the donation of 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Dominica in February 2021. This aid also enabled Dominica to assist other Caribbean nations.
• Partnership and Support: The honor reflects Modi’s commitment to fostering India-Dominica relations and his contributions to health, education, and IT. It also highlights India’s efforts in promoting climate resilience and sustainable development.

About Award :

• This prestigious award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation of Dominica or have had a notable positive impact on the country.