555th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Context: Recently, Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab was  celebrated with religious fervour across India and the world. 

More on the news

• This year marks the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

About Guru Nanak Jayanti

• Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is the most significant festival for Sikhs.
• It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru.
• The festival falls on Kartik Poornima, the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik (Hindu calendar), usually in November as per the Gregorian calendar.

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Celebrations and Rituals

• Celebrations start two days before with:
  • Akhand Path: A 48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib in Gurudwaras.
  • Nagarkirtan: A colorful procession led by the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) carrying the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag).
  • Hymns are sung, martial arts are performed, and streets are decorated with flags and flowers.

About Guru Nanak Dev

• Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469, in Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (modern-day Nankana Sahib, Pakistan).
• He was one of the ten sikh gurus. 
• His motto for disciples: “kirat karo, naam japo and vand chhako” 
• Other name;  Bābā Nānak
• He founded Sikhism in the 15th century and authored 974 hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of Sikhism.
• Death: He died on 22 September 1539 (age 70 years), Kartarpur, Pakistan. 
• Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasize:
  • The oneness of the Creator.
  • Selfless service to humanity.
  • Social justice and equality for all.
  • The Guru’s role as a spiritual guide and social reformer.
• Concepts Introduced
  • He introduced the concept of Sangat”(community).
    • Here all people can come together to worship. 
  • Dasvandh” or donating one-tenth of one’s earning  among needy people. 

Operation Dronagiri

Context: On 13th November 2024, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), launched Operation Dronagiri at the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi.

About Operation Dronagiri 

• It is an  initiative under India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022. 
• Aim: To demonstrate how geospatial technologies and innovations can improve citizens’ quality of life and enhance the ease of doing business.
• Key Features of Operation Dronagiri
  • Showcase potential applications of geospatial data and technologies.
  • Improve agriculture, livelihoods, logistics, and transport sectors.
  • Establish a robust base for nationwide implementation of geospatial technologies.
  • Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)
    • A crucial component of Operation Dronagiri is the GDI, which facilitates seamless data sharing, access, and analysis. 
      • This platform empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions and promote innovation in various sectors.

Implementation

• Phase 1 Pilot Projects: The initial phase will focus on five states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Sectoral Focus: The pilot projects will concentrate on agriculture, livelihoods, logistics, and transport.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Government departments, industries, corporations, and startups will collaborate to implement the project.
  • This model is similar to UPI deployment.

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PM Modi Honoured with Nigeria’s Second-Highest National Award

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Nigeria’s second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House.

About Grand Commander of the Order of Niger

• Historical Significance: PM Narendra Modi is the second foreign leader to receive this distinction after Queen Elizabeth in 1969.
  • This award marks PM Modi’s 17th international honour for global leadership.

Significance of the Award

• Global Leadership: Reflects PM Modi’s international stature and India’s growing role in global diplomacy.
• Highlights India’s contributions to peace, unity, and development on the world stage.
• Bilateral Ties: Celebrates the enhancement of the India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
  • Recognizes his efforts in fostering unity, peace, and prosperity globally.

About Nigeria

It is the most populous Country on the west coast of Africa.

• It shares Boundaries with:
  • North: Niger
  • East: Chad and Cameroon
  • West: Benin
  • South: Maritime boundary along the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean).
• Natural Resources: Rich in petroleum and natural gas, contributing significantly to its economy.
• Principal Rivers:
  • Niger River: The main river of the country.
  • Benue River: The largest tributary of the Niger River.

Maori Haka Dance

Context: Recently New Zealand’s youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, led a haka protest in Parliament against a controversial bill aiming to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi.

About the Haka

• The haka was traditionally a war dance performed by warriors of the Maori Tribe  to intimidate opponents.
  • It also served as a medium for storytelling, celebration, and honouring ancestors.
• It represents strength, defiance, and unity through synchronised movements, chants, and symbolic expressions like wide eyes and tongue protrusions.
• Each haka conveys a unique message tied to heritage, resilience, and communal values.

About the Maori Tribe

• The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand (Aotearoa), believed to have arrived from East Polynesia around 1300 CE.
• Culture and Heritage: Known for their rich oral traditions, intricate wood carving, and deep spiritual connection to the land.
  • Central to Maori identity are whakapapa (genealogy) and mātauranga (knowledge).
• Language: Te Reo Maori, the Maori language, is one of New Zealand’s official languages, symbolising cultural revival.
• Contemporary Role: The Maori are influential in New Zealand’s politics, arts, and education, preserving and promoting indigenous traditions globally.

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Treaty of Waitangi

• Signed in 1840 between Maori chiefs and the British Crown, forming the basis of New Zealand’s bicultural framework.
  • The Treaty established British governance in New Zealand while guaranteeing Maori rights over their lands, forests, and resources.
• Controversy: The treaty is written in English and Te Reo Maori , differing interpretations have led to disputes over the interpretation and implementation of treaty principles.
  • Institutions like the Waitangi Tribunal (established in 1975) address historical and contemporary treaty breaches.
• Maori grievances include land confiscation and breaches of treaty obligations by successive governments.
• Current Developments: The treaty remains central to debates on Maori self-determination, resource rights, and constitutional reforms.

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