IMPORTANT DAYS
World AIDS Day 2025
• World AIDS Day is observed globally on 1 December every year to spread awareness and strengthen efforts against HIV/AIDS.
• The 2025 theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” focuses on renewing global commitment to ending AIDS.
• The day has been commemorated since 1988, marking one of the earliest international health awareness observances.
• For 2025, the national observance in India is being led by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.
• India conducts wide-scale outreach through NACO, including awareness drives, community engagement and policy renewals.
• India's legal protection framework includes the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, which ensures rights and prohibits discrimination against affected persons.
• HIV attacks the body's immune defence, while AIDS represents the most advanced and severe stage of HIV infection.
Nagaland: 63rd Statehood Day
• Nagaland marked its 63rd Statehood Day on 1 December, recalling its creation as India’s 16th state in 1963.
• Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla extended greetings and reflected on the State’s progress since 1 December 1963.
• The main celebration took place at Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima, where the Chief Minister addressed the gathering.
• Multiple new development initiatives were unveiled during the Statehood Day programme.
• These launches are designed to support Nagaland’s long-term growth vision.
• The CM also opened an exhibition, “Journey of Nagaland Down the Decades,” showcasing the State’s transformation over the years.
• The event featured cultural showcases celebrating Nagaland’s diversity; Kohima is the capital, Dimapur the largest city, Neiphiu Rio is the CM, and Ajay Kumar Bhalla holds additional charge as Governor.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India Re-elected to UNESCO Executive Board (2025–29)
• India secured another term on the UNESCO Executive Board for 2025–29, as confirmed through an official announcement by its Permanent Delegation.
• The re-election is seen as a sign of the global community’s trust in India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation.
• India reiterated its continued backing for UNESCO’s priorities across education, science, culture and communication.
• The renewed position also reflects growing international alignment with India’s human-centric development framework.
• The Government noted that it will keep strengthening partnerships and collaborative efforts through UNESCO mechanisms.
• India extended appreciation to all member countries that supported its candidature.
• It also pledged to contribute actively and constructively to UNESCO’s mission over the next four years.
NATIONAL NEWS
India at WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025
• India marked its debut at WorldSkills Asia 2025 by securing the 8th position among 29 participating nations.
• The country won one silver, two bronze medals, and three Medallions for Excellence across multiple skill domains.
• Indian competitors performed well in both traditional trades and emerging technology-based skills.
• Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary praised the performers for their dedication and preparation.
• He highlighted that these results showcase the strengthening ecosystem of skill development in India.
• The event hosted over 500 participants, competing in 44 diverse skill categories.
• The competition promoted international collaboration, boosted local learning, and contributed to tourism and economic engagement.
MISCELLANEOUS
Saras Aajeevika Food Festival 2025
• Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the 2025 edition of the Saras Aajeevika Food Festival at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, on 1 December.
• Annapurna Devi, Union Minister for Women & Child Development, attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
• The festival is being held from 1 to 9 December 2025, showcasing the strength of rural women’s enterprises.
• Nearly 300 Lakhpati Didis and SHG women from 25 states are participating, as highlighted by the Rural Development Ministry.
• A total of 62 stalls are set up—50 offering freshly prepared dishes and 12 displaying natural and organic food products.
• States including Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Gujarat have brought their diverse food traditions.
• Visitors can explore over 500 regional delicacies, with the festival aiming to boost rural women entrepreneurs and celebrate India’s culinary heritage.
