IMPORTANT DAYS

World Human Rights Day 2025

• World Human Rights Day is celebrated globally every year on 10 December to honour fundamental freedoms.

• The observance marks the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the UN General Assembly.

• The 2025 theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” highlights the role of rights in daily life.

• The day promotes a world built on fairness, dignity, equality, and justice for all.

• It reinforces that human rights apply to every person, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or background.

• In India, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will host the official Human Rights Day event in New Delhi.

• The function will be attended by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as the Chief Guest.

• The celebration aims to raise awareness on protecting rights and strengthening global human rights values.

Birth Anniversary of C. Rajagopalachari

• 10 December marks the birth anniversary of C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), an influential statesman remembered for his deep role in India’s freedom journey.

• PM Modi commemorated the day by sharing rare archival items, including Rajaji’s early photograph, his Cabinet appointment note, and a 1922 issue of Young India edited by him.

• Born in 1878, Rajaji later became independent India’s last Governor-General—and notably, the only Indian to ever hold that office.

• His political awakening began after meeting Gandhi in 1919, prompting him to abandon law and dedicate himself fully to national service.

• Rajaji was actively involved in key movements such as the Rowlatt protests, Non-Cooperation, Vaikom Satyagraha, and Civil Disobedience, facing imprisonment multiple times.

• He rose to major leadership roles, including Premier of Madras Presidency, and later established the Swatantra Party to promote liberal democratic values.

• Honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1954 for his contributions to politics, literature, and public life, Rajaji passed away on 25 December 1972.

AWARDS

National Handicrafts Awards 2023–24

• President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Handicrafts Awards 2023 and 2024 in New Delhi to celebrate outstanding craftsmanship.

• The awards recognise artisans who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity and mastery in their craft traditions.

• India’s handicrafts industry employs nearly 32 lakh people, the majority from rural regions.

• Women make up around 68% of the sector’s workforce, highlighting its major role in women-led economic empowerment.

• Reducing GST on handicrafts from 18% to 5% has strengthened demand and supported artisan livelihoods.

• The government aims to achieve ₹1 lakh crore in handicraft exports by 2031–32, boosting global outreach.

• Across the two years, 12 Shilp Guru Awards and 36 National Awards were presented to outstanding artisans.

• Awardees represented diverse crafts — including hand-painted textiles, leather puppetry, metal craft, stone and wood carving, carpets, paintings, and tribal art — showcasing India’s rich craft heritage.

Anant Ambani Receives Global Humanitarian Award

• Anant Ambani has been honoured with the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare, marking him as the youngest and first Asian to receive this distinction.

• The award ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., recognising his strong commitment to animal care and protection.

• He received this honour primarily for his leadership in creating Vantara, a major initiative focused on wildlife rescue and long-term conservation.

• Vantara works across animal rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and preservation of endangered species.

• The Global Humanitarian Award is reserved for individuals whose efforts have a worldwide impact on both animals and people.

• The award is presented by American Humane, the oldest national humane organisation in the United States.

• American Humane also manages one of the world’s strictest Global Humane Certification programmes for animal welfare.

• Vantara earned this prestigious certification after undergoing a detailed and thorough independent audit of its welfare standards.

SPORTS

J&K to Host First International Dangal & Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir 2025

• Jammu & Kashmir is set to host its first-ever International Dangal and Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir Title in 2025.

• The event is scheduled for 17 December 2025 at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu.

• The championship is being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.

• The initiative is aimed at boosting traditional wrestling, cultural heritage, and youth engagement.

• The event also promotes fitness, unity, and regional pride through indigenous sports.

• Professional wrestlers from India and countries like Iran will compete in the tournament.

• The participation of international athletes is expected to elevate the scale and visibility of the event.

• This will be one of the largest wrestling championships ever conducted in the Union Territory.

MISCELLANEOUS

Amazon’s $35 Billion India Investment Plan

• Amazon unveiled a commitment to invest over $35 billion in India by 2030, covering all major business verticals.

• The fresh investments will focus on AI-led digital transformation, export expansion, and large-scale job creation.

• The company said its roadmap aligns with India’s goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, strengthening small businesses and logistics networks.

• Amazon noted that its 15-year presence in India has already helped build robust digital and physical ecosystems for MSMEs.

• A major aim is to expand AI access to millions and create 1 million additional jobs across the country.

• Amazon targets to quadruple cumulative e-commerce exports to $80 billion by 2030, pushing Indian products globally.

• The company will support education by offering AI learning opportunities to 4 million students in government schools.

• Through the “Accelerate Exports” initiative, Amazon will connect digital sellers with Indian manufacturers to boost export-led growth.

Charaichung Festival in Majuli

• Assam’s Majuli district hosted the Charaichung Festival to rejuvenate Asia’s earliest protected Royal Bird Sanctuary.

• This was the second edition of the event held on the world’s largest river island.

• The festival celebrates the 392-year-old heritage of the Charaichang sanctuary, established in 1633 AD by Ahom ruler Swargadeo Pratap Singha.

• The four-day celebration ran from December 7 to 10, focusing on reviving the bird habitat.

• Majuli Sahitya Sabha and local communities jointly supported the initiative to restore the sanctuary’s ecological balance.

• A dedicated exhibition showcased efforts in forest conservation, biodiversity preservation, and wildlife awareness.

• Majuli is known for its rich ecological diversity, hosting around 150 species of resident and migratory birds.

• The festival aims to boost tourism, revive the sanctuary’s legacy, and position Charaichung as a potential global heritage site.