World AIDS Day 2025 and India’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)

Introduction

• World AIDS Day and India’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) focus on preventing, controlling, and managing HIV/AIDS.
• NACP is implemented by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Why in news?

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised the World AIDS Day 2025 observance under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”.
• The observance highlighted national progress on AIDS control.

Background

• In 1998, WHO marked the first World AIDS Day on 1st December to recognise the crucial role of civil society in driving a global response to HIV/AIDS.
• NACP was launched in 1992 as India’s initiative for the prevention, control, and management of HIV/AIDS.

Significance

• The 2025 theme underscores strengthening and transforming the AIDS response despite disruptions.
• India’s phased NACP approach accelerates reversal of the epidemic and integrates care, aligning with the goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Facts/General knowledge

• HIV/AIDS basics: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, primarily damaging CD4 cells (white blood cells), weakening the body and increasing vulnerability to infections and cancers.

• Transmission occurs via direct contact with infected bodily fluids (blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal fluids) through unprotected sex, shared needles, or unsterilised tattooing; it is not spread through casual contact.
• Early symptoms include fever and rash; later stages may involve swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and diarrhoea. Severe HIV can lead to opportunistic illnesses such as tuberculosis, meningitis, and cancers like lymphoma.
• There is no cure; lifelong daily Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) effectively controls the virus.
• Global response: UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 aims to end the HIV epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
• NACP evolution: NACP I (1992–1999): Launched India’s first comprehensive programme to slow the spread of HIV.

• NACP II (1999–2006): Focused on reducing transmission and strengthening national capacity.
• NACP III (2007–2012): Aimed to halt and reverse the epidemic by scaling up prevention and integrating services; established District AIDS Prevention and Control Units (DAPCUs).
• NACP IV (2012–2017 & extended to 2021): Accelerated reversal and integrated care; aimed for a 50% reduction in new infections compared to a 2007 baseline. Key initiatives included:
• The HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, prohibiting discrimination.
• Mission Sampark to re-engage People Living with HIV (PLHIV) lost to follow-up.
• ‘Test and Treat’ policy and universal viral load monitoring.
• NACP V (2021–2026): A Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of over Rs 15,000 crore, aligning with SDG 3.3 to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
• Definition: AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the advanced, final stage of infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Navy Day 2025 Operational Demonstration

Introduction

• A large-scale Operational Demonstration will be held at Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, on 3rd–4th December 2025.
• The President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces will attend as the Chief Guest.
• The event will be hosted by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

Why in news?

• Continues the Indian Navy’s initiative to organise Navy Day events beyond major naval bases, following earlier editions in Puri and Sindhudurg.
• Features the Operational Demonstration 2025 as the centrepiece of the celebrations.

Background

• In Operation Trident during the 1971 India–Pakistan War, Indian Navy missile boats struck Pakistani ships, oil facilities and shore defences at Karachi.
• Multiple Pakistani vessels carrying vital war supplies were destroyed, weakening Pakistan’s operational capability.
• Fighter aircraft from INS Vikrant attacked enemy harbours and airfields at Chittagong and Khulna, contributing to the defeat of Pakistani forces in East Pakistan.

Significance

• Showcases India’s maritime strength through coordinated actions by warships, naval aircraft and submarines.
• Reinforces the Navy’s theme of being “Combat Ready, Cohesive and Self-Reliant,” demonstrating commitment to protecting India’s maritime interests.
• Highlights indigenously built naval platforms, aligning with the national vision of Self-Reliant India and the Make in India initiative.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• Navy Day is celebrated on 4th December to honour India’s decisive naval victory during Operation Trident.

International Cheetah Day and Project Cheetah in India

Introduction

• International Cheetah Day is observed on 4 December to highlight global efforts to prevent the species’ extinction and strengthen conservation.
• The Day was designated by American zoologist Dr Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, in memory of a cheetah named Khayam that she raised.
• India launched Project Cheetah in 2022 to reintroduce cheetahs after more than 70 years of extinction in the country.

Why in news?

• The Prime Minister of India marked International Cheetah Day by noting India’s progress under Project Cheetah.

Background

• Project Cheetah operates under Project Tiger and follows the Cheetah Action Plan.
• It is the world’s first intercontinental translocation of a large wild carnivore.
• Implementation is led by the National Tiger Conservation Authority with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India, overseen by the Cheetah Project Steering Committee set up in 2023.
• Under the project, 8 cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa were relocated to Kuno National Park.

Significance

• Establishes breeding populations of cheetahs in suitable habitats.
• Uses cheetahs as a flagship species to restore open forests and savannas.
• Promotes eco-development and ecotourism through community awareness.
• Demonstrates a landmark conservation effort through intercontinental translocation.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• As of December 2025, India is home to 32 cheetahs, including 21 born in the country.
• Kuno National Park is the site for the translocated cheetahs under Project Cheetah.

World Soil Day 2025 — Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities

Introduction

• World Soil Day is observed on 5th December, established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to highlight soil as a lifesustaining resource.
• The 2025 theme is Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.

Why in news?

• The 2025 World Soil Day calls for restoring soil through composting, green infrastructure, responsible soil management, and promoting urban agriculture to build healthier, more resilient cities.

Background

• The idea of an international day for soil was first proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences in 2002.
• FAO promoted its formal recognition, leading to the FAO Conference endorsing World Soil Day in 2013.
• The UN General Assembly officially designated 5th December 2014 as the first World Soil Day.

Significance

• Healthy urban soils are vital for tackling heat islands, pollution, flooding, and food insecurity.
• They act as natural filters, carbon sinks, and water sponges that enhance climate resilience and support biodiversity.

Facts/General knowledge

• Nearly a third of the world’s soils are degraded; urban soils are heavily degraded due to contamination, compaction, and sealing by concrete.
• India’s soil conservation initiatives:
• Soil Health Card Scheme for nutrientbased soil management.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and Watershed Programmes to reduce erosion and improve moisture retention.
• MGNREGA land works supporting soil restoration and water conservation.
• Smart Cities Mission promoting green infrastructure, open spaces, sustainable landscaping, anuy2d soilfriendly urban design.

Important Days

• Date Event
• December 1, 2025 World Aids Day
• December 2, 2025 National Pollution Control Day
• International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
• December 3, 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
• December 4, 2025 International Day of Banks
• International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures
• December 5, 2025 World Soil Day
• International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
• December 6, 2025 Mahaparinirvan Diwas
• National Microwave Oven Day
• December 7, 2025 Armed Forces Flag Day
• International Civil Aviation Day
• December 8, 2025 Bodhi Day
• December 9, 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day
• International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
• December 10, 2025 Human Rights Day
• December 11, 2025 International Mountain Day
• UNICEF Day
• December 12, 2025 International Day of Neutrality
• International Universal Health Coverage Day
• December 13, 2025 National Horse Day
• December 14, 2025 National Energy Conservation Day
• December 16, 2025 Vijay Diwas
• December 18, 2025 Minorities Rights Day in India
• International Migrants Day
• Arabic Language Day
• December 19, 2025 Goa Liberation Day
• December 20, 2025 International Human Solidarity Day
• December 21, 2025 World Saree Day
• Winter Solstice
• World Basketball Day
• World Meditation Day
• December 22, 2025 National Mathematics Day
• December 23, 2025 Kisan Diwas
• December 24, 2025 National Consumer Rights Day
• December 25, 2025 Christmas
• Good Governance Day
• December 26, 2025 Veer Bal Diwas
• Boxing Day
• December 27, 2025 International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
• December 31, 2025 New Year’s Eve