Prelims Current Affairs includes International Civil Aviation Day, Bodhi Day, 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, Exercise Harimau Shakti – 2025, Right to Disconnect Bill, Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), Khelo India University Games 2025.

IMPORTANT DAYS

1. INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION DAY

Observed every year on 7 December worldwide.

Purpose: To spread awareness about the contribution of global air transportation and promote international cooperation among countries.
Established By: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Year of Establishment: 1994.

2. BODHI DAY

Observed every year on 8 December in many countries to honour Gautam Buddha and his teachings.

Significance: Commemorates the enlightenment of Gautam Buddha.
Purpose: To remember the path of wisdom, meditation, and compassion shown by Gautam Buddha.

SUMMIT

3. 23RD INDIA–RUSSIA ANNUAL SUMMIT

Current Context: The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit was held in New Delhi, marking the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership (2000).

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Strategic Partnership: Elevated in 2010 to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.

KEY OUTCOMES

ECONOMIC COOPERATION

• Adoption of Economic Programme 2030 to diversify trade beyond energy and defence.
• Bilateral Trade Target: USD 100 billion by 2030 (from USD 68.7 billion in 2024–25).
• Fast-tracking Free Trade Agreement talks with the Eurasian Economic Union.

PAYMENT SYSTEMS

• Bilateral trade settlements in national currencies.
• Interoperability of payment systems.
• Cooperation on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

ENERGY COOPERATION

• Continued supply of oil and gas from Russia.
• Support for India’s civil nuclear programme including Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project.
• Collaboration on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

• Joint research and development.
• Co-production under Make in India.
• Military exercises and technology transfer.

CONNECTIVITY AND LOGISTICS

• Strengthening International North–South Transport Corridor.
• Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.
• Northern Sea Route.
• MoU for training specialists for Polar Water ship operations.
  

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Russia joined the International Big Cat Alliance led by India.

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES

• MoUs on migration and mobility for skilled workers.
• 30-day visa-free e-tourist entry for Russian citizens.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

4. INDIA INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL (IISF) 2025

Current Context: The 11th India International Science Festival began on 6 December 2025 in Panchkula, Haryana, and will continue till 9 December.

ABOUT IISF 2025

Started In: 2015.
Purpose: Promote scientific temper, research collaboration, and public engagement in science.
Organised At: Panchkula, Haryana.

THEME 2025: “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat”

• Focus on science-driven growth for a self-reliant India.
• Integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific research.

MAJOR FOCUS AREAS

• Ecology and science of North-West India and Himalayan region.
• Science for society and education.
• Science and technology for self-reliance.
• Biotechnology and bio-economy.
• Traditional knowledge system integration.

DEFENCE

5. EXERCISE HARIMAU SHAKTI – 2025

Current Context: The 5th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti – 2025 commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.

ABOUT EXERCISE HARIMAU SHAKTI

Type: Joint military exercise between India and Malaysia.
Indian Contingent: Mainly represented by troops of The DOGRA Regiment.
Aim: To rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

GOVERNANCE

6. RIGHT TO DISCONNECT BILL

Current Context: A Private Members’ Bill on the Right to Disconnect has been introduced in the Lok Sabha to protect employees from after-work communication pressure.

ABOUT RIGHT TO DISCONNECT BILL

Purpose: Gives employees a legal right to disconnect from work calls and emails after office hours and on holidays.
Institutional Mechanism: Proposal to set up an Employees’ Welfare Authority for implementation.

WHAT IS RIGHT TO DISCONNECT

• Legal protection allowing workers to avoid electronic communication outside working hours.
• Based on Article 24 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Right to rest and leisure).

NEED FOR THE RIGHT

• Work stress and mental exhaustion.
• Sleep deprivation due to digital over-availability.
• Lower productivity.
• Impact on social relationships and work-life balance.

CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS

Article 21: Right to life with dignity.
Article 39(e): Protection against exploitation of workers’ health.
Article 42: Humane working conditions.

GLOBAL REFERENCES

France (2017): First country to recognise right to disconnect.
Australia (2024): Legal safeguard to ignore after-hours work communication unless essential.

ECONOMY

7. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT TRUST (INVIT)

Current Context: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) received SEBI’s in-principle approval for Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT).

ABOUT INVIT

Nature: Collective investment scheme similar to mutual funds.
Objective: Enables retail and institutional investors to invest in infrastructure assets.
Structure: Set up as a trust and registered with SEBI.

KEY FEATURES

• Four participants – Trustee, Sponsor(s), Investment Manager, Project Manager.
• Sponsors transfer infrastructure assets to the trust.
• Investors receive units representing ownership.
• Trustee monitors performance.
• Regulated by SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.

HIMACHAL NEWS

8. KHELO INDIA UNIVERSITY GAMES 2025

Current Context: The Khelo India University Games 2025 concluded on 5 December in Rajasthan, where athletes from Himachal Pradesh University won medals.

ABOUT THE ACHIEVEMENT

Nancy Thakur: Silver medal – 76 kg wrestling category.
Vanshika Goswami: Silver medal – heavyweight boxing.
Significance: Major achievement for Himachal Pradesh University and the state at a national multi-sport event.

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