Current Affairs - December 4, 2025 Current Affairs

The CII IndiaEdge 2025 Industry Forum on Reforms & Sustainable Growth took place in New Delhi, bringing together key industry leaders, policymakers and experts to discuss a wide range of reforms essential for the country’s economic progress. The discussions focused on labour reforms, sustainable growth initiatives, and measures to boost competitiveness across vital sectors. Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Bhupender Yadav emphasised the significance of new labour codes, social security expansion and gig-worker welfare. Additionally, the forum highlighted the importance of tourism, skill development and modernisation as drivers of employment and long-term economic resilience.

Bharat Taxi has initiated its pilot trials in Delhi and Gujarat as part of a transformative shift toward a cooperative, driver-owned ride-hailing model. Supported by the Union Ministry of Cooperation and National e-Governance Division, the platform aims to create an alternative to conventional aggregators by offering zero-commission earnings, no-surge transparent pricing, and democratic participation for drivers, who are recognised as stakeholders rather than just service providers. The early trials include beta testing of the mobile app, rapid onboarding of over 51,000 drivers, and active operations in Delhi and the Saurashtra region. These efforts mark an important step in promoting cooperative-driven digital platforms under the “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” vision.

The International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures is observed on December 4, following a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in June 2025. The day draws global attention to the negative humanitarian, economic, and legal impacts of unilateral sanctions imposed by one state on another outside the mandate of international law and the UN Charter. Such measures—whether trade embargoes, asset freezes, or financial restrictions—can severely affect access to essential services like healthcare, food, and housing, especially in developing nations. By recognizing this day, the international community aims to promote multilateral dialogue, uphold human rights, protect state sovereignty, and discourage coercive economic practices that undermine global peace and equitable development.

NASA collaborated with ISRO to jointly develop the NISAR satellite, a pioneering Earth-observation mission designed to capture high-quality polarimetric and interferometric data using advanced microwave imaging in both L-band and S-band. With a mission life of five years, it is engineered to study critical environmental aspects such as land and ice erosion, land ecosystems, and marine regions. The mission supports research areas of mutual importance to the United States and India, enabling scientists from both nations to better understand planetary changes, natural hazards, and climate-related transformations through continuous, global-scale monitoring.

The Regional AI Impact Conference 2025 took place in Shillong, Meghalaya, as part of a nationwide series of events leading up to the India–AI Impact Summit 2026. The conference focused on expanding AI access across India through the IndiaAI Mission, which has invested over ₹10,300 crore to build AI infrastructure, including onboarding 38,000 GPUs and establishing more than 600 AI and data labs across the country. Shillong’s selection underscores the government’s commitment to decentralizing AI development and ensuring that regions like the Northeast benefit from enhanced computing resources, skill-development initiatives, and emerging AI-driven opportunities.

Bank of India partnered with the State Bank of India to establish a Centre of Excellence in Strategic Partnership aimed at strengthening project financing capabilities. This collaboration is designed to enhance leadership, innovation and coordinated expertise in financing large-scale projects across sectors. By combining resources and focusing on teamwork, the two institutions aim to improve strategic decision-making and create more efficient frameworks for evaluating and supporting major developmental initiatives. The partnership underscores the growing need for robust financial mechanisms in infrastructure development and highlights the important role that collaborative banking models can play in advancing national economic growth.

Indian Navy Day is observed on December 4 to honour the heroic achievements of the Indian Navy, particularly the success of Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. On this day, Indian missile boats launched a decisive attack that neutralised significant Pakistani naval assets, marking a major strategic victory. The 2025 celebrations are being held in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a large maritime demonstration at Shankhumukham, with the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi. The observance also reflects the Navy’s ethos and commitment, symbolised by its motto “Shaṁ No Varunaḥ,” invoking the protection of the sea god Varuna.

Brendan Nelson has been appointed as the new Chairman of HSBC, succeeding Mark Tucker, who stepped down after an impactful eight-year tenure. Nelson, who had been serving as interim chairman since October 2025, brings extensive experience in financial auditing and governance from his earlier senior roles at KPMG. His appointment signals a return to internal board leadership for the bank. As chairman, he will work closely with CEO Georges Elhedery to strengthen HSBC’s Asia-first strategic focus, navigate evolving geopolitical and financial challenges, and oversee governance until a new Audit Committee chair is appointed following the release of HSBC’s 2025 financial results.

Sanchar Saathi was the application involved in the government’s withdrawn directive that initially required smartphone manufacturers to pre-install it on all devices. Developed by the Department of Telecommunications, the app is designed to combat cyber fraud, mobile theft, SIM-related misuse, and unauthorised connections. Despite its strong security benefits—such as tracing stolen phones, disconnecting fraudulent mobile connections, and blocking scam attempts—the mandatory installation raised widespread concerns regarding privacy, potential snooping, and lack of stakeholder consultation. As a result, the government opted for a voluntary model, reinforcing its commitment to user choice, transparency, and safeguarding digital rights while continuing to promote cybersecurity awareness.

Aparna Garg, a seasoned IRAS officer from the 1987 batch, has taken charge as the Member (Finance) of the Railway Board. With more than 36 years of experience, she has served in several key roles such as Divisional Railway Manager at Mysore, Chief Financial Advisor at the Rail Wheel Factory, and Director General of IRIFM. She is also a Chevening Fellow with an Advanced Master’s degree in Transport Economics and executive training from reputed global institutions. Her extensive background and leadership capabilities have made her well-suited for this prestigious position.

International Cheetah Day is observed on December 4 to highlight the urgent need for global cheetah conservation. With an estimated population of only around 7,100 remaining in the wild, the species faces significant threats such as habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict and declining prey base. The observance began in 2010, initiated by Dr. Laurie Marker, whose work with Khayam — a cheetah she trained for rewilding in Namibia — inspired the movement. The day also aligns with broader conservation initiatives, such as the International Big Cat Alliance launched by India in 2023, aimed at safeguarding major big cat species worldwide.