Current Affairs - December 7, 2025 Current Affairs

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network announced a major leadership change with the appointment of Dr Renuka Iyer as its new Chief Medical Officer. She brings over two decades of experience in oncology, clinical research, and academic medicine, particularly in the field of gastrointestinal cancers. Her background includes significant contributions to cancer guideline development, immunotherapy research, and evidence-based practice. As CMO, she will guide the development and updating of NCCN’s widely used clinical practice guidelines, oversee educational initiatives, and support global collaborations aimed at improving cancer care standards. Her expertise positions her to play a central role in advancing NCCN’s mission worldwide.

Fino Payments Bank achieved a major milestone by becoming the first payments bank in India to secure the Reserve Bank of India’s in-principle approval to transition into a Small Finance Bank. This approval allows it to overcome the limitations of the payments bank model, such as the inability to lend or accept deposits above ₹2 lakh. By moving toward SFB status, Fino can expand its services, enter the lending market, and serve a broader range of customers, especially in underserved and rural regions. The shift is expected to enhance financial inclusion while strengthening Fino’s long-term growth, competitiveness, and operational capabilities.

Karnataka introduced e-Swathu 2.0 as a major step toward digitising rural property records and improving service delivery across gram panchayats. The platform aims to regularise around 95 lakh rural properties by bringing them under the tax framework, which is expected to generate up to ₹2,000 crore in additional revenue for the state. It simplifies access to property documents such as e-khata Forms 11A and 11B, eliminates the need for villagers to visit panchayat offices, and provides support through dedicated helplines and Bapuji Centres. The initiative reflects Karnataka’s push for transparency, efficiency, and rural empowerment through digital governance.

Armed Forces Flag Day is observed every year on December 7 to honour the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of India’s military personnel. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility citizens share in supporting both serving soldiers and veterans, including war widows, disabled soldiers, and families of martyrs. It is also an occasion to raise funds for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which provides medical care, rehabilitation, education, and welfare assistance. Through contributions, symbolic flag distributions, and awareness activities, the day strengthens national unity and expresses collective gratitude to those who safeguard the nation.

Netflix secured a landmark $72 billion agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s studios and streaming operations, marking one of the most transformative deals in entertainment history. By winning a competitive bidding battle against major rivals, Netflix gains control of world-renowned franchises such as Game of Thrones, DC Comics, and the Harry Potter universe. This acquisition strengthens its shift from a content-licensing platform to an integrated studio powerhouse with global production capabilities. The move also expands Netflix’s subscriber ecosystem by integrating HBO Max’s massive user base, positioning the company to further dominate the streaming market while navigating anticipated regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe.

Belgium secured its maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in 2025 with a narrow 1-0 victory over India in the final held in Ipoh, Malaysia. The match was tightly contested, with Belgium creating more scoring opportunities and taking the lead through a goal by Thibeau Stockbroekx in the 34th minute. India fought hard until the final whistle, supported by strong goalkeeping efforts, but could not find an equaliser. This victory marked a historic milestone for Belgium, especially considering it was only their second appearance in the tournament, showcasing their rapid progress in world hockey.

Roman Gofman has been selected to lead Mossad during a period of heightened regional tensions and evolving security challenges. A seasoned military commander, he has held key leadership positions within the Israel Defense Forces, including command roles across multiple regions and service as military secretary to the Prime Minister. His operational experience, resilience after being wounded during the 2023 Hamas attack, and close involvement in strategic decision-making contributed to his selection. His appointment represents a rare shift from traditional intelligence leadership to a military-rooted command, signalling Israel’s intent to strengthen operational readiness and reorganise intelligence priorities for emerging threats.

The 20th session of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is scheduled to be held at the Red Fort in New Delhi, a site that holds immense historical and cultural significance for India. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort serves not only as a symbol of India's architectural legacy but also as a backdrop that links the country’s tangible heritage with global efforts to preserve living cultural traditions. Hosting the session here highlights India’s growing leadership in cultural diplomacy, its commitment to heritage preservation, and its active involvement in promoting global cooperation through UNESCO’s cultural initiatives.

The EARTH Summit 2025 was inaugurated in Gandhinagar, a key administrative and economic centre in Gujarat known for hosting major national conferences and government initiatives. The event marked an important step toward strengthening India’s rural and cooperative sectors through the launch of more than 13 new digital services under the Sahakar Sarathi initiative. By choosing Gandhinagar as the venue, the organisers highlighted the city’s growing role as a hub for agricultural innovation, cooperative development, and policy-driven technological reforms. The summit also introduced cooperative taxi and insurance schemes, further demonstrating the city’s importance in shaping strategies for rural empowerment and digital transformation.

The 7th India International Seaweed Expo & Summit, scheduled for January 29–30, 2026, will take place in Kochi, a city emerging as a major center for India’s blue economy initiatives. The event will bring together global delegates, research institutions and industry leaders to discuss innovations in seaweed farming, processing, and value addition. With participation from countries such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, Sweden and the Netherlands, the summit aims to strengthen collaboration and support coastal livelihoods. Hosting the expo enhances Kochi’s position as a hub for marine research, sustainable aquaculture and industrial applications tied to the growing seaweed sector.

Donald Trump was honoured with the first FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on 5 December 2025. The award was introduced as part of FIFA’s new social responsibility programme aimed at recognising individuals who contribute to global peace and unity through diplomacy and influence. Trump was credited by FIFA for his alleged role in easing international tensions, including disputes involving India–Pakistan, Israel–Iran, Congo, and others. However, the decision drew significant controversy, as critics questioned both the validity of his peace-related claims and FIFA’s increasingly political associations.

Sipan Garg assumed additional charge as the CMD of THDC India Limited on November 16, 2025, after the sudden demise of R. K. Vishnoi. With over 24 years of experience in finance, taxation, accounts, and commercial operations in the power sector, he brings strong leadership and financial expertise to the role. Garg continues to serve as Director (Finance), a position he has held since August 2024, and his prior roles as CFO at two NTPC subsidiaries further strengthen his credentials. His appointment ensures leadership continuity at a crucial time for THDC, especially as the company expands its renewable and clean energy initiatives.

International Civil Aviation Day is observed annually on December 7 to emphasize the vital role of civil aviation in connecting nations and driving global development. The day also highlights ICAO’s continued commitment to its 2025 theme, “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for All.” This theme underscores the aviation sector’s dedication to maintaining high safety standards, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering international cooperation. By observing this date, the global community reaffirms the importance of building a resilient, eco-friendly, and innovative air transport system that supports future generations while honouring the legacy of the Chicago Convention.