Current Affairs - Important Days

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.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3, a date dedicated to promoting equality, dignity, and opportunities for persons with disabilities across the world. The focus of the 2025 observance is on fostering disability-inclusive societies, underscoring that genuine social progress cannot be achieved without ensuring full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. The day encourages reflection on longstanding challenges such as poverty, employment discrimination, limited social protection, and lack of accessible care systems. It also highlights global efforts like the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, which seeks to integrate disability rights into every level of UN action and policymaking.

World Computer Literacy Day is observed every year on December 2 to emphasise the importance of digital education and equitable access to technology. Established in 2001 by NIIT Limited, the day initially aimed at improving computer skills among women and children but has since expanded to over 30 countries. In 2025, its relevance is even more significant due to the increasing dependence on digital platforms for communication, banking, education, and employment. The observance encourages workshops, training programs, and awareness campaigns that help bridge the digital divide and empower people with essential technological skills for personal and economic growth.

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed each year on December 2. This date was established by the UN General Assembly in 1986 to reinforce global commitment to ending contemporary forms of slavery, including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and forced labor. It also commemorates the adoption of the 1949 Convention on the Suppression of Trafficking and Exploitation of Prostitution. Over time, the observance has served as a reminder for nations to strengthen policies, raise awareness, and support victims, contributing to the ongoing global fight to eradicate all forms of slavery.

National Pollution Prevention Day is observed every year on December 2 in India to honour the memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives in the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The disaster occurred due to the leakage of the toxic chemical Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) from a pesticide plant, making it one of the world’s most devastating industrial pollution incidents. This observance serves as a reminder of the need for strict safety regulations, responsible industrial practices, and heightened public awareness to prevent such tragedies in the future.