State PCS - West Bengal (WBCS)

• 09 Dec 2025

Human Rights Day

Why in News? 

President Droupadi Murmu will be the Chief Guest at the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) Human Rights Day function on 10th December at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 

Key Points 

• About: Human Rights Day, observed every year on 10^th December, highlights the importance of human rights as a foundation for justice, peace, and equality. 
• Historical Significance: Human Rights Day was established in 1950 to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations on 10th December 1948, which outlined fundamental human rights for all. 
  • The UN Human Rights Council, established in 2006, promotes global human rights protection through its 47 member States(including India) and works on addressing violations and emergencies. 
    • The Council's secretariat is the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), based in Geneva, Switzerland. 
• Advocacy and Action: The day calls for collective action to counter hate speech, misinformation, and human rights abuses, while promoting equality and non-discrimination. 
• Human Rights and India: The Indian Constitution enshrines human rights through Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV).  
  • The Preamble's commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity reflects the spirit of the UDHR. 
  • The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), oversees human rights adherence in India. 
• Theme: The NHRC is hosting a national conference titled “Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All,” aligning with the UN Human Rights Day theme “Everyday Essentials.” 
• Panel Discussions: Two thematic sessions, “Basic Amenities to All: A Human Rights Approach” and “Ensuring Public Services and Dignity for All”, will feature senior officials and experts discussing gaps and solutions in service delivery. 

Bengaluru Gets UNSW Campus

Why in News? 

The University of New South Wales (ranked 20th globally) will open a new campus in Bengaluru, becoming the 7th Australian university among the 19 foreign institutions approved to operate in India. 

• It will offer courses in business, media, computer and data science, and cybersecurity, with classes expected to begin next academic year following a record-time approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC). 

Key Points 

• About: The third Australia-India Education and Skills Council(AIESC) meeting facilitated wide-ranging MoUs and letters of intent between institutions and governments, underscoring the growing trust and long-term strategic commitment in India–Australia education cooperation. 
• Research: Ten new bilateral research projects were launched under the SPARC scheme in fields such as AI, quantum technologies, biodiversity, MedTech, sustainability, smart mobility, and space, supported by ₹9.84 crore in funding to advance joint scientific innovation. 
• Schools: For the first time, the AIESC meeting addressed school-level cooperation, including aligning CBSE’s early childhood curriculum with Australia’s frameworks and exploring the establishment of more CBSE-affiliated schools in Australia to serve a growing diaspora. 
• Innovation: New cross-institutional initiatives include a Marine Ecological Research Centre in Odisha with James Cook University and collaboration between the University of Western Australia, IIM Mumbai, and IIT Dhanbad on mining automation, logistics, and sustainability. 
• Resilience: Deakin University and IIT Roorkee will establish a Centre of Excellence in Disaster Resilience, expanding the scope of Indo-Australian academic cooperation into climate response, natural hazard mitigation, and emergency preparedness. 

Armed Forces Flag Day

Why in News? 

The nation observed the Armed Forces Flag Day on 7th December 2025, with the Defence Minister urging generous contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund to support the welfare of Veer Naris, ex-servicemen, and their dependents.

Key Points 

• About: Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) has been held every year on 7th December since 1949 to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces personnel, especially veterans. 
  • The day recognizes not only the sacrifices of fallen soldiers but also the contributions of their families, especially the war-disabled soldiers and War Widows (Veer Naris). 
• AFFD Fund: The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, originally created by the Ministry of Defence in 1949, was consolidated in 1993 by merging various welfare funds for war victims and ex-servicemen into a single unified fund. 
  • The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) is responsible for administering the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). 
  • KSB also formulates and implements welfare and rehabilitation schemes for ex-servicemen and their families across India. 
• Digital Solutions: SAMBANDH, a WhatsApp-based chatbot, allows veterans to easily report and resolve grievances. The platform has helped address over 1,700 cases in less than a year. 
• Skill Development for Women: The Nari Sashaktikaran initiative focuses on empowering women, including widows of fallen soldiers, by providing job training and opportunities for economic independence.  
• Project NAMAN: It aims to simplify pension services for veterans, ensuring easier access to services such as life certificate submissions and pension disbursements.