State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 01 Dec 2025

World AIDS Day 2025

Why in News? 

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will lead the national observance of World AIDS Day 2025, reaffirming India’s commitment to HIV prevention, treatment, stigma elimination, and launching new NACO multimedia campaigns to accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.

Key Points 

World AIDS Day 

• About: World AIDS Day is a global observance held on 1st December every year to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, remember those who have died from HIV-related illnesses, and support people living with HIV/AIDS.  
  • It was first marked in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has since become a platform for governments, communities, and individuals to unite in the fight against the disease.  
• Theme: This year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” highlights the need to protect past gains while reshaping HIV services to be more resilient, equitable, and community-driven. 
• Observance in India: India marks World AIDS Day each year through nationwide awareness campaigns, community outreach activities, and renewed government commitments led by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus 

• About: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system by targeting CD4 cells (white blood cells). If untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and making the body prone to infections and cancers. 
• Transmission: HIV spreads through direct contact of infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal fluids, and via unprotected sex, tattooing, and shared needles but not through casual contact. 
• Symptoms: Early stage (fever, rash), Later stage (swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, diarrhea), and Severe stage (tuberculosis, meningitis, cancers (e.g. lymphoma)). 
• Risk Factors: Multiple sexual partners or having sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Unsafe blood transfusions. 
• Diagnosis: Rapid diagnostic tests for same-day results, Self-testing kits, and Confirmatory virological tests. 
• Prevention: Regular HIV testing, STI screening, safe blood transfusions, and using sterilized needles for tattoos are essential for prevention. 
• Treatment: No cure for HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) helps control the virus. ART must be taken daily for life to maintain health. 
• Advanced HIV Disease (AHD): WHO defines AHD as CD4 <200 cells/mm³. People with AHD are at high risk of death, even after starting ART. 
• Global Response: End HIV epidemic by 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3). 
• India’s Progress: India HIV Estimations 2023 reports 2.5 million people living with HIV, with 0.2% adult prevalence. New infections dropped 44% since 2010, surpassing the global 39% decline. 
  • The HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 safeguard the rights of people living with HIV and prohibit discrimination. 
  • The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), launched in 1992, remains key in India's fight against HIV/AIDS. 

World Skills Asia Competition 2025

Why in News? 

India marked a significant milestone on the global skills stage by securing 8th rank in its first-ever participation at the World Skills Asia Competition 2025, competing against 29 nations. 

Key Points 

• About: Taipei, Taiwan, hosted the 3rd WorldSkills Asia Competition from 27–29 November 2025 at the Nangang Exhibition Center, bringing together over 500 participants from 29 Asian member and guest countries to promote education, economic growth, tourism, and international exchange. 
• Participation: The Indian contingent included 23 competitors across 21 skill categories, supported by 21 experts, under the leadership of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). 
• Medal Tally: India secured 1 Silver, 2 Bronze medals, and 3 Medallions for Excellence, with standout performances in Painting & Decorating, Industrial Design Technology, Robot System Integration, Web Technologies, Electrical Installations, and Software Application Development. 
• Women’s Achievements: Women competitors delivered exceptional performances, contributing significantly to the medal tally, excelling in non-traditional skills, and achieving the highest overall scores among Indian participants. 
• Training & Preparation: Competitors were selected through IndiaSkills National Competition 2024 and underwent months of intensive, industry-led training with support from Sector Skill Councils, academic institutions, and global experts to ensure world-class readiness. 
• Significance & Impact: India’s strong debut reinforces its growing position as a global hub for skilled talent, reflecting the strength of its skilling ecosystem and advancing the nation’s ambition through youth excellence, robust training frameworks, and committed national leadership. 

India Re-elected to IMO Council

Why in News? 

India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for 2026-27 under Category B with the highest vote count, reaffirming its leadership role in global maritime affairs. 

• The re-election follows the successful hosting of India Maritime Week 2025, which featured participation from over 100 countries. 

Key Points

• About: The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships.  
  • It is also involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues, as well as the facilitation of international maritime traffic.  
  • It was established by means of a Convention adopted under the auspices of the United Nations in Geneva on 6 March 1948, and met for the first time in January 1959. 
• IMO Council:  The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.  
  • The Council is made up of 40 Member States, elected by the Assembly for two-year terms. 
• Election Outcome:  
  • In the elections held during the 34th IMO Assembly in London, India secured 154 out of 169 valid votes, the highest in Category B, which includes 10 major seaborne trade nations. 
  • Category B represents countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade; India’s re-election highlights its growing maritime relevance and influence. 
  • Alongside India, Category B members elected include Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UAE, reflecting a group of major maritime trading nations. 
• Significance:  
  • This marks India’s second consecutive biennium securing the highest votes in Category B, reinforcing progress under the Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047 to become a globally competitive maritime hub. 
  • The mandate validates India’s commitment to a safe, secure, efficient, and green maritime ecosystem, positioning the country as a trusted voice in shaping global shipping policies.