December 6, 2025 - Current Affairs

Russia to Join India-led International Big Cat Alliance

December 6, 2025

Russia has officially become the 19th member of the India-based International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), strengthening global efforts to conserve big cat species. The alliance aims to protect the seven largest big cats, including the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma, through cooperation, research, and habitat preservation. Since the IBCA's headquarters are in India, the programme promotes the exchange of expertise, financial aid, and collaborative activities among member countries. Russia's inclusion in international wildlife conservation marks a significant contribution to global efforts, demonstrating a united endeavour to ensure these endangered species are well cared for and that biodiversity is preserved for future generations.

Inside the International Big Cat Alliance: Key Roles and Initiatives

The International Big Cat Alliance is an association of people striving to save seven big-cat species in the world through a global effort and conservation strategies.

• It assists the member countries in scientific research, surveillance technologies, and rehabilitation plans.

• The alliance enhances anti-poaching campaigns and improves law enforcement of wildlife.

• It promotes sharing of knowledge, support of funds and community involvement to minimise human-wildlife conflict.

IBCA has the following objectives: to establish a cohesive international network that is dedicated to the long-term survival and recovery of big-cat populations.

Previous Year Question (PYQs) Based on Big Cat

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims	2020	In India, the Lion is found only in which region?	A) Western Ghats B) Gir Forest C) Sundarbans D) Aravalli Hills	B) Gir Forest
SSC CGL	2022	The Snow Leopard is mainly found in which part of India?	A) Eastern Ghats B) Western Himalayas C) Western Ghats D) Nilgiris	B) Western Himalayas
RRB NTPC	2021	Project Tiger was launched in which year?	A) 1973 B) 1985 C) 1992 D) 1965	A) 1973
SSC CHSL	2021	Cheetahs were reintroduced in India in which national park?	A) Kanha B) Kuno C) Kaziranga D) Ranthambore	B) Kuno
SSC GD	2020	Which big cat is known as the “Ghost of the Mountains”?	A) Tiger B) Snow Leopard C) Cheetah D) Jaguar	B) Snow Leopard
UPSC Prelims	2018	The clouded leopard belongs to which habitat zone in India?	A) Trans-Himalaya B) Eastern Himalaya C) Western Ghats D) Thar Desert	B) Eastern Himalaya
RRB Group D	2019	India is home to the largest population of which big cat?	A) Lion B) Tiger C) Cheetah D) Snow Leopard	B) Tiger
SSC MTS	2020	The National Animal of India is?	A) Lion B) Tiger C) Elephant D) Leopard	B) Tiger
UPPSC	2021	Which big cat is native to Africa but has recently been reintroduced in India?	A) Jaguar B) Cheetah C) Puma D) Lynx	B) Cheetah
SSC CPO	2022	Which country has the largest population of wild lions?	A) India B) USA C) Tanzania D) Russia	C) Tanzania

Expected Question About the International Big Cat Alliance

When was the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launched?

A) 2019

B) 2020

C) 2021

D) 2022

Answer: C) 2021

Description: IBCA was launched in 2021 under India’s leadership to strengthen global cooperation in conserving big cats.

How many big-cat species does the IBCA focus on conserving?
A) 5
B) 6
C) 7
D) 8
Answer: C) 7
Description: IBCA focuses on tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and pumas.

Which country joined IBCA as the 19th member in 2025?

A) USA

B) Russia

C) China

D) Brazil

Answer: B) Russia

Description: Russia became the 19th member, reflecting growing international commitment to big-cat conservation.

Which organisation provides technical and policy support to the IBCA?

A) UNEP

B) FAO

C) CITES

D) Wildlife Institute of India

Answer: D) Wildlife Institute of India

Description: India’s Wildlife Institute supports research, monitoring, and knowledge sharing among IBCA member countries.

Conclusion

The move by Russia to be part of the India-led International Big Cat Alliance will enhance the international community in protecting some of the most endangered big-cat species in the world. This collaboration increases collaboration, scientific studies, and protection of habitats on different continents. The inclusion of Russia in the alliance gives the alliance more momentum and supports the global effort to protect big cats and to retain biodiversity for future generations.

Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery’s Studios, Streaming Unit for $72 Billion

December 6, 2025

Netflix has agreed upon a final deal to combine Warner Bros. together with its film and television studios and streaming enterprises at a cost of equity of approximately US$72 bn (enterprise value ≈ US 82.7 bn). The deal in history would bring together the global Netflix streaming with the 100-year-old heritage of the iconic franchise and extensive content libraries of Warner Bros., from classic movies to new blockbusters. According to Netflix, the acquisition will provide its offerings, strategic creative opportunities, and redefine entertainment the world over in the years to come, establishing a new era in the global media and streaming industry.

Biggest Tech and Media Buyouts Ever.

Microsoft Activision Blizzard: $69 billion.
Disney-21st Century Fox: $71 billion.
AT&T–Time Warner: $85 billion
Netflix-Warner Bros: $72 billion -This deal has become one of the biggest media acquisitions of all time.

Warner Bros Quick Facts

Founded: 1923
Icons Franchises: Harry Potter, DC Universe, Friends, The Lord of the Rings.
Ownership: HBO (premium cable and streaming platform Max).

Netflix Quick Facts

Founded: 1997 in the form of a DVD rental service.
Streaming Launch: 2007
First Original Series: House of Cards (2013).

Recently Asked Questions Related to Tech Media (PYQs)

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims	2021	Which company acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019?	A) Disney B) Warner Bros C) Netflix D) Amazon	A) Disney
SSC CGL	2020	AT&T acquired which major media company in 2018?	A) Warner Bros B) Time Warner C) Netflix D) Sony Pictures	B) Time Warner
RRB NTPC	2019	Which streaming platform launched its first original series, House of Cards, in 2013?	A) Amazon Prime B) Netflix C) Disney+ D) Hulu	B) Netflix
UPSC Prelims	2018	Warner Bros, founded in 1923, owns which premium streaming service?	A) Prime Video B) Disney+ C) HBO Max D) Netflix	C) HBO Max
SSC CPO	2021	Netflix originally started in which year as a DVD rental company?	A) 1995 B) 1997 C) 2000 D) 2005	B) 1997
SSC GD	2022	The acquisition of Warner Bros by Netflix was valued at approximately?	A) $69B B) $71B C) $72B D) $85B	C) $72B
UPSC Prelims	2019	Which of these franchises is owned by Warner Bros?	A) Star Wars B) Harry Potter C) Marvel Cinematic Universe D) Avatar	B) Harry Potter
RRB Group D	2020	Disney acquired 21st Century Fox for how much?	A) $69B B) $71B C) $72B D) $85B	B) $71B
SSC MTS	2021	Netflix entered the streaming industry in which year?	A) 2005 B) 2007 C) 2010 D) 2013	B) 2007
UPSC Prelims	2020	Which of these is among the largest tech/media acquisitions in history?	A) Netflix-Warner Bros $72B B) Apple-Time Warner $80B C) Google-Disney $75B D) Amazon-21st Century Fox $70B	A) Netflix-Warner Bros $72B

Expected Question: Netflix and Warner Bros

Warner Bros was founded in which year?

A) 1919

B) 1923

C) 1935

D) 1941

Answer: B) 1923

Description: Warner Bros, one of Hollywood’s oldest studios, has created iconic franchises over nearly a century.

Which of these popular franchises belongs to Warner Bros?

A) Star Wars

B) Harry Potter

C) Marvel Cinematic Universe

D) Avatar

Answer: B) Harry Potter

Description: Warner Bros owns major franchises like Harry Potter, DC Universe, Friends, and The Lord of the Rings.

What was Netflix’s first original series?
A) Stranger Things
B) The Crown
C) House of Cards
D) Breaking Bad
Answer: C) House of Cards
Description: In 2013, Netflix released its first original show, House of Cards, marking a shift from streaming existing content to creating original content.

How does the Netflix–Warner Bros deal benefit Netflix?

A) Expands content library

B) Improves global market reach

C) Enhances creative opportunities

D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

Description: By acquiring Warner Bros, Netflix gains iconic franchises, strengthens its market presence, and unlocks new creative and revenue opportunities.

Conclusion

The dollar 72 billion purchase of Warner Bros by Netflix is an all time addition in media around the world. It brings together Netflix streaming capabilities and iconic content of Warner Bros to enlarge creative possibilities, increase international accessibility, and transform the entertainment sector. This merger establishes a new standard in the global technological and media mergers.

World Soil Day 2025: Celebrating “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”

December 6, 2025

World Soil Day is an annual event on the 5th of December that is intended to create awareness among people worldwide regarding the critical importance of soil to life, food security, ecosystems, and human well-being. It was initially suggested in 2002, and subsequently sanctioned globally and made official to underline the necessity of having sustainable soil management. The theme of 2025, called Healthy Soils Healthy Cities, highlights the increasing importance of soil health in cities, which face stress on natural resources due to rapid urbanisation and climate change. World Soil Day 2025 is calling on citizens, communities, and governments to properly conserve soil as one of the pillars of a secure and plausible future.

Significance of World Soil Day 2025

World Soil Day 2025, celebrated annually on 5 December, is a reminder of the importance that healthy soil plays in food, water, and life on earth.
It focuses attention on increasing soil degradation and means that all should be protecting and restoring soils.
The day encourages more simple, sustainable practices, such as the reduction of the use of chemicals and helping the environment with eco-friendly farming.
As part of its Global Soil Partnership, the FAO strongly supports World Soil Day and calls on countries to adopt improved soil management and long-term soil conservation practices.
World Soil Day 2025 inspires farmers, students, and communities to take care of the soil that sustains life.

Best PYQs-Based Questions and Answers on Soil (Asked so Far)

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
SSC CGL Tier-1	2023	Which soil is most suitable for cotton cultivation?	A) Red Soil B) Black Cotton Soil C) Laterite Soil D) Alluvial Soil	B) Black Cotton Soil
SSC CHSL	2022	Which soil is also known as “Regur Soil”?	A) Black Soil B) Red Soil C) Desert Soil D) Alluvial Soil	A) Black Soil
RRB Group D	2019	Which soil covers the largest area in India?	A) Red Soil B) Alluvial Soil C) Black Soil D) Laterite Soil	B) Alluvial Soil
RRB NTPC	2020	Laterite soil is rich in which element?	A) Iron & Aluminium B) Nitrogen C) Calcium D) Phosphorus	A) Iron & Aluminium
SSC GD	2021	Which soil is formed due to intense leaching in heavy rainfall areas?	A) Laterite B) Alluvial C) Black D) Red	A) Laterite
UPSC Prelims	2018	Which soil is most suitable for growing groundnuts?	A) Sandy Loam B) Clayey Soil C) Black Soil D) Alluvial Soil	A) Sandy Loam
SSC MTS	2020	Which soil has the highest water-holding capacity?	A) Sandy Soil B) Clay Soil C) Black Soil D) Laterite Soil	C) Black Soil
RRB ALP	2018	Red soil gets its red colour due to the presence of?	A) Iron Oxide B) Copper C) Phosphate D) Nitrogen	A) Iron Oxide
UPSC Prelims	2021	Which soil is most suitable for tea cultivation?	A) Alluvial Soil B) Laterite Soil C) Red & Yellow Soil D) Sandy Soil	C) Red & Yellow Soil
SSC CPO	2022	Which type of soil is common in the Indo-Gangetic plains?	A) Alluvial Soil B) Red Soil C) Desert Soil D) Black Soil	A) Alluvial Soil

Expected MCQs for World Soil Day

What is the theme of World Soil Day 2025?

A) Stop Soil Erosion

B) Keep Soil Alive

C) Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities

D) Soil and Water – A Source of Life

Answer: C) Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities

Description: The 2025 theme focuses on soil conservation in rapidly growing urban areas.

Which organisation officially supports and coordinates World Soil Day globally?

A) UNESCO

B) FAO

C) UNEP

D) WHO

Answer: B) FAO

Description: The Food and Agriculture Organisation leads global efforts through the Global Soil Partnership.

Who first recommended the celebration of World Soil Day?

A) UNEP

B) International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)

C) World Bank

D) UNGA

Answer: B) International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)

Description: IUSS proposed the observance in 2002, which the UN later adopted.

Which country played a key role in promoting the UN resolution for World Soil Day?

A) India

B) Thailand

C) USA

D) Brazil

Answer: B) Thailand

Description: Thailand strongly supported the proposal in honour of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Soil stores a large amount of which climate-regulating element?
A) Nitrogen
B) Carbon
C) Oxygen
D) Calcium
Answer: B) Carbon
Description: Soil acts as a major carbon sink, helping fight climate change.

Conclusion

World Soil Day 2025 is an annual reminder that good, healthy soil is the foundation of strong and resilient cities. The theme Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities inclination shows the critical concern of the preservation of urban soils against degradation and pollution. This conclusion substantiates the idea that the protection of the soil in the modern world is necessary to achieve cleaner environments, an improved food system, and a sustainable future for all.