Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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International Literacy Day has been observed globally on September 8th since 1967. The day highlights the importance of literacy in building a just, peaceful, and sustainable society. It serves as a reminder to policymakers, practitioners, and the public about literacy’s role in personal and societal development. The observance emphasizes the global commitment to literacy as a fundamental human right.

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World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed annually on September 10 to raise awareness about suicide prevention globally. First held in 2003, its goal is to educate the public on suicidal behavior and ways to prevent it. Suicide is a significant cause of death, affecting various aspects of society, mental health, and financial well-being. Over 700,000 suicides occur worldwide each year, impacting many lives. The 2024 theme, “Changing the Narratives on Suicide,” focuses on “Telling our Stories,” encouraging open discussions about suicide at all levels of society.

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September 12 is observed as the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation. This day celebrates the progress made by developing countries in the Global South in economic, social, and political areas. It marks the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action in 1978, which promotes technical cooperation among developing countries. The theme for 2024 is “A Better Tomorrow through South-South Cooperation.” The term “Global South” refers to developing countries and is not geographically limited to the southern hemisphere; many are actually in the Northern Hemisphere.

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India participated in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil on September 12-13, 2024. Minister Ram Nath Thakur held talks with Japan, focusing on agricultural technology, cold storage, and market access for Indian pomegranates and grapes. Discussions with Brazil covered ethanol production and science cooperation; both aimed to finalize an MOU. Talks with the U.S. included climate-smart agriculture, crop insurance, and market access for Indian fruits and vegetables. Germany focused on AI in farming, agroecology, and organic farming. The UK discussed sustainability, precision breeding, and gene editing. Spain and the UAE explored climate-resilient agriculture and technology collaboration.

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The 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was celebrated on September 12, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history. The battle took place on September 12, 1897, in the North-West Frontier Province of British India, at Saragarhi post. 21 soldiers from the 36th Sikh regiment, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, fought against over 8,000 tribal militants. Punjab declared September 12 as Saragarhi Day in 2017. The British built an obelisk for the martyrs, and the Pakistani Khyber Scouts still honor the memorial. Saragarhi post was crucial for linking two British forts, Lockhart and Gulistan, to monitor Afghan movements.

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The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Goa from November 20th to 28th, 2024. A new section called the ‘Best Debut Indian Film Section’ will be introduced to support young filmmakers. This category will feature up to five debut feature films, giving new talent a platform to showcase their work. Goa, a traditional host for IFFI, continues to attract filmmakers, actors, and cinema lovers from across the globe.

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World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 to raise awareness and challenge stigma around Alzheimer’s and dementia. The theme for 2024 is “Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s.” The focus is on reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with dementia.

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World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22 to raise awareness about endangered rhino species. It highlights the importance of rhinos and the threats they face. There are five endangered rhino species: Javan, Sumatran, Black, Greater One-Horned, and White rhinos. The Javan rhino is extremely rare, with only 75 left, while the Sumatran rhino is the smallest and has about 80 remaining.

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The World Telecom Standardization Assembly (WTSA2024) will take place in India from 14th-24th October 2024, marking a historic first for the country in the ITU’s 150-year history. This significant event will gather telecom leaders and experts from over 190 nations, focusing on the critical role of telecom standards in enhancing global connectivity and innovation. Outreach sessions in major Indian cities aim to engage students and foster knowledge exchange about future technologies like 5G and 6G.

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Abhidhamma Divas was celebrated on 17th October 2024 by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation. It commemorates the Buddha’s return from Tāvatiṃsa Heaven after teaching Abhidhamma. The day marks his sharing of advanced teachings with disciples. Abhidhamma Divas coincides with the Pavarana Festival, ending the first Rainy Retreat. Traditionally, Buddha spent three months in Tavatiṃsa teaching his mother, Maya. This period aligns with Vassa, a Buddhist Lent for meditation. Celebrated on the full moon of the seventh lunar month, it is observed in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.