Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) organizes World Water Week annually, and has been doing so since 1991. The 2024 event will take place from August 25–29, both online and in-person at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre. The theme for 2024 is “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future”. World Water Week is a leading conference that focuses on global water issues, and brings together a diverse group of people from around the world, including decision-makers, business leaders, city planners, activists, and researchers.

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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 10th World Free Zones Organisation Congress organized in Dubai, from September 23-25, 2024. It gathers experts and stakeholders from the free zones, logistics, and multilateral sectors. The theme is “Zones and the Shifting Global Economic Structures – Unlocking New Investment Avenues.” The congress focuses on trends, technologies, and innovations in the free zones sector. Over 35 speakers participated in sessions and workshops. Indian companies and free zones are actively involved, with Srikanth Badiga representing India. It offers Indian businesses opportunities to explore new investments and global economic impacts on free trade zones.

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World Maritime Day, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is celebrated annually on the last Thursday of September. In 2024, it falls on September 26. The theme for this year is “Navigating the future: safety first!” This day emphasizes the significance of maritime activities and the industry’s contributions to global development, raising awareness about safety measures and innovations in the maritime sector.

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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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President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 8 day long Bhartiya Kala Mahotsav on 28 September 2024 in Secunderabad, Telangana, focusing on the North-Eastern states. The festival runs from 29 September to 6 October 2024, showcasing the art, culture, crafts, and culinary diversity of the North-East. Over 300 artists and artisans from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura are participating. The event promotes the region’s contribution to India’s cultural heritage, fostering social harmony and inclusive development. It is organized by the Ministry for Development of the North Eastern Region and the Ministry of Culture.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 8th India Mobile Congress at Bharat Mandapam during the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024. The event was organized by the Department of Telecommunications, the Union Ministry of Communication, and the Cellular Operator Association of India. It highlighted India’s innovation in Quantum technology, Circular Economy, 6G, 5G use cases, IoT, cybersecurity, and more. Over 400 exhibitors and about 900 startups participated from over 120 countries. The congress featured over 900 technology sessions and discussions with over 600 speakers. India Mobile Congress is Asia’s largest digital technology forum, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and services.

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The Indian Army hosted the second Chanakya Defence Dialogue on October 24-25, 2024, in New Delhi. The theme is “Drivers in Nation Building: Fuelling Growth Through Comprehensive Security,” focusing on integrating security into national and international policymaking. Key participants include policymakers, defence personnel, scientists, and speakers from the US, Russia, Israel, and Sri Lanka. The event will explore India’s strategic goals for “Viksit Bharat @2047.”

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The 9th Ayurveda Day is observed on October 29, 2024 (Dhanteras), in over 150 countries. Prime Minister Modi launched health projects worth ₹12,850 crore to mark the occasion. Ayurveda Day, started in 2016, is celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti, honoring Dhanvantari, the mythological physician of the gods. Ayurveda, meaning ‘Knowledge of Life,’ aims for holistic balance in body, mind, and spirit. The 2024 theme, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health,” focuses on promoting Ayurveda’s role in tackling global health issues.