Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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The International Day of Neutrality is observed on December 12 to promote neutrality in intergovernmental relations and support global peace and security. Neutrality means a country abstains from participating in wars and maintains impartiality, emphasizing dialogue over conflict. Switzerland is renowned for its neutrality, avoiding destruction in both World Wars. India’s neutrality was evident during the Cold War, maintaining friendly relations with both the US and Russia without aligning with either. The UN General Assembly declared the day in 2017, following a resolution by Turkmenistan, a permanently neutral state. The UN uses preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacemaking to resolve and prevent conflicts globally.

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An 8 km ‘Sushasan Padyatra’ was held in Vadnagar, Gujarat, on December 24, 2024, led by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to mark Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 100th birth anniversary. More than 15,000 MY Bharat youth volunteers from universities, NGOs, and organizations participated. The padyatra celebrated Good Governance Day and emphasized youth participation in building a developed India by 2047. MY Bharat platform has 1.65 crore youth members and connects to the e-shram portal for global job opportunities.

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Good Governance Day is celebrated annually on December 25th to honor Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. It was first observed in 2014 to promote transparent, accountable, and citizen-focused administration. The 2024 celebration is significant as it marks Vajpayee’s 100th birth anniversary. Governance involves decision-making processes and their implementation through formal and informal practices. Good governance emphasizes fairness, transparency, accountability, and efficient management of a country’s resources and affairs.

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Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26, commemorating the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh. In 1705, they were captured by the Mughal forces at Anandpur Sahib, pressured to convert to Islam, and martyred for refusing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas in 2022 to honor their sacrifice. In 2024, PM Modi attended the event in New Delhi, launched the Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan.

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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the ‘Atal Yuva Maha Kumbh’ in Lucknow. The event celebrates the birth centenary year of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Certificates and prizes were awarded to meritorious students excelling in various competitions.

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The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention takes place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025. The theme is ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’, celebrating the diaspora’s role in India’s development. Prime Minister Modi inaugurates the event on January 9, and President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad & Tobago addresses virtually. More than 50 countries’ diaspora members participate, and Modi flags off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express tourist train.

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Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates ‘Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0’ at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. It is organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) with the Lok Sabha Secretariat and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The event commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda. It gathers 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes across 22 states and Union Territories. Its primary focus is to empowering women representatives by enhancing their knowledge of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance.

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National Bird Day is celebrated annually on January 5 to raise awareness about bird conservation and their ecological importance. It was established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition. It highlights issues like bird extinction, habitat destruction, and the illegal pet trade. The day aligns with the birth of the wild bird preservation movement in the early 20th century. It promotes efforts to conserve bird populations in the wild and improve the welfare of birds in captivity. The day commemorates conservation achievements, including saving endangered species like the Bald Eagle and California Condor from extinction.

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The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to promote youth participation in nation-building. It is organized by the Department of Youth Affairs under Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya from January 10-12. It reimagines the National Youth Festival, providing a platform for youth to present ideas for a developed India and engage with policymakers and global icons. 3,000 participants were selected, including 1,500 from State Championships, 1,000 from cultural programs, and 500 for groundbreaking contributions.

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Parakram Diwas 2025 is celebrated from January 23-25 at Barabati Fort in Cuttack, the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The event commemorates Bose’s 128th birth anniversary and honors his contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Parakram Diwas, observed annually on January 23, aims to instill fearlessness and patriotism, particularly among the youth. The celebration seeks to inspire resilience and encourage standing strong against challenges in life.