Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Nepal celebrated its first-ever National Yak Day on April 20, 2025, to recognize the cultural, ecological, and economic importance of yaks in the Himalayan region. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) called for the yak to be included in the sustainable development agenda, especially in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. ICIMOD highlighted the vital role of indigenous communities like the Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Rai, and Limbu in preserving yak herding traditions. Yak herding supports food security, cultural identity, and biodiversity conservation in high-altitude areas. The event marked a step toward promoting mountain livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

Notes:
The International Conference on “Buddha Dharma and Culture of Northeast India” was held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh. It was organised by the International Buddhist Confederation in partnership with Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (GoI). The event saw participation from Buddhist monks and scholars from India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Discussions focused on the art, culture, and influence of Buddha Dhamma in Northeast India and its ties with neighbouring countries. The aim was to let global scholars explore and appreciate the Buddhist heritage of the region.

Notes:
World Day for Animals in Laboratories is observed annually on April 24. It raises awareness about the suffering of animals used in scientific testing and research. It was introduced in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society, it is recognized by many countries and animal rights groups as a symbol of compassion and a call for change in scientific experimentation. The date was chosen in honor of Lord Hugh Dowding, a prominent advocate for animal rights.

Notes:
World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25th to raise awareness about malaria. It is a global initiative by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to fight against malaria and work towards its elimination. The theme for this year is “Malaria ends with us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” urging renewed action at all levels. Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It affects millions, mostly in tropical and subtropical regions, and remains a serious public health challenge.

Notes:
Every year on May 3, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated to highlight the vital role of the media, known as the fourth pillar of democracy. The day spreads awareness about the struggles faced by journalists and supports the free flow of information. It honours media professionals who have risked or lost their lives in search of truth. This year’s theme is ‘Reporting In The Brave New World – The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Press Freedom And The Media.’ The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1993 after a 1991 recommendation by UNESCO.

Notes:
Maharashtra’s Nashik hosts the ‘Yoga Mahotsav 2025’ as part of the countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. It was organised by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush). The event took place at Gauri Maidan, Panchavati, celebrating India’s Yoga heritage and launching the Yoga Sangam Portal for online registrations. Yoga Sangam is a major initiative under International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 to enable synchronized Yoga practice at 1,00,000 locations across India on June 21. The event promoted the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), focusing on practices like Pranayama and Dhyana to improve health and harmony.

Notes:
World Athletics Day is celebrated every year on May 7 to promote participation in sports, especially among the youth. It highlights the benefits of sports on both mental and physical health and encourages values like perseverance and teamwork. The event was first observed on May 15, 1996, by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now called World Athletics since 2019. The idea was introduced by Primo Nebiolo, the then IAAF president, and saw participation from 50 countries. This year, World Athletics Day 2025 falls on a Wednesday and continues to promote inclusivity and environmental awareness through sports.

Notes:
World Thalassemia Day is observed every year on 8th May to raise global awareness about the inherited blood disorder called Thalassemia. Thalassemia affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin, leading to severe anemia and requiring regular blood transfusions for survival. The theme for 2025 is “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients”, highlighting the need for collective action and patient-focused care. This day promotes early diagnosis, public education, and support for patients and families. Despite its seriousness, awareness about Thalassemia is still low in many regions, making such observances important for prevention and understanding.

Notes:
The 2nd Tri-Service Future Warfare Course was held in New Delhi from April 21 to May 9, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre. It focused on how technology impacts warfare and aimed to prepare senior officers for modern warfare complexities, fostering jointness and integration among the services. The course was conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and coordinated by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the tenth Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi. He urged every state to develop one world-class tourist destination under the idea of “One State: One Global Destination”. This step will also help in the development of nearby cities and boost local tourism. The theme of this year is “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047” which means “Developed States for a Developed India by 2047”. The goal is to align state-level visions with national goals through bold and inclusive planning. The meeting also focused on entrepreneurship, skill development, and job creation across the country. Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and officials of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog participated in the meeting.