Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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International Day of Forests (IDF) is celebrated on March 21, declared by the United Nations in 2012. It raises awareness about the vital role of forests in sustaining life. A new theme is chosen annually by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. The 2025 theme is “Forests and Food”, highlighting forests’ role in global food security.

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The ‘World Poetry Day’ is observed every year on March 21. UNESCO established World Poetry Day in 1999 to promote reading, writing, and appreciation of poetry. The day highlights poetry’s role in cultural dialogue and social harmony. The World Poetry Day 2025 theme is “Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion.” The theme emphasizes poetry’s power to unite diverse communities and promote mutual respect globally. India has a rich literary heritage with diverse cultural and religious influences. Many legendary poets have shaped Indian literature across centuries. Notable poets include Tulsidas, Raskhan, Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, Mirza Ghalib, Kabir, Makhanlal Chaturvedi, Maithalisharan Gupt, and Subhadra Kumari Chauhan. Their poetry spans Hindi, English, and regional languages, reflecting India’s linguistic diversity.

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Utkal Divas, celebrated on April 1st, marks the formation of Odisha as a separate state in 1936 during British rule. The day honors Odisha’s struggle for statehood and celebrates its cultural identity. Social and political organizations hold discussions and events to reflect on the state’s progress. Before 1936, Odisha was part of Bengal Presidency, Bihar, and the Central Provinces. Prominent leaders like Madhusudan Das, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, and Krushna Chandra Gajapati led the movement for statehood. Odisha became a separate province on April 1, 1936, with Sir John Austen Hubback as the first governor.

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World Heritage Day, also called the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed on April 18 each year. It aims to promote the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. The day has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 1983 and is organized by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The theme for 2025 is “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts,” emphasizing preparedness and resilience.

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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the four-day Sansad Khel Mahakumbh at K.D. Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on 19 April 2025. The Sansad Khel Mahakumbh takes place from 19 to 22 April 2025. Traditional Indian sports like Kalaripayattu, Yoga, and Mallakhamba were showcased during the event. These efforts have enabled youth from small towns to showcase their talent in sports. More than 25,000 participants are expected to compete in eight events, including athletics, volleyball, kabaddi, basketball, football, hockey, boxing, and taekwondo.

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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.

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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.

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The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on April 28 to promote workplace safety and protect workers’ health globally. Initiated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2003, the day advocates for better workplace safety standards and employee well-being. It raises awareness about work-related casualties and health issues. This year the theme is “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalisation at Work.” The theme highlights how emerging technologies are transforming Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

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International Labour Day, also called International Workers’ Day, is celebrated every year on May 1 to honour the hard work and contributions of workers across all sectors. The day highlights the need for fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours for all employees. It also reminds us of the struggle of workers in history and the continued importance of protecting their rights. The International Labour Organization (ILO), a United Nations agency, plays a key role in setting global labour standards.

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Coal Miners Day 2025 is observed on May 4 to recognise the vital role of coal miners in powering industries and energy systems. It honours their hard work in dangerous conditions and reminds us of their rights, health, and safety needs. The day also highlights past mining disasters and the need for better support, especially during the shift to clean energy. The Mines Act, 1952 was passed to provide medical care, safety rules, and rescue services for miners. The Coal Mines Act, 1974 aimed to conserve co