Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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National Energy Conservation Day is observed annually in India on December 14, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. It highlights the importance of conserving energy and adopting sustainable practices for a greener future. Introduced in 1991, it is led by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power. Energy conservation focuses on reducing unnecessary energy use through efficient practices and technologies, ensuring resource availability for future generations. The day features the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA), honoring industries and institutions for reducing energy consumption while maintaining efficiency.

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The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, hosted the third edition of the “Viraasat Sari Festival 2024” from 15th to 28th December at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. The event, which gained significant popularity in 2022-23 and 2023-24, saw around 20,000 visitors across age groups. The festival showcases unique handloom products like Paithani, Pochampally, Banarasi Brocade, Pashmina, and more. India’s handloom sector employs over 35 lakh people, mostly women, preserving cultural traditions. Government initiatives promote high-quality, eco-friendly handloom products with distinct identities and authenticity guarantees. The festival aims to boost market opportunities and earnings for the handloom community.

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December 18 is celebrated as Minority Rights Day to commemorate the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to Minorities, adopted in 1992. This day raises awareness about minority rights, highlights their contributions to society, and promotes their protection and empowerment. The non-binding Declaration ensures the right to culture, religion, and language for minorities, shaping global human rights discussions. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights for all citizens, promoting equality and protecting minorities from discrimination.

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December 21, 2024, is observed as the first World Meditation Day, designated by the United Nations in a resolution passed on November 29, 2024. India led the initiative for this day at the UN, co-sponsoring the resolution. A special programme was held at the UN headquarters on December 20, 2024, with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, as the chief guest, conducting a global meditation session. The theme of the first World Meditation Day is “Inner Peace, Global Harmony,” aiming to raise awareness about meditation’s benefits for health and well-being.

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Farmers’ Day, or Kisan Diwas, is observed annually on 23 December. The day marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, known as the “Champion of India’s Farmers.” It honors farmers’ contributions to the Indian economy and raises awareness about their challenges. Farmers’ Day was first celebrated in 2001 as an initiative by the Government of India. Chaudhary Charan Singh introduced impactful agricultural policies to empower farmers and address rural challenges. He advocated sustainable practices and aimed to create a self-reliant agrarian economy.

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Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the 31st National Children’s Science Congress in Bhopal, held from January 3 to 6, 2025. More than 700 child scientists, teachers, and mentors from across India and Gulf countries like Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia participated in the event. The theme of the event is “Understanding Ecosystems for Health and Well-being.” The event aims to inspire children to develop scientific temper and solve societal problems through innovation. Activities include the Chandrayaan Mission Exhibition, Water Rocketry, Robotics, Hydroponics, Environmental Snakes and Ladders, Cheetah Conservation Exhibition, and scientific folk songs.

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January 6 is observed as World Day of War Orphans to highlight the struggles of children who lose parents to war. Millions of children worldwide face impacts of conflict, climate change, displacement, and poverty. The day calls for collective efforts to ensure care, education, and protection for these vulnerable children. More than 460 million children live in or flee conflict zones like Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Palestine. These children face physical dangers and emotional trauma from losing their families.

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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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National Startup Day is celebrated on January 16 to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of startup founders in India. India is the third-largest startup hub with over 99,000 registered firms and a $500 billion ecosystem. The Startup India Scheme, launched in 2016, fostered a supportive environment for startups with financial incentives and simplified procedures. In 2022, PM Modi declared January 16 as National Startup Day.

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The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying hosted a two-day conclave in Shillong from January 23-24 to boost investment in North East India’s livestock sector. The conclave aimed to discuss strategies for the sector’s development, assess challenges, and explore growth opportunities through technological interventions and policy support. It focused on value chain strengthening, knowledge sharing, and promoting sustainable farming practices.