Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed on November 14 each year to raise awareness about diabetes. The event is organized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” focuses on accessible, affordable diabetes care. WDD was created in 1991 in response to global diabetes concerns and officially recognized by the UN in 2006. November 14 marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. WDD highlights the importance of early diagnosis, proper care, and lifestyle changes in managing diabetes.

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National Press Day is celebrated every year on November 16 in India, highlighting the press’s crucial role in democracy. The press is called the “Fourth Pillar of Democracy” for its role in informing the public and holding power accountable. The day commemorates the press’s duty to report truthfully and ethically, promoting transparency and democracy. Established by the Press Council of India in 1966, National Press Day emphasizes press freedom and responsibility. The 2024 theme is “changing nature of the press,” with the official event in Delhi, inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

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Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is observed on 24 November to honor the ninth Sikh Guru’s sacrifice. Born as Teyag Mal, he was named Teg Bahadur by his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib, due to his battlefield skills. He was known as “Hind ki Chadar” or the ‘Shield of India.’ Guru Tegh Bahadur founded Anandpur Sahib and contributed over 100 hymns to the Granth Sahib. He played a diplomatic role in avoiding war between Raja Bishan Singh and Raja Paranpal. Arrested by Aurangzeb in 1665, he was beheaded in 1675, and his martyrdom is remembered on 24 November.

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The President addresses both Houses of Parliament to mark 75 years since India’s Constitution was adopted. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar presented the Draft Constitution to the Constituent Assembly on November 4, 1948. Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated annually on November 26, marking its adoption in 1949. The Constituent Assembly’s final session was held on January 24, 1950, and the Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, celebrated as Republic Day. In 2015, the government designated November 26 as Constitution Day to honor Ambedkar’s legacy, replacing its earlier observance as Law Day.

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BIPEX-2024, a national postal exhibition, held in Patna’s Gyan Bhawan Auditorium. It is inaugurated by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The three-day exhibition highlights Bihar’s rich postal history, featuring around 20,000 postal stamps from 153 collectors. A major attraction is the world’s first postal stamp, released 250 years ago in Patna, in the form of copper coins. Two books, Glory of Bihar and Postal Heritage of Bihar, is also launched at the event.

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National Pollution Control Day is observed annually on December 2 in India. It commemorates the lives lost in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and raises awareness about pollution. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on December 2, 1984, due to a methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leak from a pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The incident killed around 2,259 people immediately, with fatalities rising to 25,000 over time, as per government reports. Around 500,000 people suffered severe health issues, including respiratory and reproductive problems, blindness, and nervous system diseases.

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December 7 is celebrated as Armed Forces Flag Day in India to honor soldiers who lost their lives in duty. It has been observed since 1949, dedicated to raising funds for the welfare of Indian Armed Forces. The day commemorates the bravery of soldiers, sailors, and airmen and supports the rehabilitation of war victims and ex-servicemen. In 1993, various welfare funds were merged into the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). The day emphasizes the importance of citizen donations to aid soldiers’ welfare and their families.

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Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 every year to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted in 1948. The UDHR promotes human rights principles like freedom, equality, right to life, liberty, security, and freedom of thought and expression. India’s Constitution and the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993 reflect these values, leading to the formation of the NHRC on October 12, 1993. The NHRC organizes a Human Rights Day programme at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on December 10, 2024.

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International Human Solidarity Day is observed annually on December 20 to promote unity, collaboration, and accountability in addressing global issues like poverty and inequality. The UN established this day on December 22, 2005, after discussions at the 2005 World Summit, emphasizing solidarity’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Solidarity Fund was created to combat poverty and advance human development. The day highlights shared humanity, unity in diversity, and the importance of cooperation in tackling global challenges. It inspires governments to fulfill international commitments and encourages people to support community service, social justice, and charitable causes.

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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.