Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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The 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 was held from 9–10 January 2026 at MGM Park, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It was organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and DGLL to develop a Lighthouse Museum in Visakhapatnam.

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The Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) held at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. The events bring together international participants to showcase advances in unmanned systems, robotics, simulation, and training technologies. The seventh edition is the largest since 2015, with 375 companies from 38 countries; 10 are first-time participants. International firms make up 55% of exhibitors; UAE pavilion is the largest.

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Tripura observed the 48th Kokborok Day, also known as Tripuri Language Day, with state-wide cultural celebrations. Kokborok Day is celebrated on January 19 annually. The day marks January 19, 1979, when Kokborok was recognized as an official state language. The government is introducing Kokborok courses in colleges and universities. Efforts are being made to strengthen harmony between tribal and non-tribal communities. Kokborok belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family and is spoken by the Borok (Tripuri) people.

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The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) organised the 2nd edition of Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026. The 25-day cyclothon commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram and will continue until 22nd February 2026. The Theme is “Surakshit Tat, Samridh Bharat”. 148 CISF personnel, including 65 women, are participating to promote patriotism, national consciousness, coastal security awareness, and community engagement.

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World Leprosy Day (WLD) is a global health awareness event observed on the last Sunday of January for over 72 years. In 2026, World Leprosy Day is observed on 25 January. The 2026 theme is “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.” In India, it is observed as Anti-Leprosy Day on 30 January, coinciding with Martyr’s Day (Shaheed Diwas). This date honours Mahatma Gandhi’s lifelong commitment to the cause of people affected by leprosy. Global and local organisations conduct awareness campaigns on prevention, early diagnosis, and complete treatment. The aim is to reduce stigma, educate society, and support persons affected by leprosy.

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World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February. It marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, on the Caspian Sea. The 2026 theme is “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.” The theme emphasizes the role of indigenous and local knowledge in protecting wetlands. It highlights the importance of wetlands in preserving cultural identity and guiding conservation and management practices.

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The third edition of the tri-services Future Warfare Course held at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, from 2–25 February 2026. It is conducted under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). The course features an enhanced curriculum on technology-driven changes in war, doctrines, strategies, and tactics. The program aligns Armed Forces operational priorities with indigenous defence industry capabilities.

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World Pangolin Day is observed on the third Saturday of February; in 2026 it falls on 21 February. It was first celebrated in 2012 and is globally recognised by wildlife groups. India is a key range country with two species: Indian pangolin and Chinese pangolin. Indian pangolin is widely found from Himalayan foothills to southern India, except most northeastern states. It is recorded in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Chinese pangolin occurs in Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim and West Bengal.

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Ministry of Ayush with All India Ayurvedic Congress is organising National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon, Buldhana, Maharashtra from 25–28 February 2026. The objective is to promote Ayush systems and provide free health check-ups, consultations and medicines. It covers Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy. The focus on farmers through medicinal plant cultivation and agroforestry.

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World NGO Day is celebrated annually on February 27th to recognize the contributions of non-governmental and non-profit organizations worldwide. It was officially recognized in 2010 and first celebrated internationally in 2014, honoring the efforts of NGOs in social, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. It highlights the dedication of staff and volunteers working on poverty reduction, human rights, and sustainable development.