Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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The 8th United Nations (UN) Global Road Safety Week is observed from 12 to 18 May 2025, with the theme MakeWalkingSafe and MakeCyclingSafe. UN Global Road Safety Week (UNGRSW) is a biennial global road safety campaign hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners to highlight the urgent need for safer roads, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. This global campaign promotes safe infrastructure and transport policies that support walking and cycling in cities. It aims to raise awareness about the growing dangers faced by non-motorized road users due to poor road conditions and unsafe driver behavior. It also encourages governments to adopt strong laws and reforms to reduce road traffic injuries and deaths.

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The International Day of Light 2025 is observed globally on May 16 with the theme “Light, Innovation, Society.” Events were held at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Headquarters and worldwide to highlight light’s role in science and sustainability. The day was first celebrated in 2018 after being proposed by Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand, and Russia, and approved by UNESCO in 2017. It aims to raise awareness about light-based technologies and promote science, innovation, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is observed every year on May 22 to raise awareness and take action to protect biodiversity. In 2025, the theme is “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” showing the link between biodiversity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme also connects with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and the recently adopted Pact for the Future. IDB was first established in 1993, and initially celebrated on December 29, marking the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) changed the date to May 22, to mark the 1992 adoption of the convention in Nairobi.

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World Thyroid Day is observed every year on May 25 to spread awareness about thyroid disorders. It highlights the importance of a proper diet rich in key nutrients to support healthy thyroid function and hormonal balance. The day was decided during the annual general meeting of the Thyroid Federation International in September 2007. The first World Thyroid Day was celebrated in 2008. Though not officially organised by the Thyroid Federation International, many member organisations now observe it with global events. The European Thyroid Association also marked May 25, 2008, as the first European Thyroid Day to celebrate its anniversary.

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May 28th is celebrated every year as World Dugong Day, highlighting the need to protect dugongs in marine ecosystems. Dugongs, scientifically called Dugong dugon, are the only herbivorous marine mammals found in India. They are often called sea cows and look like a mix between a seal and a whale. Dugongs are found in warm coastal waters of India including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and Gulf of Kutch. They depend on seagrass beds like Cymodocea, Halophila, Thalassia, and Halodule for food. Dugongs can live up to 70 years and are listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

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Singapore is hosting the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) from May 30 to June 1, 2025. The event is organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). This year, 47 countries will participate, including 40 Ministerial-level delegates and 20 Chiefs of Defence Forces, along with over 20 senior defence officials and experts. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan will represent India at the dialogue. The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia’s premier defence and security summit, bringing together defence ministers, military chiefs, policymakers, and strategists worldwide. Leaders will discuss Indo-Pacific security challenges and work to strengthen defence cooperation and India’s strategic partnerships.

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World Food Safety Day is observed every year on June 7 to highlight the importance of safe food for good health and economic development. The theme for 2025 is “Food Safety: Science in Action,” focusing on the role of science, innovation, and data in preventing foodborne diseases. It encourages global efforts to detect, prevent, and manage food hazards through research and hygienic practices. The United Nations General Assembly officially declared this day in December 2018, and it was first celebrated in 2019.

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Every year on June 13, the world observes International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) to support the human rights of people with albinism. Albinism is a genetic condition that affects 1 in 5,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa and 1 in 20,000 in Europe and North America, according to the United Nations (UN). The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared IAAD on December 18, 2014, and the first observance was held on June 13, 2015. The 2025 observance marks the 10th anniversary with the theme “Demanding our rights: Protecting our skin, Preserving our lives”.

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World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed globally on 17 June to raise awareness about land degradation neutrality (LDN). This year’s theme is “Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities,” which highlights how restoring land can create jobs, improve food and water security, and support climate action. The day is coordinated by the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). In India, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Union Minister of Culture and Tourism inaugurated a National Workshop at the Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur, focusing on land restoration and climate resilience.

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World Rainforest Day is observed on June 22 to spread awareness about the need to protect rainforests, which are vital for climate, biodiversity, and human life. World Rainforest Day was founded in 2017 by the Rainforest Partnership, a non-profit based in Austin, Texas. In 2024, the World Rainforest Day Pledge Program was launched to encourage climate action through community-led efforts. In 2025, people are urged to become “Planet Walkers” by filming and sharing walks through forests or parks on social media to raise global awareness.