Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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In November 2025, the Global Peace Prayer Festival (GPPF) was inaugurated at Thimphu, Bhutan. The 16-day festival is a global initiative dedicated to world peace and healing of humanity amid global conflicts. It is the first-ever Global Peace Prayer Festival bringing together leaders from Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana branches of Buddhism. A key ritual, Jabzhi, is performed to cleanse negative karma and dispel destructive forces. India gifted Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from the National Museum, New Delhi, symbolizing goodwill. The festival strengthens India–Bhutan spiritual ties and promotes global harmony.

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World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14 and is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to raise awareness about diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases affecting millions worldwide. The IDF predicts that by 2050, one in eight adults globally will be living with diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for action. Healthy lifestyle choices play a key role in reducing high blood sugar and managing diabetes effectively.

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Recently, the United Service Institution of India (USI) hosted the Third Annual Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi on 14–15 November. It brought together military leaders, policymakers, diplomats, scholars, authors, industry experts and the public. It showcased India’s military heritage and discussed key strategic and security issues. Iconic military paintings by Lt Col Arul Raj (Retd) were exhibited, and major books such as The Sukraniti and 75 Years of India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping were released.

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The 2nd edition of Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav was inaugurated by President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad on 21 November 2025. The nine-day festival is organised by Rashtrapati Nilayam in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Tourism. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Western India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu.

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November 25 is observed as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women designated by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to strengthen global action against violence targeting women and girls through laws and advocacy campaigns. India has enhanced legal and support systems to protect women’s rights and promote gender equality against social and online challenges. The day begins the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence held from November 25 to December 10. Theme for 2025 is “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”.

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The 10th Session of APDIM (Asian and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management) on Inclusive Disaster Risk Data Governance was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Disaster Management, along with Rajendra Singh and Manish Bharadwaj from NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority). India reaffirmed cooperation with APDIM, UN ESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) and partners in line with PM Modi’s 10-Point Agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction, stressing local investments, technology, research networks, strong risk data, and regional collaboration

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The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed every year on 29 November by the United Nations. It reaffirms global support for the dignity, rights, justice, and self-determination of the Palestinian people. For 2025, a Special Meeting was held on 28 November 2025 at the United Nations Office at Geneva. Similar observances were also held at United Nations Headquarters and other UN offices worldwide.

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Red Planet Day is observed every year on November 28 to mark a milestone in Mars exploration. On November 28, 1964, NASA launched Mariner 4, the first spacecraft to perform a successful close flyby of Mars. Mariner 4 transmitted the first close-up images of Mars, revealing its barren, cratered surface. The day celebrates scientific progress and inspires continued exploration through rovers, landers, orbiters, and future sample-return missions. Mars is called the Red Planet due to iron oxide (rust) coating its soil and dust, giving it a reddish hue.

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World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1 every year to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, remember those who died, and support people living with the disease. It was first marked in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The 2025 theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” focusing on making HIV services resilient, equitable, and community-led. The theme addresses disruptions caused by pandemics, conflicts, and inequalities that limit access to care. In India, the day is observed through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and government initiatives led by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

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Indian Navy Day 2025 is observed on 4 December to honour the courage, discipline, and sea security role of the Indian Navy. It marks Operation Trident (1971) during the India–Pakistan War of 1971, India’s first major naval offensive. Indian missile boats attacked Karachi Harbour, destroying fuel depots and supply ships. Air strikes were launched from INS Vikrant on enemy bases at Chittagong and Khulna. These strikes badly weakened Pakistan’s naval strength and helped India win the war. The 2025 theme is “Combat Ready, Cohesive and Self-Reliant.” The theme promotes indigenous defence systems under the Make in India (self-reliant manufacturing programme).