Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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The New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026, the world’s largest book fair, has begun at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi and will continue until January 18, 2026. Entry is free for the first time to promote a strong reading culture across India. It is the 53rd edition, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The fair features participation from over 35 countries, more than 1,000 publishers, 3,000+ stalls, 600 events, and over 1,000 speakers. The theme is “Indian Military History: Valour & Wisdom @ 75”, with Qatar as Guest of Honour and Spain as Focus Country.

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The 12th edition of Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) has begun in New Delhi. The seven-day festival is organised by Smile Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) 2026 focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging children and youth to engage with personal, social, moral, and global issues. The festival showcases films highlighting disability inclusion, equity, and diversity, including productions made by disabled children for the first time.

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PLASTINDIA 2026 begins on 5 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi and will run till 10 February. It is supported by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The theme “Bharat Next” aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat vision. More than 2,000 global exhibitors will display innovations in plastics, machinery, raw materials, and circular economy solutions. PLASTINDIA 2026 is India’s first Zero Waste exhibition with full recycling of solid waste.

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The 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme was held in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Around 200 tribal youth from Left Wing Extremism-affected districts of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra participated in the event. The week-long camp promotes national integration and cultural understanding.

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Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the World Ocean Science Congress 2026 at Dona Paula, Goa. The congress theme is “Ocean Health and Sustainable Future”. Focus areas include ocean health, climate resilience, marine ecosystems and sustainable Blue Economy. Nearly 25 percent of India’s population lives in coastal regions, making such discussions important. The event highlighted importance for fisheries, tourism, maritime economy and coastal resilience. Emphasis was laid on strengthening research through CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography and National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. India aims to combine maritime heritage with modern innovation for sustainable ocean solutions.

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India observes Central Excise Day every year on 24 February to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, which was later renamed as the Central Excise Act, 1944. The day recognises the significant contribution of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in administering indirect taxes and strengthening revenue collection in the country. Even after the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, Central Excise Duty continues to be levied on select items such as petroleum products, tobacco, and certain industrial goods.

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Zero Discrimination Day is observed annually on 1st March. It is organised by the United Nations. The day promotes global solidarity to end all forms of discrimination. It encourages inclusion, compassion, peace, and positive social change. The observance educates people on equality and the importance of respecting human rights for everyone.

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World Civil Defence Day is observed annually on March 1st to raise global awareness about the importance of civil protection, disaster prevention, and preparedness. It was established by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) in 1990. It honors personnel who manage emergencies and highlights the role of citizens in safety, disaster management, and,resilience against natural or man-made crises.

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The inaugural edition of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) was held on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It was organised as part of the Raisina Dialogue. The initiative was jointly launched by Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Observer Research Foundation (ORF). It aims to create a global platform focused on the growing role of science and technology in international diplomacy and policy-making.

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International Day of Action for Rivers is observed every year on 14 March to promote protection and sustainable management of rivers. Rivers provide fresh water, regulate climate, support biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods and cultures. Many rivers today face threats from pollution, fragmentation, climate change, and unsustainable development projects. The 2026 theme is “Protect Rivers, Protect People.” The day encourages public awareness and collective action to conserve river ecosystems.