Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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World Parkinson’s Day is observed every year on 11 April to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a fast-growing neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement due to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The day aims to promote early diagnosis, improved treatment, public awareness, and increased research efforts.
The theme for 2026 is “Bridge the Care Gap,” which highlights the lack of access to proper care, affordable treatment, and support systems.

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World Chagas Disease Day is observed on 14 April to raise awareness about this neglected tropical disease and its impact. Chagas disease, also called American trypanosomiasis, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a chronic infectious disease that can lead to severe heart and digestive system complications. It spreads mainly through triatomine bugs (kissing bugs), which transmit the parasite via their feces. It is prevalent in Latin America, especially South and Central America and Mexico.

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World Asthma Day 2026 is observed on May 5 to raise awareness about asthma and its management. It is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma. The theme for 2026 is “Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need.” The focus is on improving access to inhaled corticosteroids, which treat the underlying inflammation rather than just symptoms. The initiative highlights that over 260 million people worldwide are affected by asthma.

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World Thalassemia Day 2026 is observed on 8 May to spread awareness about thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder. The 2026 theme is “Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed. Supporting the Unseen.” The campaign highlights the importance of early diagnosis, genetic screening, and equal access to healthcare services for patients. Thalassemia patients often require lifelong blood transfusions, regular medical care, and continuous monitoring.

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National Technology Day is celebrated every year on 11 May to commemorate the success of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998. The day recognises India’s achievements in science, technology, and innovation. Pokhran-II was a series of nuclear tests carried out at Pokhran Test Range. The 2026 theme is “Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth,” focusing on indigenous technology development and the use of Artificial Intelligence for equitable progress. The observance highlights the role of scientific research and technological self-reliance in national development.

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International Nurses Day is observed every year on 12 May to mark the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. The 2026 theme is “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.” The theme highlights the importance of empowering nurses through better support systems, workplace safety, and adequate resources. The International Council of Nurses emphasises that strong nursing systems are essential for quality healthcare and patient care. The observance also focuses on addressing the global nursing shortage and improving working conditions for nurses worldwide.

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International Day of Families is observed every year on May 15 to highlight the importance of families in social development. The 2026 theme is “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.” In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly declared 1994 as the International Year of the Family. In 1993, the UN General Assembly officially designated May 15 as the International Day of Families through Resolution. The observance is coordinated by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs through its Division for Inclusive Social Development. The symbol of the day features a green circle with a red heart beneath a roof, representing home and family.

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World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is observed annually on May 17. The 2026 theme is “Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World.” The observance focuses on strengthening secure and resilient telecommunication infrastructure such as submarine cables, satellites, and terrestrial data networks. The day highlights the importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in reducing the global digital divide.

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National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed every year on 21 May across India. The day commemorates the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. It aims to spread awareness about the dangers of terrorism, violence, and extremism. The observance encourages youth to promote peace, unity, harmony, and national integrity. The day highlights the harmful social, economic, and human impact of terrorism on society and democratic institutions. National Anti-Terrorism Day also reinforces India’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining national security.

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India hosted the 11th Annual BRICS Counter Terrorism Working Group Plenary and Sub-Groups Meetings in New Delhi on May 21–22, 2026. The meetings were held under India’s BRICS Chairship and marked 10 years of the establishment of the BRICS Counter Terrorism Working Group. Senior counter-terrorism officials from all 10 BRICS member countries participated in the discussions. BRICS nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation against terrorism. Member countries condemned the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with India.