Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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International Asteroid Day is observed every year on 30 June. It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2016. The day commemorates the Tunguska asteroid impact of 30 June 1908 in Siberia, Russia. It aims to raise global awareness about the hazards of asteroid and near-Earth object (NEO) impacts. It also promotes understanding of planetary defence and crisis communication strategies in case of asteroid threats.

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The International Day of Parliamentarism (World Parliament Day) is observed every year on 30 June. The United Nations established this observance in 2018 to commemorate the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on 30 June 1889. The day highlights the vital role of parliaments in promoting democracy, accountability, good governance, and sustainable development. The theme for the 2026 observance is “Bring Human Rights into Focus”. Under the 2026 theme, parliaments around the world are encouraged to take 10 specific actions to protect and promote human rights.

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International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed every year on 3 July. It raises awareness about the environmental hazards of single-use plastic bags. The day encourages people to use reusable alternatives such as cloth and jute bags. It aims to reduce the global use of 1–5 trillion plastic bags annually. Plastic bags can take 10 to 1,000 years to decompose, causing long-term environmental pollution.

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India hosted the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting 2026 in Guwahati, Assam, to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries in combating drug trafficking. The meeting focused on synthetic drugs, precursor chemical diversion, intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building. It was hosted by the Narcotics Control Bureau under the Ministry of Home Affairs. India highlighted its Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029) and promoted greater information sharing, joint training, and coordinated action against emerging drug-related threats.

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International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms is observed annually on 12 July. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to raise awareness about the impacts of sand and dust storms (SDS). Sand and dust storms affect human health, agriculture, transportation, climate, and ecosystems globally. The observance encourages countries to develop early warning systems and strengthen cooperation to reduce the risks associated with these events.

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Bastille Day is celebrated annually on 14 July as the National Day of France. It commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a landmark event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The day symbolises the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

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Nelson Mandela International Day (Mandela Day) is observed globally every year on 18 July. The United Nations officially declared the day to honour Nelson Mandela’s birth anniversary. It recognises his lifelong struggle for peace, equality, justice, and human rights. The day encourages people to engage in community service and active citizenship.

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International Chess Day is celebrated every year on 20 July. The day marks the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924. It aims to promote chess, strategic thinking, inclusivity, and global harmony. In 2026, FIDE is observing the day through the “Creative Chess” Challenge. FIDE is also hosting a global panel discussion on the role of chess in driving social change, including its use in communities and prisons.

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Recently, India hosted the International Governing Board (IGB) meeting of the BRICS Network University (BRICS NU) under its BRICS Presidency 2026. The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Education in virtual mode. It followed the first BRICS NU Conference on Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Representatives from BRICS member countries participated. The conference focused on documentation, preservation, ethical governance, and AI-enabled dissemination of traditional knowledge.

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World Ranger Day is observed annually on 31 July to honour the courage and sacrifice of frontline conservation workers. World Ranger Day 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the observance, which was established in 2006 by the International Ranger Federation (IRF). The theme for 2026 is “Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet.” According to the International Ranger Federation Roll of Honour 2026, 147 rangers from 40 countries lost their lives in the line of duty between June 2025 and May 2026. Around 286,000 rangers currently serve worldwide, although experts estimate 1.5 million are needed to achieve the global 30×30 biodiversity conservation target.