Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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Global Family Day, also called World Peace Day, is observed every year on January 1. It promotes peace and unity worldwide and emphasizes that all people are interconnected, regardless of nationality, borders, or ethnicity. The concept began in 1997 when the UN General Assembly declared the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for Children of the World. The day was first celebrated successfully in 1999 and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2001.

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The Ministry of Mines organised Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir–2026 from 8–10 January 2026 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It aims to strengthen Centre–State coordination on mining regulation and development. A key focus is the Critical Minerals Mission for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

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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 ‘Atmanirbhar Hanol Mahotsav-2026’ has been inaugurated on 13th January at Hanol village in Palitana taluka of Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. Hanol village is recognised nationally as a model of self-reliance and rural transformation, developed under the efforts of Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, a native of the village. The event promotes the ‘Hanol Model’ as an example of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Adarsh Gram initiative.

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Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15 January to honour 1949, when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became India’s first Commander-in-Chief. The Indian Army originated from the East India Company armies, later became the British Indian Army and the Princely States Army, and merged into the National Army of India after independence in 1947. Its units have fought many battles, earning honor for the nation through bravery. The Indian Army’s primary role is to protect India from foreign aggression and ensure national security. It also addresses internal threats and maintains peace within the country.

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The 27th edition of Intersec, the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Intersec 2026 was the largest edition so far, covering 65,000 square metres, with 1,200+ exhibitors from over 60 countries and more than 50,000 visitors. The exhibition showcased innovations across five core sectors, namely homeland security and policing, cybersecurity, commercial and perimeter security, fire and rescue, and health and safety.

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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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The 39th India International Leather Fair was held on 1 February in Chennai as a three-day event. It showcased leather products, accessories, machinery, equipment, and latest innovations. The fair highlighted advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, additive manufacturing, data analytics, software, and augmented reality. It gained importance after the India–Europe Free Trade Agreement boosting leather trade and investment. India’s leather exports were about 4.83 billion US dollars last year. Tamil Nadu and Kerala contribute 38 percent of output and over 45 percent of exports.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed every year on 2 February to spread awareness about rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The day was started in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation to educate the public and break myths. The organisation is now inactive, leading to limited global observance of the day. The awareness day highlights the need for early diagnosis and timely treatment. It promotes advocacy, support systems, and research for better care.

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World Pulses Day is observed every year on 10 February as a United Nations (UN)–designated global observance. It highlights the role of pulses like lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas in nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture. Pulses are affordable, nutrient-rich, and major vegetarian protein sources for billions of people. The day promotes increased production and consumption to improve diets and reduce environmental impact. It supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially goals on hunger, nutrition, climate action, and sustainability.