Important Days and Events Current Affairs MCQs

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World Space Week is celebrated from October 4 to 10, 2024. Each year, it follows a theme set by the United Nations General Assembly. The theme for 2024 is “Space and Climate Change.” This theme highlights the role of space science and technology in addressing extreme weather and climate change. It aims to educate and inspire people about how space exploration can improve our understanding and management of Earth’s climate. It focuses on the partnership between space technology and climate science for a better future.

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World Arthritis Day (WAD) is observed on October 12 to raise awareness about arthritis and rheumatic diseases. It aims to improve understanding of these conditions and their impact on daily life. The focus is on early diagnosis, self-management, and access to proper treatment. The theme for 2024 is “Informed Choices, Better Outcomes,” emphasizing improved access to information for people with rheumatic diseases in today’s digital age.

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World Food Day is celebrated on October 16 each year by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It highlights the commitment to ensure food and nutritional security globally. Significant advancements in food production have been made through better seeds, irrigation, and efficient farm machinery. Increased incentives for farmers, like input subsidies and better prices, played a crucial role. About 2.33 billion people still face food insecurity, which is a challenge for achieving global food security. This year’s theme is “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.” The National Food Security Act (NFSA), passed in 2013, aimed to provide subsidized grains to two-thirds of India’s population.

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World Standards Day is celebrated on October 14 to honor experts who create voluntary standards for safety and consumer satisfaction. It originated in 1946, leading to the creation of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) in 1947. The first official World Standards Day was held in 1970. National standards bodies and organisations like ISO, ITU, ASME, and IESBA mark the day with events like seminars and exhibitions. The day highlights the role of standardisation in healthcare, policymaking, privacy, and security. This year’s theme is “Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for the Changing Climate.”

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World Polio Day is observed on October 24, established by Rotary International to honor Jonas Salk, who developed the first polio vaccine. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease causing paralysis and even death, mostly in children, with no cure—only prevention through vaccination. India reported 741 polio cases in 2009, the highest worldwide.
The last polio case in India was in January 2011 in Howrah, West Bengal. India’s polio eradication success came through strong government coordination, international aid, effective messaging, and overcoming cultural challenges, inspiring its COVID-19 vaccination drive.

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The Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia inaugurated the 2024 Pravasi Parichay event in Riyadh, led by Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan. The week-long cultural event began with “Classical Languages of India,” showcasing India’s linguistic diversity. Indian community members performed a play in 11 classical languages, featuring narration, poetry, and dance.
Pali and Prakrit poetry recitals captivated the audience. The event also included a quiz and a painting exhibition by women artists, adding to the cultural depth.

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The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) is observed on November 2, recognized by the United Nations to protect journalists and seek justice for crimes against them. IDEI was proclaimed by the UN in Resolution A/RES/68/163, marking the 2013 killing of two French journalists in Mali. It aims to tackle violence against journalists, crucial for freedom of expression and access to information. The 2024 theme, “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” focuses on protecting journalists in conflict zones. Journalists in high-risk areas face violence, restricted access, and detention, creating “zones of silence.”

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Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” runs from October 28 to November 3. Central Vigilance Commissioner Shri Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Vigilance Commissioner Shri A.S. Rajeev led the Integrity Pledge at Satarkata Bhawan, New Delhi. A three-month campaign supporting this week runs from August 16 to November 15, 2024. A special event at Vigyan Bhawan on November 8 will feature the President of India as Chief Guest. Ministries and departments are focusing on capacity building, systemic improvements, guideline updates, complaint resolutions, and digital transparency to enhance accountability.

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The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly starts today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It focuses on enhancing energy access, security, and promoting solar energy among member countries. The session is led by India with France as co-president, featuring delegates from 120 countries. Key discussions will revolve around accelerating solar deployment, especially in areas with limited energy access. Updates on flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs, skill development, and mobilizing finance for solar energy will also be shared during the three-day assembly.

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The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is observed annually on November 6. Established by the UNGA in 2001, it draws attention to the often-overlooked impacts of armed conflicts on ecosystems, natural resources, and local communities’ health. The day emphasizes the need for world leaders to incorporate environmental concerns across all phases of conflict, including prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction, to mitigate the lasting environmental consequences of war.