Current Affairs - Important Days

Rani Velu Nachiyar, a prominent figure in Indian history, was born in 1730 in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. Her birth anniversary is observed on January 3. She is remembered as the first Indian queen to actively wage war against the British East India Company, much before the Revolt of 1857. As the queen of the Sivagangai kingdom, she successfully reclaimed her territory after defeating British forces. Revered as “Veeramangai” in Tamil history, her legacy symbolizes early resistance, courage, and leadership against colonial rule in India.

Savitribai Phule, a pioneering social reformer and India’s first woman teacher, was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, Maharashtra. Her birth anniversary is commemorated on January 3 and is observed as Women’s Education Day in Maharashtra to honour her immense contribution to female education. Along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, she co-founded the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848. Despite facing severe social discrimination, Savitribai Phule worked tirelessly for women’s rights, education, and social equality, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian history.

International Mind–Body Wellness Day is observed annually on January 3 to emphasise the deep connection between mental and physical health. The day promotes the idea that true well-being can be achieved only when the mind and body are in harmony. Drawing inspiration from ancient wellness traditions such as yoga and meditation, along with modern medical science, it encourages balanced living and preventive healthcare. The observance aims to spread awareness about reducing stress, preventing lifestyle-related diseases, and addressing mental health challenges, thereby supporting holistic healthcare and long-term overall well-being.

December 27 is observed annually as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, highlighting the global importance of preventing and responding effectively to infectious disease outbreaks. The observance was established following a United Nations General Assembly resolution and was first marked in 2020. It draws attention to the need for strong health systems, early warning mechanisms, trained health workers, and international cooperation. Lessons from outbreaks such as Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19 underline that epidemics can rapidly escalate into major health, economic, and security crises. The day reinforces preparedness as a continuous global responsibility rather than a reactive measure.

The 40th Asian and 60th International Waterbird Census is scheduled to take place on January 10–11, 2026. This important biodiversity monitoring exercise will be conducted at the Godavari estuary, including the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. The site is notable for hosting rare and endangered species such as the Indian Skimmer and the Great Knot. The census is being jointly organized by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department along with BNHS, WII, and WWF, with active citizen participation. The data collected will support wetland health assessments, bird conservation efforts, and informed global biodiversity policy-making.