Current Affairs - Important Days

Goa Liberation Day is observed annually on December 19 to mark the historic liberation of Goa from Portuguese colonial rule in 1961. The day commemorates the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay, a military action that led to the integration of Goa into the Indian Union after more than 450 years of foreign rule. It holds deep national significance as it symbolises the final end of European colonialism in India and reinforces the country’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The occasion also honours the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and freedom fighters, with the day being celebrated through tributes, cultural programmes, and patriotic events across Goa.

Minorities Rights Day is observed in India on December 18 to highlight the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of minority communities. The day commemorates the United Nations’ 1992 declaration on minority rights and has been observed in India since 2013 under the National Commission for Minorities. It emphasizes safeguarding constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 29 and 30, which ensure cultural, linguistic, and educational rights. The observance promotes inclusion, equality, and safety while recognizing the social, cultural, and economic contributions of the six officially notified minority communities in the country.

International Migrants Day is observed every year on December 18 to recognize and highlight the rights, contributions, and challenges of migrants across the world. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 to commemorate the adoption of the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. It draws attention to the cultural, social, and economic contributions made by nearly 272 million international migrants globally, including millions of displaced persons, while also promoting awareness about migration-related issues and inclusive development.

National Energy Conservation Day is observed annually in India on December 14 to promote awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and sustainable energy use. The observance is guided by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power. It highlights the need to reduce energy wastage amid rising demand and limited resources. The day encourages citizens, particularly students and youth, to adopt energy-saving habits in daily life. Through campaigns, competitions, workshops, and awards, the observance supports India’s broader goals of energy security, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

The United Nations has officially designated December 14 as the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations through Resolution A/RES/80/106. First observed in 2025, the day reinforces the global commitment to ending colonialism and promoting the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and human dignity. The observance builds upon the 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and highlights that colonialism, in political, economic, or cultural forms, continues to hinder development and equality. The day also supports the UN’s broader decolonization agenda under the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (2021–2030).