Current Affairs - Important Days

World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed every year on November 5, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The date was inspired by the Japanese legend of Inamura-no-hi (“The Burning of the Rice Sheaves”), where a farmer saved villagers by warning them of an incoming tsunami. The 2025 theme, “Be Tsunami Ready: Invest in Tsunami Preparedness,” stresses the importance of early-warning systems, community training, and resilient infrastructure. With more than 700 million people living in tsunami-prone areas worldwide, the observance reinforces the urgent need for awareness, preparedness, and global cooperation to reduce disaster risks.

World Jellyfish Day is celebrated every year on November 3 to honour one of Earth’s oldest and most fascinating marine organisms. Jellyfish have existed for over 500 million years and play a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance. Despite their reputation for stings, they contribute to oceanic food chains, provide shelter for juvenile fish, and act as indicators of ocean health and climate change. The day encourages appreciation through educational activities, aquarium visits, and conservation awareness, emphasizing the need to protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable ocean practices worldwide.

World Vegan Day 2025 will be celebrated on November 1, marking the beginning of World Vegan Month. The day is dedicated to promoting vegan living, sustainability, and compassion toward all living beings. It encourages people to adopt a plant-based lifestyle that avoids animal exploitation and supports environmental protection. Events such as awareness campaigns, vegan fairs, and cooking workshops are held globally to highlight the benefits of veganism for human health, animal welfare, and the planet. Established in 1994 by Louise Wallis of the Vegan Society UK, the day continues to inspire sustainable and ethical choices worldwide.

World Cities Day is observed annually on October 31 to raise global awareness about the challenges and opportunities of urbanization while promoting sustainable and inclusive city development. Initiated by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 68/239, the day marks the conclusion of “Urban October,” an initiative led by UN-Habitat. The 2025 theme, “People-Centred Smart Cities,” emphasises leveraging technology and innovation to improve urban living standards, enhance sustainability, and prioritise human well-being. The 2025 global event, hosted in Bogotá, Colombia, aims to encourage cooperation and innovation for building resilient, inclusive, and prosperous cities worldwide.

National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is celebrated every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India.” The day honours his crucial role in integrating over 560 princely states into a unified India after independence. In 2025, the celebration marks the 150th anniversary of Patel’s birth, with nationwide events such as the Run for Unity and cultural programs emphasizing patriotism, unity, and national integrity. This date also symbolises Patel’s enduring legacy in building a strong and united Indian nation.