Current Affairs - Important Days

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is observed annually on October 27 to emphasise the importance of preserving the world’s audiovisual records—films, sound recordings, broadcasts, and digital media—that capture humanity’s cultural and historical diversity. Established by UNESCO in 2005, the day commemorates the 1980 adoption of the “Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images.” The 2025 theme, “Digitizing Our Shared UNESCO History,” highlights the urgent need to convert fragile audiovisual materials into digital formats to protect them from decay, obsolescence, and loss, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from the world’s rich audiovisual heritage.

The Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2025 will be celebrated from October 24 to 31 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. This annual UNESCO-led event aims to promote awareness, education, and policy dialogue on the importance of media and information literacy in the digital age. The 2025 theme, “Minds Over AI: MIL in Digital Spaces,” focuses on empowering individuals to use and evaluate information ethically in an AI-driven world. The celebration brings together global stakeholders—educators, policymakers, and media professionals—to strengthen critical thinking, combat misinformation, and ensure ethical use of artificial intelligence in communication.

ITBP Raising Day is celebrated annually on October 24 to honour the establishment of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The ITBP was formed in 1962, following the Indo-China War, with the crucial responsibility of safeguarding India’s 3,488-km border with China across some of the world’s most challenging high-altitude terrains. The force embodies its motto, “Shaurya, Dridhata, Karm Nishtha,” which translates to “Valour, Determination, and Devotion to Duty.” The day highlights the courage and dedication of ITBP personnel who serve under extreme conditions to protect India’s frontiers.

World Polio Day is observed every year on October 24 to raise awareness about polio, a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children. The 2025 theme, “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere,” emphasises the urgent need to ensure that all children, regardless of location, receive life-saving polio vaccines. Initiated by Rotary International to honour Dr. Jonas Salk, the developer of the first effective polio vaccine, the day also supports the Global Polio Eradication Initiative led by WHO and Rotary. It highlights the importance of vaccination, global cooperation, and reaching the last remaining cases to achieve a polio-free world.

United Nations Day is observed annually on October 24, marking the anniversary of the UN’s establishment in 1945 following the San Francisco Conference. The theme for the 80th anniversary is "Building Our Future Together". The day celebrates the UN’s commitment to global peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development. It highlights the organization’s efforts in promoting equality, reducing poverty, and addressing environmental challenges. Across the world, member nations participate in cultural programs, exhibitions, and discussions to reinforce the UN Charter’s principles, encourage cooperation among nations, and remind people of the importance of international unity and dialogue in solving global problems.