Current Affairs - Important Days

National Flag Day is observed on July 22 each year to commemorate the historic adoption of the Indian National Flag in 1947, just weeks before the country gained independence. The flag was formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly under the leadership of Dr. Rajendra Prasad. It was designed by Pingali Venkayya, who began working on the concept after his service in the British Army during the South African campaign. The day is celebrated with the theme “One Nation, One Flag: United in Sacrifice, Committed to Peace,” honouring the flag’s role as a symbol of unity and national pride.

International Moon Day is celebrated every year on July 20 to mark the anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission, during which astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon in 1969. This date was chosen because it symbolises a major milestone in human achievement and space exploration. Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, the observance serves not only to honour this momentous occasion but also to promote international cooperation and sustainability in lunar exploration. The first celebration of this day occurred on July 20, 2022.

World Chess Day is observed every year on July 20 to honour the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924. This global celebration recognises chess as more than a game—it is a tool for cognitive development, social inclusion, and international cooperation. The day was proposed by UNESCO in 1966 and continues to be marked worldwide through educational activities, chess tournaments, and cultural events. The observance draws attention to the game's historical roots in ancient India and its journey to becoming a universally respected intellectual sport.

World Day for International Justice is observed every year on July 17 to commemorate the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC). This day highlights the global commitment to upholding international criminal justice and holding perpetrators of serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity accountable. The observance also aims to raise awareness about victims' rights, promote cooperation among countries, and reinforce the rule of law as a pillar of global peace and security. Events are organised worldwide, including educational programs, survivor testimonies, and social media campaigns under #JusticeDay2025.

World Snake Day was celebrated on July 16, 2025, at Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru, highlighting the importance of snake conservation. The event brought together conservationists, India Post, and NGOs to foster awareness through creative mediums like philately and interactive wildlife education. Over 500 students participated in sessions focused on snake ecology, coexistence, and ecosystem importance. By engaging the youth and promoting understanding of snakes, the event aimed to combat fear, reduce human-snake conflicts, and inspire conservation-oriented behaviour. Celebrating on July 16, aligned with global observance of World Snake Day, reinforces the message of biodiversity protection and environmental responsibility.