Current Affairs - Important Days

Gujarat Foundation Day, or Gujarat Sthapana Divas, is celebrated annually on May 1 to mark the formation of the state of Gujarat in 1960. The reorganization was a result of the Bombay Reorganisation Act, which divided the erstwhile Bombay State into Gujarat and Maharashtra on linguistic lines—Gujarati-speaking regions became Gujarat, while Marathi-speaking regions formed Maharashtra. This date holds historical and cultural significance for the people of Gujarat and is commemorated with various events and ceremonies across the state, honouring its unique heritage and contributions to the nation.

International Labour Day, widely known as May Day, is celebrated every year on May 1 to honour the contributions of workers and to promote awareness of their rights and welfare. The observance traces its roots to labour union movements that advocated for fair working hours and better conditions. The first Labour Day parade was held in New York City in 1882, which later influenced global efforts to recognize and support the labour force. In India, it is celebrated under various names such as Kamgar Divas or Antrarashtriya Shramik Divas and is marked by rallies, awareness campaigns, and public gatherings supporting workers’ rights.

International Jazz Day is celebrated every year on April 30. This event was initiated by UNESCO in 2011 to recognize jazz not only as a music genre but also as a global tool for promoting peace, unity, and understanding across cultures. The day is supported by jazz legend Herbie Hancock and includes global celebrations such as concerts, workshops, and discussions, aimed at fostering dialogue and mutual respect through the universal language of jazz. It is a reminder of how music can contribute to social change and educational growth worldwide.

International Dance Day is celebrated every year on April 29, a date chosen by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), the official partner of UNESCO in the performing arts. Established in 1982, this observance highlights the universality of dance as an art form and aims to bring people together across cultures through movement and expression. Each year, a distinguished figure from the world of dance is invited to deliver a message that reflects the importance and transformative power of dance. For 2025, the honour of writing the message has been given to renowned dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov.

World Intellectual Property Day is observed every year on April 26 to raise global awareness about the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights in driving creativity and innovation. In 2025, the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP” underscores how IP laws support musicians, artists, and the broader creative community by protecting their work and ensuring they receive proper recognition and compensation. This observance encourages people to understand and respect IP systems such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and geographical indications, which are essential for fostering a vibrant and fair environment for creators and innovators worldwide.