Current Affairs - Important Days

World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25 to raise global awareness about malaria, a life-threatening but preventable disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The day highlights the progress made in combating malaria and the urgent need for continued investment and innovation to eliminate the disease. It was officially established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007 during the 60th World Health Assembly, evolving from Africa Malaria Day. April 25 serves as a rallying point for the global community to honour the efforts of healthcare workers, promote preventive strategies, and call for renewed commitment towards a malaria-free world.

National Panchayati Raj Day is observed every year on April 24 to honour and promote the Panchayati Raj system in India, which was constitutionally recognized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1993. This system empowers local self-governance through a three-tier structure—Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad—ensuring inclusive and participatory development at the village, block, and district levels. First celebrated in 2010 as declared by then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the day recognizes the critical role Panchayats play in grassroots democracy. In 2025, the occasion also included Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bihar to launch development projects.

World Book and Copyright Day are celebrated annually on April 23, honouring the importance of books, reading, and copyright protection. This day encourages global readership and highlights the significant role of literature in fostering education, cultural diversity, and intellectual property rights. The date also marks the anniversaries of famous literary figures like William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. In 2025, the theme focuses on the role of literature in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underlining how books and stories can inspire positive social change and awareness of global challenges such as poverty and inequality.

Fire Safety Week 2025 is scheduled from April 21–25 and is a nationwide initiative led by the Union Health Department to enhance fire and electrical safety in healthcare settings. With support from all states, Union Territories, and central ministries, the campaign aims to raise awareness, conduct audits, and train healthcare personnel on emergency preparedness and patient evacuation. A pledge ceremony led by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava marked the official launch. The event emphasizes building a culture of safety across public and private health facilities, aiming to protect patients, staff, and visitors through proactive fire prevention strategies.

The 17th Civil Services Day was observed on April 21, marking a significant occasion for civil servants across India to reaffirm their dedication to public service. This date was specifically chosen to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s address to the first batch of Administrative Service probationers at Metcalfe House in Delhi in 1947. Known as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel laid the foundation for India’s modern administrative system. Celebrating this day on April 21 honours that legacy and encourages civil servants to commit themselves to efficiency, integrity, and service excellence in governance and public administration.