Current Affairs - Important Days

The International Day of Deafblindness is observed every year on June 27 to honour the birth anniversary of Helen Keller, a trailblazing figure in the deafblind community. Keller, born in 1880, was the first deafblind person to earn a college degree and later became a prominent advocate for disability rights. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by deafblind individuals, this day aims to promote awareness, inclusivity, and policy-level support. In 2024, the United Nations officially adopted June 27 as the designated date through Resolution A/RES/79/294, underscoring the importance of global recognition and the need for specialized support systems for the deafblind population.

Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day is observed globally on June 27 each year to recognize and celebrate the significant role MSMEs play in driving economic development, employment, and innovation. Officially declared by the United Nations in 2017, this day serves to highlight the importance of supporting small businesses, especially in developing countries where they constitute a major share of economic activity. MSMEs represent 90% of businesses, account for up to 70% of employment, and contribute significantly to global GDP. In India, MSMEs play a vital role by contributing 31% to GDP and employing over 28 crore individuals, making them indispensable to inclusive and sustainable growth.

The Day of the Seafarer is observed every year on June 25 to recognize and honour the vital role that seafarers play in global trade and the functioning of the world economy. In 2025, the celebration focused on the campaign ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’, emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate bullying and harassment at sea. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) led this campaign, advocating for safer and more respectful working environments aboard ships. The observance aims to foster a maritime culture of equality, dignity, and mental well-being, calling for systemic change in shipboard life and leadership practices.

International Widows Day is observed each year on June 23 to raise global awareness about the challenges faced by widows, including discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion. The date holds deep personal significance, as it marks the day in 1954 when Raj Loomba’s mother became a widow in India, inspiring the UK-based Loomba Foundation to launch the initiative in 2005. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 2010, this day has become a key moment for governments, NGOs, and citizens to advocate for widows' rights and push for legal, economic, and social reforms that uphold their dignity and equality in society.

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed every year on June 24 to recognize and honour the contributions of women in global diplomacy and foreign policy. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in its 76th session through Resolution A/RES/76/269, the day underscores the importance of gender equality in international relations. It draws attention to the structural barriers that prevent women from holding leadership roles in diplomacy and advocates for inclusive reforms such as quotas, anti-harassment initiatives, and gender-balanced ministries. The 2025 theme, “Eliminating Structural Barriers to Women’s Leadership in Diplomacy,” reflects the global push toward equitable representation in decision-making spaces.