Current Affairs - Important Days

National Girl Child Day is observed annually on January 24 in India to raise awareness about the issues faced by girls and to promote their rights and welfare. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this day emphasizes the importance of gender equality, the education of girls, and the eradication of harmful practices such as child marriage. It also coincides with the day Indira Gandhi assumed office, symbolizing progress in women's empowerment and the ongoing fight for gender equality in India.

The International Day of Education is celebrated annually on January 24, recognizing the crucial role of education in fostering peace and sustainable development. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, the day promotes a global commitment to achieving inclusive and quality education for all. The theme for 2025, "AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation," highlights the transformative potential of AI in education, while emphasizing the need to maintain human agency in this evolving technological landscape. The day serves as a call to action for global educational challenges and reforms.

National Voters’ Day is celebrated annually on January 25, a day before Republic Day. The 15th edition of the event highlights the theme “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure.” It recognizes the growing strength of India’s electoral rolls, which now stand at 99.1 crore voters. This year, President Droupadi Murmu will present the Best Electoral Practices Awards, while a docu-drama series and new publications on the 2024 elections will also be launched to mark the occasion. The day emphasizes the importance of voting in a democracy and encourages greater participation.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrates its Raising Day annually on January 19. Established in 2006, the NDRF is a specialized rescue force dedicated to disaster response and relief. This day honours the formation and contributions of the NDRF in managing natural and man-made disasters effectively. The NDRF consists of battalions drawn from paramilitary forces like the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police. Recognizing this day highlights the essential role of the NDRF in ensuring public safety and disaster preparedness in India.

The Lokpal of India celebrated its inaugural Foundation Day on January 16, 2025, marking 11 years since its establishment under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The event, held in New Delhi, featured dignitaries such as Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice N. Santosh Hegde. Chairperson Justice A.M. Khanwilkar addressed the gathering, reflecting on the Lokpal’s journey and outlining strategies to combat corruption, including leveraging advanced technologies and fostering collaboration with other agencies.