Current Affairs - Important Days

Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26 to honour the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh. At the ages of nine and seven, they chose death over renouncing their faith under the tyranny of Wazir Khan, Governor of Sirhind. This day, instituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, commemorates their courage and unwavering righteousness, serving as an inspiration for justice and fortitude in the Sikh/Khalsa community and beyond.

The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed annually on December 27 to emphasize the importance of strengthening public health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, this day draws lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, urging global partnerships, education, and resilience in healthcare systems. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to address health threats effectively.

Good Governance Day is observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Established in 2014, the day aims to promote awareness about government accountability and effective administration. The 2024 theme, “India’s Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation,” reflects the focus on leveraging governance and technology for national progress. Additionally, the birth anniversary of Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya is also observed on this day, making it significant for its dual recognition of leaders who contributed to India's development.

National Consumer Day is observed every year on December 24 to promote consumer awareness and emphasize the importance of consumer rights and responsibilities. This date commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, of 1986, which provides safeguards against defective goods, service deficiencies, and unfair trade practices. The day underscores the significance of the consumer movement and ethical practices in the marketplace.

National Farmers' Day, observed on December 23, honours Chaudhary Charan Singh, India's 5th Prime Minister, for his contributions to agriculture and farmer welfare. The 2024 theme, "Empowering 'Annadatas' for a Prosperous Nation," highlights the vital role of farmers in India's economy. Agriculture contributes 17.7% to the nation's GVA (FY 2023-24) and employs nearly 50% of the population. With 54.8% of India's land classified as agricultural and a cropping intensity of 155.4% (2021-22), the day celebrates the backbone of India's economy.