International Day of Sports for Development and Peace
On April 6, the world observes International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP).
The day has been officially observed every year since 2014, after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution the year prior proclaiming April 6 as the day for its observance.
The theme for International Day of Sports for Development and Peace 2025 is 'Levelling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion.'
Apr 05, 2025
National Maritime Day
National Maritime Day is celebrated in India every year on April 5. The day aims to raise awareness about maritime trade, shipping, and maritime security. It also honours India's rich maritime history and the achievements of the shipping industry.
India first observed National Maritime Day on April 5, 1964. The significance of this date lies in the historic voyage of Indian ship, SS Loyalty, which sailed from Mumbai to London in 1919. This marked a major milestone in India's maritime industry, breaking the British monopoly on sea trade.
International Day of Conscience
International Conscience Day is celebrated every year on April 5. This day is celebrated to remind people to introspect, follow their conscience and do the right thing.
The inaugural International Day of Conscience was first commemorated in 2020 by the United Nations General Assembly. This annual observance was established to encourage people around the world to introspect, follow their conscience, and do what is right.
Apr 04, 2025
International Mine Awareness Day
International Mine Awareness Day is observed annually on April 4 to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and to promote efforts for mine clearance.
The United Nations General Assembly declared the day on December 8, 2005. The decision was made to raise public attention towards mine action activities, the threats posed by land mines, and how to work towards their elimination. The day was first observed on 4 April 2006.
The theme for International Mine Awareness Day 2025 is 'Safe Futures Start Here.'
Apr 02, 2025
International Fact-Checking Day
International Fact-Checking Day is observed on April 2, and is all about setting the record straight and protecting the general public from misinformation or 'fake news.' And while the name may appear to be self-explanatory, fact-checkers help to protect the reputation of a publication through the verification of facts and prevention of misinformation or journalistic fraud.
The first official observation of International Fact-Checking Day was on April 2, 2017. However, the concept of having such a day was first conceived in 2014 at a conference for journalists and professional fact-checkers at the London School of Economics. The discussion was born out of a recognition of the danger that political misformation posed, particularly on social media sites; which are consumed by the masses daily.
World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2 every year, is a global initiative to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promote inclusivity, understanding, and support for individuals with autism.
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2007 through Resolution A/RES/62/139, with the objective of promoting awareness and understanding of autism. Over the years, the focus has expanded from merely raising awareness to promoting acceptance, inclusion, and the recognition of the contributions of autistic individuals to society.
The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2025 is 'Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).'
Apr 01, 2025
Prevention of Blindness Week
India observes Prevention of Blindness Week from April 1 to 7 each year. The initiative aims to raise awareness about blindness prevention, encourage routine eye check-ups, and promote healthy habits.
In 1960, the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness was established by Jawaharlal Nehru and Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur. Since then, the organisation has actively participated and collaborated with Rotary International and Sight Savers to spread awareness about blindness and work on disability.
Odisha Foundation Day
Odisha Day or Utkal Divas is celebrated very year on April 1 to commemorate the formation of the state of Odisha. Utkal Dibasa is not just a celebration of Odisha's formation but al a celebration of its rich heritage and culture.
Odisha was a part of Bengal Presidency before gaining statehood in 1936, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. Prominent leaders like Madhusudan Das, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, and Fakir Mohan Senapati raised the demand of a separate state in early 20s.
Their efforts led to the formation of Odisha as India's first state established on a linguistic basis. On April 1, 1936, the British Government officially separated Odisha from Bihar and Orissa Province, granting it independent administrative status. This remarkable achievement is celebrated every year as Odisha Statehood Day or Utkal Divas.