General Awareness

DAYS AND EVENTS - January 2020

Jan 2020

Jan 12, 2026

Governor inaugurates 13th International Anglo-Indian Reunion

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Governor, inaugurated the 13th International Anglo-Indian Reunion in the presence of Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, who delivered the keynote. Justice Conrad Dias of the Kerala High Court was the guest of honour. Gordon Maher, president of the International Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations, presided over the gathering. Other speakers included former MP Charles Dias and Ursula Fosberry, head of the Federation of the Anglo-Indian Associations in India. The event highlighted cultural ties and the historical Anglo-Indian community’s role in the region’s social and educational development.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurates 13th International Anglo-Indian Reunion.
Keynote delivered by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden; Justice Conrad Dias attends as guest of honour.
Gordon Maher presides; other leaders speak on Anglo-Indian contributions.
Event underscores cultural ties and community history in the region.
Participation from former MPs and federation leaders highlighted.

National Youth Day 2026: Why Vivekananda’s birthday is celebrated on January 12

India observes National Youth Day on January 12 to mark Swami Vivekananda’s birth. The government established this day in 1984 to inspire young people by aligning with Vivekananda’s teachings and leadership. Celebrations include debates, talks, cultural programmes and community service activities across schools and colleges. Vivekananda’s emphasis on self-confidence, service and national progress guides the day’s messaging. Recent government and educational initiatives emphasise youth empowerment through skill development and leadership programs, reflecting his enduring legacy in shaping ideas about youth contributions to society.

National Youth Day celebrates Swami Vivekananda’s birth on Jan 12.
Established by government in 1984 to empower youth.
Events include debates, seminars, cultural activities and service programs.
Vivekananda’s message emphasizes leadership and national progress.
Current initiatives link youth empowerment to Vivekananda’s legacy.

National Youth Day 2026 celebrated across India; PM to engage with youth leaders

National Youth Day 2026 is celebrated on January 12 to mark Swami Vivekananda’s birth and inspire youth participation in nation-building. Government and educational bodies organise debates, seminars and community service activities across states. In 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in New Delhi, engaging around 3,000 youth from diverse backgrounds. Governments and cultural groups emphasise leadership, skill development and social responsibility, aligning with Vivekananda’s legacy to empower young Indians. The day reinforces national efforts to harness youth energy for development and inclusive growth.

National Youth Day 2026 observed on January 12, marking Vivekananda’s birth.
Debates, seminars and youth activities held nationwide.
PM Modi to participate in Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue with ~3,000 youth.
Focus on leadership, skill development and social responsibility.
Celebrations reflect national effort to leverage youth for growth.

National Youth Day 2026: PM Modi to engage with thousands of youth in Delhi

As National Youth Day 2026 unfolds, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in New Delhi, engaging with around 3,000 young people from across the country and overseas. The event, set for January 12, 2026, aims to gather youth voices across ten tracks, presenting proposals on innovation, leadership and national progress. Officials emphasise the role of youth in nation-building and the importance of practical policy ideas. The dialogue reflects broader government efforts to connect with young citizens during National Youth Day celebrations.

PM Modi to address approximately 3,000 youth at Viksit Bharat Dialogue.
Event linked to National Youth Day celebrations on Jan 12, 2026.
Participants include youth from across India and the diaspora.
Ten thematic tracks will guide discussions on innovation and leadership.
Dialogue underscores youth role in national development.

Veterans Day parade to enliven Mumbai’s Marine Drive this weekend

Mumbai will host a Veterans Day parade along Marine Drive, with retired service members from the Navy, Army and Air Force marching 2 km on the promenade. The event, now in its fifth edition, may attract up to 500 participants including gallantry awardees, veterans in wheelchairs and their families. Authorities expect strong public turnout as residents join to honour the Tri-Services community. The parade is part of the national observance of Veterans Day, traditionally held near January 14, commemorating Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s retirement and the armed forces’ enduring service to the nation.

Mumbai hosts Veterans Day parade on Marine Drive (Sunday morning).
Participation from all three services; 2 km march planned.
Up to 500 participants including veterans and families expected.
Fifth edition of the event aims to honour service and sacrifice.
Observance tied to the legacy of Field Marshal Cariappa.

Jan 10, 2026

ECI to host India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026

The Election Commission of India will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM)–2026 from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management under ECI, IICDEM 2026 aims to position India as a global hub for dialogue on democratic governance and election administration. Approximately 100 international delegates from Election Management Bodies, along with representatives from international organisations and foreign missions, are expected to participate. The event will advance India’s leadership in electoral reform and foster international cooperation in democratic processes.

Dates: January 21–23, 2026
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Organised by IIIDEM under ECI
Expected ~100 international delegates

World Hindi Day observed on January 10 to promote Hindi globally

World Hindi Day is observed on January 10 to promote the language’s global reach. The day commemorates the First World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur in 1975, inaugurated by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with delegates from 30 countries. The observance emphasizes Hindi’s role in culture, literature, and international communication, and includes events, readings, and discussions across educational and cultural institutions in India and abroad. The day reinforces efforts to position Hindi as a global language and a symbol of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange.

Observed on January 10 each year
Key date: 1975 First World Hindi Conference, Nagpur
Delegates from 30 countries highlighted global reach
Focus on language promotion and cultural exchange

Jan 09, 2026

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated as NRI Day

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) is observed on 9 January each year to recognise the Overseas Indian community’s contribution to India’s development. The day commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India on 9 January 1915 after 21 years in South Africa, which influenced the independence movement. The event includes recognition of diaspora achievements in business, education, science, and public service, along with cultural exchanges and investment initiatives. Government and community groups organise programs abroad and in India to strengthen links with citizens living overseas and to encourage investment and collaboration.

NRI Day observed on 9 January each year
Marks Gandhi’s 1915 return to India from South Africa
Celebrates Overseas Indian contributions in multiple sectors
Includes cultural exchanges and investment initiatives
Strengthens India–diaspora connections

Jan 08, 2026

African National Congress Foundation Day

African National Congress Foundation Day 2025 is observed on the 8th of January every year.
It was a turning point in African history that signalled the start of the end of the continent's long history of exploitation and subjugation.
Initially, the group was established on January 8, 1912, in Bloemfontein under the name South African Native National Congress (SANNC). Its objectives included defending the freedoms and rights of black South Africans and uniting all Africans as one people. This is done to grant Black and Multiracial South Africans complete voting rights. Moreover, it abolished the apartheid regime that was put in place by the National Party administration following their election victory in 1948.

Earth’s Rotation Day commemorates Foucault’s pendulum discovery

Earth’s Rotation Day is observed on January 8 to celebrate the 1851 demonstration by French physicist Leon Foucault, who showed Earth’s rotation with a pendulum now known as Foucault’s Pendulum. The day highlights a foundational moment in physics and astronomy, illustrating the daily rotation of the planet. Educational activities and public science education celebrate these concepts, helping people understand how rotation affects timekeeping and celestial motion. The observance links historic scientific breakthroughs with ongoing education and curiosity about our planet’s motion and its physical implications.

Earth’s Rotation Day on January 8.
Celebrates 1851 demonstration of Earth’s rotation.
Foucault’s Pendulum as a historical device.
Connects physics with timekeeping and astronomy.
Encourages science education and public engagement.

Jan 06, 2026

World Day of War Orphans observed on January 6

World Day of War Orphans is observed on 6 January to raise awareness about the plight of children affected by war and to promote their rights and welfare. Initiated by SOS Enfants en Detresses, the day focuses on improving living conditions, education, and psychosocial support for war-affected orphans. The observance emphasizes international solidarity and the responsibility of governments and communities to protect vulnerable children in conflict zones. Organisers stress the need for sustained programs that provide stability, safety, and opportunities for affected youth, while encouraging public advocacy and humanitarian action.

World Day of War Orphans observed on 6 January.
Focus: welfare, rights, and protection of war-affected children.
Initiated by SOS Enfants en Detresses.
Emphasizes international solidarity and government responsibility.
Calls for long-term programs in education, safety, and support.
Encourages advocacy and humanitarian action.

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