General Awareness

DAYS AND EVENTS - August 2021

Aug 2021

Feb 04, 2026

World Cancer Day 2026 observed with emphasis on prevention and early detection

World Cancer Day 2026 is observed on 4 February under the theme United by Unique. The global campaign highlights prevention, education, early detection, and access to treatment. Public health messages emphasize avoiding tobacco use, vaccination where relevant, and lifestyle modifications to reduce cancer risk. The observance, now in its third year of a three-year cycle, underscores people-centred approaches to cancer care and the role of governments and communities in expanding screening and care services. The day serves as a reminder that many cancers can be prevented or treated successfully when detected early.

World Cancer Day observed on 4 February 2026.
Theme: United by Unique; focus on prevention and early detection.
Public health emphasis on tobacco avoidance and vaccination where applicable.
Promotes people-centred cancer care and access to services.
Underlines the role of governments and communities in screening.

Feb 03, 2026

World Wetlands Day 2026 celebrated with events and awareness campaigns

World Wetlands Day 2026 was observed on 2 February, with the theme 'Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.' Events across India and internationally highlighted the role of wetlands in biodiversity, climate resilience, water security, and cultural practices linked to water ecosystems. Activities included community walks, educational outreach, and conservation pledges, aligning with the Ramsar Convention’s longstanding emphasis on wise use of wetlands. The day also coincided with related international events and ongoing biodiversity campaigns stressing local action and traditional knowledge in wetland stewardship.

Date: 2 February 2026; theme emphasises traditional knowledge.
Events and campaigns educate on wetlands’ cultural and ecological value.
Ramsar-aligned emphasis on sustainable wetland use.

Jan 31, 2026

Surajkund Mela 2026 starts in Faridabad with Egypt as partner nation

The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins on 31 January 2026 in Faridabad, Haryana, and runs until 15 February. Egypt is the partner nation this year, adding to the cultural exchange. The fair features crafts from India and partner countries, with enhanced facilities, parking, and traffic arrangements to handle large crowds. Artisans will showcase traditional and contemporary crafts, while cultural performances boost tourism in the National Capital Region. Surajkund aims to connect rural producers with wider markets and promote regional crafts on a global stage, contributing to local livelihoods and cultural diplomacy.

Event period: 31 January to 15 February 2026
Location: Faridabad, Haryana; Surajkund venue
Partner nation: Egypt
Activities: crafts display, performances, improved facilities
Impact: supports artisans and regional tourism

Jan 30, 2026

Nation marks Mahatma Gandhi’s 78th death anniversary

The nation observed Mahatma Gandhi’s 78th death anniversary with a national tribute. A Sarva-Dharma Prarthana was held at Gandhi Samadhi, Rajghat, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on social media, recalling Gandhi’s emphasis on swadeshi and duty as guiding principles for India’s development. Martyrs’ Day, or Shaheed Diwas, is observed on January 30 to honor freedom fighters and their sacrifices. The commemorations underscore India’s commitment to Gandhi’s legacy in public life and national service.

Gandhi’s 78th death anniversary observed nationwide.
Sarva-Dharma Prarthana at Rajghat, New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi pays tribute on social media.
Martyrs’ Day observed to honor freedom fighters.
Remembrance ties to Gandhi’s emphasis on duty and Swadeshi.

Meghalaya Spice Festival to promote spices in Mumbai

Meghalaya government will host its first Meghalaya Spice Festival in Mumbai from January 30 to February 1, 2026. The event showcases Meghalaya’s premium spices, aims to strengthen market access and export linkages for farmers, and positions the state as a leading spice destination. The festival features GI-tag Lakadong turmeric, ginger, black pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon, and indigenous spice blends. Brand Meghalaya will highlight state initiatives in organic farming, branding, and value addition. B2B meetings, buyer-seller interactions, culinary demonstrations, and farmer stories are planned, with a dedicated Meghalaya pavilion to showcase agriculture and rural enterprise support programs.

Festival runs January 30–February 1, 2026 in Mumbai.
Focus on Meghalaya’s premium spices and export linkages.
GI-tag Lakadong turmeric highlighted among products.
Special Brand Meghalaya pavilion for government initiatives.
Includes B2B meetings, culinary demos, and farmer storytelling.

CMCA to celebrate 18th Traffic Police Day in Bengaluru

The Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA) will celebrate the 18th Traffic Police Day in Bengaluru on January 30. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Bangalore Traffic Police Park on St Mark’s Road. It recognises the vital role of Bengaluru’s traffic police in maintaining road safety and mobility, while promoting civic awareness among residents and students. Organisers plan demonstrations, talks on road safety, and community engagement activities to foster safer travel habits and greater public participation in traffic management.

Event date and time: January 30, 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Bangalore Traffic Police Park, St Mark’s Road.
Organised by CMCA to promote road safety and civic awareness.
Focus on youth engagement and community participation.
Highlights the role of traffic police in city mobility.

Jan 29, 2026

Delhi Beating Retreat traffic advisory for January 29 ceremony

Delhi Traffic Police issued a traffic advisory ahead of the Beating Retreat ceremony on 29 January 2026 at Vijay Chowk. Traffic restrictions will run from 2 PM to 9:30 PM, with Vijay Chowk closed to general traffic. Key roads around the area will be restricted, and Kartavya Path will also be closed. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes such as Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, and Safdarjung Road. City bus services will be diverted to manage crowds and ensure safety around the central ceremonial zones.

Beating Retreat ceremony on 29 January 2026
Restrictions 2 PM–9:30 PM around Vijay Chowk
Kartavya Path and adjacent roads closed
Alternative routes and bus diversions announced
Public safety and crowd management focus

Republic Day Parade 2026 winners announced for contingents and tableaux

The Republic Day Parade 2026 announced winners for Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux. Among the Services, the Indian Navy was named Best Marching Contingent, while the Delhi Police won the Central Armed Police Forces and other Auxiliary Forces category. In the States/UTs segment, Maharashtra topped the tableau category with Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Atmanirbharta; Jammu and Kashmir placed second, and Kerala third for Water Metro and 100 Percent Digital Literacy. Central Ministries’ tableau Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation also received a prize, with special recognitions to the Central Public Works Department and a dance group for Vande Mataram.

Navy named Best Marching Contingent; Delhi Police top CAF category
Maharashtra tableau wins Best State tableau
Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala secure second and third places
Ministry tableau Vande Mataram wins recognition
Special prize to CPWD and to a dance group for Vande Mataram

Indian Newspaper Day observed to mark journalism’s beginnings

Indian Newspaper Day is observed on 29 January each year to celebrate the birth of Indian print journalism. The occasion commemorates the publication of Hicky's Bengal Gazette on 29 January 1780 in Calcutta, recognised as Asia’s first newspaper. The day aims to raise awareness of newspapers’ role in public discourse and democracy. Across the country, events highlight press freedom, media literacy, and the importance of reliable reporting. The heritage of Indian newspapers is celebrated through discussions, exhibitions, and educational activities that connect audiences with the evolution of media in India.

Observation date: 29 January
Marks first Indian newspaper: Hicky's Bengal Gazette, 29 January 1780
Asia’s first newspaper originated in Calcutta (Kolkata)
Promotes awareness of journalism and media literacy
Includes discussions and exhibitions nationwide

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