General Awareness

DAYS AND EVENTS - February 2024

Feb 2024

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

Jan 28, 2026

National Geographic Day 2026 observed on January 27

National Geographic Day 2026 was observed globally on January 27 to celebrate geography, science, wildlife and environmental conservation. The day honours the National Geographic Society’s legacy of exploration and knowledge sharing. The observance encourages global awareness, curiosity about the planet, and sustainable living through scientific inquiry and storytelling. Indian schools, research institutions and cultural groups marked the occasion with outreach activities, exhibits and discussions on conservation challenges. The event underscores the role of geography and science in shaping policy and everyday decisions.

National Geographic Day observed on January 27, 2026.
Focus on geography, science, wildlife and conservation.
Event highlights public engagement in science and exploration.
In India, institutions hosted programs to mark the day.

Jan 27, 2026

Republic Day animal contingent: Camels Galwan and Nubra march on Kartavya Path

As part of the Republic Day parade, two Bactrian camels named Galwan and Nubra joined the Animal Contingent along with Zanskar ponies and army working dogs. The display highlighted Ladakh’s cultural and ecological heritage, with the camels tracing origins to Ladakh’s cold desert. Their march complemented the Remount and Veterinary Corps’ display, adding to the event’s visual diversity. The nod to remount traditions reflected India’s blend of modern defence capability and regional heritage in the Republic Day pageantry.

Animal Contingent includes camels Galwan and Nubra
Camels march with Zanskar ponies and army dogs
Camels named after Ladakh locales; reflect regional heritage
Remount and Veterinary Corps showcase tradition alongside modern defence

Republic Day 2026: 77th parade at Kartavya Path with EU guests

Republic Day 2026 marked India’s 77th Republic Day with a grand show of culture, economy, and military strength at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The parade featured missiles, fighter jets, and newly raised units, including equipment associated with Operation Sindoor. President Droupadi Murmu arrived in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, greeting chief guests Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior ministers, diplomats, and senior military officers witnessed the display. The day underscored India’s development and security readiness, while signalling ongoing discussions on deeper India-EU strategic cooperation.

77th Republic Day celebrated at Kartavya Path, New Delhi
Parade showcased missiles, jets, and newly raised units
Operation Sindoor-related weaponry featured in displays
President Murmu rode a traditional horse-drawn buggy
Costa and von der Leyen attended as chief guests
India-EU strategic cooperation topics highlighted

Republic Day Animal Contingent: Galwan and Nubra

At the Republic Day Parade, two Bactrian camels named Galwan and Nubra joined the Animal Contingent alongside Zanskar ponies, raptors and army dogs. The camels, from Ladakh’s cold desert, represent regional biodiversity and the historic role of pack animals in defence and public life. The display drew attention to Ladakh’s culture and environment as part of the national celebration on Kartavya Path. Organisers emphasised the symbolism of animal contingents in showcasing India's diverse fauna and military heritage.

Camels: Galwan and Nubra featured in the Animal Contingent.
Other animals include Zanskar ponies and army dogs.
Origin: Ladakh’s cold desert ecosystem.
Symbolism: biodiversity and defence heritage.
Part of Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path.

International Customs Day 2026: theme highlights vigilance and commitment

International Customs Day 2026 is observed on 26 January under the World Customs Organization’s theme: ‘Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment.’ The global focus underscores border security, trade facilitation, and public safety through modern customs tools. Authorities emphasise inter-agency cooperation, data analytics, and capacity building to counter illicit trade and protect communities. The day also invites public awareness about customs roles in health, environment, and disaster response, illustrating how customs work supports broader national and international security and prosperity.

ICD 2026 observed on 26 January
Theme: Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment
Focus on cooperation, data analytics, capacity building
Role of customs in public health, safety, and trade

National Voters’ Day observed; theme and awards highlighted

National Voters’ Day celebrations in New Delhi highlighted the theme ‘My India, My Vote’ and drew participation from 42 election management bodies and international representatives. President Droupadi Murmu spoke about voting as a foundational civic duty and a means for citizens to shape India’s future. Electors Photo Identity Cards were distributed to new electors, and awards recognizing Best Electoral Practices across technology, logistics, and voter awareness were announced. The event emphasized citizen empowerment, democratic participation, and the use of technology to strengthen election administration.

National Voters’ Day marked with ‘My India, My Vote’ theme
42 election management bodies participated
Electors Photo Identity Cards handed to new electors
Best Electoral Practices awards announced
President Murmu underscored voting as a civic duty

Jan 26, 2026

49th International Kolkata Book Fair opens in Salt Lake; Argentina as theme

The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair opened at the Boi Mela Prangan in Salt Lake on January 22, 2026 and will run till February 3, 2026. It is one of the world’s largest book fairs, drawing publishers, writers and readers from across India and abroad. Argentina is the theme country this year, with a dedicated pavilion highlighting its literature, culture and history through books, discussions and performances. The inaugural ceremony began at 3:30 pm on January 22 at the SBI Auditorium, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurating the fair. Guests included Germany’s Ambassador to India Mariano Caucino, Argentine author Gustavo Canzobre and Bengali writer Swapnamoy Chakraborty, among others.

Location: Boi Mela Prangan, Salt Lake
Dates: January 22, 2026 to February 3, 2026
Theme country: Argentina with dedicated pavilion
Inauguration: January 22, 2026, 3:30 pm
Notable guests: Mamata Banerjee, Mariano Caucino, Gustavo Canzobre

Jan 25, 2026

Raipur Literature Festival inaugurated in Chhattisgarh

On 23 January 2026, Raipur hosted the opening of a three-day Raipur Literature Festival in the state capital. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Harivansh, inaugurated the festival, with Chief Minister Vishnue Deo Sai presiding over the program. The festival will feature poets, authors, journalists, and artists from across India, hosting discussions, poetry sessions, storytelling, and cultural performances. A National Book Fair, an Open Talent Platform, and a Painting Workshop are among planned activities. The event highlights the government’s support for literature, culture, and regional languages, fostering exchange between writers and readers.

Inauguration by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman on 23 January 2026.
Three-day festival with national participants.
Includes National Book Fair and Open Talent Platform.
Cultural programs and literary discussions scheduled.

Namsai-Pangsau PowerDrive 2026 kicks off in Arunachal Pradesh

On 23 January 2026, Arunachal Pradesh hosted the two-day Motorsport event 'Namsai-Pangsau PowerDrive 2026' with the theme 'Daring to Push Boundaries, Celebrating Culture'. The event aims to position the state as a new destination for adventure tourism and motorsports. It forms part of the 10th edition of the Pangsau Pass International Festival 2026 and is organised by Adventure X-Fusion Tribe under the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI). Participants will engage in motorsport demonstrations, cultural programs, and tourism launches designed to showcase the region’s natural terrain and hospitality potential.

Event began on 23 January 2026 in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh.
Theme emphasizes adventure and cultural celebration.
Part of the Pangsau Pass International Festival 2026.
Organised by Adventure X-Fusion Tribe with FMSCI.
Aims to boost Arunachal Pradesh as an adventure tourism hub.

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