General Awareness

DAYS AND EVENTS - May 2024

May 2024

Jan 19, 2026

Kokborok Day 2026 Observed on 19 January

Kokborok Day 2026, also known as Tripuri Language Day, is observed on 19 January in Tripura. The day celebrates the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Tripuri community and recognizes Kokborok as an official language of Tripura. The observance includes government and cultural programs in schools and public spaces, highlighting ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Kokborok in education and media. This year marks the 48th anniversary of Kokborok s official recognition and underscores language diversity within India.

Date: 19 January 2026
Occasion: Kokborok Day (Tripura language)
Significance: official language status anniversary
Activities: cultural programs and education initiatives
Theme: preservation of Kokborok language

Global Buddhist Summit II Scheduled for Delhi on January 24-25

New Delhi will host the second Global Buddhist Summit on 24 and 25 January 2026. The International Buddhist Confederation, with the Culture Ministry, will organize the event at Bharat Mandapam. The theme is Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the summit as Chief Guest, continuing the 2023 tradition. Delegates, including supreme patriarchs and senior monks, will discuss ethical leadership, social harmony, sustainable living, and entrepreneurship within Buddha Dhamma. NORBU, a neural language model for Buddhist texts, will be demonstrated to connect youth with Buddhist teachings in multiple languages.

Dates: 24–25 January 2026
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Theme: collective wisdom and coexistence
Key participants: global Buddhist leaders
Innovation: NORBU language tool demonstration

Jan 18, 2026

Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 set for 19–22 March in New Delhi

Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 will be held from 19 to 22 March 2026 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. The global conference-cum-exhibition for the power and electricity sector was announced in New Delhi by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal. The four‑day summit carries the theme Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally. The Ministry of Power says the event will showcase India’s leadership in the global energy transition and discuss opportunities and challenges in the power sector. It will bring together government, industry, academia and civil society to deliberate on electricity futures, strengthen partnerships and foster cross‑sector dialogue. The programme features over 50 conference sessions, 500 exhibitors, 25,000 attendees, 1,000 delegates and 300 speakers.

Dates: 19–22 March 2026
Location: Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi
Theme: Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally
Participants: domestic and international policymakers, industry leaders, researchers
Format: high‑level sessions, pavilions, technology showcases
Attendance: 25,000+ attendees, 500 exhibitors, 1,000 delegates, 300 speakers

Jan 16, 2026

Ladakh suspends Chaddar trek as Zanskar river begins to unfreeze

The Ladakh UT administration suspended the popular Chaddar trek after a committee found the Zanskar River began to unfreeze, making the winter route hazardous. No trekking or related activities will be allowed during the suspension period. Officials will reassess conditions after January 20. The trek, a winter tourism draw, previously attracted hundreds of travelers. The ban prioritizes safety given extreme cold conditions with potential ice movement. While the suspension remains, BRO and SDRF teams monitor river conditions and coordinate alternative tourism options until a final decision is announced.

Chaddar trek suspended due to river unfroze; safety concerns.
No trekking allowed during suspension; reassessment after Jan 20.
Hundreds of travelers previously participated; current season affected.
Safety monitoring by BRO and SDRF; alternative activities considered.
Decision aims to protect tourists and river corridors.

Halda festival to pause tourism activity in Koksar and Sissu areas

Ahead of the Halda festival starting January 15, tourism activity will halt in Koksar, Sissu, and surrounding villages in Lahaul-Spiti for approximately 45 days. The ban aligns with traditional practices to respect local deities and ensure ceremonial quiet. Local panchayats approved the decision, with the district administration restricting vehicular movement to protect cultural traditions. The order permits essential services and BRO, ambulances, and police vehicles. Tourism stakeholders are urged to plan alternative itineraries, and authorities will review the situation in early March to determine if restrictions should continue.

Tourism halt in Koksar and Sissu for Halda festival (Jan 15 start).
Ban lasts about 45 days to honour local deities.
Vehicular movement restricted; essential services allowed.
Panchayats approved the decision; review in March.
Plans advised for alternative routes and activities.

Magh Mela 2026: Major pilgrim rush on Makar Sankranti

Magh Mela 2026 witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims as devotees crowded the Ganga and Sangam at Allahabad during Makar Sankranti. Officials reported that more than 3.6 million people had bathed by late morning, signaling the festival’s significance in faith and culture. Organizers highlighted safety measures and public facilities to handle large crowds, including sanitation and medical support. The event showcases India’s enduring religious traditions and draws participants from across the country, reinforcing regional tourism and cultural exchange. Local authorities continue to monitor crowd dynamics to ensure orderly conduct throughout the festival period.

Magh Mela attracted over 3.6 million pilgrims by late morning.
Festival coincides with Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Authorities emphasize safety, sanitation, and medical support.
Event underscores cultural and religious traditions in India.
Crowd management plans in place for ongoing festival.

President Murmu addresses Guru Nanak Dev University convocation in Amritsar

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 50th convocation of Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. She urged students to view education as both livelihood and service to society, and she emphasized contributing to uplift those left behind in development. The President is scheduled to confer degrees to students of Dr. BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, at its 21st convocation. She will also inaugurate a High-mast National Flag and two Centres of Excellence for Cyber Security and 5G and Beyond at the institute. The address reflected the government’s focus on inclusive growth through higher education.

Murmu spoke at 50th convocation of Guru Nanak Dev University.
Convocation included degrees for Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar.
Inaugurations included Cyber Security and 5G Centres of Excellence.
Education seen as a means to livelihood and societal service.
Event aligns with broader higher-education expansion goals.

Jan 15, 2026

Arjun Ram Meghwal to preside over National Youth Parliament prize distribution

The Prize Distribution Function of the 26th National Youth Parliament Competition for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas will be held on January 15, 2026, in New Delhi. Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal will preside over the event, distributing prizes to top Vidyalayas. The competition, organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for 29 years, aims to foster self-discipline, debate skills, leadership, and democratic values among students. The 2024-25 edition involved 88 Vidyalayas across eight regions. The ceremony will feature a repeat performance of a student program by the winning Navodaya Vidyalaya, highlighting the scheme’s long-term impact on youth education.

Prize distribution for 26th National Youth Parliament
Date: 15 January 2026; venue: New Delhi
Meghwal to preside over function
Involves 88 Vidyalayas; aims to nurture leadership and debate

Indian Army Day 2026 celebrated with Jaipur public parade

India marked its 78th Army Day on January 15, 2026, with a public parade in Jaipur for the first time outside a cantonment area since 2023. Lieutenant General KM Cariappa, who became India's first Commander-in-Chief in 1949, is honored on Army Day for shaping post-independence defence leadership. The Jaipur parade showcased the Indian Army’s discipline, technology, and operational capabilities, and included a local and national audience. Expectation of gallantry award announcements and tributes to veterans accompanied the celebrations. Schools and institutions nationwide organized events to highlight the Army’s role in national security, reflecting ongoing emphasis on defence-there and public engagement.

Army Day 2026 observed on January 15
Main parade held in Jaipur; first outside Delhi/cantonments
Commemorates Lieutenant General KM Cariappa’s 1949 leadership
Gallantry awards announced; veterans honoured
Nationwide events emphasize defence and public engagement

Jan 13, 2026

World Book Fair 2026 opens in New Delhi with focus on Indian Military History

The 53rd New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 opened at Bharat Mandapam, featuring publishers from over 35 countries and more than 1,000 exhibitors. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the nine-day event, themed Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75. The fair showcases a Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya digital library with thousands of free eBooks and hosts Author’s Connect and Yuva Corner programming. Visitors can explore books across languages, including English and Hindi, with a special emphasis on culture, history, and national heritage. The event runs through 11 days of activities and readings.

53rd World Book Fair opened in New Delhi on 11 January 2026.
Theme: Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75.
Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya offers 6,000 free eBooks.
Over 1,000 publishers from more than 35 countries participate.
Includes Author’s Connect, Yuva Corner, and cultural events.

National Youth Day 2026 observed on January 12 with focus on youth leadership

National Youth Day 2026 was observed on 12 January, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. The government highlighted youth leadership, empowerment, and engagement in national development. Various programs, workshops, and outreach activities were organized across states to inspire young people to contribute to skill development, entrepreneurship, and governance. Officials emphasized the importance of opportunities for youth in education, employment, and civic participation. The observance aligned with broader government initiatives to leverage youth energy for long-term social and economic growth.

National Youth Day observed on 12 January 2026.
Theme centers on youth leadership and empowerment.
Programs and workshops held nationwide.
Focus on education, employment, entrepreneurship, and governance.
Aligned with government efforts to mobilize youth energy.

Indian High Commission in Singapore hosts Pongal celebrations for migrant workers

The Indian High Commission in Singapore hosted a day-long Pongal festival for about 1,500 Indian migrant workers. High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule and Ministry of Manpower officials attended the event in northern Singapore’s Sembawang district, extending festive greetings and support. The programme highlighted cultural ties and welfare initiatives for Indian workers abroad, emphasizing community cohesion and smooth diaspora engagement. Organisers noted food stalls, cultural performances, and community information desks to assist workers with legal and welfare services. The celebration underlined India’s people-to-people links with Singapore and the importance of migrant worker welfare.

Pongal festival hosted for ~1,500 Indian migrant workers in Singapore.
Attended by High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule and MoM officials.
Event held in Sembawang district, Singapore.
Festival emphasized welfare, culture, and community support.
Demonstrates strong diaspora ties between India and Singapore.

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