Current Affairs April 2017 - Important Days
News 1 - The 82nd Establishment Day of RBI celebrated
The Reserve Bank of India celebrated their 82nd Establishment Day on 1 April 2017. RBI commenced their operations on 1 April 1935 and was setup based on the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission.
RBI is considered as one of the most effective central banks in the world. The main functions of the RBI include issuance of currency notes, monetary and credit policy, banker to the government and management of Foreign Exchanges. The current governor of RBI is Dr. Urjit Patel.
News 2 - World Autism Awareness Day
The World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated annually on April 2. The day aims to increase people's awareness about people, especially children, with autism. 2017 Theme: "Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination".
Different public organizations including the Ministry of Social Welfare, Social Welfare Department, National Disability Development Foundation, National Disability Forum, socio-cultural bodies and non-government organizations are holding elaborate programs to observe the day.
News 3 - International Day of Sport for Development and Peace observed on 6th April
In order to support United Nations’ objectives for development and peace and achieve objective of 2030 sustainable development sports goal, 6 April was announced in 2013 to observe as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the UN General Assembly.
The United Nations Office on Sports launched digital campaign #WePlayTogether on 2017 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to recognize positive influence of sports on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.
News 4 - National Maritime Day observed in India
April 5 marks the National Maritime Day of India. On this day in year 1919, navigation history was created when SS Loyalty, the first ship of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, journeyed to the United Kingdom. The National Maritime Day was first celebrated on 5 April 1964.
The maritime day flag was hoisted and the Port Trust chairperson took salute of the Sail Past and celebrations were organized at the port. Various demonstrations and shows were displayed such as 'Man over Board Drill, 'Search pattern of Man over board' and Firefighting.
News 5 - ‘International Day for Human Space Flight’ observed on 12th April
The General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/65/271 of 7 April 2011, declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight “to celebrate each year at the international level the start of the space era for mankind, recalling the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals.
On 12 April 1961 was the date of the first human space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen. This historic event opened the way for space exploration for the benefit of all humanity.
News 6 - International Day for Monuments and Sites Observed on 18th April
Every year on 18th April, ICOMOS observes the International Day for Monuments and Sites, whose establishment was approved by the 22nd UNESCO General Conference in 1983. The theme of 2017 is “Cultural Heritage & Sustainable Tourism”, chosen in relation to the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.
ICOMOS promotes local communities and individuals to consider the importance of cultural heritage to their lives.
News 7 - Civil Services Day celebrated on 21st April
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, presented awards for Excellence in Implementation of Priority Programs and addressed Civil Servants on the 11th Civil Services Day observed on 21st April. The Prime Minister presented 12 awards, which include 10 under the five Priority Programs and 2 under the Innovation category.
During the function, “Making New India-2017”, a film by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances was screened. Two books were also released by Prime Minister namely “Fostering Excellence” and “New Beginning”.
News 8 - Earth Day observed on 22nd April
Earth Day is observed annually all over the world on 22nd April with the message to protect environment. The theme of World Earth Day 2017 is “Environmental and Climate Literacy”. The theme helps create awareness on protecting nature & natural resources.
The day was proposed at the UNESCO conference in 1969 and the first Earth Day celebrations took place in 1970. The day increase the awareness among people about the environment safety as well as to demonstrate the environmental protection measures.
News 9 - National Panchayati Raj Diwas observed
The third National Panchayati Raj Diwas was observed on 24th April. The Kuther Gram Panchayat of Himachal Pradesh got the award for being the first Panchayat to become open defecation free (ODF). This year Ministry of Panchayati Raj is commemorating National Panchayati Raj Day on 24 April 2017 at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993 has institutionalized Panchayati Raj through the village, Intermediate and District level Panchayats.
News 10 - World Intellectual Property Day
The World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated annually on April 26. The day endorses the role that intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright) play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The theme for 2017 is "Innovation – Improving Lives".
The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. World Intellectual Property Day is sometimes referred as World IP Day. It aims to increase people’s awareness and understanding of intellectual property (IP).
News 11 - World Malaria Day observed on 25th April
The World Malaria Day (WMD) is an international observance observed every year on 25th April. The day gives people the chance to promote or learn about the efforts made to prevent and reduce Malaria around the world. The theme for 2017 is "Malaria prevention works: Let’s close the gap".
WMD is one of eight official global public health campaigns currently marked by the World Health Organization (WHO). World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 by the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, WHO's decision-making body.
