Important Days
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International Day of Non-Violence 2026: Commemorating the 157th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
International Day of Non-Violence 2026 was observed on October 2, marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Know its history, UN significance, and key highlights.
Why in the News?
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed globally on October 2, 2026, marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Key Features / Major Points:
Overview and Significance:
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026.
Established By: United Nations General Assembly via Resolution A/RES/61/271 on June 15, 2007.
Core Purpose: Disseminate the message of non-violence, foster a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding, and promote public awareness through education.
Symbol: The "Knotted Gun" sculpture (Non-Violence) by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd located at the UN Headquarters Visitors' Plaza in New York.
2026 Observance Highlights:
UN Commemoration: The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations organized a special commemorative session at UN Headquarters emphasizing dialogue, human rights education, and peace.
Global Leadership Messages: UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the critical importance of Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance in confronting modern global conflicts, poverty, and rising social inequalities.
National Observance in India: India marked the day as Gandhi Jayanti with national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, paying floral tributes at Rajghat in New Delhi.
Static GK Facts:
International Day of Non-Violence First Observed: 2007 (by the United Nations)
Birth Date of Mahatma Gandhi: October 2, 1869 (Porbandar, Gujarat)
UN Headquarters: New York, United States
Current UN Secretary-General: António Guterres
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: On which date is the International Day of Non-Violence observed globally?
A: October 2
Q: In which year did the UN General Assembly adopt the resolution to observe the International Day of Non-Violence?
A: 2007
Q: What is the official symbol of non-violence located at the UN Headquarters Visitors' Plaza?
A: The "Knotted Gun" sculpture
#NonViolenceDay #GandhiJayanti #MahatmaGandhi #UnitedNations #CurrentAffairs #StaticGK
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