IMPORTANT DAYS
National Cancer Awareness Day 2025
• India observes National Cancer Awareness Day every year on 7 November to spread awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
• The day has been marked annually since 2014, aligning with the birth anniversary of scientist Marie Curie.
• Marie Curie is remembered for her pioneering discoveries—radium and polonium—and her major role in developing radiotherapy, a key method in cancer treatment.
• India records nearly 1.5 million new cancer cases every year, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness.
• Late diagnosis affects almost half of all cancer patients, often due to fear, stigma, lack of information, and low literacy.
• Around 70% of cancer cases in India are linked to preventable causes—40% from tobacco use, 20% from infections, and 10% from other avoidable risks.
• Globally, cancer awareness is also marked through World Cancer Day on 4 February, complementing India’s national initiative.
NATIONAL NEWS
150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ – Year-Long Celebration Announced
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the 150th anniversary celebrations of Vande Mataram on 7 November 2025 in New Delhi.
• The Ministry of Culture is hosting the opening ceremony at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
• The commemoration will span an entire year, from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026.
• The national song is believed to have been composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on Akshaya Navami, 7 November 1875.
• Vande Mataram first appeared in the magazine Bangadarshan, featured in the novel Anandamath, and later published as a separate book in 1882.
• The song poetically portrays India as a divine, powerful, and prosperous mother, inspiring unity and national pride.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad declared on 24 January 1950 that Vande Mataram would receive equal honour as the national anthem; its first public rendition was at the 1896 INC session.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES
National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery
• PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the National Conference on ‘Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms’ at the Supreme Court on 8 November.
• During the event, the Prime Minister will release NALSA’s Community Mediation Training Module, created to enhance dispute-resolution capacity at the community level.
• The two-day conference, organised by NALSA, will focus on improving the overall legal services ecosystem.
• Key discussions will cover the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System, roles of panel lawyers, para-legal volunteers, and functioning of permanent Lok Adalats.
• Efficient financial management of legal services institutions will also be a major area of deliberation.
• On the same day, PM Modi will travel to Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, for additional engagements.
• He will also flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains, connecting Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru.
SPORTS
Centenary of Indian Hockey
• India marked 100 years of its hockey legacy on 7 November with celebrations held nationwide.
• As part of the event, over 1,400 matches were conducted across 550 districts, engaging players at all levels.
• The main ceremony took place at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, honouring the sport’s historic journey.
• A special programme showcased the achievements, heritage, and milestones of Indian hockey.
• A 30-minute exhibition match between Union Minister XI and Hockey India Mixed XI added excitement to the occasion.
• Former hockey icons received special recognition for their lifelong contribution to the sport.
• A commemorative book titled “100 Years of Indian Hockey” and a large photo exhibition highlighted India’s dominance, including 8 Olympic golds and 13 podium finishes, inspiring future generations.
