IMPORTANT DAYS

National Panchayati Raj Day 2025 celebrated on April 24

• National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated annually on April 24 to honour the constitutional recognition of Panchayats in India.

• On April 24, 1993, the President gave his assent to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Bill, which granted constitutional status to Panchayats.

• The observance of this day was first announced in 2010 to recognize the importance of local governance.

• Mahatma Gandhi strongly advocated for the idea of Panchayati Raj, emphasizing decentralized governance and self-rule.

• There is no specific theme for National Panchayati Raj Day in 2025, marking it as a day for reflection on progress.

• For the first time, the national-level celebration will take place at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Jhanjharpur Block, Madhubani, Bihar.

• The National Panchayati Raj Awards 2025 will be presented, with nominations finalized by the Ministry based on state submissions.

• The National Panchayati Raj Awards, revamped in 2022, now align with the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on areas like poverty reduction, education, and health.

World Immunization Week 2025: Promoting Global Vaccine Access

• World Immunization Week is observed annually during the last week of April to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines.

• The theme for World Immunization Week 2025 is “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” highlighting the need for universal access to vaccines.

• The goal of the week is to encourage global efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or location, has access to life-saving immunizations.

• Immunization involves strengthening the body’s immune system to protect against diseases caused by harmful agents.

• The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched in 1978, later evolving into the Universal Immunization Program in 1985.

• India’s Mission Indradhanush was introduced to increase vaccination coverage, aiming to reach underserved areas.

• Vaccines have been instrumental in controlling diseases like smallpox and polio, which can be eradicated through widespread vaccination efforts.

• According to the WHO, vaccines have saved over 154 million lives in the past 50 years and prevent more than 30 life-threatening diseases.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign Launched During World Immunization Week

• The National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 was launched virtually on 24th April by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, marking the start of World Immunization Week.

• The campaign aims to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026, a critical step in enhancing public health in India.

• To raise awareness, Minister Nadda released multilingual M-R IEC materials, including posters, a radio jingle, and an official U-WIN launch film, which were distributed across States and UTs.

• The initiative seeks to achieve 100% vaccination coverage by administering two doses of the measles-rubella vaccine to children.

• As of early 2025, India reported no measles cases in 332 districts and no rubella cases in 487 districts, reflecting progress in disease control.

• Measles and rubella are highly contagious viral diseases, and the campaign aims to eliminate them by 2026 to prevent severe illness and death.

• Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), all eligible children receive the MR vaccine free of charge at ages 9-12 months and 16-24 months.

• India’s efforts have led to a significant reduction in measles and rubella cases, with a 73% decrease in measles cases and a 17% reduction in rubella cases projected for 2024.

SPORTS

Vithya Ramraj Shines at 2025 National Federation Senior Athletics Competition

• Vithya Ramraj claimed victory in the women’s 400m hurdles at the 2025 National Federation Senior Athletics Competition in Kochi, finishing in 56.04 seconds.

• Her impressive time not only secured her first place but also earned her a spot at the 2025 Asian Championships.

• Ramraj set a new event record, breaking Saritaben Gayakwad’s 2019 record of 57.21 seconds.

• Anu R took second place in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 58.26 seconds.

• Ashwini R completed the podium, finishing third with a time of 1 minute and 2.41 seconds.

• In the men’s 400m hurdles, Yashas Palaksha won gold, setting a personal best of 49.32 seconds.

• Damneet Singh triumphed in the men’s hammer throw with an impressive distance of 68.30 meters, while Praveen Kumar and Gurdev Singh secured second and third places.

• In the women’s triple jump, Niharika Vashisht clinched the gold medal with a jump of 13.49 meters.

STATE NEWS

Manipur Commemorates Khongjom Day to Honor Anglo-Manipuri War Heroes

• Manipur observed Khongjom Day to honour the valiant warriors of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.

• The main ceremony took place at the Khongjom War Memorial in Khebaching, Thoubal district, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the tributes.

• The formal observances included a Guard of Honour, a General Salute, the Last Post, and two minutes of silence to remember the fallen soldiers.

• Governor Bhalla highlighted the bravery and resilience shown during the Battle of Khongjom, which symbolized the fight for independence.

• He also spoke about ongoing efforts to rehabilitate Internally Displaced Persons living in relief camps across the region.

• The Governor urged the people to reflect on and honour the sacrifices made by the Khongjom heroes.

• The event was attended by prominent figures such as former Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh, MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, and senior government officials.

• Khongjom Day was observed not only across Manipur but also in other regions where the Manipuri community resides, ensuring wide-reaching remembrance.