Important Days and Years Questions

The United Nations has designated 1974 as World Population Year, and has called upon all governments and peoples to participate in its observance.

Prime minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh in January 2019. The theme this year is, 'Role of Indian Diaspora in building New India'.

World Soil Day 2017 is celebrated on 5 December under the theme "Caring for the Planet starts from the Ground," with activities aiming to communicate messages on the importance of soil quality for food security, healthy ecosystems and human well-being.Soils not only produce 95% of the food we consume, they also have a huge potential for taking carbon from the atmosphere and offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions. Keeping the soil healthy can bring a multitude of gains, from food security to sustainable livelihoods and climate benefits.

The day commemorates its internal political independence from British rule on that day in 1948. The day is a national holiday in Sri Lanka.