Important Dates and Events in February

February is not just about Valentine’s Day. It is much more than that. And if you are a student preparing for competitive exams, you would understand. General knowledge about important dates and events is essential for all competitive exams.

There’s always a particular section in exams like UPSC, SSC, RRB, etc. for global and national events. It is expected by every student to know about these events. Let us see Important events in February month.

Important Events In February Month

Here’s a list of important events in February which you must know if you are appearing in competitive exams like UPSC, IAS etc.

Global Events in February

1. World Wetlands Day – 2nd February

On 2 February 1971, a group of environmentalists went to Ramsar, Iran. they signed The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Because of the location, it is also called the Ramsar Convention. This agreement was the first modern treaty signed to conserve natural resources.

This convention aims to conserve the wetlands around the world. It was first celebrated in 1997 to raise public awareness about the wetlands. The theme for 2020 was “Wetlands and Biodiversity”.

2. International Development Week – 2nd February to 8th February

It is an initiative by the Government of Canada and Canadian civil society organizations. It inspires Canadians to contribute and think about global issues. People engage in several events and activities to highlight the global crisis on this day.

The theme for 2020 was “Go for the Goals”. It coincides with the UN’s agenda for sustainable development. The Canadians have been celebrating this since 1991.

3. National Day of Sri Lanka – 4th February

On 4th February 1948, Sri Lanka became independent. National day for Sri Lanka is to celebrate their political independence. The celebration consists of parades, performances, and flag hoisting.

The main event takes place in Colombo followed by the president’s speech. The current president of the country is Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

4. World Cancer Day – 4th February

Union for International Cancer Control hosts this day every year. It encourages the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. World Cancer Day became official on 4 February 2000 at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer. The theme for 2020 was “I Am and I Will”.

5. International day against female genital mutilation – 6th February

The United Nations sponsors this day to eradicate the mutilation of female genitals. This day was initiated in 2003. Female Genital Mutilation is violating basic human rights of females. The theme for 2020 was “Unleashing Youth Power”.

6. Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday – 12th February

He was the 16th president of the United States of America. On February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky. The American Civil War was led by him. His main idea during the crisis was to preserve the union.

He abolished slavery from the country and modernized its economy. He served the office from 1861 – 1865. Lincoln was murdered in 1865.

7. Darwin Day – 12th February

This day is to commemorate the birth of Charles Darwin. He was born on 12 February 1809. The celebration highlights Darwin’s contribution to science. It also promotes science in general.

8. World Radio Day – 13th February

The idea to celebrate the world radio day was of Spanish Radio Academy. UNESCO approved the declaration in 2012. The first celebration took place in the same year. International Committee of Radio was set up after the proclamation of this day in 2012. The theme for 2020 was “ Radio and Diversity”.

9. World Day of Social Justice – 20th February

It is an initiative by the UN. It aims to promote social justice. UN through this works on issues like – poverty, unemployment, human rights, gender inequality, etc. The declaration to start this became official in 2007.

It was first.celebrated in 2009. The theme for 2020 was “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice”.

10. International Mother Language Day – 21st February

The idea to celebrate this day was put forward by Bangladesh after Bengali National Movement. It was first approved by UNESCO in 1999. But formally it was an initiative by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002.

The main idea is to promote cultural diversity and lingual diversity. The theme for 2020 was “Language without Borders”.

11. World Scout Founder’s Day – 22 February

Robert Baden-Powell was the founder of scouting. He was born on 22nd February 1857. This day celebrates his contribution to Scouting. Kenya Scouts Association and Kenya Girl Guides Association honors him by scouting on this date every year.

12. World Peace and Understanding Day – 23rd February

The first Rotary club meeting took place on 23 February 1905. Rotary International is a service organization. It brings together businessmen and professionals to build goodwill and peace around the world.

Every Rotary club has to plan and promote the common rotary goal. That is maintaining peace and understanding among all people of the world on this day.

13. World NGO Day – 27th February

In 2010, World NGO Day was officially recognized by the IX Baltic Sea NGO Forum Council of the Baltic Sea States in Lithuania.

Its main is to Celebrate, Commemorate, and Collaborate the various NGOs around the world. They also want the public to engage more with the NGO’s. It was first celebrated in 2014.

National Events in February

1. Indian Coast Guard Day – 1st February

It is the foundation day of the Indian Coast Guard. It is the armed force of India which makes maritime law and serves in coastal interest. The Coast Guard officially came into being on 1 February 1977.

2. National De-worming Day – 10th February

It is an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare started in 2015. They aim to deworm all the children from ages 1 – 19 for better health. This day is to aware citizens of the importance of deworming.

Soil-Transmitted helminth is the name of this disease. It is one the largest health program reaching crores of children on this day.

3. Sarojini Naidu’s Birth Anniversary – 13th February

It is also known as National Women’s Day. She was a political activist and poet who was the first woman Governor in the Dominion of India. She was a part of the nationalist movement and supported the idea of Swaraj. This day is to honor the achievements of women and highlight the struggle they face.

4. Taj Mahotsav – 18 February to 27 February

It is an annual event organized in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It celebrates different art forms from different cultures. This 10-day event allows hundreds of artists to showcase their talent. The organizer of this event is the Taj Mahotsav Committee.

They try to educate people about incredible India through art. The first event took place in 1992. The theme for 2020 was “Sanskriti ke Rang, Taj Ke Sang”.

5. Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day – 20 February

Arunachal became a state on 20th February 1987. It became a union territory in 1972. The foundation day marks the formation of this state. Till 1972, Arunachal Pradesh was called North-East Frontier Agency.

6. National Excise Day – 24th February

The Central Board of Excise and Customs celebrates this day every year. It is to celebrate the contribution of the excise department to the economy. The central excise act, 1944 became official on this date.

7. National Science Day – 28th February

It was first celebrated on February 28, 1987. Sir C. V. Raman discovered the Raman Effect on 28 February 1928. National Science Day celebrates this discovery. Raman effect is a change in the wavelength of light that happens when a light ray is deflected by the molecules.

Sir C.V. Raman was also awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for this discovery. The theme for 2020 was “Women in Science”.

Conclusion

These are some of the important dates and events for the month of February. We have tried to summarize important information about each event mentioned above.

We advise you to read the article thoroughly if you are preparing for a competitive exam. It is short and informational to make it easy for you to read.