RAS question
On which date is Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) observed in India to mark Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary?
Correct answer: (A) January 30.
India observes Martyrs' Day on January 30 to mark Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary.
Explanation
Martyrs' Day is observed on January 30 because Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, at Birla House, New Delhi. The Ministry of Home Affairs' circular on Martyrs' Day confirms that two minutes' silence is observed every year at 11:00 AM on January 30 throughout the country, in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during India's freedom struggle. This makes January 30 the date linked to Gandhi's death anniversary as well as the national observance of solemn silence. For the MCQ, the key is to connect the phrase "Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary" with the annual Martyrs' Day observance on January 30, not with other prominent national dates.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) October 2 is not the Martyrs' Day observance linked to Gandhi's death anniversary; the Ministry of Home Affairs circular identifies January 30 for this observance.
- (C) March 23 does not match this observance, and the Ministry of Home Affairs circular specifies observance of silence on January 30.
- (D) August 15 is not the date for this observance; the official circular points to January 30.
Concept
This tests modern Indian history through national commemorative days, a recurring RAS theme because such dates connect personalities, events and official observances. The recall point is the link between Gandhi's death anniversary and the Martyrs' Day silence on January 30.