The International Day of Democracy is observed globally on which date every year?

Introduction / Context:
This question addresses the International Day of Democracy, a global observance that promotes democratic values, participation and the rule of law. Such UN related days are frequently asked in exams to test familiarity with political and institutional awareness themes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The observance is the International Day of Democracy.
• The date is fixed each year in the month of September.
• Several nearby September dates are provided as options.

Concept / Approach:
The International Day of Democracy aims to strengthen public awareness of democracy, its benefits and its challenges. The approach to answer is:

• Recall that this day is observed on 15th September each year.
• Use elimination to rule out other dates that are close but incorrect.
• Double check mentally that 15th September is associated with democracy themed events and campaigns in news and educational materials.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question clearly specifies the International Day of Democracy. Step 2: Recall from general knowledge that the United Nations observes this day on 15th September every year. Step 3: Examine the options and identify 15th September among them. Step 4: Recognise that 12th, 14th, 18th and 21st September are close but do not match the official date. Step 5: Select 15th September as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done from the United Nations website, civics textbooks or standard yearbooks that list international days. These sources consistently show that the International Day of Democracy is observed on 15th September. Newspapers and educational institutions also often organise democracy related discussions and programmes on this date, which further confirms the association.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
12th September: A nearby date but not used for this particular observance. 18th September: Not the official date of the International Day of Democracy. 14th September: Known in India for other observances such as Hindi Diwas, but not for this UN democracy day. 21st September: Also important for other observances, such as the International Day of Peace, but not for democracy day.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse the International Day of Democracy with the International Day of Peace or other September observances, which can lead them to choose 21st September. Another common pitfall is to guess randomly in the middle of the month, because all options look similar. The safe strategy is to form a mental pair: 15th September for democracy, 21st September for peace, and revise them together so they become easy to distinguish in exams.

Final Answer:
The International Day of Democracy is observed every year on 15th September.