National Maritime Day of India, commemorating the sailing of the first Indian merchant vessel SS Loyalty, is observed every year on which date?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about National Maritime Day of India, an important day in the country's shipping and trade history. It commemorates the sailing of the first Indian merchant ship SS Loyalty. Such questions are common in Indian general knowledge and economy sections because they connect transport, trade and national milestones.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The observance is National Maritime Day of India.
• It is associated with the sailing of the first Indian merchant vessel SS Loyalty.
• Multiple dates at the beginning of April are provided as options.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is to remember the specific date chosen to honour India's maritime history. The approach:

• Recall that National Maritime Day of India is observed on 5th April each year.
• Understand that this date marks the historic voyage of SS Loyalty from India to London, symbolising the country's entry into international shipping.
• Use elimination to reject other early April dates that are not linked with this maritime event.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question is about an Indian national observance related to maritime activities. Step 2: Recall from Indian GK that National Maritime Day is celebrated on 5th April every year. Step 3: Connect this date with the sailing of SS Loyalty, the first Indian owned merchant ship to sail to London. Step 4: Look at the options and mark 5th April. Step 5: Confirm that 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th April are not associated with this specific maritime observance.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done through shipping ministry publications, standard Indian yearbooks and school level civics or economy textbooks. These sources state that National Maritime Day is observed on 5th April, and often mention SS Loyalty and the development of Indian shipping. Media coverage and official functions on this date each year also reinforce the link between 5th April and National Maritime Day.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1st April: Not celebrated as National Maritime Day; it is included as a distractor. 2nd April: Also not associated with this event in Indian shipping history. 4th April: Another nearby date that may tempt learners who only remember early April but not the exact day. 7th April: Better known for World Health Day, not for maritime observances in India.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes only recall that National Maritime Day occurs in early April and then guess the wrong date, especially 4th April. Others confuse it with international maritime observances on different dates. A good study tip is to create a short association: think “5th April – SS Loyalty – Indian National Maritime Day” and revise those three items together.

Final Answer:
National Maritime Day of India is observed every year on 5th April.