In India, National Statistics Day (NSD) is celebrated on which date each year to honour statistician P. C. Mahalanobis and promote the use of statistics?

Introduction / Context:
National Statistics Day is an Indian observance that recognises the importance of statistics in national planning and policymaking. It also honours the contributions of the eminent statistician Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, who is considered a pioneer in modern statistics in India. This question asks for the specific date on which National Statistics Day is celebrated every year.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The observance is National Statistics Day in India.
• It is held annually to honour P. C. Mahalanobis and promote statistical awareness.
• The options list several dates in May and June.
• Only one date matches the official government notification for National Statistics Day.

Concept / Approach:
The Government of India declared that the birth anniversary of P. C. Mahalanobis would be observed as National Statistics Day. His birthday falls on 29 June, and hence that date was chosen for the observance. Learners should therefore connect the name Mahalanobis with 29 June and with the importance of statistics to answer this type of question correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that National Statistics Day is linked to the birth anniversary of Professor P. C. Mahalanobis.Step 2: From general knowledge, remember that his birthday is on 29 June.Step 3: Therefore, National Statistics Day is celebrated on 29 June every year in India.Step 4: Scan the options and identify 29 June as option D.Step 5: Mark 29 June as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Press releases from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and reports of events in universities and government offices all mention that National Statistics Day is observed on 29 June. These events often include lectures on statistics, awards, and discussions on the role of data in planning. Other dates in the options do not correspond to the birth anniversary of Mahalanobis, and no national observance called National Statistics Day is scheduled on those dates.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
15 May: This date has no specific connection with Mahalanobis or a nationwide statistical observance.

10 June: Another June date included to confuse candidates, but it is not used for National Statistics Day.

27 June: This is close to 29 June but does not match the recorded birth date of Mahalanobis.

30 June: This is the day after 29 June, and again, it has been included only as a near miss option.

Common Pitfalls:
Because the options include several dates near the end of June, students who only vaguely remember that National Statistics Day is in late June may guess incorrectly. A reliable strategy is to firmly link the name Mahalanobis with 29 June in memory. It can help to visualise a calendar where the box for 29 June is marked with both his name and the words National Statistics Day.

Final Answer:
29 June