1. Antyodaya Diwas - 25 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
Antyodaya Diwas is celebrated every year on 25 September to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of the prominent personalities in the history of Indian politics.
An Overview of the News
Antyodaya means "uplifting the poorest of the poor" or "rise of the last person".
The day was declared by the Government of India on September 25, 2014, and has been officially celebrated since the year 2015.
2024 Significance: Marks the 108th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Background:
2014 Declaration: On 25 September 2014, during the 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government declared the day as Antyodaya Diwas.
First Observance: The first Antyodaya Diwas was observed on 25 September 2014.
About Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
He was born on September 25, 1916, in Chandrabhan village near Farah town in Mathura district, now known as Deendayal Dham.
His father's name was Bhagwati Prasad and he was an astrologer, mother's name was Rampyari.
The philosophy presented by him is called 'Integral Humanism'.
Its objective was to present an 'indigenous socio-economic model' in which human beings are at the centre of development.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay opposed Western 'capitalist individualism' and 'Marxist socialism' and welcomed modern technology and Western science.
2. World Pharmacists Day - 25 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Pharmacists Day is observed globally every year on 25 September.
An Overview of the News
It recognizes and celebrates the vital role of pharmacists as drug information specialists.
Pharmacists are acknowledged as accessible healthcare providers in their communities.
World Pharmacists Day highlights their contribution to building healthier societies around the world.
Marks the anniversary of the establishment of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global organization for pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and education, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The theme for 2024: "Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs".
Background of World Pharmacists Day
Proposal: World Pharmacists Day was proposed in 2009 by the Turkish Pharmacists Association (TPA) during the FIP Congress in Istanbul (now Türkiye).
Approval: The FIP Council unanimously approved the annual observance of WPD on 25 September.
First Observance: The inaugural World Pharmacists Day took place on 25 September 2010.
About the International Pharmaceutical Federation
Established: 1912
Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
CEO: Dr. Catherine Duggan
3. Indian Army Celebrates 198th Gunners Day
Tags: Important Days
The Indian Army celebrates the 198th Gunners Day on 28 September.
An Overview of the News
This day marks the raising of the first Indian Artillery Unit, the 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery, on September 28, 1827.
Modernisation Efforts
The drive aligns with the vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat and aims to create a technologically advanced and combat-ready force.
Key modernisation initiatives include:
Standardisation of the 155mm artillery gun
Integration of advanced systems such as Ultra-Light Howitzers, K9 Vajra, and Sharang guns
Historical Significance of Artillery
Artillery was first used in India in the 14th century by the Bahmani Kings during the Deccan War against the Vijaynagar Kingdom.
Throughout history, artillery has been a crucial force multiplier during the Mughal Period and under various leaders, including the Marathas, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The Regiment of Artillery has demonstrated its strength during major operations in 1947-48, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999.
Following the Kargil conflict, artillery gained further prominence and is recognized as a significant 'Arm of Decision' in modern warfare.
Director General of Artillery - Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar
4. World Maritime Day - 26 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Maritime Day is celebrated annually to highlight the importance of shipping and maritime activities.
An Overview of the News
The event provides an opportunity to focus on the critical role of international shipping in global trade and sustainable economic growth.
It was first held in 1978 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention’s entry into force.
World Maritime Day 2024
Theme: "Navigating the future: safety first!" focusing on the importance of safety in maritime activities.
A special event, the WMO-IMO Symposium on Extreme Maritime Weather, was held from 23-26 September 2024 in London, addressing 'Bridging the Knowledge Gap Towards Safer Shipping.'
Celebrations and Significance
Celebrations are held worldwide, usually during the last week of September, focusing on maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
Since 2005, an official Parallel Event is hosted by an IMO Member State in addition to celebrations at IMO Headquarters in London.
5. International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) - 23 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
International Sign Language Day (IDSL) is designated by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated on 23 September yearly.
An Overview of the News
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the important role of sign language in maintaining the human rights of deaf persons.
It provides an opportunity to promote and preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Deaf community.
IDSL 2024 is part of the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), celebrated from 23 to 29 September 2024.
The theme of IDSL 2024:
The theme for IDSL 2024 is “Sign up for Sign Language Rights.”
Historical Background
On 19 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/72/161, which proclaimed 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages.
International Sign Language Day was established in 2018 by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an organization dedicated to advocating for the human rights of the approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide.
The WFD consists of 135 national member federations, and they initiated the concept of this special day.
The day was introduced as a part of a broader celebration known as the International Week of the Deaf.
IDSL 2024 in India
On 23 September 2024, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), organized a celebratory event at Bhim Hall, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (AIC), Janpath, New Delhi.
6. World Rhino Day - 22 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Rhino Day is celebrated every year on 22 September.
An Overview of the News
It is a global initiative whose primary goal is to raise awareness of the significant challenges facing the rhinoceros species around the world.
The day aims to raise awareness about rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae) and the critical need for their conservation.
Species Awareness: The observance focuses on all five species of rhinos:
Black rhino (Africa)
White rhino (Africa)
Greater one-horned rhino (Asia)
Sumatran rhino (Asia)
Javan rhino (Asia)
History of World Rhino Day
The rhinoceros crisis began in Africa in the 1990s due to the large-scale poaching of rhinoceros horns.
By 2010, the crisis became widespread, with only 30,000 rhinos left globally.
In 2010, the World Wildlife Fund - South Africa launched World Rhino Day to address the growing threat of rhinos.
Lisa Jane Campbell's Vision (2011): Lisa Jane Campbell's efforts to protect all five rhinoceros species led to the establishment of World Rhino Day.
The purpose of dedicating a day to the rhinoceros is to promote awareness about the conservation of its five distinct species.
7. World Alzheimer's Day - 21 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Alzheimer's Day is celebrated every year on 21st September by all the countries of the world.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
World Alzheimer's Day unites global efforts to address the disease and improve care for those affected.
World Alzheimer's Month
Campaign: This campaign takes place every September under the theme "Timeto act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer's."
Initiation: Launched by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to promote awareness about dementia.
Historical Background
World Alzheimer's Day was inaugurated on September 21, 1994, during ADI's annual conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, celebrating ADI's 10th anniversary.
Collaboration: The first WAD was launched in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Expansion: In 2010, ADI introduced World Alzheimer's Month as a pilot campaign in 12 countries, making it an annual observance from 2011 onwards.
Alzheimer's Disease International
Established: 1984
Headquarters: Located in London, United Kingdom
CEO: Paola Barbarino
8. International Day of Peace - 21 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
The International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed every year on 21 September.
An Overview of the News
The IDP was established by the United Nations (UN) to emphasize the global commitment to peace, non-violence, and conflict resolution.
The theme for the 2024 IDP is "Cultivating a Culture of Peace."
The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.
History of International Peace Day:-
United Nations Resolution 36/67 (1981): The International Day of Peace began with the adoption of United Nations Resolution 36/67 on September 30, 1981.
Selection of the third Tuesday of September: Following a United Nations resolution, it was decided that the International Day of Peace would be celebrated annually on the third Tuesday of September.
Inaugural Ceremony (1982): The first official observance of the International Day of Peace took place on 21 September 1982.
Official designation of September 21 (2001):An important development in the history of this day occurred in 2001 when September 21 was officially established as the International Day of Peace.
9. India Celebrates Haifa Day, Honouring the Heroic Mysore Lancers of 1918
Tags: Important Days
Haifa Day was observed in New Delhi on 23 September to honour the martyrs of the Battle of Haifa.
An Overview of the News
The event was marked by the presence of the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar.
Historical Significance of the Battle of Haifa (1918)
Indian soldiers from the British Indian Army fought the Battle of Haifa during World War I in 1918.
The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Indian soldiers against the Ottoman Empire and German forces.
The bravery of these soldiers has been remembered and celebrated for 106 years on Haifa Day.
Role of Mysore Lancers in the Battle
The Mysore Lancers, soldiers of the Mysore Maharaja, played a crucial role in the Battle of Haifa.
Armed only with lances and swords, they charged against heavily armed Ottoman and German troops.
Their courageous actions secured the city of Haifa and saved over 1,350 enemy troops with minimal casualties.
Rescue of Bahá’í Leader Abdul Baha
A significant aspect of the Lancers’ bravery was rescuing Abdul Baha, the spiritual leader of the Bahá’í faith, from execution.
The operation, led by Col J Desraj Urs and Lt Col Chamaraj Urs, was commissioned by Mysore Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.
The rescue transcended religious and national borders, reinforcing the Bahá’í faith's message of unity, aligned with the Hindu philosophy of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.
10. National Nutrition Week - 1st to 7th September 2024
Tags: Important Days
National Nutrition Week 2024 is an important annual event focused on highlighting the role of nutrition in achieving overall health and well-being.
An Overview of the News
National Nutrition Week is observed from September 1st to 7th each year.
The week aims to educate the public about the benefits of a balanced diet and promote healthier eating habits.
The observance seeks to raise awareness of how nutrition impacts health, celebrate good dietary practices, and support government initiatives for better nutrition across India.
Although the official theme for National Nutrition Week 2024 has not yet been announced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, some organizations are celebrating under the theme "Nutritious Diets for Everyone."
History of National Nutrition Week:
Global Origins: First celebrated in the United States in 1973, initiated by the American Dietetic Association(now Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) to emphasize the importance of good nutrition.
Adoption in India: Introduced in 1982 by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) to educate the public on nutrition and promote healthy eating habits.
Objectives: Focuses on raising awareness about:
The benefits of a balanced diet.
The impact of nutrition on health.
The importance of proper dietary practices.
Activities:Includes educational campaigns, workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs to improve dietary knowledge and habits.
Evolution: The scope has expanded over the years to address emerging nutrition-related challenges and align with global health initiatives, highlighting the vital role of nutrition in public health.
