1. International Day for Monuments and Sites - 18 April
Tags: Important Days
The International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), also known as World Heritage Day, is observed across the world on 18 April every year.
An Overview of the News
The purpose of the day is to promote awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage among local communities and individuals globally.
The day encourages people to acknowledge the importance of cultural heritage in shaping their lives, identities, and communities.
The theme for IDMS 2024:
- Theme: "Disasters & Conflicts Through the Lens of the Venice Charter."
History of IDMS:
IDMS was established in 1982 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
The establishment of IDMS was approved by UNESCO during its 22nd General Conference in 1983.
IDMS was first celebrated in 1983 under the auspices of UNESCO.
About ICOMOS:
Non-Governmental Organization: ICOMOS is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of cultural heritage.
Establishment: Established in 1965 after the adoption of the Charter of Venice.
Chairman: Teresa Patricio (Belgium)
Secretary General: Jorn Buisman (Netherlands)
Treasurer General: Cyril von Planta (Austria)
Headquarters: Paris, France
2. World Voice Day - 16 April
Tags: Important Days
World Voice Day (WVD) is a global campaign annually observed on 16 April to celebrate the phenomenon of voice and raise awareness about its significance.
An Overview of the News
The day serves as a platform for recognizing and appreciating the human voice, as well as promoting preventive care measures for maintaining vocal health.
2024 Campaign Theme: "Resonate. Educate. Celebrate!"
The theme for World Voice Day 2024, "Resonate. Educate. Celebrate!" was chosen by the Voice Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).
This theme underscores the importance of various aspects of voice care and rehabilitation, emphasizing resonance, education, and celebration.
Background and Origins
The concept of dedicating a day to celebrate the voice originated in Brazil in 1999, initiated by the Brazilian Society of Laryngology and Voice (SBLV).
A multidisciplinary group, including physicians, speech-language pathologists, and singing voice therapists, established the Brazilian National Voice Day on April 16, 1999.
In 2002, Professor Mario Andrea, a Portuguese laryngologist and then President of the European Laryngological Society, proposed the idea of making the Day a global event.
The celebration officially became known as "World Voice Day" in 2002, with recognition from the AAO-HNS, led by the Speech, Voice, and Swallowing Disorders committee.
3. World Chagas Disease Day observed on 14 April
Tags: Important Days
World Chagas Disease Day (WCDD) is observed annually on April 14 worldwide to raise awareness about Chagas Disease, a neglected tropical disease causing serious heart and digestive issues.
An Overview of the News
The goal of WCDD includes enhancing early detection, expanding diagnostic coverage, and ensuring equitable access to clinical care for Chagas Disease.
The theme for WCDD 2024 is "Tackling Chagas Disease: Detect Early and Care for Life."
In 2019, the 72nd World Health Assembly declared April 14 of each year as World Chagas Disease Day.
The inaugural World Chagas Disease Day was observed on April 14, 2020.
About WHO
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) is Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The headquarters of the WHO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WHO was established on April 7, 1948.
4. National Fire Service Day - 14 to 20 April
Tags: Important Days
Every year on April 14th, India observes National Fire Service Day, while National Fire Service Week extends from April 14th to April 20th.
An Overview of the News
These annual observances aim to honor firefighters who have lost their lives while on duty and to raise awareness about fire safety among the public and students.
The commemoration specifically remembers the martyrs of the Bombay Dock explosion that occurred on April 14th, 1944, at the Victoria Dock in Bombay Port, now known as Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The theme for National Fire Service Day and Week in 2024 is "Ensure Fire Safety, Contribute towards Nation Building."
It's noteworthy that April 14th, 2024, marks the 80th Anniversary of the Bombay Dock explosion.
Background of National Fire Service Day
In 1965, the Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC) convened its 11th meeting.
During this meeting, the SFAC officially designated April 14th of each year as National Fire Service Day.
Additionally, they allocated the week following April 14th as "National Fire Service Week."
These designations were made to commemorate the tragic 1944 Dock Explosion.
1944 Bombay Dock Explosion:
On April 14th, 1944, the ship "SS Fort Stikins" loaded with explosives docked at No. 1 Victoria Dock, Bombay Port.
The explosion resulted in the deaths of approximately 231 individuals and injuries to around 476 people.
Among the casualties were approximately 66 firefighters.
5. Siachen Day - 13 April
Tags: Important Days
Siachen Day is annually observed by the Indian Army on 13 April.
An Overview of the News
It commemorates Operation Meghdoot, initiated on 13 April 1984.
The day pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Indian Army soldiers stationed at the Siachen Glacier.
Location and Significance:
Siachen Glacier, situated in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, forms part of the Union Territory (UT) Ladakh.
It is recognized as the highest and coldest battlefield in the world.
The area symbolizes India's strategic presence and territorial integrity in the region.
Operation Meghdoot:
Operation Meghdoot was a significant military endeavor launched by India.
Objective: Secure control of the entire Siachen Glacier, located in Jammu and Kashmir (now part of northern Ladakh).
It marked India's proactive stance in response to escalating activities by Pakistan in the Ladakh region.
The operation was pivotal in gaining Indian control over the entire Siachen Glacier.
Role of Indian Air Force (IAF):
Integral to Operation Meghdoot was the participation of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Airlifting Troops: IAF helicopters played a crucial role in transporting Indian Army soldiers to the Siachen region.
Support and Logistics: IAF provided essential support and logistics during the operation, facilitating troop deployment and sustenance in the challenging terrain.
6. World Health Day - 7 April 2024
Tags: Important Days
United Nations (UN) World Health Day is an annual global health awareness day.
An Overview of the News
It is celebrated across the globe on the 7th of April to shed light on a specific health issue concerning people globally.
World Health Day celebrations aim to raise awareness about a particular health topic with emphasis on a priority area of concern identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This date marks the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948.
The theme of World Health Day 2024:
The theme of World Health Day 2024 is 'My Health, My Right', which emphasizes individual rights to health.
Launch of Initiative:
NMC and NTF have launched “My Health, My Rights” initiative targeting medical students and professionals.
World Health Organization (WHO):
Director General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Established: 7 April 1948
7. International Conscience Day - 5th April
Tags: Important Days
International Conscience Day is celebrated annually on April 5th to remind individuals to introspect and act according to their conscience.
An Overview of the News
2024 Theme: 'Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.'
Emphasizes fostering global peace, compassion, and moral integrity.
History and Establishment:
Inaugurated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020.
Aimed at encouraging people worldwide to follow their conscience and do what is right.
Fifth Anniversary Celebration (2024):
Marks the fifth year since its establishment.
Signifies dedicated efforts to raise awareness about the importance of individual and collective conscience in creating a fairer, more harmonious, and sustainable world.
8. International Mine Awareness Day - 4th April
Tags: Important Days
The United Nations commemorated International Mine Awareness Day on April 4th.
An Overview of the News
The focus was on highlighting the negative impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war on civilian populations.
The day stressed the significance of protecting individuals with disabilities in conflict zones and during peacebuilding efforts.
The theme for 2024, 'Protecting Lives, Building Peace,' emphasizes the role of mine action in both saving lives and promoting peace in affected areas.
History of International Mine Awareness Day:
Established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 8, 2005.
Observed annually on April 4th.
Aims to raise awareness about landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).
Originated from growing international concern over the widespread use of landmines.
Followed significant milestones such as the signing of the Ottawa Treaty in 1997.
Continues to highlight the ongoing threat posed by landmines and ERW globally.
Encourages efforts to clear landmines, provide risk education, and support affected communities.
9. Prime Minister Modi Marks RBI's 90th Anniversary with Visionary Speech
Tags: Important Days
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the audience at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) celebrated its 90th anniversary on April 1st,
An Overview of the News:
The Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin to mark 90 years of RBI on the occasion.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and other state and federal officials.
Key points from Prime Minister Modi's speech:
Prime Minister Modi stressed in his speech that India wants to be economically independent over the next ten years in order to protect itself from the volatility of the world financial system.
He emphasized the RBI's critical role in accomplishing this objective.
He told that India's share of the world economy is growing rapidly, having risen to 15% during his administration.
In the long run, he thought that the following ten years would be crucial to realizing the goal of a developed India by 2047.
The Prime Minister lauded the strengthened state of the Indian banking sector under his administration, noting a significant decline in Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA) from 11.25 percent in 2018 to less than 3 percent by September 2023.
He brought up the government's Rs 3.5 lakh crore injection into public sector banks to increase their resilience.
Origin and Background of RBI:
The idea for the formation of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country's central bank, came from the Hilton-Young Commission, also known as the Royal Commission on Indian Currency and Finance.
The Reserve Bank of India Act 1934 was passed in compliance with the recommendations made by the Hilton-Young Commission.
The RBI started its journey on April 1, 1935, and commenced operations.
After being privately owned for a while, the RBI was nationalized in 1949 and is now owned by the government.
The RBI's primary duties include:
Creating, carrying out, and overseeing monetary policy.
Supervising and regulating the banks, NBFCs, NABARD, SIDBI, EXIM Bank, and other components of the Indian financial system.
Managing India's foreign exchange holdings.
Releasing banknotes in India (other from coins and notes valued at Re 1).
Overseeing and controlling India's payment and settlement system.
Acting as the government's banker and representing all scheduled banks.
10. World Tuberculosis (TB) Day - 24 March
Tags: Important Days
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is an annual event observed on 24 March.
An Overview of the News
TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Transmission occurs through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits.
It is possible to prevent and cure TB with a regimen of antibacterial drugs for a period of 6 to 12 months.
Untreated TB can have fatal consequences, underscoring the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment.
Theme of World Tuberculosis Day
The theme of World Tuberculosis Day 2024 is "Yes! We can end TB".
This theme emphasizes global efforts to eliminate the disease through awareness and action.
History of World Tuberculosis Day
World TB Day, observed every year on 24 March, commemorates the discovery of the bacteria causing TB by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882.
Proposed by the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) in 1982 on the centenary of Koch's discovery, it became an official day of observance in 1983.
The day aims to raise awareness about tuberculosis globally and advocate for prevention, treatment and research efforts.
