1. World Meteorological Day - 23 March
Tags: Important Days
World Meteorological Day is celebrated every year on 23 March.
An Overview of the News
This day commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950.
WMO operates as a specialized agency within the United Nations
Theme of World Meteorological Day
The theme of World Meteorological Day 2024 is "At the Frontier of Climate Action".
This emphasizes the critical need to address climate change and its potentially severe impacts.
History of World Meteorological Day
World Meteorological Day began with the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on March 23, 1950.
WMO was created with the primary purpose of forecasting weather patterns and predicting climate change.
One year after its establishment, WMO launched World Meteorological Day to celebrate its establishment and promote understanding of the importance of weather and climate forecasting.
2. World Down Syndrome Day - 21 March 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated every year on 21 March.
An Overview of the News
Down syndrome is a condition that affects both the physical and mental aspects of a person's health, causing challenges in communication and social interaction.
This condition results from an extra chromosome, which affects both body and brain development.
Common indicators of Down syndrome include distinctive facial features, intellectual disability, and developmental delay.
Treatment methods include speech therapy, physical activities, and tailored education programs.
The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome is approximately 60 years.
The theme of World Down Syndrome Day
The theme of this year's World Down Syndrome Day is "End Stereotypes". It aims to combat stereotyping.
The focus is on breaking down stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and understanding environment for people with Down syndrome.
This initiative seeks to shift the narrative towards recognizing the abilities and potential of individuals with Down syndrome rather than limiting them based on preconceived notions.
History of World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day was established by the United Nations in 2012 to celebrate March 21, which represents the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome.
Globally, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 babies are born with Down syndrome each year, with an incidence ranging from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births.
Improving the quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome includes addressing health care needs through regular screening and interventions such as therapy and counseling.
Support from parents, medical professionals, and community-based systems, including inclusive education, is essential to enable individuals with Down syndrome to fulfill their potential and integrate into society.
3. World Water Day - 22 March
Tags: Important Days
World Water Day is celebrated annually on 22 March 1993, to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater resources.
An Overview of the News
Approximately 2.2 billion people globally do not have access to safe water, highlighting the urgent need to tackle the global water crisis.
The United Nations says Asia and the Pacific have the lowest per capita water availability worldwide, with groundwater use projected to increase by 30% by 2050.
About 40% of irrigation water comes from aquifers, underscoring their important role in agricultural sustainability.
Theme of World Water Day:
The theme of World Water Day 2024 is 'Water for Peace'.
The United Nations' World Water Development Report (WWDR) for 2024, which sheds light on this topic.
Despite changes each year, the central focus of World Water Day remains on issues related to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), in line with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
History of World Water Day:
The concept of World Water Day originated during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
Following this resolution, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated 22 March as World Water Day later that year.
World Water Day is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of water conservation and conservation.
The day serves as a platform to advocate solutions to tackle the global water crisis.
4. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - 21 March
Tags: Important Days
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every year on 21 March.
An Overview of the News
The theme of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 2024 is "A Decade of Recognition, Justice and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent."
The 2024 theme aligns with the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), which recognizes the need to promote and protect the human rights of persons of African descent globally.
Approximately 200 million people of African descent live in the Americas, with millions more living in other regions around the world.
Historical Background:
The ritual originates from the tragic events of March 21, 1960, when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, shot 69 persons during a peaceful protest against the apartheid "pass laws".
In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a program to combat racism and racial discrimination, instituting a week of solidarity with those fighting against racism, starting on March 21 every year.
International Legal Framework:
The International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination serves as a global mechanism to combat racism, subject to near-universal ratification. However, additional efforts are necessary to eradicate racial discrimination around the world.
5. World Forestry Day - 21 March
Tags: Important Days
World Forestry Day is celebrated every year on 21 March to raise awareness about the vital role of forests and promote efforts for their conservation and sustainable management.
An Overview of the News
The theme of World Forestry Day in 2024 is"Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World", which emphasizes the role of innovation and technology in forest conservation.
The United Nations General Assembly established World Forestry Day in 2012 to highlight the importance of forests globally.
Important Functions of Forests:
Forests perform various essential functions:
Soil stabilization, water retention, and environmental balance.
Provision of oxygen, medicinal resources, and biodiversity conservation.
Importance of Forests:
Forests are important for:
Combating climate change as a carbon sink.
Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Providing clean air, water and supporting livelihoods globally.
Celebrating and Taking Action:
Ways to participate and contribute include:
Supporting forest conservation organizations.
Reducing consumption of paper and wood products.
Engaging in tree planting activities.
To spread awareness about the importance and threats of forests.
6. March 20th: International Day of Happiness
Tags: Important Days
International Day of Happiness, observed annually on 20 March, focuses on promoting global happiness and well-being.
An Overview of the News
The theme of the International Day of Happiness in 2024 is "Reconnecting for Happiness: Building Resilient Communities," encouraging participation by all to celebrate happiness.
History of International Day of Happiness
Based on a proposal from Bhutan, the United Nations (UN) declared 20 March as the International Day of Happiness in 2012.
Bhutan's advocacy of prioritizing national happiness over national income dates back to the early 1970s, emphasizing the importance of gross national happiness.
Bhutan convened an important high-level meeting on “Happiness and Well-being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm” during the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The first International Day of Happiness was celebrated in 2013, which has been an annual tradition ever since.
Importance of International Happiness Day
The day reminds of happiness as a universal right, which aims to spread happiness and positivity among individuals.
It offers everyone an opportunity to contribute to happiness by initiating small acts of kindness and promoting well-being.
The United Nations General Assembly advocates an economic development approach that prioritizes inclusivity, equity and balance, aiming to enhance the happiness and well-being of all individuals.
7. World Sparrow Day - 20 March
Tags: Important Days
World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on 20 March.
An Overview of the News
World Sparrow Day aims to raise awareness around the world about the declining population of the common house sparrow.
Origin and Effects:
World Sparrow Day originated as a collaboration between the Nature Forever Society (NFS) in India and the Eco-Sys Action Foundation in France.
World Sparrow Day was inaugurated in 2010 to draw attention to the alarming decline of the house sparrow and encourage concerted conservation efforts.
NFS founder Mohammed Dilawar was inspired by the 'Save the Sparrow' campaign that began in Rajasthan, India during the 1960s.
Dilawar's goal was to turn this local campaign into a global movement for sparrow conservation.
The NFS website serves as a repository of knowledge, providing information on sparrow species from more than 25 countries.
8. World Mental Health Day - 10 October
Tags: Important Days
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October to raise awareness related to mental health and promote positive changes.
An Overview of the News
The theme of 2023 World Mental Health Day is "Mental health is a universal human right".
The day aims to raise awareness and take action to protect the mental well-being of all as a fundamental human right.
History of World Mental Health Day
In 1992, Richard Hunter, who led the World Foundation for Mental Health, proposed the idea of dedicating October 10 as "World Mental Health Day".
The first World Mental Health Day was celebrated in 1994 and its theme focused on "Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services Throughout the World".
9. World Post Day - 9 October
Tags: Important Days
World Post Day is celebrated every year on 9 October.
An Overview of the News
World Post Day celebrates the establishment of the United Nations agency, the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
The UPU was founded on October 9, 1884, in Bern, Switzerland.
The tradition of celebrating World Post Day began in 1969 during the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan.
Theme of World Post Day 2023:
The theme of World Post Day 2023 is “Together for trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future”.
This theme emphasizes the role of post offices in achieving the goals of the digital economy.
First postage stamp in India:
India's first postage stamp was issued on 21 November 1947, with 'Jai Hind' and 'Bharat' written on it.
The value of this stamp was three and a half annas or 14 paise and was used for domestic mail.
Mahatma Gandhi had the distinction of being the first Indian to have a postage stamp issued in his name.
Sachin Tendulkar became the first living person in India to have a postage stamp issued in his name.
History of Indian Post:
The Indian postal system was started 257 years ago in 1766.
In 1774, Warren Hastings established the first post office in Kolkata.
Postage stamps in India were introduced in 1852.
A postage stamp bearing the image of Queen Victoria on October 1, 1854 marked the establishment of the postal department in India.
India's postal network is extensive, with 89.87% of post offices located in rural areas.
Notable stamp issues in India:
On 20 August 1991, India issued its largest postage stamp, bearing the photograph of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Universal Postal Union (UPU):
UPU is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Established: October 9, 1884.
Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland.
Current head: Masahiko Matoki.
The UPU works under the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
10. World Cup Day - 7 October
Tags: Important Days
World Cotton Day is celebrated every year on 7 October to emphasize the global importance of cotton.
An Overview of the News
The objective of World Cotton Day is to promote technological progress in cotton production, cotton products and cotton cultivation.
The Union Textiles Ministry observed World Cotton Day 2023 on 7 October.
The conference's theme was "Enhancing the quality and productivity of Indian cotton through policy, innovation, and technology upgradation."
The event was organized in collaboration with the EU-Resource Efficiency Initiative, Cotton Corporation of India Limited (CCI) and GIZ.
Bale Identification and Traceability System (BITS):
CCI launches the 'Bail Identification and Traceability System' (BITS) using blockchain technology.
BITS assigns a QR code to each cotton bale for transparent tracking of quality information including origin, processing factory, storage details and timestamp.
The theme of World Cotton Day 2023:
The United Nations has set its theme as 'Making cotton fair and sustainable for all: from farm to fashion'.
The theme highlights the role of cotton in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation.
Global Cotton Production:
India is the leader in cotton production, contributing 38% of the total world cotton production.
China is the second largest cotton producer globally.
History of World Cotton Day:
In 2012, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali proposed celebrating World Cotton Day at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The first World Cotton Day event organized by WTO took place in 2019 with the support of FAO, ICAC and UNCTAD.
Description of Cotton Cultivation:
Cotton is a Kharif crop and is suitable for dry climates.
It usually takes 6 to 8 months to mature.
Cotton covers 2.1% of the world's arable land and meets 27% of global textile needs.
Ideal conditions for cotton production: temperature (21-30 °C), rainfall (50-100 cm), soil (black cotton soil with good drainage, soil of Deccan plateau is suitable).
CottonSpecies:
There are four cultivated species of cotton: Gossypium arboreum, G. Herbacem, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense.
BT Cotton:
Bt cotton is a genetically modified insect-resistant variety of cotton.
Cotton Products:
Cotton is used to make textiles, fiber, oil and animal feed.
Top cotton-producing countries:
The top three cotton-producing countries globally are India, China and the United States.
Top cotton-producing states in India:
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan are the major cotton-producing states of India.
