Current Affairs search results for tag: important-days
By admin: July 16, 2023

1. Nelson Mandela International Day - 18 July

Tags: Important Days

Nelson Mandela Day is observed on 18 July each year to honour Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid activist of South Africa and the country's first democratically elected president.

An Overview of the News

  • The theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2023 is "Climate, Food and Solidarity".

  • This year the focus is on taking action against climate change and creating a food-friendly environment in solidarity with communities around the world affected by climate crises.

  • The call to action for 2023 is"It's in Your Hands," encouraging individuals and organizations to actively participate in addressing climate change and supporting vulnerable communities.

History of Nelson Mandela International Day

  • In 2009, the United Nations declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela Day to recognize his significant contributions and celebrate his achievements.

  • Mandela played an important role in ending the apartheid system in South Africa and promoting multiracial democracy.

  • The first celebration of Nelson Mandela Day took place on 18 July 2010, Mandela's 92nd birthday.

By admin: July 12, 2023

2. International Malala Day - 12 July

Tags: Important Days

International Malala Day is observed every year on July 12 to honour Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate for girls' education and the youngest Nobel laureate.

An Overview of the News

  • It serves as a worldwide awareness day, emphasising the need for girls to fight for their right to education.

World Malala Day 2023 Theme:

  • The theme for World Malala Day 2023 is inspired by the book "I Am Malala", which focuses on the influence of celebrities as heroes and role models for social progress.

  • The theme highlights Malala's courage in facing hatred and fighting for her beliefs.

Achievements and Recognition:

  • Malala's efforts attracted global attention, leading to her being recognized by Time magazine in 2013 as one of the most influential people in the world.

  • In 2014, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and became the youngest recipient ever.

  • Malala has also received the United Nations Human Rights Award and the Liberty Medal.

History:

  • Malala Yousafzai was born on 12 July 1997 in Mingora, Pakistan.

  • In 2007, the Taliban imposed a ban on girls attending school in her town.

  • Despite the ban, Malala spoke to B.B.C. Started writing for Urdu in 2009, advocating for girls' education.

  • On 9 October 2012, Taliban gunmen targeted Malala and shot her in the head.

  • Malala survived the attack and delivered an impressive speech addressing the United Nations on her 16th birthday.

By admin: July 11, 2023

3. World Population Day - 11 July

Tags: Important Days

World Population Day - 11 JulyThe annual celebration known as World Population Day is observed on 11 July every year.

An Overview of the News

  • It serves as a platform to raise awareness about global population-related concerns.

Theme of World Population Day 2023

  • Its theme is "Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Elevating the Voices of Women and Girls to Unlock the Infinite Potential of Our World."

  • The theme underlines the importance of gender equality in harnessing the full potential of women and girls and the immense opportunities they present for our global society.

History of World Population Day

  • It was established in 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme. 

  • Its primary goal is to highlight the critical nature and importance of population issues.

  • In December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to continue World Population Day. 

  • It aims to promote the understanding of population matters and their interrelationships with environment and development.

  • The first World Population Day was observed on 11 July 1990, in which more than 90 countries participated.

By admin: July 11, 2023

4. National Fish Farmers Day: 10 July

Tags: Important Days

National-Fish-Farmers-Day-10-JulyNational Fish Farmers Day is celebrated every year on 10th July to honour and support the work of fish farmers, fishermen and other stakeholders associated with fisheries in India.

An Overview of the news:

  • In the year 2023, the 23rd National Fish Farmers Day is being celebrated across the country.
  • On July 10, 1957, for the first time, Dr. Hiralal Chowdhary and Dr. Alikunhi were successful in extracting carp pituitary hormones in successful induced breeding of major carps at Angul, Odisha.
  • It was on the same day that the two scientists demonstrated Hypophysation, a technique to induce reproduction in Indian Major Carps.
  • Every year on July 10, Fish Farmers Day is celebrated in the country to mark this contribution of scientists.

Beginning of National Fish Farmers Day:

  • July 10, 2001 was designated as National Fisheries Day by the Government of India.
  • After this, in 2001, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research organized the country's first National Fish Farmer's Day function. Along with this, the leading institute in the field of fisheries education - Central Institute of Fisheries Education also joined.
  • The day aims to raise awareness of the need to change the way the country manages its fisheries resources to ensure sustainable fisheries stocks and robust ecosystems.

Organization of National Fish Farmers Day 2023:

  • An exhibition of 30 extraordinary startups from across the country will be organized to showcase the best of the fisheries innovators in the country at the National Fish Farmers Day 2023 celebration event at Mahabalipuram on July 10, 2023.

Important facts related to fishing industry:

  • According to the statistics of the National Fisheries Development Board, the export revenue of Rs 334.41 billion has been received from the fisheries industry alone.
  • The fisheries industry contributes 7% to India's gross domestic product (GDP).
  • India is the second major aquaculture working country in the world.
  • India is the third largest producer of fish in the world.
  • Gujarat ranks first in the production of marine fish in the country.

By admin: July 5, 2023

5. Dharma Chakra Day - 3rd July

Tags: Important Days

During the Dharma Chakra Pravartan Divas celebrations (3rd July), the President of India emphasized the significance of Buddha's teachings and urged the youth to find inspiration in them.

An overview of the news

  • The President highlighted the importance of embracing Sheel (morality), Sadhachar (good conduct), and Pragya (wisdom) to empower the younger generation and make a positive contribution to society.

  • Additionally, the contract for the construction of the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini, Nepal, was successfully awarded.

What is Dharma Chakra?

  • The dharma chakra, also known as the wheel of dharma, holds significant symbolism in various Indian religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and notably, Buddhism.

  • Within Buddhism, the dharma chakra symbolizes the Buddha's teachings and the universal moral order known as Dharma.

About Dharma Chakra Day

  • Dharma Chakra Day is celebrated to commemorate Buddha’s first teaching after attaining enlightenment.

  • It is observed on the full moon day of Asadha in the Indian sun calendar. It is also observed as Guru Purnima.

  • Organized by - Ministry of Culture in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)

  • Significance - Second most sacred day for Buddhists after Buddha Poornima (Vesak)

  • The day marks the beginning of the Rainy Season retreat for monks and nuns.

  • Other Names - Asadha Poornima (India); Esala Poya (Sri Lanka); Asanha Bucha (Thailand)

  • Guru Purnima - Falls on a full-moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadh. Dedicated to Maharshi Veda Vyasa, editor of the Vedas and creator of Hindu scriptures.

By admin: July 4, 2023

6. International Day of Cooperatives - 1st July

Tags: Important Days

International-Day-of-Cooperatives---1st-JulyInternational Day of Cooperatives is observed annually on 1 st July.

An Overview of the News

  • The purpose of International Day of Cooperatives is to acknowledge the contribution of cooperatives in solving major international issues as recognized by the United Nations.

  • The designated theme for International Day of Cooperatives 2023 is "Cooperatives for Sustainable Development".

  • Director of the International Labor Organization - Gilbert F. hongbo

History of International Day of Cooperatives

  • In 1923, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) established the first International Cooperative Day.

  • The day was initially celebrated on the first Saturday of July every year.

  • The aim was to commemorate the values and principles of cooperation.

  • Since 1995, it has been celebrated every year on 1st July.

  • The day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the cooperative model.

  • It highlights the values of self-help, democratic decision making and mutual cooperation.

By admin: July 3, 2023

7. World Sports Journalists Day - 2 July

Tags: Important Days

World Sports Journalists Day is celebrated across the world on 2 July every year.

An Overview of the News

  • The day honours the achievements of sports media professionals and inspires them to put in more efforts to spread knowledge about sports among the general public.

  • Many news companies organize special events to honor sports journalists on this special day.

  • It aims to recognize the efforts of individuals involved in sports journalism.

History of World Sports Journalists Day

  • It was established in 1994 by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) on 2 July to mark the establishment of AIPS as an organization on the occasion of the Summer Olympics in Paris.

  • Since its inception, the day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and achievements of countless sports media professionals.

  • It serves as a platform to honour his outstanding work in the field of sports journalism.

  • World Sports Journalists Day assumes great significance as it provides an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contribution made by sports media professionals.

  • These individuals play a vital role in reporting and analyzing sporting events, sharing the stories of athletes, and engaging audiences around the world.

By admin: July 2, 2023

8. June 2023 Days and Themes

Tags: Important Days

List of Days and Themes for June 2023

Days

Themes

30 June - International Day of Parliamentarism 

'Parliaments for the Planet'

29 June - National Statistics Day

Alignment of State Indicator Framework with National Indicator Framework for Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals.

27 June - World MSME Day 

"Future-Ready MSMEs for India@100"

26 June - World Drug Day

"People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention."

24 June - International Day of Women in Diplomacy

"Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development."

23 June - International Widows Day

"Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality"

21 June - International Yoga Day

"Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"

21 June - World Music Day

"Music at the Intersections" (2022)

20 June - World Refugee Day

 "Hope away from home"

19 June - International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

"Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address and respond to conflict-related sexual violence."

14 June - World Blood Donor Day

"Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often."

13 June - International Albinism Awareness Day

"United in making our voices heard"

12 June -  World Day Against Child Labour 

"Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!"

 9 June - World Accreditation Day 

"Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Business."

8 June - World Oceans Day

"Planet Ocean: The Tides Are Changing"

5 June - World Environment Day 

“Solutions to plastic pollution”

By admin: July 2, 2023

9. National Doctor's Day - 1st July

Tags: Important Days

National Doctor's Day is celebrated every year on 1st July in India to appreciate and honour the valuable contribution of doctors and health care professionals in the world.

An Overview of the News

  • The day is celebrated in India to recognize the selfless service and efforts of doctors for the betterment of the people.

  • The Indian Medical Association (IMA) organises various programs and activities on National Doctor's Day.

National Doctor's Day 2023 Theme:

  • The theme for National Doctor's Day 2023 is "Celebrating Resilience and Healing Hands".

  • It aims to recognize and appreciate the tireless efforts of medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

History of National Doctor's Day

  • The day is celebrated in the memory of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal.

  • Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was born on 1st July 1882 and died on the same day in 1962.

  • He played many roles like a politician, a freedom fighter and a supporter of education.

  • The day is dedicated to honouring the contribution and dedication of doctors towards the betterment of society and healthcare.

By admin: June 30, 2023

10. World Asteroid Day - 30 June

Tags: Important Days

World-Asteroid-Day---30-JuneWorld Asteroid Day is an annual global event observed on June 30 to commemorate the Tunguska event of 1908, in which a meteor airburst caused significant destruction in central Siberia, Russia.

An overview of the news

  • The Tunguska event is recognized as the Earth's largest recorded asteroid impact, resulting in the devastation of approximately 2,000 square kilometers (500,000 acres) of pine forest.

  • The primary objective of World Asteroid Day is to raise public awareness about the potential hazards posed by asteroid impacts and to inform people about crisis communication strategies in the event of a threat from a near-Earth object (NEO).

  • NEOs are asteroids or comets that come close to Earth's orbit. NASA's Center for NEO Studies has discovered over 16,000 Near Earth Asteroids.

Background of the day

  • The cofounders of Asteroid Day, including renowned cosmologist Stephen Hawking, Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, and astrophysicist Brian May, established the event in 2014, one year after the Chelyabinsk meteor air burst incident.

  • The Chelyabinsk event occurred on February 15, 2013, when a large fireball entered the atmosphere, disintegrating over Chelyabinsk, Russia. 

  • The asteroid responsible was estimated to have a diameter of 18 meters and a mass of 11,000 tons, with an impact energy of 440 kilotons.

  • In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating June 30 as World Asteroid Day.

  • The purpose of the event is to increase awareness about asteroids and the measures that can be taken to safeguard the Earth, its inhabitants, communities, and future generations from potential catastrophic events.

What are Asteroids?

  • Asteroids are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are remnants from the early stages of the solar system's formation, which occurred around 4.6 billion years ago.

  • Unlike planets, asteroids are relatively small in size and vary greatly in shape and composition. 

  • Each asteroid possesses a unique and irregular shape.

  • The majority of asteroids are composed of various types of rocks, while some may contain clays or metallic elements like nickel and iron.

  • The solar system is home to a significant number of asteroids, and many of them reside in the main asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

  • The main asteroid belt is a region where asteroids of various sizes and compositions are concentrated, forming a vast and dynamic collection.

  • The sizes of asteroids in the main belt range from tiny rocky fragments to larger bodies measuring hundreds of kilometers in diameter.

  • As asteroids orbit the Sun, they follow their own distinct paths and trajectories, influenced by gravitational forces from nearby celestial bodies.