Current Affairs search results for tag: important-days
By admin: July 5, 2023

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

By admin: June 30, 2023

7. International Day of Parliamentarism - 30 June

Tags: Important Days

International-Day-of-Parliamentarism---30-JuneJune 30 is recognized as the International Day of Parliamentarism, which commemorates the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1889.

An overview of the news

  • This day holds significance as it provides an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the progress made by parliaments worldwide in achieving their predetermined goals.

  • This year's theme is 'Parliaments for the Planet', which urges parliaments around the world to lead by example in building a greener and more sustainable future.

Purpose of the day

  • The goals of the International Day of Parliamentarism encompass several key aspects, including self-assessment and evaluation of parliamentary performance.

  • Another focus is on promoting the participation of women and young Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure diverse representation and inclusivity within parliamentary institutions.

Background of the day

  • The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2018 to establish the International Day of Parliamentarism, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary institutions in democratic governance.

  • The Inter-Parliamentary Union was founded in 1889, and the inaugural celebration of the UN International Day of Parliamentarism took place in 1899 to mark its establishment.

  • The day serves as a platform to reflect on the achievements and challenges faced by parliaments globally and to foster dialogue and cooperation among parliamentary bodies.

By admin: June 29, 2023

8. National Statistics Day - 29 June

Tags: Important Days

National-Statistics-Day---29-JuneNational Statistics Day is observed annually on 29 June to honour the contribution of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in statistics and economic planning.

An Overview of the News

  • Professor Mahalanobis, known as the 'Father of Indian Statistics', developed the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure to assess the difference between a point and a distribution.

  • The program of National Statistics Day 2023 will be organised at SCOPE Convention Centre, SCOPE Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

  • Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Theme of National Statistics Day 2023

  • Its theme is "Aligning the State Indicator Framework with the National Indicator Framework for Monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals".

  • The theme highlights the importance of synchronising the indicator framework used by states with the national framework to monitor and evaluate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

History of National Statistics Day

  • The Government of India designated 29 June as National Statistics Day on 5 June 2007.

  • The designation was given to acknowledge the significant contributions of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the field of statistics and economic planning.

  • The first celebration of National Statistics Day took place on 29 June 2007.

  • Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was a prominent figure who played a key role in the first Planning Commission of India.

  • He was instrumental in the establishment of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931.

  • The day is celebrated as a tribute to Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis and his remarkable contribution in the field of statistics.

About Indian Statistical Institute

  • Director - Prof. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay

  • Headquarters - Kolkata

  • Establishment - 17 December 1931

By admin: July 27, 2023

9. World Nature Conservation Day - 28 July

Tags: Important Days

World Nature Conservation Day is observed globally on 28 July every year.

An Overview of the News

  • The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving nature and biodiversity.

  • It emphasizes that a healthy environment is important for a stable and healthy society.

  • World Nature Conservation Day promotes the idea that a healthy environment is the foundation of a prosperous mankind.

  • The day serves as an opportunity to create positive opinions and attitudes towards climate change.

  • The theme for World Nature Conservation Day 2023 is "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet." This theme highlights the vital role of forests in supporting both human livelihoods and the overall well-being of the planet.

History of World Nature Conservation Day:

  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was established in 1948 to address environmental concerns caused by industrialization and human activities.

  • During the 1960s and 1970s, the IUCN shifted its focus to species and habitat conservation in response to the destruction of ecosystems.

  • The IUCN Red List for Threatened Species was created to assess the conservation status of various species, indicating their vulnerability to extinction.

  • In 2000, the IUCN introduced nature-based solutions, which use ecosystems and biodiversity to address climate change, food security and poverty alleviation.

  • World Nature Conservation Day is observed annually on 28 July to raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation and sustainable practices.

By admin: July 28, 2023

10. World Hepatitis Day - 28 July

Tags: Important Days

World Hepatitis Day is observed globally on 28 July.

An Overview of the News

  • Its main objective is to raise awareness and drive meaningful change about the global burden of viral hepatitis, which causes liver inflammation, chronic disease and liver cancer.

  • The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2023 is 'We are not waiting'.

  • On July 28, World Hepatitis Day urges people around the world to take immediate action because hepatitis cannot wait.

  • Its ultimate goal is to bring about a real change in policies, practices and public perception about hepatitis.

History of World Hepatitis Day

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a campaign to make the world free of hepatitis.

  • The World Hepatitis Alliance was established in 2007.

  • The first community-organised World Hepatitis Day was observed in 2008.

  • The date of 28 July was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg.

  • Dr. Baruch Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967.