1. International Day of Parliamentarism - 30 June
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June 30 is recognized as the International Day of Parliamentarism, which commemorates the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1889.
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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.
2. National Statistics Day - 29 June
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National Statistics Day is observed annually on 29 June to honour the contribution of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in statistics and economic planning.
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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
3. World Nature Conservation Day - 28 July
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World Nature Conservation Day is observed globally on 28 July every year.
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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.
4. World Hepatitis Day - 28 July
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World Hepatitis Day is observed globally on 28 July.
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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.
5. World MSME Day - 27 June
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International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day or World MSME Day is observed across the world on 27 June every year.
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The day highlights the importance of MSMEs and their role as the backbone of the country's economy.
The theme of MSME Day 2023 in India is "Future-Ready MSMEs for India@100".
The Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade celebrates the day with the theme "Building a Stronger Future Together".
The Council is launching the #Brand10000MSMEs network, a platform for MSMEs across the globe to connect, learn and grow together.
History of International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day
The United Nations (UN) designated June 27 as Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day and this was done through a resolution passed in the United Nations General Assembly in April 2017.
In May 2017, a program titled 'Enhancing National Capabilities to Unleash the Full Potential of MSMEs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Developing Countries'was launched.
The objective of the program is to support and enhance the capabilities of MSMEs, especially in developing countries, to maximize their contribution to achieving the SDGs.
The program is funded by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sub-fund of the United Nations Peace and Development Fund.
June 2023 Days and Themes
Days | Themes |
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." |
21 June - International Yoga Day | "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" |
21 June - World Music Day | "Music at the Intersections" (2022) |
6. World Drug Day - 26 June
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The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on 26 June.
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World Drug Day aims to promote global efforts to eliminate drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking.
This year's campaign focuses on treating individuals involved in drug use with empathy and respect.
The campaign aims to combat the stigma and discrimination faced by drug users through respectful and non-judgmental language and approach.
The theme for World Drug Day 2023 is "People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention."
The theme emphasizes a people-centred approach to drug policies with a focus on human rights, compassion and evidence-based practices.
Background of World Drug Day
The International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Vienna in 1987 recommended a day to be celebrated annually to commemorate the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
On December 7, 1987, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The objective of this festival is to support the efforts to make the society drug free and to raise awareness about the prevention of drug abuse.
June 26 was chosen as World Drug Day to commemorate the abolition of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong by Lin Zexu on June 25, 1839.
June 2023 Days and Themes
Days | Themes |
24 June - International Day of Women in Diplomacy | "Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development." |
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" |
7. International Day of Women in Diplomacy - 24 June
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International Women's Day in Diplomacy (IDWID) is observed annually on 24 June.
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It is a day to honor and recognize notable women in the field of diplomacy and decision-making globally.
Armenian Ambassador Diana Abgar is credited with being the first female diplomat of the 20th century.
Prominent women such as Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher and Sushma Swaraj have contributed significantly in representing their nations at the international level.
India's Permanent Representative/Ambassador to the United Nations in New York Ruchira Kamboj is carrying forward this legacy.
IDWID celebrates the history and importance of women in diplomacy.
Theme of 2023:
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID) is the inaugural forum organized by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT).
The theme of this year's IDWID is "Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development."
The theme emphasizes the importance of increasing the participation of women in decision-making and diplomatic roles.
The theme aims to draw attention to these issues and highlight their importance in shaping a sustainable future.
Background of the day:
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID) was recently established during the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which took place from September 14, 2021 to September 13, 2022.
A resolution was adopted during the UNGA on 20 June 2022 that recognized the importance of women's contribution to diplomacy and stressed the need for equal participation of women in decision-making, aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In line with the resolution, 24 June was officially designated as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.
8. International Olympic Day-23 June
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International Olympic Day is celebrated every year on 23 June.
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Olympic Day is an annual celebration that promotes sport, health, and unity worldwide.
Olympic Day symbolizes the commitment to making the world a better place through the power of sport.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded on June 23, 1894, at the Sorbonne in Paris, thanks to the efforts of Pierre de Coubertin. This day marks the revival of the Ancient Olympic Games.
The launch of a global movement on June 23rd seeks to encourage people to prioritize physical activity in their lives.
The theme for this year's Olympic Day is 'Let's Move,' which aims to inspire individuals worldwide to prioritize regular physical activity in their daily lives.
Background of the day
The International Olympic Committee was established in Paris on 23 June 1894.
International Olympic Day was first celebrated in 1948.
In 1948, a total of 9 countries celebrated this day in their respective countries.
But with the energy and positivity with which Olympians have inspired millions across the world over time, the celebration has now become a global one.
Despite any discrimination based on age, gender, etc National Olympic Committees across the world organise creative events based on the three pillars 'Move, Learn and Discover'.
9. World Hydrography Day 2023
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World Hydrography Day is an annual celebration held on June 21st to raise awareness about hydrography and its significance.
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The primary objective of hydrography is to measure water depth and identify navigational hazards such as wrecks and rocks.
This is accomplished through various methods, including the use of specialized boats with echo sounders and sonars, laser-equipped survey aircraft, and satellite observations.
Theme of 2023
The theme for World Hydrography Day 2023 is "Hydrography – underpinning the digital twin of the ocean."
This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of hydrography and oceanography in creating a virtual representation of the ocean known as the "digital twin."
Background of the day
It was established by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to highlight the importance of hydrography in marine conservation and safe navigation.
The concept of World Hydrography Day was proposed by the IHO in 2005, and it was officially adopted by the UN General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/60/30 Oceans and the Law of the Sea.
What is Hydrography?
Hydrography also involves the calculation of tides and currents in oceans and seas.
It is considered an applied science that supports navigation safety, economic growth, security and defense, scientific research, and the understanding of ocean physics.
10. World Hydrography Day (WHD) celebrated by Indian Navy Hydrographic Department
Tags: Important Days
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World Hydrography Day (WHD) was observed by the Indian Navy Hydrographic Department on 21 June 2023.
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The theme of this year's WHD was "Hydrography – Underpinning the Digital; Twin of the Ocean" to highlight the evolution of virtual representation.
National Hydrographic Office (NHO) in Dehradun organized WHD celebrations with various activities.
The activities aim to raise awareness of the important role of hydrography in ensuring safe navigation and promoting sustainable maritime development.
NHO associates itself with the national policy of self-reliance and Vasudeva Kutumbhkumam.
NHO:
It conducts hydrographic survey activities in various Indian Ocean Region (IOR) coastal countries.
The department has conducted about 96 overseas cooperation surveys, covering 89,000 sq km of water area, and prepared 38 overseas paper charts and 41 electronic navigation charts for IOR littoral countries.
The NHO produces and regularly updates 333 paper navigational charts, 349 electronic navigation charts and various marine publications for the safety of mariners.
The NHO hosted a number of activities to celebrate WHD, including public outreach events and school visits.
