1. World NoTobacco Day - 31 May
Tags: Important Days
World No Tobacco Day is celebrated every year on 31 May with the aim of making people aware about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
An overview of the news
The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2023 is “We need food, not tobacco”.
The World Health Organisation honours governments, organisations and individuals every year for their efforts and contributions to prevent tobacco use.
History of the day
The World No Tobacco Day initiative was adopted by WHO in 1987.
After this, resolution WHA 42.19 was passed in 1988, in which 31 May was issued as 'World No Tobacco Day'.
Recently the Global Burden of Disease has published a study on the number of smokers around the world.
Smokers in India
According to this study, there were around 20 million smokers in the age group of 15-24 in India in 2019. This is the second largest number of tobacco smokers worldwide.
Global scenario
According to this study, the number of smokers increased to 1 billion in 2019.
Tobacco use killed 7 million people.
Among new smokers, 89% had become addicted by the age of 25.
There are 155 million smokers worldwide aged 15-24.
Top 10 countries with the highest number of smokers
The top 10 countries are China, India, Indonesia, USA, Russia, Bangladesh, Japan, Turkey, Vietnam and Philippines.
2. Goa Statehood Day - 30 May
Tags: State News Important Days
Goa Statehood Day is celebrated every year on 30 May.
An Overview of the News
Goa is the smallest state of India in terms of area.
Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa in 1510, ending the rule of Adil Shah of Bijapur.
India regained control of Goa from the Portuguese after 400 years.
This year marks the 36th anniversary of Goa getting statehood.
On 30 May 1987, Goa was declared a separate state from Daman and Diu.
The official language of Goa is Konkani.
About Goa
Capital - Panaji
Chief Minister - Pramod Sawant
Official Sport - Football
Official Animal - Gaur
Governor - P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
3. International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers - 29 May
Tags: Important Days
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed annually on 29 May.
An Overview of the News
- It is a day dedicated to honouring the contribution and sacrifice of United Nations (UN) peacekeepers.
- The day recognizes the efforts of peacekeepers in maintaining peace and security around the world.
- It also serves as a tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving as peacekeepers.
- The theme for the 75th anniversary of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2023 is "Peace begins with me".
- The theme acknowledges the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, both past and present.
History of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
- It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002.
- It aims to honour and remember the brave peacekeepers who lost their lives in the pursuit of global peace.
- May 29, 1948, marks the establishment of the first UN peacekeeping mission.
- On that day, the United Nations Security Council authorised the creation of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
- UNTSO's purpose was to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
- The establishment of UNTSO laid the foundation for subsequent peacekeeping efforts by the United Nations around the world.
United Nations Truce Supervision Organization
Headquarters: Jerusalem
Head: Major General Patrick Gauchat
Established: 29 May 1948
4. World Thyroid Awareness Day - 25 May
Tags: Important Days
World Thyroid Awareness Day is observed every year on 25 May.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to spread awareness about thyroid-related disorders, including their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
It is dedicated to thyroid sufferers and those involved in the study and treatment of thyroid diseases.
World Thyroid Awareness Day aims to educate people about the importance of maintaining a healthy thyroid gland.
The day promotes collaboration among health professionals, organisations and individuals in the field of thyroid diseases.
History of World Thyroid Awareness Day
The day was first proposed in 2007 at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Thyroid Federation International and the meeting decided to celebrate World Thyroid Day on 25 May every year.
In 1965, the European Thyroid Association (ETA) was founded.
The year 2008 was chosen as the first year to celebrate World Thyroid Day.
About Thyroid
Location: The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck below the throat (Adam's Apple).
Function: It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, development, and energy levels.
Hormones: The main hormones produced are T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which control various bodily functions.
Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid produces too few hormones, it causes symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Hyperthyroidism: Excessive thyroid hormone production results in symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
Diagnosis:Medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and imaging are used to diagnose thyroid disorders.
Treatment: Treatment options include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery.
5. World Turtle Day - 23 May
Tags: Important Days
World Turtle Day is an annual celebration held on May 23, founded by American Turtle Rescue (ATR).
An Overview of the News
American Turtle Rescue (ATR) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and welfare of turtles.
The theme for this year's World Turtle Day is 'I Love Turtles', emphasising the critical need to protect these species and their future in the face of shrinking habitats.
The day aims to protect turtles, raise awareness of their disappearing habitats and encourage human action to support their survival.
American Turtle Rescue provides Turtle Day lesson plans and craft projects for classroom teaching.
World Turtle Day was established by ATR on 23 May 2000 and has its 24th anniversary in 2023.
Its founders, Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, established the day with the goal of raising awareness of the challenges faced by turtles.
Important Days and Themes 2023
March 3rd, 2023 - World Wildlife day - Theme: “Partnerships for wildlife conservation”
March 22nd, 2023 - World Water Day - Theme: “Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.”
February 2nd, 2023 - World Wetlands Day - Theme: “It's Time for Wetlands Restoration”
6. Indian Commonwealth Day - 24 May
Tags: Important Days
Commonwealth Day of India is celebrated every year on 24 May.
An Overview of the News
Commonwealth Day is a global celebration that is usually celebrated on 13 March, but India and some other countries celebrate it on 24 May.
The theme for Commonwealth Day 2023 is "Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future".
In 2023, Commonwealth Day aims to promote a sense of shared humanity and solidarity.
The occasion aims to bring together the 2.5 billion citizens of the Commonwealth to recognize their shared values and principles.
Commonwealth Day provides an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the achievements of the 54 Commonwealth countries.
Focus areas include addressing climate change and promoting gender equality.
History of Commonwealth Day:
It was started in 1902 to pay respect after the death of Queen Victoria on January 22, 1901.
The first commemoration of Commonwealth Day took place on May 24, 1902, on the occasion of Queen Victoria's birthday.
In 1916, Commonwealth Day received official recognition as an annual celebration.
In 1958, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan changed the name of the event from Empire Day to Commonwealth Day.
7. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula - 23 May
Tags: Important Days
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed on 23 May.
An Overview of the News
Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal and it develops when a woman experiences obstructed labour for a long time without medical intervention.
Obstetric fistula causes lifelong physical and social problems for women.
Advocacy to increase investment in maternal health care is encouraged.
Access to quality obstetric care is emphasised.
The ultimate goal is elimination of the obstetric fistula.
History of International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was established on May 23, 2013.
It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly and the day aims to raise awareness about obstetric fistula.
It promotes actions for the prevention, treatment and elimination of the condition.
The Campaign to End Fistula was launched in 2003 by UNFPA and its partners.
8. International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May
Tags: Important Days
The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22 May and aims to increase understanding of Earth's diverse ecosystems and encourage conservation.
An Overview of the News
Emphasises the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect and regenerate it.
The theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 is: "Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity".
The United Nations designated 22 May as the International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) to promote understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
Importance of International Day for Biological Diversity:
Demonstrates the important role of biodiversity in sustaining life on earth.
Encompasses plants, animals, microorganisms and ecosystems.
Provides essential services such as pollination, nutrient recycling, water purification and climate regulation.
Have cultural, aesthetic and economic value, support livelihoods and contribute to sustainable progress.
Important Days and Themes 2023
March 3rd, 2023 - World Wildlife day - Theme: “Partnerships for wildlife conservation”
March 22nd, 2023 - World Water Day - Theme: “Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.”
February 2nd, 2023 - World Wetlands Day - Theme: “It's Time for Wetlands Restoration”
9. World Metrology Day - 20 May
Tags: Important Days
World Metrology Day is celebrated annually on 20 May to commemorate the signing of the Meter Convention on 20 May 1875.
An Overview of the News
The theme for World Metrology Day 2023 is "Measurements supporting the global food system".
The Meter Convention established a framework for international cooperation in the science of measurement and its applications in industry, commerce and society.
The purpose of the Meter Convention isto ensure global uniformity in measurement.
The World Metrology Day project is a joint effort of BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures) and OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology).
The website provides resources for participants to locate and encourage countries and metrology organisations to join and participate in this year's event.
10. World Bee Day - 20 May
Tags: Important Days
World Bee Day is held annually on 20 May to raise awareness and recognition of the important role that bees and other pollinators play in our ecosystem.
An Overview of the News
Established by the United Nations, World Bee Day aims to emphasise the importance of bees in maintaining ecosystems and food production.
The celebration encourages efforts to protect bees and their habitats and highlights the importance of pollinators in conserving biodiversity and ensuring global food security.
The theme for World Bee Day 2023 is “Engaging in Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Production,” promoting agricultural methods that prioritise the well-being of pollinators, especially bees.
History of World Bee Day:
The United Nations established World Bee Day in 2017 to raise awareness of the important role played by bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem.
May 20 was chosen as the date for World Bee Day to honour Slovenian beekeeping pioneer and expert Anton Jansa.
The main goal of World Bee Day is to encourage global recognition, mobilisation and cooperation in protecting bees and preserving their important contribution to the environment and food production systems.
United Nations (UN):
It is an intergovernmental organisation.
The objectives of the United Nations include maintaining international peace and security and developing friendly relations between nations.
It serves as a centre for harmonising the actions of the nations.
Establishment - 24 October 1945
Headquarters - New York
Secretary-General - Antonio Guterres
Deputy Secretary General - Amina J. Mohammed
General Assembly President - Csaba Kőrösi
