1. International Mine Awareness Day - 4 April
Tags: Important Days
International Mine Awareness Day is observed every year on 4 April to raise awareness about the danger of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
An Overview of the News
The day was first celebrated in 2006 after it was established by the United Nations General Assembly.
The theme for 2023 International Mine Awareness Day is "Mine Action Can Not Wait".
The theme was chosen by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to draw attention to the urgent need to address long-standing problems caused by explosive mines in countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Explosive mines are a major humanitarian and security issue in these countries, where they have caused thousands of deaths and injuries over several decades.
The "Mine Action Can Not Wait" campaign aims to emphasise the urgency of addressing these problems and encourage action to prevent further damage.
The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) leads the mine action community and plays a key role in achieving the goals of mine action.
The day is significant because it aims to create a world that is free of landmines and explosive remnants of war, thereby ensuring the safety of individuals and communities.
On this day, 12 different departments and offices of the United Nations Secretariat, as well as specialised agencies, funds and programmes, come together to support mine action programs in 30 countries and 3 territories.
About United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
UNMAS is based at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Established - October 1997
Head - Ileen Cohn
2. World Autism Awareness Day 2023
Tags: Important Days
World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on 2 April to raise awareness about autism disorder.
An overview of the news
The purpose of this day is to make people aware of autism and to support those who are struggling with this disorder.
According to the United Nations General Assembly, the day aims to "highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of autistic people so that they can live full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society."
People with autism are very dependent on others. That's why the United Nations has urged people to come together and support autistic people.
World Autism Awareness Day 2023 theme is "Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking".
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological condition that lasts a lifetime in a person.
It usually appears for the first time in infancy.
This condition can develop early in life, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
The exact cause of autism is still unknown.
The term autism spectrum refers to a number of characteristics.
A child who suffers from autism mainly includes social impairment, difficulty in talking, restricted behavior, repetition of behavior and showing a pattern.
Background of the day
At the 76th plenary meeting held on 18 December 2007, the United Nations designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day.
It is celebrated every year since 2008.
3. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Foundation day - 1st April
Tags: Important Days
The Foundation Day of the Reserve Bank of India is celebrated on 1st April every year.
About Reserve Bank of India
RBI was established on April 1, 1935 as per the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
It started functioning from 1 April 1935.
The central office of the Reserve Bank was established in Kolkata which was permanently shifted to Mumbai in the year 1937.
It was nationalized in 1949 and now the government of India is the owner of RBI.
It has the power to regulate Banks under the Banking Regulation Act 1949.
It has the power to regulate the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the RBI act 1934.
RBI is also the regulator of the digital payment system under the Payment and settlement act 2007.
Before independence till 1942 RBI used to issue currency not only for India but also for Myanmar which was then known as Burma. However, it was discontinued after 1947.
Headquarters of RBI: Mumbai
Governor of RBI : Shaktikanta Das
Major functions of RBI
Formulation, implementation and monitoring of monetary policy.
To maintain price stability keeping in view the objective of growth.
Sir Osborne Smith was made the first Governor of RBI.
To lay down broad norms for banking operations.
To protect the interests of the depositors and to provide affordable banking services to the general public.
Administration of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
Issuance and exchange of currency.
Role of merchant bank for central and state governments.
4. Odisha Day or Utkal Day: 1 April
Tags: Important Days
Odisha Day or Utkala Divas is celebrated on 1st April and this day is significant for the people of Odisha as it marks the formation of the state on 1st April, 1936.
An Overview of the News
Odisha has its 88th foundation day on 1st April 2023.
The state celebrates the day with cultural programmes, parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies.
The event provides an opportunity for the people of Odisha to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage and the progress made by the state.
The Jagannath Puri Temple and the Sun Temple at Konark are popular tourist attractions in the state.
About Odisha
Capital- Bhubaneswar
Governor- Ganeshi Lal
Chief Minister- Naveen Patnaik
In 1803, the British East India Company took over Odisha.
In 1827, the Orissa Medical School was established.
In 1876, the formation of the political organisation Utkal Sabha.
In 1936, Odisha became a separate state.
In 1950, the Jagannath Temple Act was passed.
In 2019, Odisha became India's first "open defecation free" state.
5. International Drug Checking Day: 31 March
Tags: Important Days
International Drug Checking Day is an annual event observed on 31 March since 2017 to promote harm reduction initiatives to reduce the risks associated with drug use and educate people about drugs and their effects .
An Overview of the News
The primary purpose of the day is to raise public awareness of the availability of drug testing services and organisations around the world and to emphasise the importance of drug-related harm reduction actions to reduce drug-related risks.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 11.8 million deaths were linked to drug abuse in 2017, and more and more teenagers are falling prey to substance abuse.
International Day of Drug Checking is an effort to collectively reduce drug abuse and create a drug free world.
Drug supply is often linked to organised crime and syndicate networks, for example the Taliban in Afghanistan use opium smuggling to finance their operations.
About World Health Organization
Established- 7 April 1948
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Head- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
6. International Day of Zero Waste - 30 March
Tags: Important Days
The United Nations General Assembly has announced that March 30 will be observed as the International Day of Zero Waste every year from 2023 and the day aims to encourage sustainable consumption and production practices and help achieve the goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. To increase understanding of ways to help waste efforts.
An Overview of the News
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri organised the "Swachhotsav - 2023: Rally for Garbage Free Cities" in New Delhi.
The theme of International Zero Waste Day 2023 – 'Achieving sustainable and environmentally sound practices to reduce and manage waste'.
The United Nations has provided data indicating that approximately 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid wasteis produced each year, of which only 55% is disposed of in management facilities. In addition, an estimated 931 million tons of food is wasted annually, and 14 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems each year.
The International Day of Zero Waste provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the negative effects of waste on the environment, including landfills, pollution and resource depletion.
The proposal to establish an International Day of Zero Waste was co-sponsored by Turkey and 105 other countries, and is part of a series of proposals dealing with waste.
About United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
It is a global organisation focused on protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
It addresses a wide range of environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainable consumption and production.
UNEP works in more than 150 countries and is committed to promoting environmental justice and the rights of marginalised communities.
Some of UNEP's major achievements include the development of the Montreal Protocol, the creation of the Global Environment Facility, and the establishment of the IPCC to assess the science of climate change.
7. World Tuberculosis Day
Tags: Important Days
World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on 24 March to raise awareness about tuberculosis and encourage timely action to combat the global TB epidemic.
An overview of the news
The theme of the year 2023 is - "Yes! We can end TB!".
It aims to urge leaders from around the world to act to stop the TB epidemic.
The theme emphasizes the importance of increased funding, rapid action, multi-sectoral collaboration, rapid adoption of new WHO guidelines, and adoption of innovation to eliminate tuberculosis.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The bacteria generally attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
Tuberculosis infections began increasing in 1985 because of the emergence of HIV.
HIV weakens a person's immune system, so it can't fight the TB germs.
Transmission
Its bacteria spread from person to person through the air.
When people with pulmonary (Lung) TB cough, sneeze or spit, they spread TB germs into the air.
Symptoms of TB
Cough for three or more weeks
Coughing up bloody sputum
Chest pain, pain with breathing and coughing
Weight loss, Fatigue, Fever and Night sweats etc.
Government Initiatives to Combat TB
National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination (2017-2025)
Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY- financial support)
TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign
Universal Immunisation Programme
The government of India aims to have a TB-free India by 2025.
Revised National TB Control Program under National Health Mission
Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 under United Nations SDG target 3.3.
Every year World TB Day is celebrated on 24 March.
TB Burden
Every year one crore people fall ill with TB and 1.5 million people die from TB every year.About half of all people with TB are found in eight countries – Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa.
It is one of the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide.
India accounts for 30 percent of the world's TB cases, the highest in the world, followed by Indonesia and China.
8. World Meteorological Day-2023
Tags: Important Days
World Meteorological Day is observed every year on March 23 to commemorate the formal establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in 1950.
An overview of the news
The day symbolizes how human behavior and the planet's climate are intertwined.
"The day highlights the essential role played by the 'National Meteorological and Hydrological Service' (NMHS) in the safety and well-being of society".
The day highlights past achievements, present progress and future potential from the late 19th century.
The Theme for WMD 2023 is 'The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations.'
This theme emphasizes the effects of climate change and actions to protect the environment for future generations.
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
It was founded in 1873 by the International Meteorological Organization.
Headquarter - Geneva, Switzerland
On March 23, 1950, the World Meteorological Organization became a specialized organization of the United Nations.
This organization uses the latest information on meteorology, climatology, hydrology and related geophysical research to contribute to the safety and welfare of society.
9. World Water Day 2023
Tags: Important Days
World Water day is celebrated every year on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
An overview of the news
A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
The water day celebration started in 1993 after the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 1992.
According to the United Nations, currently, one in four people lack access to safe drinking water.
About 1.4 million people die annually from diseases related to poor water and sanitation.
According to the United Nations "Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, health centers, farms and factories do not have the safe water and toilets they need.
The United Nations 2023 Water Conference is being held from March 22-24 in New York, United States of America.
The theme for World Water Day 2023 is 'Accelerating Change to Solve Water and Sanitation Crises'.
The theme emphasizes the need to take strong action to address the global water crisis.
Background of the day
The resolution to celebrate World Water Day was first adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 22 December 1992, after which March 22 was declared as World Water Day and is celebrated worldwide since then.
Thefirst World Water Day was celebrated in the year 1993.
10. Bihar State foundation day
Tags: State News Important Days
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Bihar on 22nd March, Bihar State Foundation Day.
An overview of the news
This is the 111th Foundation Day of the state.
Bihar Diwas is celebrated every year on 22 March to commemorate the separation of Bihar from Bengal.
The tradition of celebrating Bihar Day was first started in the year 2010 under the guidance of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and since then it is celebrated with great pride.
Theme of 2023 Bihar Diwas is “ Yuva Shakti ki Pragati”.
The day holds immense significance as it provides an opportunity to celebrate therich cultural heritage and history of Bihar.
It is also a time to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the state and plan for its future development.
The state of Bihar was carved out from the Bengal presidency on March 22 in 1912.
