1. World Humanitarian Day - 19th August 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Humanitarian Day is celebrated every year on 19th August in honor of those who have sacrificed their entire lives in the service of humanity.
An Overview of the News
It's aim is to spread awareness about the need for humanitarian aid around the world.
The day is a campaign by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Humanitarian Partners.
This year's World Humanitarian Day theme, "Act for Humanity," is a call to action.
We must act to protect civilians and humanitarian workers from violence.
We must act against impunity for those responsible for attacks on humanitarian workers and civilians.
#ActForHumanity Campaign 2024:
Address the normalization of attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.
Oppose the culture of impunity linked to violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Mobilize public support to pressure conflict parties and global leaders.
Call for decisive actions to protect civilians and aid workers in conflict zones.
Background:
On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers.
The special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, was also killed in the attack.
In 2008, five years after the attack, the General Assembly passed a resolution to designate 19 August as World Humanitarian Day.
2. World Water Week - 20 to 24 August 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Water Week, a global event organized annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute since 1991, will take place at the Waterfront Congress Center from 20 to 24 August.
An Overview of the News
This non-profit event serves as a platform to address the global water crisis and various related challenges.
It aims to develop solutions to the international water crisis (along with many other problems).
World Water Week 2024 will occur from August 20–24, 2024, in Stockholm, Sweden, and online.
Theme 2024: The conference theme is "Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future," focusing on water cooperation, peace, and security.
Sessions: Topics will include innovation, behavioral change, technology, and governance related to water issues.
Venue: The in-person event will be held at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre, a prominent 14,000 square meter venue on the water’s edge.
History of World Water Week
World Water Week is a recurring global event that has taken place every year since its inception in 1991.
The event is organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), a non-profit organization committed to advocating for sustainable water solutions.
The first World Water Week was held in 1991 in Stockholm, Sweden.
The theme of the opening ceremony was "Water: An Imminent Crisis."
The event brought together water experts and professionals from around the world to discuss and address challenges related to water scarcity and pollution.
Since its inception, World Water Week has been held continuously in Stockholm.
The event serves as an important platform for international stakeholders to engage in discussion, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative efforts to tackle various water-related issues.
3. World Photography Day - 19 August 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Photography Day is celebrated every year on 19 August.
An Overview of the News
The day is an annual, worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science and history of photography.
Photography is one of the most important art forms, it is a means of expressing one's feelings and personal expression by pictures.
The first permanent photograph of an object was taken in year 1826 by the Frenchman Joseph Nicephore Niepce.
Theme 2024 -
This year's theme,"An Entire Day," invites you to capture the diverse aspects of life around the world within a single day.
History of World Photography Day:
World Photography Day celebration started in Franceon January 9, 1839.
At that time a photography process was announced which was called the dagorotype process and this process is today considered to be the world's first photography process.
It was invented by Joseph Nicephore and Louis Douger, who were the native of France.
On August 19, 1839, the French government announced this invention and got its patent.
To remember this forever, 'World Photography Day' is celebrated every year on 19th August.
4. World Organ Donation Day - 13 August 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Organ Donation Day is observed annually on 13 August across the globe.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
It encourages people to become organ donors and promote organ donation to save lives.
The theme/slogan for World Organ Donation Day 2024 is "Be the Reason for Someone's Smile Today!"
History of World Organ Donation Day
The first temporarily successful transplant of a human kidney was performed by Jean Hamburger in Paris in 1953.
A kidney was transplanted from the mother to a 16-year-old child.
However, the first long-term successful kidney transplant was performed in the US in 1954.
This successful transplant was performed by Dr. Joseph Murray.
For this, Dr. Joseph Murray received the "Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine" in the year 1990.
History of Indian Organ Donation Day
Indian Organ Donation Day was originally celebrated on the 27th of November from 2010 to 2022.
The day was initiated by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
In 2023, the date was shifted to August 3rd.
The change commemorates the success of the first deceased heart transplant in India, which took place on August 3rd, 1994.
5. United Nations (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP) - 9 August
Tags: Important Days
United Nations (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP) observed annually on 9 August to promote and protect the rights, cultures, and identities of Indigenous populations globally.
An Overview of the News
Aimsto raise awareness of the specific needs and unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples worldwide.
2024 Highlights:
Theme: "Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact."
Equator Prize: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the winners of the 15th Equator Prize, recognizing 11 Indigenous Peoples and local communities from 8 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Background
In December 1994, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/49/214, declaring the period from 1995 to 2004 as the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People.
As part of this resolution, 9 August of each year during the decade was designated as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
On 22 December 2004, the UNGA adopted resolution A/RES/59/174, proclaiming a second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, running from 1 January 2005 to December 2014.
The first-ever International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was observed on 9 August 1995.
6. Manipur Commemorates Patriots' Day
Tags: Important Days
Manipur observed Patriots' Day on August 13 to honor the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
An Overview of the News
The day was commemorated across various locations within and outside the state, with district administrations also participating on August 13.
State-Level Ceremony
The state-level ceremony was held at Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal.
Manipur Governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led the tributes.
A gun salute was performed by a contingent of Manipur Rifles.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh paid floral tributes at the last rites memorial sites of Yubaraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were executed by the British on August 13, 1891.
About Manipur
Statehood: Became a state in 1972
Capital: Imphal (Executive Branch)
Rajya Sabha: 1 seat
Lok Sabha: 2 seats
Chief Minister: N. Biren Singh
Governor: Lakshman Acharya
7. World Elephant Day - 12 August 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Elephant Day is observed globally on August 12.
An Overview of the News
World Elephant Day aims to raise awareness about critical issues facing elephants, such as habitat loss, illegal ivory trade, and human-elephant conflicts.
The official theme for 2024 is “Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental importance.”
The theme emphasizes the need to preserve natural habitats to ensure elephants' survival.
History of World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day was co-founded on August 12, 2012, by Patricia Sims from Canada and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand.
The foundation was an initiative of HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
Patricia Sims has led World Elephant Day since its inception, building partnerships with 100+ conservation organizations globally.
The day has gained the support of millions worldwide, reflecting a shared commitment to elephant conservation.
Establishment of the World Elephant Society
The World Elephant Society was established in November 2015 as a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(C)(3) public charitable organization.
Its main purpose is to support the annual World Elephant Day campaign.
Patricia Sims serves as the President and Executive Director of the organization.
The Society aims to expand its educational outreach each year as a key part of its mission.
8. World Lion Day: A Tribute to the Majestic Lion
Tags: Important Days
Celebrated on August 10th, World Lion Day was initiated by Big Cat Rescue, a renowned sanctuary dedicated to big cats.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to raise global awareness about the declining lion population and the need for their conservation.
It serves as a reminder of the vital role lions play in maintaining ecological balance and the importance of their protection.
The official theme for World Lion Day 2024 is “Celebrating the King of the Jungle”.
Project Lion: Securing the Future of Asiatic Lions
Announced in 2020, Project Lion focuses on long-term conservation efforts for Asiatic lions, particularly in the Gir Forest.
Key components include habitat improvement, advanced monitoring technologies, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts.
The Gujarat Forest Department plays a vital role in these efforts, ensuring safe habitats and prompt emergency responses.
International Big Cats Alliance: A Global Conservation Effort
Launched in April 2023, the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) unites 97 range countries in the mission to conserve big cats, including lions.
The alliance promotes international cooperation, sharing knowledge and resources to enhance conservation strategies globally.
Advanced Technologies and Initiatives in Lion Conservation
Modern ICT tools like GPS-based tracking, automated sensor grids, night vision, and GIS-based real-time monitoring are integral to lion conservation.
The Greater Gir Concept expands protected habitats beyond Gir National Park, while habitat improvement measures ensure resources for lions.
Enhanced protection mechanisms include the creation of a Wildlife Crime Cell, Task Force, and safety enhancements like covering open wells.
Background of World Lion Day
World Lion Day was founded in 2013 by Big Cat Rescue, the largest accredited lion sanctuary.
Co-founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, who aimed to address the decline of lion populations and their threats.
The Jouberts launched the Big Cat Initiative (B.C.I.) with "National Geographic" in 2009.
In 2013, they combined efforts to protect wild big cats under one unified mission.
9. 82nd Anniversary of Quit India Movement Day
Tags: Important Days
Quit India Movement Day, also known as August Kranti Day, is observed annually on August 8th to commemorate the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942.
An Overview of the News
The day highlights the power of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience in achieving social and political change, emphasizing democracy, freedom, and unity.
August 8, 2024, marks the 82nd anniversary of Quit India Movement Day.
About the Quit India Movement
The Indian National Congress (INC), led by Mahatma Gandhi, officially launched the Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942, during the Bombay session of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC).
The movement aimed for the immediate end of British rule in India and began in earnest on August 9, 1942, following the British arrest of key leaders, including Gandhi.
Key Figures and Events
Aruna Asaf Ali: Known as the Heroine of the 1942 Quit India Movement, she hoisted the Indian National flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay, after the arrest of major leaders. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 and the Bharat Ratna (posthumously) in 1997 for her contributions.
Yusuf Meherally: The phrase 'Quit India' was authored by him. He also coined the iconic slogan "Simon Go Back" during the anti-Simon Commission protests in 1928.
10. National Javelin Day - 7 August 2024
Tags: Important Days
National Javelin Day is observed annually across India on August 7.
An Overview of the News
The day commemorates Neeraj Chopra's gold medal win in the javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
It aims to promote the sport of javelin throw and highlight its importance in athletics.
The 3rd National Javelin Day will be observed on 7th August 2024.
Background of National Javelin Day
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) declared August 7 as National Javelin Day on August 11, 2021.
The first National Javelin Day was celebrated on 7th August 2022.
Significance of August 7th in Olympic History
On August 7, 2021, Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the men's javelin throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a throw of 87.58 meters.
He became the first Asian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in javelin throw.
He is the second Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, following Abhinav Bindra, who secured gold in shooting at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
About Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj secures second place at Doha Diamond League 2024
He won the 2023 Doha Diamond League.
He clinched a gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
He also claimed a gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest, Hungary.
Neeraj Chopra was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in March 2022.
Major medals won by Neeraj Chopra :
2022 Kuortane Games (Gold Medal)
2022 Paavo Nurmi Games (Silver)
2021 Tokyo Olympics (Gold Medal)
2018 Commonwealth Games (Gold Medal)
2017 Asian Athletics Championships (Gold Medal)
2016 South Asian Games (Gold Medal)
Athletics Federation of India (AFI)
Established: 1946
Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
President: Adille J. Sumariwalla
Paris Olympics 2024 Updates
On August 6, 2024, Neeraj Chopra qualified for the men's javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics with a throw of 89.34 meters (Group B) at Stade de France.
Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan also qualified for the javelin final with a throw of 86.59 meters.
The Paris Olympics 2024 are being held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
