Current Affairs search results for tag: important-days
By admin: June 27, 2024

1. International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day - 27 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day or World MSME Day is observed across the world on 27 June every year.

An Overview of the News

  • The day highlights the importance of MSMEs and their role as the backbone of the country's economy.

  • The United Nations (UN) reported that MSMEs account for half of global GDP.

  • This year, the theme for MSME Day 2024 is “Leveraging Power and Resilience of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to Accelerate Sustainable Development and Eradicate Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises.”

Opportunities and Goals for Key Stakeholders

  • The 2024 MSME Day provides an opportunity for key stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on supporting MSMEs.

  • Key stakeholders include large corporations, financial institutions, policymakers, and the international community.

  • The focus is on advancing the 2030 Agenda and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

  • Goals include poverty eradication and ensuring decent work for all.

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 2024 Days and Themes

Days

Themes

23 June - International Widows Day

"Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality."

23 June - International Olympic Day 

 'Let's Move and Celebrate'

21 June - International Yoga Day

"Yoga for Self and Society."

21 June - World Hydrographic Day (WHD)

"Hydrographic Information - Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities".

20 June - World Refugee Day

 "Solidarity with Refugees,"

19 June - World Sickle Cell Disease Day

"Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally."

18 June - International Day for Countering Hate Speech

"The Power of Youth for Countering and Addressing Hate Speech".

17 June - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

“United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,”

14 June - World Blood Donor Day

"20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!"

12 June -  World Day Against Child Labour 

"Let's act on our commitments: End Child Labour."

9 June - World Accreditation Day

"Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future."

By admin: June 26, 2024

2. World Drug Day - 26 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on 26 June.

An Overview of the News

  • The purpose of World Drug Day is to promote global efforts to eliminate drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

  • Theme for World Drug Day 2024: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”

  • Message: Highlights the importance of effective drug policies.

  • Key Elements:

    • Grounded in science

    • Based on research

    • Founded on compassion

    • Respectful of human rights

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.

About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

  • NCB is an Indian central law enforcement and intelligence agency.

  • It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

  • It helps in combating drug trafficking as well as use of illegal substances as per the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

  • It coordinates drug-related matters with state governments and other central departments in India.

  • Established:- 1986

By admin: June 26, 2024

3. Manipur Pledges to Combat Drug Menace on International Drug Day

Tags: State News Important Days

The International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking was observed across Manipur.

An Overview of the News

  • Theme:“The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

  • Manipur, bordering Myanmar, has struggled with drug abuse for many years.

  • A pledge to eradicate the drug menace was made during the observance.

State Government and Police Actions:

  • Report by J.J. Thokchom highlights the state government's observance in Imphal.

  • Manipur Police marked the day with a bike rally in Imphal City.

  • The rally was flagged off by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

  • Chief Minister linked the current crisis in Manipur to the BJP-led State Government’s anti-drug campaign.

  • 297 persons involved in drug use have been arrested since the campaign's launch in 2018.

  • Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to continuing the campaign against drugs.

State Narcotics and Affairs of Border Report:

  • 18,664 acres of poppy fields destroyed in the last seven years as part of the anti-drug campaign.

  • Poppy seeds contain opium, which is a key source for many narcotics.

By admin: June 24, 2024

4. International Women's Day in Diplomacy: 24 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

International Women's Day in Diplomacy is observed annually on 24 June.

An Overview of the News

  • 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.

  • The 2nd International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID) was observed on 24 June 2024.

  • The theme for the 2024 IDWID commemorative events was "Women's Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy."

  • According to UN Women's Global Data on Women Political Leaders 2024, women remain significantly underrepresented in global executive positions such as Heads of State, Heads of Government, and Cabinet members.

  • India ranks 171st globally in terms of women's representation in Parliament, with only 6.5%.

  • Finland leads with 63.2%, followed by Nicaragua at 62.5%, and Liechtenstein at 60%.

Background of the day:

  • The International Day of Women in Diplomacy 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.

By admin: June 23, 2024

5. Dhiraj Bommadevara Wins Bronze at Archery World Cup 2024 Stage 3

Tags: Important Days

India's Dhiraj Bommadevara defeated Italy's Mauro Nespoli, a multiple-time Olympic medal winner, to win the bronze in the men's recurve event at the Archery World Cup 2024 stage 3 in Antalya, Turkiye on 23 June.

An Overview of the News

  • The 22-year-old Bommadevara defeated Nespoli 7-3 in the playoff match. 

  • Earlier, Bommadevara lost to the Republic of Korea's Kim Woojin 6-2 in the semi-finals. 

  • Kim Woojin, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in team events, went on to win the final, defeating world championships silver medallist Marcus D'Almeida of Brazil 6-5 in the summit clash.

  • Earlier in the day, Bommadevara clinched the bronze medal in the mixed recurve team event with Bhajan Kaur after defeating the Mexican team of Alejandra Valencia and Matias Grande 5-3 in the playoff.

Women's Recurve Event

  • In the women's recurve event, India's Ankita Bhakat lost the bronze medal match to Alejandra Valencia 7-3 after losing to Yang Xiaolei of the People's Republic of China 6-2 in the semi-finals. 

  • Yang Xiaolei, the top seed, had earlier defeated Indian archery ace Deepika Kumari in the third round.

India's Overall Performance

  • With two bronze medals on Sunday, India concluded the Antalya leg of the World Cup with four medals. 

  • The Indian women's compound team of Aditi Swami, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Parneet Kaur had clinched the gold medal on Saturday, while Priyansh settled for silver in the men's compound individual event.

About Archery World Cup

  • It is an event organized by the World Archery Federation.

  • It started in 2006 and has a unique competition format.

  • Archers compete in four stages held in different countries.

  • The top eight archers in each category (increased from four archers between 2006 and 2009) advance to the Archery World Cup Final.

  • The World Cup has been broadcast live on Eurosport since 2013 and The event is sponsored by Kia and Longines.

By admin: June 23, 2024

6. International Widows Day: 23 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

International Widows Day is observed annually on 23 June.

An Overview of the News

  • The day aims to raise awareness about the challenging circumstances faced by widows, especially poverty.

  • Theme of International Widows Day 2024: "Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality."

  • The theme of International Widows Day 2024 is focused on accelerating the progress towards achieving gender equality

  • This theme highlights the need to address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by widows, and to empower them as agents of change in their communities.

History of International Widows Day:

  • It was established in 2005 by The Loomba Foundation.

  • In 2010, the United Nations officially adopted International Widows Day, increasing its importance globally.

  • The recognition from the United Nations ensures that there is international support for the issues faced by widows and the need to address their challenges.

About United Nations

  • Member countries -193

  • Official Languages - Russian, English, French, Arabic, Chinese and Spanish.

  • Motto - Peace, Dignity and Equality on a Healthy Planet

  • Secretary-General - Antonio Guterres

  • Headquarters - New York, United States

By admin: June 23, 2024

7. United Nations Public Service Day: 23 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated every year on 23 June.

An Overview of the News

  • The day is dedicated to appreciating the importance of public services and the people who work in them.

  • The United Nations established the United Nations Public Service Awards to recognize and reward exceptional public service projects.

  • The award program was updated in 2016 to align with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

  • United Nations Public Service Day reminds us of the value of public service and encourages young people to consider careers in this field.

Objectives of the United Nations Public Service Day

  • Celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community

  • Highlight the contribution of public service in the development process

  • Recognize the work of public servants

  • Encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector

United Nations Public Service Awards

  • The most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service

  • Rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions

  • Promotes more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide

  • Held through an annual competition

  • Promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public service

  • Since 2003, the UN has received an increasing number of submissions from around the world

History of United Nations Public Service Day

  • On 20 December 2002, the General Assembly designated 23 June as United Nations Public Service Day.

  • It aims to recognize the important role of public service in development.

  • The United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA) were created to honor exemplary public service institutions.

  • UNPSA aims to improve government effectiveness and enhance public welfare.

  • Public service refers to the services provided by the government in a specific area.

  • Civil servants work to make a positive difference in people's lives and prioritize the well-being of the community.

  • United Nations Public Service Day and UNPSA promote the importance of public service around the world.

By admin: June 23, 2024

8. International Olympic Day: 23 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

International Olympic Day is celebrated annually on June 23.

An Overview of the News

  • Olympic Day symbolizes the commitment to making the world a better place through the power of sport.

  • It promotes the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

  • The day serves as a reminder of the unifying power of sports, inspiring young athletes and celebrating their achievements.

Theme of 2024

  • The theme for Olympic Day 2024 is 'Let's Move and Celebrate'.

  • This theme aims to inspire people worldwide to engage in daily physical activity and embrace the joy of movement.

History and Significance

  • 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.

  • International Olympic Day was first celebrated in 1948 with 9 participating countries.

  • Over time, the celebration has become a global event, with National Olympic Committees organizing creative events based on the three pillars: Move, Learn and Discover.

Global Participation

  • In 2024, the IOC partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the positive impact of sports on physical and mental health.

  • The 'Let's Move' initiative, launched in 2023, led more than 15 million people to embrace the joy of incorporating 30 minutes of daily physical activity into their lives.

By admin: June 22, 2024

9. World Hydrographic Day (WHD) - 21 June

Tags: Important Days

World Hydrographic Day (WHD) is celebrated globally on 21 June each year to raise awareness about hydrography and its importance in understanding seas and oceans.

An Overview of the News

  • The theme for WHD 2024 is "Hydrographic Information - Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities".

  • The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) leads the annual observance of WHD.

Background of WHD

  • In 2005, the IHO introduced the idea of World Hydrography Day.

  • On 29 November 2005, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/60/30, which endorsed the establishment of "World Hydrography Day" by the IHO, to be celebrated annually on 21 June.

  • The first WHD was officially observed on 21 June 2006.

About IHO

  • Secretary-General:- Dr Mathias Jonas (Germany)

  • Headquarters:- Monaco

June 2024 Days and Themes

Days

Themes

21 June - International Yoga Day

"Yoga for Self and Society."

20 June - World Refugee Day

 "Solidarity with Refugees,"

19 June - World Sickle Cell Disease Day

"Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally."

18 June - International Day for Countering Hate Speech

"The Power of Youth for Countering and Addressing Hate Speech".

17 June - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

“United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,”

14 June - World Blood Donor Day

"20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!"

12 June -  World Day Against Child Labour 

"Let's act on our commitments: End Child Labour."

9 June - World Accreditation Day

"Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future."

By admin: June 21, 2024

10. World Music Day - 21 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is celebrated annually on 21 June.

An Overview of the News

  • The program emphasizes the impact of music and its ability to connect people universally.

  • Musicians from different genres come together to showcase their talents in public areas.

  • World Music Day promotes a vibrant and inclusive environment for people around the world to appreciate music.

  • Last year's World Music Day was celebrated with the theme "Music at the Intersections."

  • The theme aims to explore and appreciate music at an intersectional level, highlighting the diverse influences and connections within music.

History of World Music Day:

  • The concept dates back to 1982, when French Minister of Culture Jacques Lang proposed the idea of a day dedicated to music.

  • An alternative theory suggests that the festival can be traced back to 1976 when Joel Cohen proposed an all-night concert to celebrate the summer solstice.

  • The first World Music Day event took place in Paris in 1982, with over 1,000 musicians performing in different parts of the city.

  • Musicians of all genres and backgrounds took to the streets, parks and concert venues to share their passion for music at the opening ceremony.