1. World Accreditation Day - 9 June 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Accreditation Day is a day celebrated annually on 9th June.
An Overview of the News
It is a global initiative established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
2024 Theme: "Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future."
Objective: To raise awareness of the value and importance of recognition.
Promotes the quality, safety and reliability of products, services and systems.
Lowers trade barriers and promotes innovation.
The ILAC/IAF mutual recognition arrangement enhances supply chain efficiency.
Accreditation confirms that conformity assessment bodies (CABs) meet standards.
CABs provide services such as testing, inspection and certification.
History of World Accreditation Day:
World Accreditation Day (WAD) was established in 2008 by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
WAD aims to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation in ensuring quality, safety and reliability.
It is observed annually on 9 June, which marks the anniversary of the signing of the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in 1994.
ILAC is an agreement between MRA accreditation bodies that enables mutual recognition of accreditation across countries.
ILAC facilitates international trade by fostering trust and confidence in MRA conformity assessment results.
The WAD serves as a forum for activities and initiatives to increase public understanding of recognition.
2. World Oceans Day - 8 June 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Oceans Day is celebrated annually on 8 June. It serves as a global reminder of the important role the oceans play in sustaining life on Earth.
An Overview of the News
Recognized by the United Nations, it promotes ocean awareness and encourages action to protect the marine environment.
This year's World Oceans Day 2024 theme, "Awaken New Depths,"underscores the critical need to preserve marine ecosystems as we recognize our profound dependency on the ocean and the imperative for urgent action.
Actions include supporting marine conservation, promoting responsible fishing practices, reducing marine pollution, and advocating for the protection of marine habitats and species.
History of World Oceans Day:
It was proposed by the ICOD of Canada and the OIC in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Its purpose was to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean to the planet and humanity.
It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008.
It supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes public interest in ocean conservation and sustainable resource management.
Some important facts about ocean
There are a total of five oceans on Earth. The Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean), Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean), Indian Ocean (Indian Ocean), Arctic Ocean (Arctic Ocean) and Antarctic Ocean or Southern Ocean (Antarctic Ocean).
The Pacific is the largest and deepest ocean. Its depth on the Mariana Trench is 11,033 metres i.e. about 11 kilometres.
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest ocean.
The water of the Atlantic Ocean is the saltiest. Its water has a salinity of 3.7 percent.
The world's saltiest sea (Red Sea) and warmest ocean (Persian Gulf) are located in the Indian Ocean.
The Arctic Ocean is the ocean with the least salt.
3. World Milk Day - 1 June 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Milk Day is observed annually on 1 June and was created by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) in 2001.
An Overview of the News
World Milk Day aims to promote the consumption and benefits of milk around the world.
The day aims to raise awareness and support initiatives related to the dairy industry.
The central theme of World Milk Day 2024 revolves around "celebrating the vital role dairy plays in delivering quality nutrition to nourish the world."
The theme for World Milk Day 2023 is "Showcasing how dairy is reducing its environmental footprint, while also providing nutritious foods and livelihoods."
The theme highlights the dairy industry's efforts to reduce environmental impact and its contribution to nutrition and livelihoods.
Dairy products are consumed by more than six billion people worldwide.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
Establishment - 16 October 1945
Headquarters - Rome, Italy
Director General - Qu Dongyu
4. International Day of Potato - 30 May
Tags: Important Days
The first-ever International Day of Potato was celebrated worldwide on May 30, 2024.
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Its aim is to highlight the nutritional, economic, environmental, and cultural significance of the potato, which ranks as the third most consumed food crop globally.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) facilitates the annual observance.
Theme:
The theme for the inaugural International Day of Potato 2024 is "Harvesting diversity, feeding hope."
Background:
On December 8, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/78/123, designating May 30 of each year as the International Day of Potato.
The initiative was driven by Peru, which proposed its adoption to the UNGA. This proposal was based on an FAO Conference Resolution from July 2023.
About FAO:
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads global efforts to combat hunger.
Established:- 1945
Director-General:- Qu Dongyu
Headquarters:- Rome, Italy
5. World Vape Day (WVD) - 30 May
Tags: Important Days
World Vape Day (WVD) is observed globally on 30th May each year.
An Overview of the News
The purpose of WVD is to raise awareness about alternatives to tobacco products and to emphasize the safety of e-cigarettes and vaping as harm reduction tools for smokers.
The theme for World Vape Day 2024 is "Misperception Epidemic".
WVD is observed a day before "World No Tobacco Day" on 31st May, proclaimed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol (vapour) created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette).
Significance of World Vape Day (WVD) 2024:
Misinformation: Highlights how misinformation is preventing smokers from switching to safer alternatives.
Empowerment: Empowers individuals with evidence-based knowledge.
Discussions: Encourages discussions about how vaping can contribute to a smoke-free world.
Background of WVD:
Initiation: Initiated by the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA).
Advocacy: WVA amplifies the voices of passionate vapers globally, empowering them to make a difference in their communities.
Funding: WVA was first launched as an independent 501(c)(3) organization and is now partially funded by the Consumer Choice Center, a consumer advocacy group.
6. International Day of Action for Women's Health - 28th May
Tags: Important Days
Annually recognized worldwide on May 28, the International Day of Action for Women's Health aims to promote women's health and well-being globally.
An Overview of the News
Its primary focus lies in advocating for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for women across the globe.
The day serves as a platform to raise awareness and mobilize action to address the diverse health needs of women worldwide.
It emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare services and rights pertaining to sexual and reproductive health for women everywhere.
Theme of 2024:
Theme: "Mobilising in Critical Times of Threats and Opportunities".
Aimed at ensuring women's health and well-being globally, particularly in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
Background of International Day of Action for Women's Health
Proposed during the 1987 International Women's Health Meeting in Costa Rica.
Latin American and Caribbean Women's Health Network (LACWHN) suggested the observance.
LACWHN spearheaded and coordinated regional activities.
Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) led global campaign efforts.
About WGNRR:
Executive Director:- Debanjana Choudhuri.
Headquarters:- Manila, Philippines.
Established:- 1984
7. World Hunger Day - 28th May
Tags: Important Days
World Hunger Day is annually observed on 28th May worldwide.
An Overview of the News
Its primary objective is to raise awareness about the plight of millions lacking access to adequate food.
Aims:
Unite the global community to advocate for those experiencing hunger.
Work towards the eradication of world hunger.
2024 Campaign Theme:
"Thriving Mothers. Thriving World."
Background of World Hunger Day :
Founded by The Hunger Project United Kingdom (UK) in 2011.
The Hunger Project (THP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending global hunger sustainably.
About The Hunger Project (THP):
Chairman:- Sherry S. Stromberg
Headquarters:- New York, USA
Founded;- 1977
8. Indian Commonwealth Day - 24 May 2024
Tags: Important Days
Commonwealth Day, formerly known as Empire Day, is annually observed by people across the Commonwealth.
An Overview of the News
The date of observance varies among Commonwealth nations. Majority of Commonwealth nations observe it on the 2nd Monday of March. However, India and certain other nations observe it on 24th May.
In 2024:
Indian Commonwealth Day was observed on 24th May 2024.
Commonwealth Day was observed on 11th March 2024.
Significance and Themes:
Commonwealth Day honors shared values such as democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
The theme for Commonwealth Day 2024 is 'One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth'.
This theme is also adopted for the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled in Samoa from 21-26 October 2024.
Head of the Commonwealth:
The British monarch is considered the symbolic head of the Commonwealth of Nations.
His Majesty King Charles III is the current Head of the Commonwealth.
Historical Background:
Commonwealth Day was initially celebrated as Empire Day on 24 May 1902, in honor of Queen Victoria following her demise in 1901.
It was officially recognized as an annual event in 1916.
The choice of 24 May coincides with the birth anniversary of Queen Victoria on 24 May 1819.
In 1958, the then-Prime Minister (PM) of the United Kingdom (UK), Harold Macmillan, rebranded Empire Day as British Commonwealth Day, which later in 1966 became known as Commonwealth Day.
Date Changes:
The date of observance of Commonwealth Day was changed multiple times:
Initially on June 10 and later, it was changed to the second Monday of March in 1977.
Since then, Commonwealth Day has been celebrated on the 2nd Monday in March every year.
9. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula - 23 May 2024
Tags: Important Days
Every year on May 23rd, the world observes the United Nations International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
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This day aims to raise awareness about obstetric fistula, a severe childbirth injury impacting both mothers and children.
2024 Theme: The theme for the 2024 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is "Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide."
UNGA Resolution:
On 20 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/67/147.
This resolution designated 23 May as the International Day to End Fistula.
First Observation: The first International Day to End Fistula was marked on 23 May 2013.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
UNFPA is the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, established in 1969 as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities.
In 1987, it was renamed the United Nations Population Fund, retaining the UNFPA abbreviation.
Executive Director:- Dr. Natalia Kanem
Headquarters:- New York, United States of America (USA)
10. Nepal marks the 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day Celebrations
Tags: Important Days International News
The 2568th Buddha Jayanti and Lumbini Day was celebrated in Nepal on April 23 and devotees gathered at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to celebrate the occasion.
An Overview of the News
Monks from India, Nepal, and China led ceremonies, chanting hymns and making offerings in the sacred garden of the Maya Devi Temple.
The atmosphere was filled with reverence as devotees participated in rituals to commemorate Buddha Jayanti.
A peace procession was organized in the morning, drawing participants from various social groups including monks, civilians, and school children from different institutions.
The procession aimed to promote peace and harmony, echoing the teachings of Buddha.
International Representation:
Ambassadors from countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, along with representatives from international organizations like BIMSTEC, attended a program held at the Lumbini Conference Hall.
Government's Commitment:
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' affirmed the government's dedication to fostering Buddha's teachings and promoting Lumbini as a global hub for peace and spiritual tourism.
Nepal's government is actively engaged in initiatives to develop Lumbini as a prominent religious destination, aiming to attract millions of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists worldwide.
About Nepal
Capital:- Kathmandu
Currency:- Nepalese Rupee
Official language:- Nepali
President:- Ram Chandra Poudel
Prime Minister:- Pushpa Kamal Dahal
