1. International Day of Plant Health - 12 May 2024
Tags: Important Days
The International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) is observed globally on May 12 every year.
An Overview of the News
International Plant Health Day aims to raise awareness of the important role of protecting plant health in addressing hunger, poverty, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and economic growth.
The theme for the 2024 IDPH is "Plant Health, Safe Trade, and Digital Technology."
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads the annual IDPH observance in partnership with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Background of International Day of Plant Health
In March 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution (A/RES/76/256) designating May 12th annually as the International Day of Plant Health.
This declaration underscores the critical role of plant health in fostering sustainable agricultural development to meet the needs of the burgeoning global population by 2050.
The inaugural celebration of the International Day of Plant Health took place on May 12th, 2022, marking the beginning of a concerted effort to raise awareness about the significance of maintaining plant health for global food security.
Key Facts About the FAO
Its Director General is Dr. Qu Dongyu.
Its headquarters is located in Rome, Italy.
Established in 1945, FAO has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture practices worldwide.
2. World Athletics Day - 7th May
Tags: Important Days
World Athletics Day is celebrated globally on May 7th each year with the goal of encouraging youth participation in athletics.
An Overview of the News
The primary objective of this day, spearheaded by World Athletics, is to promote awareness about the advantages of physical activity.
It seeks to inspire young individuals, including schoolchildren, to engage in athletics.
The theme for the 2024 edition of World Athletics Day is the "World Mile Challenge."
Background of World Athletics Day:
Initiative: Introduced by the IAAF (now World Athletics) as "Athletics for a Better World" for social responsibility.
Inception: First observed on 15th May 1996.
Kids' Athletics Day 2024:
Date: Celebrated on 7th May globally.
Objective: Encourage children and young people to engage in sports, particularly athletics.
Importance: Integral part of World Athletics' Kids' Athletics program.
About World Athletics:
Establishment: Founded on 17th July 1912 in Stockholm, Sweden, after the Olympic Games closing ceremony.
President: Sebastian Coe.
Headquarters: Located in Monaco.
3. World Asthma Day (WAD) - 1st Tuesday of May
Tags: Important Days
World Asthma Day is observed annually on the 1st Tuesday of May to raise awareness of Asthma, a prevalent chronic non-communicable disease affecting both children and adults.
An Overview of the News
World Asthma Day (WAD) 2024 was observed on May 7th, 2024.
The annual observance is led by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).
The theme for World Asthma Day (WAD) 2024 is "Asthma Education Empowers."
Background of World Asthma Day:
The first World Asthma Day was observed by GINA in 1998.
It coincided with the first World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona, Spain, which saw participation from over 35 countries.
About GINA:
GINA was launched in 1993 in collaboration with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, United States of America (USA), and WHO.
MD and Chair: Arzu Yorgancioglu (Türkiye).
Headquarters: Wisconsin, United States of America (USA).
4. International Day for Monuments and Sites - 18 April
Tags: Important Days
The International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS), also known as World Heritage Day, is observed across the world on 18 April every year.
An Overview of the News
The purpose of the day is to promote awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage among local communities and individuals globally.
The day encourages people to acknowledge the importance of cultural heritage in shaping their lives, identities, and communities.
The theme for IDMS 2024:
- Theme: "Disasters & Conflicts Through the Lens of the Venice Charter."
History of IDMS:
IDMS was established in 1982 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
The establishment of IDMS was approved by UNESCO during its 22nd General Conference in 1983.
IDMS was first celebrated in 1983 under the auspices of UNESCO.
About ICOMOS:
Non-Governmental Organization: ICOMOS is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of cultural heritage.
Establishment: Established in 1965 after the adoption of the Charter of Venice.
Chairman: Teresa Patricio (Belgium)
Secretary General: Jorn Buisman (Netherlands)
Treasurer General: Cyril von Planta (Austria)
Headquarters: Paris, France
5. World Voice Day - 16 April
Tags: Important Days
World Voice Day (WVD) is a global campaign annually observed on 16 April to celebrate the phenomenon of voice and raise awareness about its significance.
An Overview of the News
The day serves as a platform for recognizing and appreciating the human voice, as well as promoting preventive care measures for maintaining vocal health.
2024 Campaign Theme: "Resonate. Educate. Celebrate!"
The theme for World Voice Day 2024, "Resonate. Educate. Celebrate!" was chosen by the Voice Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).
This theme underscores the importance of various aspects of voice care and rehabilitation, emphasizing resonance, education, and celebration.
Background and Origins
The concept of dedicating a day to celebrate the voice originated in Brazil in 1999, initiated by the Brazilian Society of Laryngology and Voice (SBLV).
A multidisciplinary group, including physicians, speech-language pathologists, and singing voice therapists, established the Brazilian National Voice Day on April 16, 1999.
In 2002, Professor Mario Andrea, a Portuguese laryngologist and then President of the European Laryngological Society, proposed the idea of making the Day a global event.
The celebration officially became known as "World Voice Day" in 2002, with recognition from the AAO-HNS, led by the Speech, Voice, and Swallowing Disorders committee.
6. World Chagas Disease Day observed on 14 April
Tags: Important Days
World Chagas Disease Day (WCDD) is observed annually on April 14 worldwide to raise awareness about Chagas Disease, a neglected tropical disease causing serious heart and digestive issues.
An Overview of the News
The goal of WCDD includes enhancing early detection, expanding diagnostic coverage, and ensuring equitable access to clinical care for Chagas Disease.
The theme for WCDD 2024 is "Tackling Chagas Disease: Detect Early and Care for Life."
In 2019, the 72nd World Health Assembly declared April 14 of each year as World Chagas Disease Day.
The inaugural World Chagas Disease Day was observed on April 14, 2020.
About WHO
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) is Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The headquarters of the WHO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WHO was established on April 7, 1948.
7. National Fire Service Day - 14 to 20 April
Tags: Important Days
Every year on April 14th, India observes National Fire Service Day, while National Fire Service Week extends from April 14th to April 20th.
An Overview of the News
These annual observances aim to honor firefighters who have lost their lives while on duty and to raise awareness about fire safety among the public and students.
The commemoration specifically remembers the martyrs of the Bombay Dock explosion that occurred on April 14th, 1944, at the Victoria Dock in Bombay Port, now known as Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The theme for National Fire Service Day and Week in 2024 is "Ensure Fire Safety, Contribute towards Nation Building."
It's noteworthy that April 14th, 2024, marks the 80th Anniversary of the Bombay Dock explosion.
Background of National Fire Service Day
In 1965, the Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC) convened its 11th meeting.
During this meeting, the SFAC officially designated April 14th of each year as National Fire Service Day.
Additionally, they allocated the week following April 14th as "National Fire Service Week."
These designations were made to commemorate the tragic 1944 Dock Explosion.
1944 Bombay Dock Explosion:
On April 14th, 1944, the ship "SS Fort Stikins" loaded with explosives docked at No. 1 Victoria Dock, Bombay Port.
The explosion resulted in the deaths of approximately 231 individuals and injuries to around 476 people.
Among the casualties were approximately 66 firefighters.
8. Siachen Day - 13 April
Tags: Important Days
Siachen Day is annually observed by the Indian Army on 13 April.
An Overview of the News
It commemorates Operation Meghdoot, initiated on 13 April 1984.
The day pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Indian Army soldiers stationed at the Siachen Glacier.
Location and Significance:
Siachen Glacier, situated in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, forms part of the Union Territory (UT) Ladakh.
It is recognized as the highest and coldest battlefield in the world.
The area symbolizes India's strategic presence and territorial integrity in the region.
Operation Meghdoot:
Operation Meghdoot was a significant military endeavor launched by India.
Objective: Secure control of the entire Siachen Glacier, located in Jammu and Kashmir (now part of northern Ladakh).
It marked India's proactive stance in response to escalating activities by Pakistan in the Ladakh region.
The operation was pivotal in gaining Indian control over the entire Siachen Glacier.
Role of Indian Air Force (IAF):
Integral to Operation Meghdoot was the participation of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Airlifting Troops: IAF helicopters played a crucial role in transporting Indian Army soldiers to the Siachen region.
Support and Logistics: IAF provided essential support and logistics during the operation, facilitating troop deployment and sustenance in the challenging terrain.
9. World Health Day - 7 April 2024
Tags: Important Days
United Nations (UN) World Health Day is an annual global health awareness day.
An Overview of the News
It is celebrated across the globe on the 7th of April to shed light on a specific health issue concerning people globally.
World Health Day celebrations aim to raise awareness about a particular health topic with emphasis on a priority area of concern identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This date marks the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948.
The theme of World Health Day 2024:
The theme of World Health Day 2024 is 'My Health, My Right', which emphasizes individual rights to health.
Launch of Initiative:
NMC and NTF have launched “My Health, My Rights” initiative targeting medical students and professionals.
World Health Organization (WHO):
Director General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Established: 7 April 1948
10. International Conscience Day - 5th April
Tags: Important Days
International Conscience Day is celebrated annually on April 5th to remind individuals to introspect and act according to their conscience.
An Overview of the News
2024 Theme: 'Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.'
Emphasizes fostering global peace, compassion, and moral integrity.
History and Establishment:
Inaugurated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020.
Aimed at encouraging people worldwide to follow their conscience and do what is right.
Fifth Anniversary Celebration (2024):
Marks the fifth year since its establishment.
Signifies dedicated efforts to raise awareness about the importance of individual and collective conscience in creating a fairer, more harmonious, and sustainable world.
