1. 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.
2. 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.
An Overview of the News
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)
3. 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
4. International Day of Biodiversity - 22 May 2024
Tags: Important Days
Every year on May 22, the International Day for Biodiversity is observed.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to increase awareness about the crucial role of the natural world.
It highlights the significance of biodiversity as a primary source of water, food, medicine, clothing, fuel, shelter, and energy for humans.
The day also emphasizes the importance of protecting, respecting, and restoring our biological resources.
Theme for 2024: “Be Part of the Plan”:
The theme emphasizes the need for a collective and coordinated approach to address and reverse biodiversity loss.
It supports the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Foundation of Human Existence:
Biodiversity, coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985, refers to the incredible variety of living organisms on Earth.
It is fundamental to human existence and well-being, encompassing all life forms.
Threats to Biodiversity:
In recent decades, biodiversity has faced numerous threats, including habitat loss, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
These threats are driven by human activities, leading to species extinction and ecosystem degradation worldwide.
Establishment of International Day for Biological Diversity:
The United Nations established the International Day for Biological Diversity to address the pressing issue of biodiversity loss and raise awareness about its importance.
Originally observed on December 29th, it was shifted to May 22nd in 2000 to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
It aims to champion the preservation and sustainable utilization of the diverse array of life on Earth.
Role of the Celebration:
The annual celebration serves as a platform to highlight the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystems' delicate equilibrium.
By emphasizing the importance of united conservation efforts, it motivates individuals, communities, and nations to protect the rich tapestry of life sustaining our planet.
5. National Anti-Terrorism Day - 21 May
Tags: Important Days
Annually commemorated on May 21, National Anti-Terrorism Day in India serves to heighten awareness regarding the perils posed by terrorism.
An Overview of the News
Devoted to emphasizing the significance of solidarity in confronting this widespread threat.
Aimed at fostering a greater understanding of the detrimental effects of terrorism on society and promoting collective action against it.
Background to Anti-Terrorism Day:
Instituted in India on May 21 to commemorate the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber in 1991.
This day was established after the 1991 elections by P.V. Narasimha Rao led Congress government.
Its purpose was to pay tribute to Rajiv Gandhi and educate the public about the consequences of terrorist activities.
National Anti-Terrorism Day was celebrated for the first time on 21 May 1992.
About Rajiv Gandhi:
Sixth Prime Minister of India (1984-1989), taking office at the age of 40 following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi.
Achieved a historic victory in the 1984 elections, with the Congress party securing over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha.
Pioneered the introduction of computers in Indian schools, laying the groundwork for the country's IT prowess.
India-Sri Lanka Peace Accord:
Signed in 1987 between Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Jaywardene to address the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Aimed to end the civil war between Sri Lanka's Tamil minority and Sinhala majority, with the LTTE seeking an independent Tamil state.
The agreement required the LTTE to disarm in exchange for substantial autonomy for Tamil regions, overseen by Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF).
LTTE's refusal to disarm led to clashes with the IPKF, culminating in Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991.
6. International Day of Light - 16 May
Tags: Important Days
The International Day of Light is observed annually on May 16 to recognize the significant role of light in science, culture, art, education, and sustainable development.
An Overview of the News
It also highlights its impact on fields such as medicine, communications, and energy.
2024 Edition: May 16, 2024, marks the 7th edition of UNESCO's International Day of Light.
Significance of May 16
Historical Event: May 16 commemorates the anniversary of the first successful laser operation in 1960 by American physicist and engineer Theodore Harold Maiman.
Background of International Day of Light
UNESCO Resolution: On November 7, 2017, the UNESCO General Conference adopted a resolution (39 C/Resolution 16) officially proclaiming May 16 as the International Day of Light.
Inaugural Observance: The first International Day of Light was observed on May 16, 2018.
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN).
It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UN SDG), a coalition of United Nations agencies and organisations that aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Headquarters:- Paris, France
Director General: Audrey Azoulay
Founded: 16 November 1945in London, United Kingdom
The organisation has -193 members and 11 associate members.
7. National Dengue Day - 16 May
Tags: Important Days
National Dengue Day is observed annually across India on May 16 to raise awareness about Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infectious disease, and to promote preventive measures.
An Overview of the News
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) leads the observance of National Dengue Day.
The 2024 theme for National Dengue Day is "Connect with Community, Control Dengue."
Background of National Dengue Day:
The MoH&FW, Government of India (GoI) observes National Dengue Day on May 16 to initiate pre-monsoon activities and community sensitization.
Anti Dengue Month is observed in July to raise community awareness and encourage keeping homes and surroundings free from mosquito breeding.
Dengue Management in India
Program Management: Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) are managed under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).
Nodal Agency: The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) administers NVBDCP and oversees prevention and control strategies for vector-borne diseases, including Dengue.
Other Diseases Covered: NVBDCP also addresses Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Chikungunya, Kala-azar, and Lymphatic Filariasis.
2023 Dengue Cases: As of November 30, 2023, NCVBDC reported 2,34,427 cases of dengue fever in India.
Related Observances
ASEAN Dengue Day: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) observes June 15th as ASEAN Dengue Day to raise awareness about Dengue.
Conception: The event was conceived in 2010 during the 10th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting in Singapore.
First Launch: Indonesia hosted the inaugural ASEAN Dengue Day in Jakarta in 2011.
WHO Involvement: In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined ASEAN in marking ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15th.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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).
