1. World Brain Day - 22 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Brain Day (WBD) is observed annually on July 22 to raise awareness about brain health and neurological disorders.
An Overview of the News
The day is led by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) in partnership with its 6 WFN Regional Neurological Societies.
The 11th annual World Brain Day will be observed on July 22, 2024.
Theme for 2024: "Brain Health and Prevention: Protecting Our Future," emphasizing the importance of brain health and preventive measures.
Background:
WBD was established by the WFN in 2014 following a proposal from the Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee (PAAC).
The proposal was announced at the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) Council of Delegates meeting in September 2013 in Vienna, Austria.
The proposal was endorsed by the Board of Trustees in February 2014 as an annual event.
The first WBD was observed on July 22, 2014.
2. World Chess Day - 20 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Chess Day (also known as International Chess Day) is celebrated globally on July 20 each year.
An Overview of the News
The day honors Chess, a game celebrated for its intellectual and cultural significance, and promotes fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect.
The year 2024 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of FIDE (FIDE100).
Historical Background
July 20 marks the founding day of FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs / International Chess Federation), established on July 20, 1924, in Paris, France.
Since 1966, under FIDE's initiative, July 20 has been observed as International Chess Day by chess players worldwide.
On December 12, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/74/22, designating July 20 as World Chess Day each year.
The first UN-recognized World Chess Day was celebrated on July 20, 2020.
3. National Mango Day - 22 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
National Mango Day is observed annually on July 22, which falls on a Monday this year.
An Overview of the News
Mangoes are rich in essential nutrients that boost immunity.
This day is ideal for exploring and tasting various exotic mango varieties.
Mangoes have been part of Indian culture for 5000 years, featured in Indian folklore.
The name "mango" is derived from the Malayan word "manna."
Mangoes are related to cashews and pistachios, sharing the Anacardiaceae family.
In 1987, the National Horticulture Board of India declared July 22 as National Mango Day to honor the fruit's taste and health benefits.
Important Days and Themes in July 2024
International Moon Day (20 July 2024): “Illuminating the Shadows.”
Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July 2024): "Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands."
World Youth Skills Day (15 July 2024): "Youth Skills for Peace and Development."
World Population Day (11 July 2024): "Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone."
World Kiswahili Language Day (7 July 2024): "Kiswahili: Education and Culture of Peace."
International Day of Cooperatives (1st Saturday of July): "Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All."
National Doctors' Day (1 July 2024): "Healing Hands, Caring Hearts."
National Chartered Accountants Day (1 July 2024): "Innovating for a Sustainable Future."
GST Day (1 July 2024): "Sashakt Vyapar Samagra Vikas."
4. National Flag Day - 22 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
India celebrates National Flag Day on 22 July every year. It marks the 78th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Tricolor.
An Overview of the News
The Tricolor was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on July 22, 1947, 23 days before independence.
The flag symbolizes unity, courage, and aspirations.
The day is an opportunity to reaffirm the values of the flag and commit to a stronger, more prosperous India.
It’s a time to reflect on the significance of the Tricolor and its role as a national symbol.
Facts About National Flag Day
Adopted On: July 22, 1947
Also Known As: Tricolor or Tiranga
Inspired By: Swaraj flag designed by Pingali Venkayya
Dimensions: Length to Width Ratio of 3:2
Colors: Saffron, White, and Green
Governed By: The Flag Code of 2002
Constitutional Provision: Article 51-A - Fundamental Duty to respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem
Evolution of the National Flag
Pre-1906: Various flags for different freedom movements
1906: First unofficial flag with three horizontal stripes (green, yellow, red) hoisted in Kolkata
1907: Madame Cama's Berlin Committee Flag with saffron, yellow, and green stripes
1917: Flag with red and green horizontal stripes and Union Jack adopted by Dr. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak
1921: Mahatma Gandhi proposed a flag with a spinning wheel (charkha) on a red, white, and green background
1931: Tri-color flag with charkha adopted by Congress Committee in Karachi
1947: Current Tricolor with Ashoka Chakra adopted by the Constituent Assembly
About Indian Tricolor
Saffron (Kesari): Represents courage and strength; symbolizes bravery and selflessness
White (Shwet): Signifies peace and truth; includes the Ashoka Chakra symbolizing progress
Green (Harit): Represents fertility, growth, and auspiciousness; reflects agricultural and natural heritage
Ashoka Chakra: Navy blue wheel in the center of the white band; symbolizes constant movement and progress
5. International Moon Day - 20 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
International Moon Day is observed annually on 20 July.
An Overview of the News
On December 9, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly recognized a resolution submitted by the Moon Village Association and other groups.
The application was submitted to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to celebrate International Moon Day.
This day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of the first human landing on the surface of the Moon.
Neil Armstrong was the first man to step on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission.
The moon day of 2022 was the first lunar day celebrated by the global community.
The 2024 theme is “Illuminating the Shadows.”
The Moon Village Association (MVA) states that it filed the application with the U.N. to designate July 20 as International Moon Day.
The MVA leads the management of the celebration of International Moon Day.
Important Days and Themes in July 2024
Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July 2024): "Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands."
World Youth Skills Day (15 July 2024): "Youth Skills for Peace and Development."
World Population Day (11 July 2024): "Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone."
World Kiswahili Language Day (7 July 2024): "Kiswahili: Education and Culture of Peace."
International Day of Cooperatives (1st Saturday of July): "Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All."
National Doctors' Day (1 July 2024): "Healing Hands, Caring Hearts."
National Chartered Accountants Day (1 July 2024): "Innovating for a Sustainable Future."
GST Day (1 July 2024): "Sashakt Vyapar Samagra Vikas."
6. Nelson Mandela International Day - 18 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on July 18 to honor Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa.
An Overview of the News
Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president on May 10, 1994, and is celebrated as the 'Father of the Nation.'
Theme for 2024:‘Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands.’
Objective: Emphasizes collective responsibility in addressing poverty and inequality.
Background of Nelson Mandela
Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for his fight against the apartheid regime, with 18 of those years spent on Robben Island.
Mandela was released in 1990 and dedicated his efforts to ending racism, leading to his election as president in 1994.
His presidency focused on reconciliation, healing, and promoting equality, uniting South Africa.
History of the Day
Nelson Mandela International Day was established by the United Nations in 2009 to commemorate his life and work.
Thefirst observance of Nelson Mandela International Day took place on July 18, 2010.
7. World Snake Day - 16 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Snake Day is celebrated on July 16 across the world to raise awareness about the diverse species of snakes.
An Overview of the News
Aims to raise awareness about snakes, educate the public, dispel myths, and promote conservation.
Encourages discovery and fascination with the approximately 3,500 snake species.
Snake Diversity:
Around 3,500 snake species exist globally.
Only about 600 species are venomous.
Approximately 200 venomous species pose a significant risk to human life (World Health Organization).
Notable Snake Species:
Smallest Snake: Barbados thread snake, measuring about 4 inches.
Longest Snake: Reticulated python.
Heaviest Snake: Green anaconda.
Distinctive Viper: Atheris hispida (bush viper), with a scaled head resembling mythical dragons.
Social Media Hashtag:
#WorldSnakeDay promotes sharing information and raising awareness about snakes.
National Parks of India:
There are currently 106 national parks in India.
The largest national park in India is the Hemis National Park (Ladakh).
The smallest national park in India is South Button National Park (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
The first national park of India is Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), which was established in 1936.
Cheetah was introduced to Kuno National Park in India for the first time after independence.
The maximum number of tigers in India is located in Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka.
The state of Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of national parks in India, with a total of 11 national parks.
8. World Youth Skills Day: 15 July 2024
Tags: Important Days
Observed annually on 15 July to emphasize the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
An Overview of the News
Theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024:"Youth Skills for Peace and Development."
Established by UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/69/145 on 18 December 2014.
Firstobserved on 15 July 2015.
UNESCO-UNEVOC:
UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training is part of UNESCO's network of education institutes.
It focuses on promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) worldwide.
Headquarters - Bonn, Germany
Head - Friedrich Huebler
9. India Declares 'Constitution Murder Day' to Remember 1975 Emergency
Tags: Important Days
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Government of India, declared June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas (Constitution Murder Day)' to commemorate events during the Emergency of 1975.
An Overview of the News
Starting from 2025, this day will be observed annually to honor those who opposed the abuse of power during that period.
Events of June 25, 1975
On June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared a state of Emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution.
This action was in response to political instability, economic challenges, and a court ruling against the PM's 1971 election.
Impact of the Emergency
The Emergency led to the suspension of constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and press.
Thousands of opposition leaders, activists, and journalists were arrested without due process, fostering an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
The period witnessed gross abuses of power, including forced sterilization programs and slum clearance drives in Delhi.
End of the Emergency
The Emergency officially ended in March 1977 after 21 months, coinciding with general elections.
The elections resulted in a significant defeat for Indira Gandhi's Congress party, marking a pivotal moment in Indian democracy.
10. ICAR’s Foundation and Technology Day Celebration Commences in New Delhi
Tags: Important Days
The two-day-long Foundation and Technology Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) began in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 16 inaugurated the two-day function organised to mark the 96th Foundation Day of ICAR.
ICAR, originally established as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, has led agricultural research since its inception on July 16, 1929.
The inauguration was attended by Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary and Ramnath Thakur.
Engaging the Youth in Agriculture
On the first day, school students were invited to participate and gain knowledge about agriculture and its allied technologies.
The students visited an exhibition that showcased various Agri-innovations and technologies.
This initiative aimed to inspire and educate the younger generation about the advancements and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Key Initiatives and Technological Advancements
Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (Agriculture Research and Education) and DG ICAR, highlighted the Council’s key initiatives such as ‘100 Days 100 Varieties’, ‘100 Days 100 Technologies’, and ‘One Scientist One Product’.
He emphasized recent developments in technologies related to water management, soil health, organic farming, seed technology, and agricultural tools.
These advancements reflect ICAR's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
