1. International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) - 23 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
International Sign Language Day (IDSL) is designated by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated on 23 September yearly.
An Overview of the News
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the important role of sign language in maintaining the human rights of deaf persons.
It provides an opportunity to promote and preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Deaf community.
IDSL 2024 is part of the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), celebrated from 23 to 29 September 2024.
The theme of IDSL 2024:
The theme for IDSL 2024 is “Sign up for Sign Language Rights.”
Historical Background
On 19 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/72/161, which proclaimed 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages.
International Sign Language Day was established in 2018 by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an organization dedicated to advocating for the human rights of the approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide.
The WFD consists of 135 national member federations, and they initiated the concept of this special day.
The day was introduced as a part of a broader celebration known as the International Week of the Deaf.
IDSL 2024 in India
On 23 September 2024, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), organized a celebratory event at Bhim Hall, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (AIC), Janpath, New Delhi.
2. World Rhino Day - 22 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Rhino Day is celebrated every year on 22 September.
An Overview of the News
It is a global initiative whose primary goal is to raise awareness of the significant challenges facing the rhinoceros species around the world.
The day aims to raise awareness about rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae) and the critical need for their conservation.
Species Awareness: The observance focuses on all five species of rhinos:
Black rhino (Africa)
White rhino (Africa)
Greater one-horned rhino (Asia)
Sumatran rhino (Asia)
Javan rhino (Asia)
History of World Rhino Day
The rhinoceros crisis began in Africa in the 1990s due to the large-scale poaching of rhinoceros horns.
By 2010, the crisis became widespread, with only 30,000 rhinos left globally.
In 2010, the World Wildlife Fund - South Africa launched World Rhino Day to address the growing threat of rhinos.
Lisa Jane Campbell's Vision (2011): Lisa Jane Campbell's efforts to protect all five rhinoceros species led to the establishment of World Rhino Day.
The purpose of dedicating a day to the rhinoceros is to promote awareness about the conservation of its five distinct species.
3. World Alzheimer's Day - 21 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Alzheimer's Day is celebrated every year on 21st September by all the countries of the world.
An Overview of the News
The day aims to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
World Alzheimer's Day unites global efforts to address the disease and improve care for those affected.
World Alzheimer's Month
Campaign: This campaign takes place every September under the theme "Timeto act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer's."
Initiation: Launched by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to promote awareness about dementia.
Historical Background
World Alzheimer's Day was inaugurated on September 21, 1994, during ADI's annual conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, celebrating ADI's 10th anniversary.
Collaboration: The first WAD was launched in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Expansion: In 2010, ADI introduced World Alzheimer's Month as a pilot campaign in 12 countries, making it an annual observance from 2011 onwards.
Alzheimer's Disease International
Established: 1984
Headquarters: Located in London, United Kingdom
CEO: Paola Barbarino
4. International Day of Peace - 21 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
The International Day of Peace (IDP) is observed every year on 21 September.
An Overview of the News
The IDP was established by the United Nations (UN) to emphasize the global commitment to peace, non-violence, and conflict resolution.
The theme for the 2024 IDP is "Cultivating a Culture of Peace."
The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.
History of International Peace Day:-
United Nations Resolution 36/67 (1981): The International Day of Peace began with the adoption of United Nations Resolution 36/67 on September 30, 1981.
Selection of the third Tuesday of September: Following a United Nations resolution, it was decided that the International Day of Peace would be celebrated annually on the third Tuesday of September.
Inaugural Ceremony (1982): The first official observance of the International Day of Peace took place on 21 September 1982.
Official designation of September 21 (2001):An important development in the history of this day occurred in 2001 when September 21 was officially established as the International Day of Peace.
5. India Celebrates Haifa Day, Honouring the Heroic Mysore Lancers of 1918
Tags: Important Days
Haifa Day was observed in New Delhi on 23 September to honour the martyrs of the Battle of Haifa.
An Overview of the News
The event was marked by the presence of the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar.
Historical Significance of the Battle of Haifa (1918)
Indian soldiers from the British Indian Army fought the Battle of Haifa during World War I in 1918.
The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Indian soldiers against the Ottoman Empire and German forces.
The bravery of these soldiers has been remembered and celebrated for 106 years on Haifa Day.
Role of Mysore Lancers in the Battle
The Mysore Lancers, soldiers of the Mysore Maharaja, played a crucial role in the Battle of Haifa.
Armed only with lances and swords, they charged against heavily armed Ottoman and German troops.
Their courageous actions secured the city of Haifa and saved over 1,350 enemy troops with minimal casualties.
Rescue of Bahá’í Leader Abdul Baha
A significant aspect of the Lancers’ bravery was rescuing Abdul Baha, the spiritual leader of the Bahá’í faith, from execution.
The operation, led by Col J Desraj Urs and Lt Col Chamaraj Urs, was commissioned by Mysore Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.
The rescue transcended religious and national borders, reinforcing the Bahá’í faith's message of unity, aligned with the Hindu philosophy of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.
6. National Nutrition Week - 1st to 7th September 2024
Tags: Important Days
National Nutrition Week 2024 is an important annual event focused on highlighting the role of nutrition in achieving overall health and well-being.
An Overview of the News
National Nutrition Week is observed from September 1st to 7th each year.
The week aims to educate the public about the benefits of a balanced diet and promote healthier eating habits.
The observance seeks to raise awareness of how nutrition impacts health, celebrate good dietary practices, and support government initiatives for better nutrition across India.
Although the official theme for National Nutrition Week 2024 has not yet been announced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, some organizations are celebrating under the theme "Nutritious Diets for Everyone."
History of National Nutrition Week:
Global Origins: First celebrated in the United States in 1973, initiated by the American Dietetic Association(now Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) to emphasize the importance of good nutrition.
Adoption in India: Introduced in 1982 by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) to educate the public on nutrition and promote healthy eating habits.
Objectives: Focuses on raising awareness about:
The benefits of a balanced diet.
The impact of nutrition on health.
The importance of proper dietary practices.
Activities:Includes educational campaigns, workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs to improve dietary knowledge and habits.
Evolution: The scope has expanded over the years to address emerging nutrition-related challenges and align with global health initiatives, highlighting the vital role of nutrition in public health.
7. National Teachers' Day - 5 September 2024
Tags: Important Days
Teachers' Day is celebrated annually on September 5 in India.
An Overview of the News
It commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned educator and former President of India.
National Awards Ceremony
President Draupadi Murmu presented National Awards to 82 teachers on September 5 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
The Department of School Education and Literacy organizes this event to honor outstanding teachers.
Purpose of the Awards
The National Awards recognize teachers who have significantly contributed to improving school education and enriching students' lives.
It celebrates the dedication and efforts of teachers in enhancing the quality of education.
Historical Context
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, and was the first Vice President and second President of India.
Since 1962, September 5 has been celebrated as Teachers' Day to honor his contributions to education.
World Teacher's Day, recognized by UNESCO, is celebrated on October 5 each year to acknowledge teachers' contributions globally.
8. International Day for People of African Descent - 31st August 2024
Tags: Important Days
The International Day for People of African Descent is observed globally every 31st August.
An Overview of the News
The day honors the significant contributions of the African diaspora worldwide.
It aims to eradicate all forms of discrimination against people of African descent.
31st August 2024 will mark the 4th observance of this day.
Background:
Resolution Adoption: On 16th December 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/75/170, establishing 31 August as the International Day for People of African Descent.
First Observance: The inaugural observance took place on 31 August 2021.
Initiative: The creation of the International Day for People of African Descent was driven by Costa Rica.
9. India’s First National Space Day: August 23, 2024
Tags: Science and Technology Important Days
August 23, 2024 is celebrated as the first National Space Day, marking the historic achievement of the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Moon, which took place on this day in 2023.
An Overview of the News
India became the fourth nation to land a rover on the moon and the first to reach the moon’s southern polar region.
2024 Theme and Celebrations
Theme: “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga” - emphasizing the impact of space exploration on daily life.
Events: Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with live streaming on ISRO’s website and YouTube to engage a national audience.
Mission Background
Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Lander and Rover: The Vikram Lander carried the Pragyaan Rover, which landed near the moon’s southern pole.
National Space Day Declaration
Prime Minister’s Announcement: Narendra Modi declared August 23 as National Space Day to honor this significant achievement.
Government Commitment: Reflects India’s dedication to advancing space science and technology.
10. World Senior Citizens Day - 21st August 2024
Tags: Important Days
World Senior Citizens Day is celebrated every year on 21st August with the aim of honouring the elderly around the world.
An Overview of the News
This day acknowledges the contributions of senior citizens and raises awareness about the global issues they face.
Growing Elderly Population in India:
India's elderly population is rapidly increasing, projected to reach 193.4 million by 2031 (Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections, July 2020).
This marks a significant rise from the 103.8 million senior citizens recorded in the 2011 Census, which constituted 8.6% of the total population.
Importance in India:
The observance of World Senior Citizen Day in India is particularly important due to these demographic shifts, which are reshaping the nation's social landscape.
The growing elderly population underscores the need to address critical issues such as healthcare, economic security, and social integration for older adults.
Government Initiatives:
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to enhance the well-being of senior citizens.
These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population in India.
History of the day :
The United Nations General Assembly had announced to celebrate this day on 14 December 1990.
International Senior Citizens Day was celebrated for the first time on 1 October 1991.
In the US, President Ronald Reagan signed this resolution on 19 August 1988, and on 21 August 1988, International Senior Citizens Day was celebrated for the first time in the United States.
Ronald Reagan was the first person to introduce Senior Citizens Day.
