1. International Day of Biodiversity - 22 May 2024
Tags: Important Days
Every year on May 22, the International Day for Biodiversity is observed.
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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.
2. 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.
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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.
3. 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.
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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.
4. 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.
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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.
5. 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.
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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.
6. 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.
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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.
7. 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.
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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).
8. 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.
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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
9. 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.
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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.
10. 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.
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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.
