World biodiversity day |May 22

One thing is certain: despite all of our technological breakthroughs, humans are utterly reliant on healthy and vibrant environments for our food, nutrition, drugs, clothing, power, safety, and resources.

"Building a shared future for all life" is the theme for 2022. The tagline expresses the notion that biodiversity is the foundation upon which we may rebuild better in the framework of the current United Nations Decade on Restoration, which stresses that biodiversity is the answer to various sustainable development concerns.

Presidents of India|ADF|Fact series

 

Presidents of India

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad - 1952-1962
2. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan -1962-1967
3. Dr. Zakir Hussain - 1967-1969
4. V.V Giri - 1969-1974
5. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed - 1974-1977
6. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy - 1977-1982
7. Giani Zail Singh -1982-1987
8. R. Venkataraman - 1987-1992
9. Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma - 1992-1997
10. K.R Narayanan - 1997-2002
11. A.P.J Abdul Kalam -2002-2007
12. Pratibha Patil - 2007-2012
13. Pranab Mukherjee - 2012-2017
14. Ram Nath Kovind - 2017- till now

Seven sisters of India|ADF|Fact series

 Seven sisters of India

    Jyoti Prasad Saikia then civil servent of Assam quoted the word the land of seven sisters in a radio talk in 1972. Later he published a book regarding the states' similar geographical features, climatic conditions, the interdependency of states, etc.  After that the quoted nickname "seven sisters" became an official name to point out the northeast states of India.

    Even the location of these states is isolated from India. They are connected by a small landmass, Siliguri Corridor. It is also called Chicken's Neck. The population of the states is less when compared to the plain landmass in India. The biodiversity and existence of the forest environments in India are huge, and so it is one of the tourist hubs of India. 

Seven sisters of India

States	Capitals
Arunachal Pradesh	Itanagar
Assam	Dispur
Meghalaya	Shillong
Nagaland	Kohima
Manipur	Imphal
Mizoram	Aizwal
Tripura	Agartala

States and UTs adjacent to sea or ocean in India|ADF|Fact series

 

States and UTs adjacent to sea or ocean

 

States in India:

States	Capitals
Tamil Nadu	Chennai
Kerala	Thiruvananthapuram
Karnataka	Bangalore
Andhra Pradesh	Amaravati
Maharashtra	Mumbai
Goa	Panaji
Odisha	Bhubaneshwar
Gujarat	Gandhinagar
West Bengal	Kolkata

Union Territories in India:

Union Territories        Capitals

Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Port Blair
Lakshadweep	Kavaratti
Puducherry	Puducherry
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu	Daman

World Oceans Day- June 8

 

World Oceans Day- June 8

    Two third of the earth is surrounded by water. In that, 96.5% of the Earth's total water is from the oceans. The oceans produce 50% of oxygen in the atmosphere. It is assumed that by 2030, ocean related industries shall give employment to 40 million people.

    "Ocean is a collection of undiscovered treasures" it is the place of earth's biodiversity. There are still lots of places yet to be discovered beneath the oceans.

    Humans exploit the biodiversity of oceans through pollution. 90% of big fishes are under the threat of being extinct. 50% of coral reefs are destroyed; they are the rain forest of oceans. Varieties of ocean mammals are dependent on coral reefs for their survival and reproduction.

    

    The World Commission on Environment and Development noted the need of voices to support oceans conservation in the year 1987. In 1992 some inter governmental organizations and NGOs started World Oceans day to spread awareness.

    In 2004, the Ocean Project and World Ocean Network launched a movement "Help Make a Difference for our Ocean Planet". It was an online platform to collect petitions all over the world to declare Ocean day as an International day. Finally all the petitions were forwarded to UN General Assembly and in 2008, the UN General Assembly announced June 8 as World Oceans Day.

                      

    The Sustainable Development Goal number 14, instructs the world countries to archive "Conserve and Sustainable use of Oceans, seas, and marine resources" by 2030.

    "The Ocean: Life and Livelihood" is the theme of 2021's World Ocean Day.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression - June 4

 

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression - June 4

    In 1982, Lebanon war was the hot topic everywhere. The aggressive move of Israel let the children of Lebanon and Palestinians suffer. Children are always the victims of war. Their innocent hearts will be filled with terrible emotions and pain due to war. 

    Most violent actions like killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access during war left the children alone as victims.

    This day is to commemorate the sufferings of children all over the world who are victims of mental, physical and emotional trauma due to war. So on 19th August 1982, the UN General Assembly, decided to spread awareness about the rights of children with a protocol of conversation over the rights of child. They announced June 4th as International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.

World Bicycle day - June 3

 World Bicycle day - June 3

    In this rapid world, technology is also rapid ceasing all the physical activities. Everything is on fingers tip; except healthy physic and healthy environment.

    Doctor suggests people to engage with any physical activity like walking, cycling, etc., which may help avoid many physical illness, heart diseases and in turn improve immunity and stamina. So many terrace of urban houses have changed as walking platform.

    One of the sustainable development goal suggests to reduce pollution on the environment. So UN Sustainable Transport Conference is going to deal with environmental friendly transport in 2021 October 16, which will be held at Beijing Chins.

    Bicycles can be affordable for each section of people. It exists in use for more than 2 centuries. Cycling gives lot of physical and mental benefits and also doesn't harm the environment, as it is environment friendly. To spread the importance of bicycle/cycling the UN General Assembly had selected June 3rd as World Bicycle day.

Happy "Global day of parents"|June 1

Global day of parents|June 1

`     For a better behavioral development in children, they should grown up in a harmonious atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. To promote this importance of family UN has declared international year and International day for family.

    In 1983, Economic and Social council, the Commission for Social Development, in its resolution on the Role of the family in the development process, requested the UN General Assembly to spread awareness about family.

    As an initiative, the UN General Assembly in the year 1989 proclaimed 1994 as International year of the Family. In 1993, UN General Assembly decided May 15th as International Day of Families. To honor the parents, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 1 as Global day of parents.

Happy Vesak Day| May 26 2021

Vesak Day-May 26

    Full moon day in May is celebrated as Vesak day. The date of celebration changes every year. Millions of Buddhists celebrate this day.

Reason for the day's celebration

    It is believed that the great human and Buddhist pioneer the great Buddha was born on this day at Lumbini. It is also mentioned as the day when he got enlightened under the Bodhi tree and also the day when Buddha died.

    In the year 1999, UN General Assembly declared this day as Vesak day to show their respect to the contribution of Buddhism for a peaceful society, as it is an ancient religion that was followed by most of the countries all over the world. This day is celebrated at UN headquarters and other offices every year.

"Happy"International Day for Biological Diversity|May 22

 International Day for Biological Diversity-May 22

    The convention of biological diversity came into existence as global initiative in December 29,1993. So UN General Assembly declared December 29 as International Day for Biological Diversity. This day exist as International Day for Biological Diversity till 2000.

    On December 2000, this date was shifted from December 29 to May 22 by the enforcement of UN General Assembly.

    On this day(May 22) in the year 1992, the Earth Summit was held at Rio, which was one of the important conventions regarding biological diversity. To commemorate that summit, May 22nd was chosen as International Day of Biological Diversity by UN General Assembly in the year 2000.

    "We're part of the solution" is the theme of 2021 International Day of Biological Diversity. It is a continuity of 2020's theme "Our solutions are in nature"

What is biological diversity?

    Biological diversity mean varieties of living organisms which include plants, animals, insects, micro organisms etc.. that live on the Earth. It covers both terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems.

Services provided by Biological Diversity

Ecosystem services

• Origin and conservation of water resources

• Contribution to climate stability and Balance of ecosystem

• Pollution absorption

• Nutrient hub

Biological services

• Food and Medical resources

• Variety of ornamental plants

• Diversity in genes, species and ecosystems

Social services

• Research and education

• Cultural values and tourism

Causes for Biological Diversity Loss

Natural causes

• Flood

• Earthquake

• Land slides

• Rivalry among species

• Lack of pollination 

• Diseases 

Man-made causes

• Habitat destruction

• Uncontrolled commercial exploitation

• Hunting and poaching

• Extension Agriculture

• Pollution

• Destruction of coastal areas

Happy "International Tea Day"-May 21

International Tea Day-May 21

    Tea is one of the most important commodity, which takes part in world trade.
    Previously, the countries like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda and Tanzania adopted December 15th as International Tea Day at World Social Fourm in the year 2004. First International Tea Day was celebrated at New Delhi in 2005.
    In 2015, Indian government proposed expending the observation of International Tea Day through UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Finally United Nations General Assembly with the request of FAO declared May 21th as International Tea Day all over the world on December 2019. Thus May 21st is celebrated as International Tea Day.

Interesting Facts on Tea

• Tea was originated in the North-East India, North Myanmar and South-West China.

• China is consuming tea around 5000 year.

• Millions of employees depend on Tea plantation.

• UN had added Tea in Sustainable Development Goals.

• Tea is a popular world trade commodity.

• Tea industry worldwide is having rapid growth.

• Many health benefits is linked with drinking tea.

• It is 2nd most highly consumed drink all over the world after water

Happy "World Bee day" - May 20

 

World Bee day - May 20

    In December 2017, the UN approved the celebration of this day.

 Reason for choosing May 20 

    On this day of 1734, Anton Jansa a Slovenian beekeeper, regarded as 'The Pioneer of Modern Beekeeping' was born. 

    This year the theme of World Bee Day is - "Bee engaged: Let's Build Back Better for Bees"

 Importance of Bees 

    Globally there are more honey bees than other types of bees and pollinating insects, so it is the world’s most important pollinator of food crops. It is estimated that one-third of the food that we consume each day relies on pollination mainly carried out by bees

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day|17 May

 

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day-17 May

        According to UN, The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, a way to bridge the digital divide.

        The theme of WTISD 2021 is "Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times"

History behind the day

 World Information Society day

        Since 1969, May 17 has been celebrated as World Information Society day to commemorate the foundation of International Telecommunication Union (ITU)  and the signings of the first International Telegraph Convention.

World Telecommunication Day

        According to UN, In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day to focus on the importance of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the wide range of issues related to the Information Society raised by World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The General Assembly adopted a resolution in March 2006 stipulating that World Telecommunication Day shall be celebrated every year on 17th May.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

        In November 2006, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on 17th May as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

International Day of Light|May 16

 

International Day of Light-May 16

        The International Day of Light is celebrated on 16th May each year, on the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. This day is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development.

    UNESCO explains that, light plays a central role in our lives. On the most fundamental level, through photosynthesis, light is at the origin of life itself. The study of light has led to promising alternative energy sources, lifesaving medical advances in diagnostics technology and treatments, light-speed internet and many other discoveries that have revolutionized society and shaped our understanding of the universe. These technologies were developed through centuries of fundamental research on the properties of light – starting with Ibn Al-Haytham’s seminal work, Kitab al-Manazir (Book of Optics), published in 1015 and including Einstein’s work at the beginning of the 20th century, which changed the way we think about time and light.

    The International Day of Light celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The celebration will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – building the foundation for peaceful societies.

International day of Living Together in Peace|May 16

International day of Living Together in Peace-May 16

    UN General Assembly declared May 16 as International day of Living Together in Peace. According to UN, Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen, recognize, respect and appreciate others by living in a peaceful and united way. This day encourages all the countries to ensure peace and sustainable development by working along with international communities.

    After the second world war, the United Nations was established to save the future generations from the pain of war. One of its purposes is to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems by promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as race, sex, language or religion.

Important declarations

    In 1997, the UN's General Assembly unanimously declared the year 2000 as the "International Year of Culture of Peace".

    In 1998, it proclaimed the period 2001-2010 as the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World."

Happy International Day of Families| 15 May

 International Day of Families| 15 May

    After 1980's United Nations started to focus its attention on family issues. Economic and Social Council, requested the UN's Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public about the problems and needs of the family, as well as the effective ways of meeting those needs.

    In 1993, the General Assembly decided in a resolution that 15th May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

Theme

"Families and new technology" is the theme for the year 2021.

Happy International Nurses day|May 12

 International Nurses day|May 12

    The International Council for Nurses started to celebrate international nurse day since 1965. In the year 1974, May 12 was chosen to celebrate international nurse day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

    This day is celebrated to spread the awareness and the importance of nurses in the field of medicine and to show our gratitude for their service.

    On this day various events take place around the word to encourage, support and respect the regional nurses by giving various rewards and awards for their remarkable service.

    The theme for the 2021's International Nurse Day is "A Voice to Lead - A vision for future healthcare".

Who is Florence Nightingale?

    Florence Nightingale was a English social reformer and the founder of modern nursing. Her prominent role in the Crimean war made her as an icon of Victorian culture. "The lady with the lamp" quoted her valuable services during the Crimean war.

World Migratory Birds Day|May 8 International Day

 

World Migratory Birds Day,May 8

     According to Wikipedia"In 2006, the United Nations established World Migratory Bird Day to be held on the second weekend of May every year". The event was found by the UN, in  agreement with the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, to raise awareness of the migratory linkages between regions of the globe. World Migratory Bird Day events have been held in 118 nations. 
         

     Each year, the United Nations announces a uniting theme for the events. Theme of 2021 World Migrant Bird Day is "Sing, Fly, Soar – Like a Bird!" It focuses on bird songs and bird fights to inspire the people around the world in protecting migrant birds.

Threats Faced by Migrant Birds

• Habitat loss
• Illegal hunting
• Collision with the man made objects
• Power lines
• Climate changes
• Pollution

What Migrant Birds Do?

     Migrant birds are world travelers. They travel from their home environment to some similar environment to survive the seasonal changes and to breed. They travel over oceans and continents for months.

Importance of Migrant Birds

• Migrant birds act as pest control.

• It helps in dispersal of seeds to maintain biodiversity.

• Some ducks transport fish eggs to new water bodies.

• Their wastes and egg shell act as organic fertilizer.

• They play the role of both prey and predator in the food chain.

World Portuguese Language day|May 5

 

World Portuguese Language day-May 5

    According to the UN, World Portuguese language day was declared in the 40th session of UNESCO's general conference, 2019.

    Initially, May 5th was remembered as Portuguese day, as it was established by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), an inter governmental organization. This helped to unite the Portuguese language people all around the world to celebrate this day as part of their identity.In 2000, CPLP partnered with UNESCO. UNESCO brought the cultural identity of Portuguese into light by declaring May 5 as World Portuguese language Day.

Significant of Portuguese language:

    Portuguese language is one of the most widespread languages in the world. It has more than 250 million speakers all over the world.

How may States and Union Territories in India?

Do you know, how may states and union Territories are there in India? Do you know, in which terms and conditions India has divided its states and union territories? Do you know, who has the major power of control over the states and union territories?

    At present India consists of 28 states and 8 union territories. This number was not same when India got its freedom. For the adminstration purpose, the Indian government has power to split/merge the state(s) or Union Territory(ies) and can change the status of a state or Union territory. Example, Jammu and Kashmir was a State before 2020, but after 2020 it was divided into two union territories as Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

    Before freedom, India had multiple provinces which was mostly ruled by kings and governors appointed by the British and other foreign rulers like Portugal,French etc.,. 

    After freedom, India's landscape was rearranged on the basis of linguistics (languages). The status of being a state or union territory depends on the population, culture significance or historical importance of that territory.

    In states, the major power is held by the elected state government; but in union territories some are under the direct control of center government, for example Andaman and Nicobar islands, and some are under the control of elected government, for example Puducherry. 

    Here we are going to see the list of states and union territories in India.

States in India:

States	Capitals
Tamil Nadu	Chennai
Kerala	Thiruvananthapuram
Karnataka	Bangalore
Andhra Pradesh	Amaravati
Telangana	Hyderabad
Maharashtra	Mumbai
Goa	Panaji
Chhattisgarh	Raipur
Odisha	Bhubaneshwar
Gujarat	Gandhinagar
Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal
Rajasthan	Jaipur
Punjab	Chandigarh
Haryana	Chandigarh
Himachal Pradesh	Shimla
Uttarakhand	Dehradun
Uttar Pradesh	Lucknow
Bihar	Patna
Jharkhand	Ranchi
West Bengal	Kolkata
Sikkim	Gangtok
Assam	Dispur
Meghalaya	Shillong
Arunachal Pradesh	Itanagar
Nagaland	Kohima
Manipur	Imphal
Mizoram	Aizawl
Tripura	Agartala

Union Territories in India:

Union Territories	Capitals
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Port Blair
Lakshadweep	Kavaratti
Puducherry	Puducherry
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu	Daman
Chandigarh	Chandigarh
The Government of NCT of Delhi	Delhi
Jammu & Kashmir	Srinagar-S*, Jammu-W*
Ladakh	Leh