International Anti-Corruption Day observed on December 9, aims to spread awareness about the corruption practices. Introduced by the United Nations, this day is focused on highlighting the need for collective action from governments and private sectors to eliminate corruption.
The Anti-corruption treaty was signed by 140 countries and brought into force on December 14, 2005 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in October 2003.
Over the years, the day gained importance due to increasing need of spreading awareness about the issue and sharing anti-corruption policies in order to strengthen international cooperation.
International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 theme is 'Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity.'
Dec 08, 2024
UNGA Declares December 21 as World Meditation Day
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day, co-sponsored by India and supported by countries like Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. This resolution emphasises meditation's role in achieving comprehensive well-being, inner peace, and coping with modern challenges such as stress and anxiety.
December 21, marking the Winter Solstice, is considered an auspicious time in Indian tradition for reflection and spiritual growth. It complements the International Day of Yoga observed on June 21 (Summer Solstice), highlighting India's decade-long leadership in promoting wellness practices globally.
Dec 07, 2024
International Civil Aviation Day
International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is celebrated worldwide on December 7 every year. The day honours the Wright brothers' first powered flight and serves as a reminder of how far humanity has come in fostering cross-cultural understanding, advancing economies, and pushing the envelope of human potential.
The first celebration of International Civil Aviation Day was in the year 1994. It was established in the year 1994 as part of ICAO's 50th-anniversary in Chicago. The day is celebrated to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which established rules for aircraft registration, airspace, safety, sustainability and security. In 1996 the United Nations General Assembly officially recognised December 7 as the International Civil Aviation Day in the UN system.
The theme for International Civil Aviation Day 2024 is 'Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years,' as per the United Nations website.
Armed Forces Flag Day
The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on December 7 in India to honour the brave soldiers, veterans, and martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a day of gratitude, respect, and support for the armed forces personnel who selflessly serve the nation. The day also involves raising funds for the welfare of armed forces personnel and their families.
The decision to commemorate an Armed Forces Flag Day dates back to August 28, 1949, by a committee appointed under the then Defence Minister of India.
Dec 06, 2024
All India Civil Defence and Home Guards Day
All India Civil Defence and Home Guards Day, observed annually on December 6, honours the commitment and contribution of the Home Guards and Civil Defence organisations. This day also marks the formation of the Home Guard force, which was first established in the Bombay Province on December 6, 1946, as a voluntary citizen force to assist the police in maintaining law and order. Over the years, this force evolved into a key auxiliary unit supporting the nation during crises, natural disasters, and emergencies.
The concept of Home Guards was initiated during pre-independence India, with the aim of creating a voluntary force to assist the police in maintaining public order during civil disturbances and communal riots. The Bombay Province became the first to raise the force, and this model was later adopted by several other states.
Mahaparinirvan Diwas
Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed annually on December 6 to commemorate the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Ambedkar, a revered leader, thinker, and reformer, dedicated his life to championing equality and eradicating caste-based discrimination.
B.R. Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, dedicated his life to uplifting marginalized communities, especially Dalits, women, and labourers, who faced systemic social discrimination. A visionary reformer and tireless advocate of equality, Ambedkar recognized that caste oppression was fracturing the nation and sought transformative measures to address these deep-rooted injustices.
Dec 05, 2024
World Soil Day
World Soil Day is celebrated annually on December 5 to highlight the importance of healthy soil. The day serves as a reminder of the critical role soils play in our ecosystem and the need to protect and conserve this invaluable resource for future generations.
The day was first recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences in 2002, which was supported by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United States (FAO). The day was then established under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership.
Later in 2013, the FAO Conference endorsed the day and urged that World Soil Day be formally adopted at the 68th United Nations General Assembly. The UNGA designated December 5, 2014, as the first World Soil Day.
Every year, World Soil Day is given a special theme that focuses on a particular aspect of soil health and protection. The theme for World Soil Day 2024 is 'Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage.' It emphasises the need for accurate soil data and information to support sustainable soil management.
International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day, commonly known as IVD, is celebrated on December 5 every year.
In December 1985, the United Nations General Assembly first approved and started the celebration of International Volunteer Day every year on December 5. This day celebration helps many volunteers to get mobilised and work in association with the partners and government organisations to set a framework for the program to promote and carry on domestic volunteerism in all the nations.