December 5 is marked as World Soil Day to raise global awareness about healthy soil thereby shedding light on the efficient way to sustainably manage soil resources. In modern times, soil degradation has become a massive problem that's associated with global climate change and the decline in the condition of the soil.
The United Nations observes World Soil Day every year on December 5 in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems by addressing challenges posed by soil management. In 2022 the theme for the observance of this day was 'Soils: where food begins.' The proposal for an international day to celebrate soil dates back to 2002 and was initiated by the International Union of Soil Sciences. However, the UN general assembly adopted the proposal officially almost a decade later and in 2014, the first official world soil day was observed.
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development is observed on December 5. The day is also referred to as International Volunteer Day (IVD) to recognise and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. The international observance was mandated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1985. The day commemorates 80 countries in the world.
The General Assembly invited governments to observe the day as the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development under resolution 40/212 on December 5. It was a result of their resolution from December 17, 1985, that guided all government, civil society organizations, and communities to work together with volunteers all around the world to celebrate the day. The Assembly also urged to take measures to heighten awareness of the important contribution of volunteer service.
The theme for International Volunteer Day 2022 was 'solidarity through volunteering'.
Dec 04, 2022
Indian Navy Day
Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 every year to recognize the achievements and role of the Indian Navy to the country. December 4 was chosen as on that day in 1971, during Operation Trident, the Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels including PNS Khaibar, killing hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel. On this day, those killed in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 are also remembered.
The Indian Navy is a well balanced three-dimensional force, capable of operating above, on and under the surface of the oceans and safeguard our national interests. Its objective is also to improve its circumstances in the Indian Ocean Zone.
Dec 03, 2022
World Day of the Handicapped or International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Every year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is marked on December 3. The day is observed to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities at every level of society and development. Additionally, it also aims to raise awareness of the situations of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The annual observance of this day began in 1992 after it was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
The theme for IDPD 2022 was "Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world."
Dec 02, 2022
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2 to highlight the importance of eradicating contemporary forms of slavery including trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, child labour, forced marriage, etc.
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 2. The Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others was passed by the Assembly on December 2, 1949. Likewise, by resolution 57/195 of December 18, 2002, the Assembly notified 2004 the International Year to memorialise the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition.
The theme of the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2022 was 'Stories of Courage: Resistance to Slavery and Unity against Racism.'
National Pollution Control Day
National Pollution Control Day 2021 is observed annually on December 2 to remember the people who lost lives during 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy. It is also the day to raise awareness about the hazards of air pollution. Sadly nine among ten people across the world do not have access to safe air and consequently face risk of respiratory disorders, lung cancer, brain or kidney damage and heart disease in long run.
World Computer Literacy Day
World Computer Literacy Day is marked on December 2 every year. This day is celebrated to drive digital literacy, specifically among women and children. Although the world is progressing toward an increasingly digital future, certain sections of society still have either limited or no digital access. As much as Computer Literacy Day is about celebrating computers, it is also about advocating for computer literacy in all sections of society.
The day was originally founded by the Indian computer company NIIT to mark its 20th anniversary in 2001. World Computer Literacy Day was first observed and held in the year 2001 on December 2.
Dec 01, 2022
BSF Raising Day
India's first line of Defence, Border Security Force (BSF), celebrates its Raising Day on December 1 every year. BSF was established on December 1, 1965 for ensuring security on the borders of India. BSF plays a crucial role in containing unauthorised entry into or exit from the territory of India and it prevents transborder crimes. It also works towards stopping illegal activities such as smuggling. BSF strives to promote a sense of security in people living in the border areas. When the earthquake occurred in Gujarat on January 26, 2001, BSF was the first one to reach out for helping distressed individuals.
Pakistan attacked Sardar Post, Beria Bet, and Chhar Bet in Kutch on April 9, 1965. So, the Government of India decided to establish a specialised centrally controlled Border Security Force (BSF) which would be trained and armed for battling Pakistan on the international border. After the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries, BSF was formed on December 1, 1965. Khusro Faramurz Rustamji was the first chief and founding father of this force.
This year (2022), BSF celebrated its Raising Day for the first time in Amritsar, Punjab and second time outside Delhi.
World AIDS Day
Each year, December 1 is observed as World AIDS Day in order to raise awareness and to unite people worldwide in the fight against the global health issue of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
World AIDS Day was first designated in August 1988 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, to get some semblance of control over the pandemic that had claimed the lives of so many people. Both James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter were public information officers for the AIDS Global Program of the World Health Organisation.
They conveyed the idea for the observation of this day to the Director of the AIDS Global Program, Dr. Johnathan Mann, who approved it for December 1. Since the 1990s, research and medical practices have made significant improvement for the care of people living with HIV.