General Awareness

DAYS AND EVENTS - May 2022

May 2022

Aug 21, 2023

World Senior Citizen Day

World Senior Citizen Day is celebrated on August 21 every year to raise awareness of the contributions of older adults to society. This day is celebrated to recognise the wisdom, knowledge, and accomplishments of older individuals while raising awareness about the issues they face and advocating for their well-being.
The origins of World Senior Citizen Day can be traced back to the efforts of the former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. In 1988, President Reagan issued a proclamation declaring August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day in the United States. The day was intended to honour the senior citizens in the country for their achievements and contributions, while also highlighting the importance of programs and policies that support their well-being.
Over time, the observance of World Senior Citizen Day extended beyond the United States, evolving into a global celebration. People around the world recognize the invaluable role that senior citizens play in society, from preserving cultural heritage to offering guidance to younger generations. This recognition led to the establishment of World Senior Citizen Day as an international observance.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed annually on August 21.
The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was established by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 72/165 of 20 December 2017. The resolution was adopted by consensus, reflecting the strong international commitment to combating terrorism and supporting its victims.
The day was chosen to commemorate the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 21, 2003, which killed 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Aug 20, 2023

Akshay Urja Day

Every year on August 20 India observes Akshay Urja Diwas or Renewable Energy Day. This day makes people aware of the use of natural resources like wind energy, solar energy, and hydropower.
Akshay Urja Diwas was first established in 2004 to support renewable energy development programs in India and promote the usage of natural resources. In 2004, the first event was facilitated by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, where he released a stamp with 12000 children forming a human chain to promote the use of green energy sources.

World Mosquito Day

Every year, World Mosquito Day is celebrated on August 20. This is done to commemorate the contributions of British doctor Sir Ronald Ross who was the first person to discover the connection between malaria and female anopheline mosquitoes.
In 1897, Sir Ronald Ross discovered that mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting malaria. Every year, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine celebrates this day with parties and exhibitions to create awareness about the dangers of mosquitoes and finding ways by which we can protect ourselves from these deadly diseases.

Sadbhavana Diwas

The birth anniversary of India's sixth Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is observed as Sandbhavana Diwas or Harmony Day every year on August 20 in the country. It is dedicated to the cause of encouraging peace, national integration, and communal harmony among all religions in the country. On Harmony Day, several cultural events and contests are organised across states. People take a pledge of working towards establishing peace and harmony in the country.
The day was first observed in 1992, more than a year after Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in a suicide bomb attack in Tamil Nadu's Sriperumbudur.
As a tribute to Raji Gandhi's contribution to promoting communal harmony, national integration and peace, the All India Congress Committee established the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award in 1992. This award is given to people who have done exemplary work in establishing peace in society. The inaugural award was given to the founder of SOS Children's Village of India, Jagan Nath Kaul in 1995.

Aug 19, 2023

World Humanitarian Day

Every year on August 19, World Humanitarian Day is marked to honour humanitarian efforts around the world and to improve human well-being. Over the decades, in times of crisis, the resilience of the human spirit has prompted individuals to extend their support. The United Nations General Assembly marks this occasion each year with the goal of bringing together partners from across the globe. The primary objective is to champion the survival, welfare, and dignity of crisis-affected populations, alongside ensuring the safety and security of those providing assistance.
On August 19, 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian assistance workers. Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, was among those killed. Five years later, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared August 19 to be World Humanitarian Day. This day is marked by the United Nations Office in association with the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
World Humanitarian Day was commemorated for the first time on 19 August 2009.
The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2023, 'No Matter What', encapsulates the steadfast dedication of humanitarians worldwide.

World Photography Day

World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19 every year with the aim to pay homage to photographers who contributed to the fields of photography. The day is observed to encourage people to take up the art.
The inception of this day dates back to 1837 when Frenchmen Joseph Nicephore Niepce and Louis Daguerre invented the 'daguerreotype' which was the world's first-ever photographic process. Two years later on January 9, 1939, the daguerreotype was officially endorsed by the French Academy of Sciences. Seven months later on August 19, 1839, the French government is believed to have purchased the patent for the device. They declared the invention of the daguerreotype as a gift to the world making it freely available to all and the day began to be marked as World Photography Day later on.
The theme for World Photography Day 2023 is 'Landscapes'.

Aug 17, 2023

Indonesia Independence Day

Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country, celebrates its Independence Day every year on August 17. The country announced its independence on August 17, 1945, at the tail end of the Japanese occupation and then fought for four years against the Dutch before their independence was recognized by their former colonial lord.
The Indonesian independence movement officially began in May 1908, commemorated as the "Day of National Awakening". The early 1910s and 1920s saw the establishment of several political parties like the Indonesian National Party (PNI), Sarekat Islam and the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and movements that supported Indonesian independence like Budi Utomo. Though many nationalists at first opted for cooperation with the Dutch to gain limited self-rule through the Volksraad ('People's Council'), the Japanese occupation of the East Indies as it was called brought a stop to that.
On August 17, Indonesian political leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta declared the independence of Indonesia.

Aug 16, 2023

Bennington Battle Day

Bennington Battle Day, observed annually on August 16, stands as a revered state holiday in Vermont. This commemorative day honours the valour and determination displayed by American and Vermont forces during the Revolutionary War's Battle of Bennington in 1777.
The Battle of Bennington held substantial significance, marking a turning point in the Revolutionary War. This pivotal encounter proved instrumental in securing Vermont for the American cause and lifting spirits dampened by a series of British successes. Furthermore, the battle's outcome resulted in the capture of vital supplies crucially needed by the British.
The origins of Bennington Battle Day can be traced back to 1778, when the Vermont General Assembly passed a resolution to memorialize the valorous events of the battle. The inaugural formal celebration of Bennington Battle Day took place in 1780.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

August GK, July GK, June GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26