Every year on December 18, the world marks International Migrants Day, a day set aside to recognize the important contribution of migrants while highlighting the challenges they face.
In 1997, Filipino and other Asian migrant organizations began celebrating and promoting December 18 as the International Day of Solidarity with Migrants. This date was chosen because it was on December 18, 1990 that the UN adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
Building on this initiative, December 18 with support from Migrant Rights International and the Steering Committee for the Global Campaign for Ratification of the International Convention on Migrants' Rights and many other organizations – began late 1999 campaigning online for the official UN designation of an International Migrant's Day, which was finally proclaimed on December 4, 2000.
The United Nations proclamation of the International Migrants Day is an important step, offering a rallying point for all those concerned with the protection of migrants. The UN invited all UN member states, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to observe this day by disseminating information on human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, sharing experiences, and undertaking action to ensure the protection of migrants.
Dec 16, 2022
Vijay Diwas
Vijay Diwas is celebrated in India on December 16 to mark the decisive victory over Pakistan in 1971 which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and in the liberation of East Pakistan.
On December 3, the Indo-Pakistan war began in 1971 and lasted for 13 days. Officially, the war ended on December 16 and Pakistan surrendered to India. The thirteen-day war resulted in the complete surrender of Pakistani forces and the creation of Bangladesh. The army of Pakistan surrendered before India with around 93,000 soldiers. It was the "Greatest Ever Victory" and India rose as a regional power to reckon with.
Dec 14, 2022
National Energy Conservation Day
India celebrates National Energy Conservation Day on December 14. The day is dedicated to advocating initiatives to conserve energy resources and raising public awareness of global warming and climate change. The need for energy resources is expanding along with the world's population.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), established under the Union Ministry of Power, has been organising the National Energy Conservation Day since 1991. BEE aids in the creation and execution of strategies and programmes to reduce excessive energy usage. In 2001, the committee also signed "The Energy Conservation Act."
The BEE recognizes and encourages endeavours of industries in reducing energy consumption by felicitating them with National Energy Conservation Awards.
These Awards are given by eminent dignitaries of the Government of India to the Industries, Buildings, Transport and Institutions sectors along with Energy Efficient Manufacturers to recognise innovation and achievements made by them in energy conservation.
The awards were given for the first time on 14th December, 1991.
Dec 13, 2022
Khattar Announces Lord Parshuram Jayanti as Gazetted Holiday in Haryana
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar declared Lord Parshuram Jayanti as a gazetted holiday in the state.
Khattar made the announcement while speaking at the 'Lord Parshuram Mahakumbh', a state-level event held in Karnal to commemorate the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Parshuram Jayanti is celebrated on 'Akshaya Tritiya' every year. According to the Hindu calendar, the Lord Parshuram's birthday falls on the 'tritiya' (third day) of 'shukla paksha' in the month of 'Vaisakh', which occurs in April or May.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister made several other announcements, including naming the Kaithal Medical College after Lord Parshuram.
Dec 12, 2022
International Day of Neutrality
International Day of Neutrality is commemorated on December 12. It is a day when people look at the possibility of a world free of armed and other types of conflicts. The day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. Its focus was on advocating and campaigning for intra-state peaceful relations. Switzerland serves as the perfect example of neutrality.
On February 2, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly decided to establish without a vote resolution 71/275, December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality proposed by Turkmenistan. The country has been recognized by the United Nations as a permanently neutral state since December 1995.
The International Day of Neutrality is a reminder of how important neutrality truly is, especially for humanitarian reasons. During armed conflicts, it is neutrality that NGOs and other humanitarian agencies are able to care for casualties in a proper way. The day is also a reminder to strive towards peace. It asks people to aim for a world where there is no conflict and how the world by putting their efforts together can achieve this.
Universal Health Coverage Day
Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated annually on December 12 and is promoted by the World Health Organization.
Universal Health Coverage Day is marked to promote the importance of building robust, resilient, world-class healthcare systems globally.
On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution encouraging nations to advance efforts toward universal healthcare (UHC). Everyone irrespective of where they belong should have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, which is a key goal for global development.
The United Nations declared December 12h as International Universal Health Coverage Day in 2017.
According to the UN, this year's (2022) theme, "Build the world we want: A healthy future for all," emphasises the importance of equity, trust, healthy surroundings, investments, and accountability in order to build strong health systems.