General Awareness

DAYS AND EVENTS - June 2023

Jun 2023

Jul 14, 2023

Bastille Day

In France, Bastille Day is commonly known as 'Fête Nationale,' or the National Celebration. However, the English-speaking world has taken to calling it Bastille Day to honour the moment in 1789 when a mob of French revolutionaries charged into Paris' Bastille, a major point in the French Revolution. The first celebration can be traced back to July 14, 1790, exactly one year after the Bastille fell. Since then, it has continued to grow, and large parties are held all over the world.
Bastille Day marks the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille in Paris and, later, the monarchy on July 14, 1789. Originally constructed as a medieval fortress, the Bastille was eventually used as a state prison. Prisoners who were directly sent there under orders of the king would get no trial or right of appeal, at times including political prisoners who spoke against the rules and laws set by the ruling king. Detained citizens awaiting trial were also held at the Bastille. Despite plans to demolish the building in the late 18th century, the Bastille had come to represent the Bourbon monarchy and the harsh acts carried out by them.
During the unrest of 1789, on July 14, a mob approached the Bastille to demand the arms and ammunition stored there, and, when the forces guarding the structure resisted, the attackers captured the prison and released the seven prisoners held there. The taking of the Bastille signaled the beginning of the French Revolution, and it thus became a symbol of the end of the ancient monarchical régime.
The holiday is known as 'Fête Nationale' in France, and officially became a holiday in 1880.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined French President Emmanuel Macron as the guest of honour for the French National Day in Paris, in 2023.

Jul 12, 2023

International Malala Day

International Malala Day is observed on July 12 each year to honour the bravery and activism of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate for girls' education and the youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize. International Malala Day 2023 addressed the 10th anniversary of Malala Yousafzai event. This special day was first celebrated in 2013, marking one year since Malala was attacked by the Taliban. She was shot in the head while returning home from school because she had spoken out in support of girls' right to education.
In 2013, TIME Magazine recognized her as one of the world's most influential people. The following year, she was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. Alongside these prestigious accolades, Malala has also received the United Nations Human Rights Prize and The Liberty Medal.

World Paper Bag Day

World Paper Bag Day is celebrated annually on July 12 to promote the significance of utilizing paper bags instead of plastic. This observance serves as a reminder to prioritize environmentally conscious choices in our everyday lives and encourages individuals and businesses to adopt more sustainable alternatives.
World Paper Bag Day holds great importance in advocating for a greener and cleaner world. Plastic bags, being non-biodegradable, pose a significant threat to our planet.
Paper bags are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable, meaning they can be recycled and easily decomposed without causing harm to the environment.
The origins of paper bags can be traced back to the 19th century when Francis Wolle invented the first paper bag machine in 1852. This groundbreaking invention revolutionized the production of paper bags, leading to their widespread adoption as a packaging solution.
However, in the 20th century, plastic bags gained popularity due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, the environmental consequences of plastic bags became more apparent over time, prompting a renewed interest in paper bags.

International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 12 as International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (SDSs), aiming to raise awareness about the importance of health, and sustainability. The day is intended to raise awareness about the serious environmental, economic, and social impacts of SDS, and to promote action to mitigate their effects.
Recognising that sand and dust storms and their negative impacts at different scales are issues of international concern, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 12 as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (A/RES/77/294).
The United Nations General Assembly, furthermore, stressed the need for cooperation at the global and regional levels, with a view to preventing, managing and mitigating the effects of sand and dust storms through the enhancement of early warning systems and the sharing of climate and weather information to forecast sand and dust storms.
The commemoration follows a resolution adopted by the General Assembly on June 8, 2023.

Jul 11, 2023

National 7-Eleven Day

National 7-Eleven Day also known as Free Slurpee Day is celebrated in the US on July 11 every year. The day marks the establishment of the largest convenience store chain of the US. To celebrate the day, all 7-Eleven stores in the country hand out their largest selling beverage, 'slurpees' to customers for free. The slurpee is a signature frozen carbonated beverage, available in different flavours at 7-Eleven stores.
The convenience store chain was founded in 1927 as an icehouse storefront and was named Tote'm Stores. After Japanese affiliate Ito-Yokado acquired 70 per cent of Tome'm Eleven in 1991, its name was changed to 7-Eleven. The celebration of National 7-Eleven Day started in 2002, when 7-Eleven started distributing their iconic beverage free of cost to celebrate its 75th birthday.

World Population Day

World Population Day is commemorated annually on July 11 to raise awareness and educate individuals about the challenges and consequences associated with global population growth. The observance of World Population Day aims to promote understanding and encourage collective efforts in tackling the impacts of population growth.
The United Nations Development Programme's Governing Council established World Population Day in 1989, inspired by the Day of Five Billion observed on July 11, 1987. In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 45/216, decided to continue celebrating World Population Day to raise awareness about population issues and their interconnection with the environment and development.
The first World Population Day was observed on July 11, 1990, in more than 90 countries. Since then, numerous organizations, institutions, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country offices, in partnership with governments and civil society, have been marking this day to bring attention to population-related concerns.
According to United Nations, the theme for World Population Day 2023 was 'Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities'.

Jul 10, 2023

National Fish Farmers Day

The National Fish Farmers day is observed every year on 10th July to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the country.
This annual event is celebrated to commemorate Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. Alikunhi for their contribution in achieving the successful induced breeding of major carps on July 10, 1957 at Angul in Odisha for the first time in the country. This pioneering work of induced breeding over the years has transformed the growth of aquaculture sector from traditional to intensive aquaculture practices and led to success of modern aquaculture industry.
On this occasion, various activities such as seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions are organized across the country to disseminate knowledge, share experiences, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Experts and professionals from the fisheries sector provide insights into the latest developments, research findings, and emerging trends in aquaculture.
The day is also celebrated as National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) Foundation Day.

Jul 07, 2023

World Kiswahili Language Day

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrates the World Kiswahili Language Day on July 7. In the 1950s the United Nations established the Kiswahili language unit of United Nations Radio, and today Kiswahili is the only African language within the Directorate of the Global Communications at the United Nations. Kiswahili is the first African Language to have this honour. Kiswahili is also known as Swahili language or kiSwahili.
On July 7, 1954, the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) under the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, First President of the United Republic of Tanzania, adopted Kiswahili as a unifying language for independence struggles.
The 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO adopted resolution 41 C/61 that recognised the role the Kiswahili language plays in promoting cultural diversity, creating awareness and fostering dialogue among civilizations and noted the need to promote multilingualism as a core value of the United Nations and an essential factor in harmonious communication between peoples, which promotes unity in diversity and international understanding, tolerance and dialogue.
Resolution 41 C/61 adopted during the 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO on November 23, 2021, proclaimed July 7 of every year as the World Kiswahili Language Day. The annual observance of the World Kiswahili Language Day aims to promote the use of the Kiswahili language as a beacon for unity, peace, and enhanced multiculturalism
The Theme for World Kiswahili Language Day 2023 was 'Unleashing Kiswahili's potential in the digital era'.

Global Forgiveness Day

Global Forgiveness Day is an observance that promotes the act of forgiveness on a global scale. While there isn't a specific date assigned to Global Forgiveness Day, it is typically recognised on July 7 each year.
Global Forgiveness Day was initially started in Canada. Slowly it started gaining popularity across the world, with people celebrating the event. Global Forgiveness Day was founded in 1994 by the CECA (Christian Embassy of Christ's Ambassadors).

World Chocolate Day

Every year on July 7 people across the globe celebrate World Chocolate Day, an occasion that honours one of life's most exquisite indulgences.
Established in 2009, World Chocolate Day commemorates the anniversary of chocolate's introduction to Europe in 1550. Before 1550, chocolate was primarily available in specific countries across South and Central America, such as Mexico. However, foreign explorers desired to bring this special treat to the European continent. In 1519, Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes was presented with a chocolate-based drink called Xocolatl by the Aztec emperor. Cortes brought the beverage back to Europe and added sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to make it sweeter. In the 1800s, solid chocolates became popular. This led to the spread of chocolate's popularity throughout Europe, and it eventually became the beloved treat we know today.
Each year, World Chocolate Day embraces a unique theme that further enhances the celebration. The theme for World Chocolate Day 2023 is 'Discovering the Sweet Secrets of Chocolate'.

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