Current Affairs Aug 2018 - Important Days
1 - National Handloom Day 2018
The National Handloom Day is observed annually on 7th August to honour the handloom weavers in the country and also carter an impetus to India’s handloom industry. 2018 was the fourth edition of the National Handloom Day after it was instituted in 2015.
The celebration of the day seeks to highlight the contribution of handloom to the socioeconomic development of the country and promote handlooms to increase income of weavers and also enhance their pride.
2 - World Biofuel Day
The “World Biofuel Day 2018” event was organized in New Delhi on 10th of August. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released “National Policy on Biofuels 2018”, and launched “Pro Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive and Virtuous Environmental Single Window Hub” [PARIVESH].
World Biofuel Day is observed each year on August 10th with an aim to raise awareness about the significance of non-fossil fuels which can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels.
3 - International Day of The World's Indigenous People observed on 9 August
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on 9th August. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world that account for 15 per cent of the poorest.
The 2018 theme: ‘Indigenous peoples’ migration and movement’ focused on the current situation of indigenous territories, the root causes of migration, trans-border movement and displacement living in urban areas and across international borders.
4 - International Youth Day
The United Nations’ (UN) International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12. The day recognizes the contribution of the world’s youth in enhancing global society. The theme for International Youth Day 2018 is "Safe Spaces for Youth".
The theme for International Youth Day 2018 is Safe Spaces for Youth. The World Programme of Action for Youth, encourages “promoting active involvement of youth in maintaining peace and security".
5 - World Elephant Day 2018 observed on 12th August
World Elephant Day is an international annual event observed every year on 12th August for preservation and protection of the world elephants. The day was officially founded by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation on August 12, 2012.
The day has been aimed at creating awareness of the urgent plight of African and Asian elephants, and share knowledge and positive solutions for the better care and management of captive and wild elephants.
6 - World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on 19th August to pay tribute to workers who risk their lives in humanitarian services and gather support for people affected by crises around the world. The theme of 2018 was "#NotATarget". The theme here brings attention to the millions of civilians affected by armed conflict every day. All people with disabilities, migrants and civilians caught in conflict need to be protected.
On 19 August 2003, a terrorist attack hit the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad. Five years later, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day.
7 - Ministry of Agriculture proposed to UNFAO to declare 2019 as ‘International Year of Millets’
The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh has written to the Director General, United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) and proposed the declaration of 2019 as “International Year of Millets”. Adoption of this proposal by FAO with the support of its Member Nations will enable it to be moved to the UNGA for declaration of an upcoming year as International Year of Millets.
India is celebrating 2018 as the National Year of Millets and is promoting cultivation by amending cropping pattern of areas which are especially susceptible to climate change.
8 - Sanskrit Divas observed on 26th August
Sanskrit Divas is observed every year on 26th August. Special functions are being organised in different parts of the India to mark the day. Sanskrit Diwas was first celebrated in 1969 and comprises various events which talk about importance of art, culture and Sanskrit language.
Delhi witnessed special programmes and different competitions on Sanskrit at Lal Bahadur Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth. A week-long Sanskrit Mahotsav held at the institute was inaugurated by NITI Aayog Member Bibek Debroy and National Organising Secretary of Samskrita Bharati Dinesh Kamat.
9 - August 29th observed as National Sports Day
August 29th was observed as the National Sports Day. The Day is celebrated to mark the birthday of legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand, the hockey player who won gold medals in Olympics for India in the years 1928, 1932 and 1936. He scored over 400 goals in his career, from 1926 to 1948.
The most noted memorials for him is the Major Dhyan Chand Award ,the highest award for lifetime achievement in sports and games in India, and the National Sports Day celebrations on his birthday.
