Current Affairs Dec 2018 - Important Days
1 - 1 December 2018 – World AIDS Day
On 1 December, 2018, the World AIDS day was observed globally to express support for the people living with HIV, and also to commemorate those people who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Theme of this year was “Know Your Status.”
This year was marked as the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day, as the first World AIDS Day was initiated by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988 with the objective of global health campaign.
Likewise, WHO aimed World AIDS Day 2018 to achieve the following objectives −
Urge people to know their HIV infection status through testing, and to access HIV prevention, treatment and care services and
Urge policy-makers to promote a “health for all” agenda for HIV and related health services, such as tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis and non-communicable diseases.
2 - 1 December 2018 - BSF Celebrating 54th Raising Day
On 1 December 2018, the Border Security Force (BSF), the guards of Indian borders with Pakistani and Bangladeshi counterpart celebrated its 54th Raising Day.
Vice President as well as Home Minister have greeted all personnel of Border Security Force and their families on the occasion of raising day. In his tweet, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu, the Vice President said -
“I join the nation in thanking India’s first line of defence for their service to the nation and I salute their courage, bravery, hard work and dedication.”
3 - 2 December 2018 - World Computer Literacy Day
On 2 December 2018, World Computer Literacy Day was observed with the objective to “create awareness and drive digital literacy in underserved communities worldwide”. World Computer Literacy Day was first launched by Indian computer company NIIT. It was launched in the response of a research, which illustrated that the majority of computer users were men around the world. So, its emphasis is to encourage the development of technological skills, specifically among women and children in India.
4 - 2 December 2018 - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
On 2 December 2018, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery observed globally. It is organized by the United Nations General Assembly. First time it was celebrated in 1986.
Its focus is to end all sorts of slavery including forced marriage, sexual exploitation, trafficking of persons, and recruitment of child labor.
As per the UN report following are the noticeable facts regarding the slavery −
An estimated 40.3 million people are in modern slavery, including 24.9 in forced labor and 15.4 million in forced marriage.
There are 5.4 victims of modern slavery for every 1,000 people in the world.
1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children.
Out of the 24.9 million people trapped in forced labor, 16 million people are exploited in the private sector such as domestic work, construction or agriculture; 4.8 million people in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million people in forced labor imposed by state authorities.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labor, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry, and 58% in other sectors.
Source: United Nations Official Website
5 - 3 December 2018 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On 3 December 2018, International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed by the United Nations. Theme of 2018 was “empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.” It is being observed since 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
The objective of celebrating such Day is to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, it also designed to increase awareness of gains to be derived through the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
6 - 4 December 2018 - The Navy Day in India
On 4 December 2018, Navy Day was celebrated in India in the memory of the launch of Operation Trident. The Operation Trident was launched during the Indo-Pak war in 1971. It was marked in reverence to those personnel who were martyred in the war.
In addition to this, on the eve of the Navy Day, the Navy also organized a Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony at the Gateway of India, Mumbai.
7 - 5 December 2018 – World Soil Day
On 5 December 2018, World Soil Day was observed with the objective to stop soil pollution. World Soil Day is celebrated on the 5th of December every year at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy - the regional offices and through national and local events.
Soil pollution is largely invisible and seems far away but everyone, everywhere is affected. As per the data, one third of our global soils are already degraded and we risk losing more due to various hidden dangers. With a growing population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, soil pollution is a worldwide problem. In fact, the soil pollution not only degrades the soil quality, but also poisons the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe.
8 - 5 December 2018 - International Volunteer Day (IVD)
On 5 December 2018, International Volunteer Day was observed by the United Nations General Assembly. This year, IVD has been celebrated with focus on how volunteers can build resilient communities. It has been being celebrated as an international observance by the UN General Assembly since 1985.
It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, with the objective to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities and various other stakeholders including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities, and the private sector.
9 - 7 December 2018 - International Civil Aviation Day
On 7 December of every year, International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is celebrated globally by United Nations General Assembly. The United Nations General Assembly began celebrating International Civil Aviation Day globally since 7 December 1996.
For the period 2015-2018 inclusive the Council has selected the theme as −
“Working Together to Ensure No Country is Left Behind.”
Major Highlights
The purpose of the ICAD is to recognize the importance of aviation in reference to international air travel and also to ensure the social and economic development of the world.
It is also designed to generate and reinforce awareness worldwide and recognize the unique role of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
To ensure harmonious global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.
10 - 10 December 2018 - Human Rights Day
On 10 December of year, Human Rights Day is celebrated globally by the United Nations. 10th of December is the day that United Nations General Assembly adopted in the year 1948 as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 10th December, 2018 was marked as the 70th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This date was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It was the time when first global proclamation of human rights is accepted unanimously. It was one of the first major achievements of the newly constituted United Nations.
Major Highlights
10 December, 2018 was the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
The Human Rights document is one of the most celebrated documents that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to by the virtue of a human being;
The document does not discriminate anyone by any means such as race, color, religion, sex, language, political or based on any other personal opinion, nationals, or even social origin; and
It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.
StandUp4HumanRights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.
Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day.
Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values.
Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace.
Whenever and wherever humanity's values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk.
We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.
Source: it is taken from the Official website of the United Nations.
11 - 12 December 2018 - Universal Health Coverage Day
On 12 December of every year, the Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated globally. The day is promoted by the World Health Organization. The aim of Universal Health Coverage Day is - everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care - as an essential priority for international development.
On 12 December 2017, the United Nations has proclaimed “12 December” as the International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) by its resolution 72/138. The theme for the 2018 UHC Day is: "Unite for Universal Health Coverage: Now is the Time for Collective Action."
12 - 14 December 2018 - National Energy Conservation Day
On 14 December every year, National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated nationwide by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Government of India. The objective of such celebration is to drive mass awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation.
In addition to this, BEE recognizes and encourages endeavors of those industries, which are sincerely making efforts to reduce the level of energy consumption. BEE honors them National Energy Conservation Awards. BEE also gives prizes to the national winners of the annual National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation.
13 - 18 December 2018 - International Migrants Day
On 18 December of every year, International Migrants Day is celebrated by United Nations General Assembly. The theme of 2018 was ‘Migration with Dignity.’ On 18 December 1990, the General Assembly had first adopted a resolution on the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Later, in 2000, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to celebrate International Migrants Day on 18 December.
This day is celebrated in many countries, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations across the world. It is celebrated through the dissemination of information on human rights and fundamental political freedoms of migrants. On this occasion people also share their experiences and the design actions to ensure the protection of migrants.
14 - 18 December 2018 - Minorities Rights Day in India
On 18 December of every year, Minorities Rights Day is celebrated nationwide. by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Government of India. On this occasion, various seminars are organized to discuss the current status of the minorities. Besides, they also discuss how to uplift the group of minorities who are marginalized.
The day is celebrated with the objective to promote the actual and legal rights of Minority communities. The truth in India is - employment opportunities, educational upliftment and financial inclusion are the major areas wherein minorities are marginalized. On the other hand, for overall development of the country, it is mandatory to provide them proper opportunity with appropriate guidance and support.
15 - 20 December 2018 - International Human Solidarity Day
On 20 December of every year, International Human Solidarity Day is celebrated by United Nations General Assembly. The objective of this celebration is to remind people on the importance of solidarity in working towards eradicating poverty.
By a resolution, the General Assembly, on 20 December 2002, established the World Solidarity Fund. In 2003, it was set up as a trust fund of the United Nations Development Programme. The major objectives are to eradicate poverty and promote human and social development in developing countries, specifically among the poorest segments of their populations.
Speciality of International Human Solidarity Day is:
a day to celebrate our unity in diversity;
a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements;
a day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
a day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication; and
a day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.
Source: taken from official website of United Nations.
