International Translation Day

 

International Translation Day is celebrated annually on September 30. This date was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly on May 24, 2017, through resolution 71/288.

The day acknowledges the vital role of translation professionals in fostering international dialogue and understanding, which is increasingly essential in a globalised world.

The choice of September 30 coincides with the feast day of St. Jerome, who is regarded as the patron saint of translators.

St. Jerome was a notable scholar responsible for translating the Bible into Latin, making it more accessible to a wider audience. 

The celebration aims to highlight the contributions of translators in bridging cultural and linguistic divides, thereby promoting peace and cooperation among nations.

The initiative for an official International Translation Day was first proposed by the International Federation of Translators (FIT) in 1991 to demonstrate solidarity within the global translation community and to elevate the profession's status.

What Does 71/288 Mean?

Resolution 71/288 refers to a specific decision made by the United Nations General Assembly on May 24, 2017. This resolution officially established September 30 as International Translation Day. The purpose of this day is to recognise the vital role of translation professionals in fostering international dialogue and understanding, which is essential in a globalised world.

Key Aspects of Resolution 71/288

·  Recognition of Translators: The resolution emphasises the importance of professional translators in connecting nations and promoting peace, understanding, and development.

·   Celebration of Multilingualism: It highlights the significance of multilingualism in enhancing communication and cooperation among different cultures.

·    Feast Day of St. Jerome: The date was chosen to coincide with the feast day of St. Jerome, the patron saint of translators, who is known for his translation of the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate).

 

World Heart Day

 

World Heart Day is an international event observed annually on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and promote heart health globally. It serves as a reminder for individuals, governments, and health organisations to take proactive measures in preventing heart-related conditions, which remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Through this day we can spread awareness about cardiovascular diseases and encourage preventive action as it helps people across the globe lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

History

World Heart Day was created by the World Heart Federation (WHF) in 1999 in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The first official celebration took place on September 24, 2000, to highlight the growing burden of heart disease and stroke. These conditions are often preventable through healthy lifestyle changes, and the initiative was launched to promote awareness and encourage preventive measures on a global scale. Initially, the day was observed on the last Sunday of September. However, in 2011, the WHF decided to fix the date to September 29 each year to standardise the event and create greater global visibility.

Significance

World Heart Day holds immense significance as it aims to reduce the burden of heart diseases by promoting preventive practices, encouraging regular health check-ups, and advocating for healthy lifestyle choices. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for about 18.6 million deaths annually. This makes awareness campaigns like World Heart Day essential in educating the public about risk factors and how to manage them.

In many countries, World Heart Day is marked by various events, such as free heart screenings, walks, marathons, media campaigns, and educational programs, all aimed at spreading awareness about heart health. Health professionals and organisations also use the day to advocate for policy changes that encourage heart-healthy environments, such as smoke-free zones, healthier food options in schools, and better healthcare access.

Global impact

The global impact of World Heart Day is profound. It has united communities, healthcare providers, and governments in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Many regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where CVDs are on the rise, have adopted the day as a platform to educate people about the dangers of ignoring heart health.

The day also acts as a reminder that cardiovascular diseases affect everyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. It serves as a platform to advocate for equal access to heart care, especially in underprivileged areas where resources may be scarce.

In conclusion, World Heart Day plays a critical role in promoting heart health awareness and preventing the leading cause of death worldwide.

 

 

World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is an annual observance held on 28 September to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. The day was first celebrated in 2007 and is coordinated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites or scratches. The virus attacks the nervous system and can cause death if not treated. There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear, but it is preventable. The best way to prevent rabies is to get vaccinated against the disease. Vaccination is also important for pets, as they can transmit the virus to humans.

World Rabies Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. It is also a day to call for action to eliminate rabies as a public health threat.

World Tourism Day

Tourism is a vital industry that contributes to the economic growth of nations, creates employment opportunities, and fosters cultural connections among people from different backgrounds.

World Tourism Day observed on September 27 is a global event dedicated to celebrating the significance of tourism in promoting cultural exchange, economic development, and international understanding.

Date

World Tourism Day, established in 1980 by the UNWTO, celebrates the global impact of tourism and raises awareness about its economic, social, and cultural significance.

The date, September 27, was chosen to commemorate the adoption of UNWTO statutes in 1975.

Significance and Celebrations

World Tourism Day is a global event that celebrates the role of tourism in bridging cultural gaps, enhancing mutual understanding, and driving economic development.

It focuses on responsible tourism practices, celebrating diverse cultural heritage, and addressing environmental sustainability and fair distribution of benefits.

Events include seminars, workshops, and conferences on the theme of the year, cultural festivals, exhibitions, and public performances.

Educational campaigns and community outreach activities raise awareness about responsible travel, supporting local economies, and protecting natural environments.

World Cassowary Day

 

The thick rainforest on the island of New Guinea as well as the Tropical north of Australia is home to a bird that looks straight out of the world of dinosaurs. A blue neck, black plumage and red wattles and most of all, what looks like a helmet on top of its head. This bird is the cassowary, often dubbed the ‘most dangerous bird in the world’.

But today, this bird is itself in grave danger. Targeted hunting, habitat loss and fragmentation have left less than 5,000 birds in Australia. The loss of the cassowary could be dangerous for Australia and New Guinea’s rainforests as the bird disperses seeds through its scat.

Every year, World Cassowary Day is observed on September 26 to draw international attention to the reasons these birds are important for the world at large and need to be protected.

Rainforest bird

‘Cassowary’ comes from the Papuan words ‘Kasu’ (horned) and ‘Weri’ (head). According to the Government of Queensland in Australia, these birds lived in the rainforests of northeast Queensland, from north of Townsville to the tip of Cape York at the time of European settlement in 1788.

“Today, there are three remaining populations, one in the Wet Tropics and two in Cape York,” the government portal notes.

These birds are also found on the island of New Guinea, just across the Torres Strait from Australia, and divided into Indonesian-controlled Irian Jaya or West Papua and the former British colony and now independent country of Papua New Guinea.

There are three species of Cassowary. The southern, or double-wattled cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is the largest of the three. It inhabits lowland rainforest, is also found in eucalyptus forests or forested swamps, according to the US Library of Congress.

The Northern or single-wattled cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus) inhabits the coastal swamps and lowland rainforests of northern New Guinea.

“The dwarf cassowary is smaller than the other two species of cassowary, usually weighing around 50 pounds. Their habitat is at a higher altitude, and they are generally found in more steep mountainous terrain,” as per the Library of Congress.

The cassowary offers essential ecosystem services to these rainforests by increasing it. A study in March last year titled The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii ) remains an important disperser of native plants in fragmented rainforest landscapes stated that, “The study shows cassowaries have a flexible foraging strategy that has enabled them to persist in rainforest‐fragmented landscapes. They remain a significant disperser of seeds from native plants between rainforest patches, and as such, cassowaries remain essential in maintaining native plant diversity within these fragmented patches.” 

Shades of danger

The cassowary has earned a bad rap. But there are reasons for this. These birds stand five feet tall. They are flightless and ground-dwelling. “Their legs are also used for delivering strong kicks, and they can use their sharp dagger-like claws, up to 4 inches long, to slice and puncture any animal that is a threat, including humans,” as per the US Library of Congress.

An Australian government Pet risk assessment of the southern cassowary in 2011 stated that there have been 150 recorded attacks (by cassowaries) on humans, eight of which have resulted in serious injury, with one attack resulting in death.

“The eight seriously-injured victims suffered puncture wounds, lacerations, cuts, and/or broken bones, one of them subsequently dying,” it had added. In 2019, a man in Florida was killed by his pet cassowary.

Despite this, other experts feel that the cassowary’s infamy is unwarranted as the ostrich and emu kill more humans than it. There is more danger to this bird from humans than vice-versa.

A paper, Human impacts on two endemic cassowary species in Indonesian New Guinea (2015), stated, that “cassowaries avoid areas frequented by humans, which could be evidence of an impact of hunting on cassowary distribution. Previous work has suggested that logging activities are a prime threat to northern cassowary populations; our results expand upon this by identifying hunting as another potentially critical threat.”

The analysis added that “it remains possible that pigs affect cassowary populations by depressing the availability of fruit (i.e. exploitative competition) or attracting humans, a shared predator”.

“Cassowaries are functionally important as dispersers of plant seeds. Their loss through overexploitation could therefore have important consequences for forest,” it concluded.

The world’s largest frugivorous and omnivorous bird is in danger of becoming extinct. Which would be a pity since it has roamed the planet for so long.

 

 

World Pharmacist Day

 

World Pharmacist Day is observed every year on September 25 to honour and acknowledge pharmacists for their important contributions to enhancing world health.

This special day highlights the essential role pharmacists play in improving people's lives. The goal of this day is to encourage and support initiatives that advocate for and increase public awareness of the crucial roles that pharmacists play all over the world.  

What is the history behind World Pharmacist Day?

Since the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) was founded on this day in 1912, it has been historically noteworthy. In an effort to raise public awareness of pharmacists' contributions to world healthcare, the FIP Council officially recognised World Pharmacist Day in 2009 during a conference in Istanbul, Turkey.

The idea behind World Pharmacist Day was to recognise the vital contributions that pharmacists play in enhancing the standard of patient care and public health.

What is the importance of Pharmacist Day?

World Pharmacist Day is significant because it is observed worldwide to recognise and show gratitude for the vital role that pharmacists play in our community. 

Pharmacists are essential in raising public knowledge of health issues, guaranteeing the safe use of pharmaceuticals and healthcare equipment, and teaching the public about medications.

The purpose of this day is to increase public awareness of the vital roles that pharmacists play in enhancing patient safety and health worldwide as well as the general well-being of society.

World Gorilla Day

World Gorilla Day, celebrated every year on September 24th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of gorilla conservation and the ongoing threats these magnificent creatures face. This day serves as a worldwide platform to inspire action and celebrate the incredible role gorillas play in our ecosystem and cultural heritage.

World Gorilla Day was established in 2017, in honour of Dr. Dian Fossey’s birthday, a renowned primatologist and conservationist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting Mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Her pioneering work, highlighted in the book and film “Gorillas in the Mist,” opened our eyes to the complex lives of these remarkable animals and the challenges they face due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease.

Gorillas were once depicted as scary beasts that only wanted to scare and attack people. Movies like the original King Kong, struck fear into the eyes of people around the globe. Even when people visited zoos, they were terrified by these massive primates. Looking back now, these terrifying animals attacking people, were most likely Silver-back gorillas putting their lives on the lines to try and protect themselves and their families from the hunters back in the early 1900’s. They are in fact gentle souls and very seldom are they aggressive unless provoked or males competing for females.

The genus Gorilla is divided into two species: the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla, which are then divided into and either four subspecies. Western Gorillas are divided into Western lowland gorilla (G. gorilla) and Cross River gorilla (G. g. diehli), while the Easter gorillas are divided into the Eastern lowland gorilla (G. b. graueri) and the Mountain gorilla (G. b. beringei). The Mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas are among the most endangered, with only a few thousand individuals left in the wild.

All of the gorilla species and subspecies share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. Getting the opportunity to observe these large primates in their natural habitat, will show how human-like they are; especially with way the family interacts with one another and the care a mother gives her infant.

Unlike most of the other primate species, gorillas are complete herbivores and not omnivores. They have been recorded feeding on termites, but not to the extent that chimpanzees will do so. Gorillas are keystone species in their habitats, playing a vital role in seed dispersal, which contributes to the regeneration of the forest. Their presence helps maintain the balance of ecosystems, ensuring the survival of numerous plant and animal species, their dung serves as fertilizer, enriching the soil and supporting forest health.

A normal day for a family of gorillas will consist of them waking up together. Much like children, it can take some coaxing by the adults to get some of youngsters up. They then move off from the area and start their morning forage for breakfast. After a good feed, the group will rest again, having morning siesta. The youngsters often take this opportunity to play and get up to a bit of mischief. Practicing their climbing and beating their chests, imitating the adults display. After a rest, the family sets off for their lunch. An afternoon break is also in order and most of the adults’ rest again, not all sleeping, but at least laying down. A last afternoon feed then takes place before the family all comes together for some well-deserved grooming. Gorillas build their own individual nests on the ground where they then spend the night.

Gorillas face numerous threats, primarily driven by human activities. Habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development is a significant concern. Additionally, poaching for the illegal wildlife trade, fuelled by demand for gorilla body parts and live infants, poses a severe threat. Diseases such as Ebola have also decimated gorilla populations.

Numerous organizations and governments are working tirelessly to protect gorillas and their habitats. Conservation efforts include establishing and maintaining protected areas, employing anti-poaching patrols, community-based conservation initiatives, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Collaborative projects with local communities are crucial for both gorilla conservation and improving human livelihoods. One such organization is the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

There have been encouraging success stories in gorilla conservation. In Rwanda, for instance, Mountain gorilla populations have steadily increased thanks to strict protection measures, tourism revenue, and community involvement. This is similar to the population in Uganda, found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In parts of the Congo, populations are rising as well as not only gorillas, but other wildlife are being protected. These successes demonstrate the potential for turning the tide in gorilla conservation efforts when dedicated resources and efforts are channelled toward their protection.

Responsible gorilla tourism has played a significant role in funding conservation efforts. By providing economic incentives to protect gorilla habitats and engage local communities, tourism has become an integral part of the conservation equation. However, careful management is essential to prevent overexposure and minimize the impact on gorilla populations.

Despite the progress, many challenges remain. Climate change threatens gorilla habitats by altering the distribution of their food sources and increasing disease risks. Poaching networks continue to evolve, making enforcement efforts more challenging. Fortunately, security teams have clamped down on the poaching and poachers caught face large fines and prison time. Balancing conservation goals with the needs of local communities and sustainable development remains a delicate task. There are some very special people involved here and for now they seem to be on the right track.

Gorilla conservation is a global responsibility. International collaboration, funding, and public awareness are essential components in ensuring the long-term survival of gorilla populations. Individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide must work together to address the complex issues facing these magnificent creatures.

World Gorilla Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect gorillas and their habitats. These incredible creatures are not just a symbol of the wild but are also essential to the health and biodiversity of their ecosystems. As we celebrate World Gorilla Day, let us commit to supporting ongoing conservation efforts, promoting responsible tourism, and raising awareness about the challenges gorillas face. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the privilege of sharing the planet with these magnificent and gentle giants. Gorillas are a testament to the wonders of the natural world, and their survival is now in our hands. 

There a number of destinations in Africa that will allow you the opportunity to trek mountains and forests in search for different gorilla species. For the majestic Mountain gorillas one can visit either Rwanda or Uganda, while you can visit Congo-Brazzaville in search of the Western lowland gorillas.

International Day of Sign Languges

The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is observed annually on September 23. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages and promote the rights of the deaf community worldwide.

History

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages in 2018, as part of its efforts to promote inclusivity and recognise the diversity of languages. This date coincides with the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951.

Significance

1. Promoting sign language recognition: Encouraging governments and institutions to recognise and support sign languages as official languages.

2. Inclusivity and accessibility: Ensuring equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and social services for the deaf community.

3. Preserving cultural diversity: Celebrating the unique cultural identities and contributions of deaf communities worldwide.

4. Raising awareness: Educating the public about sign languages, debunking misconceptions, and promoting understanding.

Objectives

1.      Advocate for sign language rights: Encourage governments to implement policies supporting sign language education and accessibility. 

2.      Raise awareness: Organise events, campaigns, and social media initiatives to promote sign language awareness.

3.      Foster inclusivity: Encourage public and private sectors to provide sign language interpretation services.

Impact and progress

 ·      Increased global awareness about sign languages and deaf culture.

 ·      Growing recognition of sign languages as official languages in various countries.

 ·      Improved accessibility and inclusion in education, employment, and public services.

 

Quotes

"Listening with your eyes" - This phrase highlights the importance of eye contact in sign language communication

"Sign languages are for everyone" - A quote that emphasises the inclusivity and accessibility of sign languages.

 

World Rhino Day

 

Every year, World Rhino Day is celebrated on September 22. World Wildlife Fund, South Africa announced World Rhino Day to create awareness about the crisis and the importance of saving different types of Rhinoceros, which are:

Black Rhinos

White rhinos

One-horned Rhino

Sumatran Rhino

Javan rhinos

History

South African wildlife organizations created World Rhino Day in 2010 to increase awareness of the critically endangered rhinoceros’ species. A woman by the name of Lisa Jane Campbell expressed her desire to see at least five kinds of rhinos living around the globe in a letter she sent to Rhishja (another Rhino lover) in 2011. Since then, World Rhino Day has been observed annually to raise awareness of the critical need for rhino conservation as a result of the widespread poaching of rhinos for their precious horns. 

World Rhino Day has grown in popularity, bringing together governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to fight rhino poaching and habitat destruction while highlighting how crucial it is to protect these iconic animals for upcoming generations. 

Significance

World Rhino Day serves as a platform to mobilize support, educate the public, and promote efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. Some major highlights of the day, according to the World Rhino Day organization, are:

·    To protect rhinos through law-enforcement activities at the site level, and support intelligence gathering and analysis to pre-empt and prosecute poaching and trafficking of rhino products.

·      To implement effective biological and ecological management and monitoring of rhino populations and their habitats to achieve optimum population growth rates.

·    To reduce trade in illegal rhino products via better law enforcement in consumer countries and promoting behaviour change by consumers and the closure of markets encouraging poaching.

·        To ensure that rhino conservation professionals are appropriately skilled and trained.

·  To improve coordination within and between rhino range state conservation agencies and professionals.

·      To engage with multiple stakeholders in rhino range states in accordance with the equity triangle of recognition, procedure and distribution.

·    To explore and develop sustainable financing mechanisms and structures to fund priority rhino conservation efforts.

International Day of Peace

Every year on September 21, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Peace, an occasion dedicated to promoting peace and unity. Established in 1981 by the United Nations (UN), this day serves as a global reminder of the need to foster a culture of peace.

In today’s world, marked by geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts, the significance of the International Day of Peace resonates louder than ever.

History

The origins of this day date back to 1981, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution declaring it a time to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.

Initially, the focus was on promoting peaceful ideals; however, in 2001, the day took on a deeper meaning. A second resolution called for a global cessation of hostilities and urged countries to practice non-violence, promoting dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.

Since then, September 21 has become a symbolic day, encouraging people across the globe to pause and reflect on the importance of peace.

Events are held worldwide, ranging from a minute of silence to educational programs, intercultural dialogues, and activities that promote understanding and cooperation. A particularly significant tradition is the Peace Bell Ceremony at the UN Headquarters, where a bell, cast from donated coins and medals, is rung to symbolise global unity.

World Cleanup Day

On 8 December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly, in its seventy-eighth session, unanimously adopted resolution 78/122 "World Cleanup Day" which proclaims 20 September as World Cleanup Day. The resolution invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, other international and regional organizations, and other relevant stakeholders - including civil society, the private sector and academia - to observe World Cleanup Day through activities aimed at raising awareness of the role clean-up efforts play in sustainable development. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) facilitates the observance of the Day.

Over the years, many national, regional and local governments and communities have been undertaking clean-up activities globally. World Cleanup Day represents the reflection of their achievements. The clean-ups serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in preserving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment as well as sustainable waste and resources management.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19 is not a serious or deeply historical observance, it has gained popularity over the years as a way to inject humour and whimsy into our mundane lives. This whimsical and light-hearted holiday is all about having fun, embracing creativity and letting your inner pirate out for a day of silliness, serving as a reminder that sometimes, it is okay to be a little bit silly and playful.

History

The birth of International Talk Like a Pirate Day can be traced back to the year 1995 when two friends, John Baur (also known as "Ol' Chumbucket") and Mark Summers (also known as "Cap'n Slappy"), came up with this idea during a racquetball game where they decided to create a fun and quirky day dedicated to celebrating pirate culture. Hence, the parodic holiday was created and ever since then on September 19 each year, everyone in the world is encouraged to talk like a pirate.

Significance

Talk Like a Pirate Day provides a break from the daily routine to offer a day of whimsical, imaginative and carefree fun where people of all ages are encouraged to embrace their inner child and engage in playful banter, role-play and creativity. The day aims to bring people together in the spirit of camaraderie and shared amusement as friends, family and even strangers engage in light-hearted conversations, jokes and activities that lets them loose, have a good laugh and momentarily escape the stresses of everyday life.

The observance often references and celebrates pirate culture from books, movies and folklore as a way for fans of pirate-themed media to express their enthusiasm and pay homage to their favourite stories and characters so, when people speak and act like pirates, they tap into their creativity and imagination which works like an exercise in thinking outside the box and engaging in playful role-play. While Talk Like a Pirate Day is primarily about entertainment, it can also spark interest in history and folklore given that it involves references to real pirate history and legendary pirate figures.

Celebration

In the age of social media, Talk Like a Pirate Day has gained popularity as people share their pirate-themed posts, memes and videos online that reminds of the fun and creativity that can be found on the Internet. Participants engage in playful banter using pirate-themed words and phrases, such as "Ahoy, matey!" (Hello, friend!), "Avast!" (Stop!), "Shiver me timbers!" (An expression of surprise) and "Scurvy dog!" (An insult) while many people dress up in pirate costumes, complete with eyepatches, bandanas, pirate hats and props like toy swords and parrots to add to the festive atmosphere.

Imaginary pirate stories, jokes and anecdotes are created in the spirit of humour and adventure while some organisations and businesses even organise pirate-themed events, parties and promotions on this day, complete with discounts or freebies to customers who embrace their inner pirate or refer to popular pirate-themed movies, books and TV shows, such as "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Treasure Island". In some cases, Talk Like a Pirate Day is also used as a platform to raise funds for charitable causes with pirate-themed charity events and initiatives.

 

World Bamboo Day

 

Bamboo is a type of grass that grows rapidly and is known for its strength, flexibility and eco-friendliness and to celebrate the many uses and benefits of this versatile and sustainable resource, World Bamboo Day is observed on September 18 annually. The day serves as a platform for not just raising awareness about the importance of bamboo but also promoting its role in sustainable development, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and cultural preservation.

History

World Bamboo Day was established courtesy the efforts of the World Bamboo Organization, a non-profit organization that was founded in 2005 by Susanne Lucas and David Knights to promote bamboo as a valuable and versatile resource. In 2009, the WBO organised the first World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok, Thailand which brought together bamboo enthusiasts, experts, researchers and industry professionals from around the world and proposed the idea of creating a dedicated day to celebrate bamboo.

On September 18, 2009, during the 8th World Bamboo Congress, the participants officially declared September 18 as World Bamboo Day to coincide with the birthday of the renowned bamboo researcher, Nobel Laureate and India's former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was a strong advocate for bamboo's potential to combat poverty and environmental degradation. Following the declaration, World Bamboo Day gained recognition and support from bamboo organisations, environmental groups, governments and bamboo enthusiasts worldwide and the day was dedicated to promote the sustainable and versatile uses of bamboo.

Significance

World Bamboo Day aims to promote the environmental friendly and sustainable resource (as bamboo grows quickly, requires minimal water and pesticides and can be harvested without harming the plant's root system), increase awareness about the diverse uses of bamboo (from construction and furniture making to textiles and culinary applications), emphasises the economic potential of bamboo for communities and businesses (as bamboo-based industries can create jobs and income opportunities in many parts of the world), recognises the cultural significance of bamboo in various societies and its role in traditional crafts, music and rituals. Given that bamboo is often a habitat for various wildlife species, celebrating bamboo further highlights the importance of conserving bamboo forests for biodiversity, encourages research and innovation in bamboo-related industries and fosters collaboration among governments, organisations and individuals to promote the responsible cultivation and use of bamboo resources.

 

 

 

Hyderabad Liberation Day

 

Hyderabad Liberation Day is observed on September 17 in honour of the martyrs of the Hyderabad Liberation Movement.

Hyderabad did not get independence for 13 months after India's independence on August 15, 1947, and was under the rule of the Nizams.

The region was liberated from Nizam's rule on September 17, 1948, after a police action namely 'Operation Polo'.

When India gained independence, the Razakars called for Hyderabad state to either join Pakistan or to become a Muslim dominion while resisting its merger with the Union of India.

The people of the region fought valiantly against the atrocities of the Razakars to merge the region into the Union of India.

The Razakars, a private militia, had committed atrocities and defended the erstwhile Nizam rule in Hyderabad.

On September 17, 1948, the then Hyderabad state, which was under the rule of the Nizams, was annexed into the Union of India following military action, initiated by the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

 

World Ozone Day

World Ozone Day or International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is a global event held annually on September 16 to promote awareness about the ozone layer's significance and the dangers of its depletion. 

History of World Ozone Day

The date of the world ozone significantly goes to the 1980s when scientists realized that there was a reduction in the ozone layer due to certain human-made chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. This dire realization led to concern about the impacts that might ensue from the depletion of the ozone layer on man as well as the environment.

In response, the Montreal Protocol was signed on the 16th of September, 1987 aimed at eliminating production of the ODS. The protocol has been ratified by all the member states thus placing it among the most successful environmental conventions in history.

 

Significance of the Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is a thin shield of gas in the Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by preventing excessive UV radiation from reaching the surface, which can lead to higher rates of skin cancer, eye cataracts, and ecosystem damage.

 

International Day of Democracy

The International Day of Democracy observed every year on 15 September provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. Democracy, in both theory and practice, is the subject of a huge field of literature. Within this literature, the international dimensions of democracy are increasingly understood and explored. Democracy has even come to be seen by some practitioners as something of a political panacea. It is widely accepted as a universal value. Yet the role of the United Nations – the embodiment of international society – in the promotion of democracy remains understudied, even though the organization has adopted democracy promotion as an important objective ‘‘The phenomenon of democratization’’ has had a marked impact on the United Nations. Just as newly-independent States turned to the United Nations for support during the era of decolonization, so today, following another wave of accessions to Statehood and political independence, Member States are turning to the United Nations for support in democratization.