World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20 to raise awareness about the persistent threat posed by mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading some of the deadliest diseases known to humanity. This day emphasises the critical importance of safeguarding ourselves and our communities from the life-threatening illnesses that mosquitoes transmit, including malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. These diseases continue to affect and claim the lives of millions across the globe each year, making it vital to remain vigilant in our fight against these tiny yet deadly creatures.
World Mosquito Day History
On August 20, 1897, Sir Ronald Ross made a groundbreaking discovery when he found the malaria parasite in the stomach of a female Anopheles mosquito. This discovery revolutionised medical science by providing the first evidence that mosquitoes transmit malaria to humans. In honour of this milestone, World Mosquito Day was established on August 20. Each year, it serves as a reminder to raise awareness about the dangers of mosquito-borne diseases and the ongoing efforts to combat these deadly pests.
World Mosquito Day Significance
World Mosquito Day aims to raise awareness about the various diseases mosquitoes can transmit, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya. It also honours the tireless efforts of social service providers, medical professionals, and other individuals dedicated to combating these mosquito-borne diseases.
The primary objective is to
unite in the fight to control the mosquito population and reduce the threat of
these diseases. Many organisations also use this day to raise funds and promote
preventive measures, including vaccination and the use of insect repellents.
World Photography Day observed on August 19 commemorates the invention of the Daguerreotype, one of the earliest photographic processes, which was announced as a gift to the world by the French government on August 19, 1839. The Daguerreotype, developed by Louis Daguerre and Joseph Niépce, marked a significant milestone in the history of photography, revolutionizing how images were captured and preserved.
World Photography Day honours
this invention and celebrates photography as a medium that has evolved over
centuries, influencing art, science, journalism, and personal expression. It
serves as a global platform for photographers and enthusiasts to come together,
share their passion, showcase their work, and promote the appreciation of
photography worldwide.
Breast cancer is one of the
most common cancer overall. And every year, August 18 is observed as World
Breast Cancer Research Day globally to emphasise the urgent need of finding
a cure for the deadly disease. Also, the day aims to raise awareness to show
support to the people suffering from the deadly disease.
The day founded by Dr Susan Love Foundation was first annually celebrated in 2021.
According to World Cancer Research Day Organisation, “Breast cancer advocacy and research is highlighted significantly in October, but our fight against the disease needs to continue throughout the rest of the year. Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, the top-ranked breast cancer research organization in the U.S., recognized the need to highlight breast cancer specifically the research that is being done to combat the disease outside the month of October. Dr Susan Love Foundation is hopeful that World Breast Cancer Research Day will be a pivotal day in history that will allow us to achieve a breast cancer-free world.”
The Independence Day of Indonesia (in Indonesian formally known as Hari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia shortened "HUT RI", or simply Hari Kemerdekaan, and colloquially referred by the people as Tujuhbelasan, meaning "the Seventeenth") is a national holiday in Indonesia commemorating the anniversary of Indonesia’s proclamation of independence on 17 August 1945. It was made a national holiday by government decree in 1946.
Ceremonies and festivities are held throughout the country to celebrate this national day, including the flag hoisting ceremony conducted nation-wide and at Indonesian diplomatic installations abroad, local community competitions, with patriotic and cultural parades. Discounts are offered by participating shopping centres or businesses. On 16 August or the last Friday prior to 17 August, the president of Indonesia addresses the nation at the People’s Consultative Assembly. The celebration of the proclamation is often confused with the Dutch recognition of Indonesia’s independence on 27 December 1949.
On 17 August at 10:00 Western
Indonesian Time all Indonesian national television networks traditionally
broadcast the National Independence Day Ceremony live from the Merdeka
Palace in Jakarta. Earlier that day, cities and regencies throughout Indonesia
conduct the flag hoisting ceremony at their respective city halls. Streets,
public places and public transportation are filled with nationalistic and
patriotic decorations and art dominating with the red and white colour
symbolizing the national flag of Indonesia throughout the month of August.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on 16 August 2018, aged 93, was an Indian politician and poet who served three terms as the Prime Minister of India, first for a term of 13 days in 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, followed by a full term from 1999 to 2004. He was the first non-Congress prime minister to serve a full term in the office. Vajpayee was one of the co-founders and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was a member of the RSS, a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation. He was also a Hindi Poet and a writer.
He was a member of the Indian Parliament for over five decades, having been elected ten times to the Lok Sabha, the lower house, and twice to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house. He served as the Member of Parliament from the Lucknow constituency, retiring from active politics in 2009 due to health concerns. He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, of which he was president from 1968 to 1972. The BJS merged with several other parties to form the Janata Party, which won the 1977 general election. In 1977, Vajpayee became the Minister of External Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister, Moraji Desai. He resigned in 1979, and the Janata alliance collapsed soon after. Former members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh formed the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980, with Vajpayee its first president.
During his tenure as prime minister, India carried out the Pokharan-II nuclear tests in 1998. Vajpayee sought to improve diplomatic relations with Pakistan, travelling to Lahore by bus to meet with Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. After the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan, he sought to restore relations through engagement with President Pervez Musharraf, inviting him to India for a summit at Agra. Vajpayee's government introduced many domestic economic and infrastructural reforms, including encouraging the private sector and foreign investments, reducing governmental waste, encouraging research and development and privatisation of some government owned corporations. During his tenure, India's security was threatened by a number of violent incidents including 2001 Indian Parliament attack and Gujarat riots which ultimately caused his defeat in 2004 general election.
The administration of Narendra Modi declared in 2014 that
Vajpayee's birthday, 25 December, would be marked as Good Governance
Day. In 2015, he was conferred India's highest civilian honour — Bharat
Ratna, by the then-President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. He died in 2018 of
age-related illness.
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