Current Affairs Dec 2017 - Important Days

1 - International Day of Disabled Persons observed on 03^rd December

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3^rd to focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society. The theme for 2017 was “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”. This theme marked the importance of building resilient societies and creating opportunities that truly leave no one behind as 2030 agenda pledges to “leave no one behind”.

2 - World AIDS day observed on 1 December

The United Nations' (UN) World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1^st to honor AIDS victims. It also focuses on issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. The theme for the year 2017 was ‘My health, my right’ that focused on the right to health. The day is dedicated to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. The day is observed often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

3 - BSF Raising Day observed on 1 December

52^nd Border Security Force Raising day was observed on 1^st December 2017, by conducting cultural programmes and 'barakhana' (big feast) for BSF personnel. Border Security Force is India's first line of defense that came into existence on December 1, 1965. The BSF is a paramilitary force responsible for guarding India's border. Border Security Force guards India at all international borders. BSF is deployed on Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, Line of Control along with Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations.

4 - Indian Navy Day observed on 4^th december

Indian navy day is annually observed on 04^th December to memorize the achievements and role of the naval force in India. The Indian Navy is the marine branch of the Indian Armed Forces and is led by the President of India as Commander-in-Chief. Indian Navy protects marine borders of India and boost international relations by conducting joint exercises. On the occasion of Indian Navy day, various award-winning innovations by the force were displayed at "Innovation Pavilion" at the Navy House in New Delhi.

5 - Armed Forces Flag Day observed throughout India

The Armed Forces Flag Day was observed throughout India. The day observed since 1949, has become a tradition to remember the sacrifices and commemorate the honor to the soldiers, airmen and sailors. It is dedicated towards collection of funds from people for the welfare of the Armed Forces personnel. Flag Day is an opportunity for every Indian citizen to contribute most generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. The week leading to the Flag Day, is celebrated as Armed Forces Week.

6 - International Civil Aviation Day

The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate. ICAO Council established a special anniversary theme for International Civil Aviation Day after every 5 years. For 2015-2018 inclusive the Council has selected the following theme: Working Together to Ensure No Country is Left Behind.

7 - International Mountain Day observed on 11^th December

The “International Mountain Day” is observed annually on 11^th December to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world. The day aims to draw attention to the important roles that mountainous regions play in water and food supply. The year 2017 Theme is — “Mountain under Pressure: climate, hunger, migration”.

8 - International Anti-Corruption Day 2017 observed across the world

The United Nations’ (UN) International Anti-Corruption Day is observed on December 9^th each year. The day aims to raise public awareness of corruption and what people can do to fight it. Theme for 2017 is "United against corruption for development, peace and security". As per the UN, every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than 5% of the global GDP.

9 - World Human Rights Day observed on 10^th December

The Human Rights Day is observed every year on the 10^th of December for people to know and push for their rights, no matter where they are in the world. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 2017 World human rights day marks the beginning of 70^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The theme of 2017 was ‘#StandUp4HumanRights’.

10 - National Energy Conservation Day

The 27^th National Energy Conservation Day celebration was held in New Delhi. The day is observed every year in India on 14^th December by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under Ministry of Power, to drive mass awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation. As part of its awareness outreach, BEE recognizes and encourages endeavors of industries in reducing energy consumption by felicitating them with National Energy Conservation Awards. BEE also awards prizes to the national winners of the annual National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation.

11 - Nation Celebrates Vijay Diwas - 16 December

On 16 December 1971, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, Chief of Pakistan forces along with 93000 troops had surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces after the defeat of Pakistan in the war. The end of the India- Pakistan war 1971 also resulted in subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh. Since then, 16 December is celebrated as Victory Day in Bangladesh and Vijay Diwas in India as a tribute to the martyrs of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini who, led by General Jagjit Singh Aurora in Dhaka, laid down their lives.

12 - International Migrants Day

The United Nations (UN) International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18 to recognize the efforts, contributions, and rights of migrants worldwide. The theme for 2017 is "Safe Migration in a World on the Move". The International Migrants Day is seen firstly as an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by millions of migrants to the economies of their host and home countries, and secondly to promote respect for their basic human rights.

13 - International Human Solidarity Day 2017

The United Nations' (UN) International Human Solidarity Day is observed annually on 20^th December to celebrate our unity in diversity, remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements, raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity and encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication. The General Assembly, on 20 December 2002, established the World Solidarity Fund, which was set up in February 2003 as a trust fund of the United Nations Development Programme. Its objective is to eradicate poverty.

14 - National Mathematics Day

The National Mathematics Day is observed annually on the 22^nd December on the birth anniversary of the great Indian Autodidact Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. He was considered as the master of the number theory, infinite series, mathematical analysis and equations without any formal training in pure mathematics. He had formulated more than 3900 mathematical results and equations. Ramanujan had discovered the smallest number represented as sum of two cubes 1729 which is known as Hardy-Ramanujan number.

15 - Kisan Diwas observed on 23^rd December

Kisan Diwas or the National Farmers’ Day is observed every year on 23^rd of December in the honor of the former Prime Minister of India Chaudhary Charan Singh. It was in 2001 when the government decided to celebrate 23^rd December as Kisan Diwas. The fifth Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh, introduced many policies to improve the life of Indian farmers. The day pays honor to the great work done by the farmers of the nation.

16 - Good Governance Day observed on 25^th December

Good Governance Day is annually celebrated on birth anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna recipient, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was born on 25^th December. Uttar Pradesh state provided freedom to 93 prisoners whereas Madhya Pradesh provided pulses at concessional rate in tribal areas. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to observe 25^th December as Good governance day nationwide. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the 10^th Prime Minister of India, first for 13 days in 1996 and then from 1998 to 2004.