Current Affairs March 2020 - Important Days

1 - World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day is celebrated on the 3^rd of March every year to create awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife. The theme for this year was "Sustaining all life on earth" to ensure sustainable life styles. 2020 was announced as bio-diversity super year because of the large number of eco friendly initiatives being taken the world over.

The year 2020 is especially significant to India because it has taken over as the President of CoP13 for Action Against Climate Change. World Wildlife Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime.

2 - International Women’s Day 2020

The International Women's Day (IWD) was celebrated across the globe on 8^th March. The theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is, I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights.

It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

3 - Jan Auashadhi Diwas

Jan Aushadhi Diwas was celebrated on 7^th March. Various programme were organized at all Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Jana Aushadhi Pariyojna-PMBJP kendras across the country to increase the awareness about the scheme. These programme witnessed participation of doctors, health experts, NGO and beneficiaries in a large number. The PMBJP was launched by Prime Minister with an objective of making high-quality medicines available to all at an affordable price.

The Jan Aushadhi Divas aims to create awareness about the use of generic medicines. The day highlighted the initiative of making quality healthcare for all, like Ayushman Bharat, PMBJY, etc.

4 - National Safety Day celebrated on 4^th March across India

National Safety Day was observed on 4 March to commemorate the foundation of the National Safety Council and raise awareness about the safety measures to prevent mishaps and accidents due to lack of awareness. 2020 was celebrated as the 49^th National Safety day based on theme “Enhance Health & Safety Performance by Use of Advanced Technology”.

Various campaigns were organized to ensure integration of OSH in work culture and lifestyle and for renewing the commitment of employees and the general public to work safely throughout the year.

5 - UNAIDS observed Zero Discrimination Day on March 1

World Zero Discrimination day is celebrated annually on March 1 to emphasize living life with dignity irrespective of ethnicity, age, gender, skin color, height, weight, etc. The theme was ‘Zero Discrimination against women and girls’.

The day aims to promote equality and stresses that all humans are equal before the law irrespective of their ethnicity and race. The symbol of Zero Discrimination Day is butterfly. The event has been in practice since its inception in March 2014 by Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS).

6 - World Hearing Day observed globally on 3^rd March

World Hearing Day is observed globally on 3^rd of March every year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. The theme of 2020 World Hearing Day was “Hearing for life. Don’t let hearing loss limit you”.

WHO highlighted timely and effective interventions that can ensure that people with hearing loss are able to achieve their full potential.

7 - World Kidney Day

The World Kidney Day is celebrated across the globe on second Thursday of March every year. This was it was observed on 12^th March. This year’s theme is ‘Kidney health for everyone everywhere – from prevention to detection and equitable access to care’.

This day is a mutual initiative of International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). The aim of the day is to raise awareness about the role played by kidneys in maintaining overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease.

8 - National Vaccination Day

India observes National Vaccination Day also known as National Immunization Day (NID) on 16^th March every year. National Vaccination Day is observed in order to enhance the awareness of the eradication of polio from planet earth. National Immunization Day was first observed on 16^th March when the first dose of Oral Polio Vaccine was given in the year 1995.

National Vaccination Day is a day celebrated to make people aware of the importance of timely vaccination for preventable diseases.

9 - World Consumer Rights Day

The World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is observed every year on 15^th March for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement. The day aims to raise awareness about a consumer’s needs and rights.

The WCRD is an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers, for demanding that those rights are respected and protected, and for protesting the market abuses and social injustices which undermine them. The theme for this year is ‘The Sustainable Consumer’.

10 - World Sparrow Day observed on 20^th March

World Sparrow Day is a day designated to raise awareness of the house sparrow and then other common birds to urban environments, and of threats to their populations, observed on 20 March.

Events and campaigns were organized across the globe to create awareness among people to create awareness about how they can contribute in saving sparrows, what efforts they can put in from their side to increase the species and how they can provide food and shelter to these little birds.

11 - International Day of Happiness observed globally on 20 March

International Day of Happiness is celebrated globally on 20^th March every year. Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. The theme of 2020 was ‘Happiness For All, Together’.

The day took its shape from the idea of Jayme Illien, a renowned philanthropist, activist, statesman and Special advisor to United Nations. The event is coordinated by a non-profit movement, Action for Happiness. The movement is supported by 160 nations of the world, besides from various international organizations.

12 - Global Recycling Day observed globally on 18^th March

Global Recycling Day is observed globally on 18^th March every year. Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) to help recognize, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet. The main aim of the day is to turn ‘waste’ into a valuable resource.

The theme of Global Recycling Day 2020 was #RecyclingHeroes. This will recognize the people, places and activities that showcase what an important role recycling plays.

13 - Ordnance Factories’ Day observed on 18^th March

The Ordnance Factories’ Day is being observed on the 18^th of March every year. The Ordnance Factories are a conglomerate of 41 ordnance factories. It functions under the aegis of its corporate headquarters OFB, in Kolkata. The day marks the establishment of the first Ordnance Factory on 18 March 1801. The first factory is known as the 'Gun and Shell Factory' in Kolkata.

OFB is the 37^th largest defence equipment manufacturer in the world and the largest in India. OFB is referred to as the “Fourth Arm of Defence” and the “Force Behind the Armed Forces” of India.

14 - World Tuberculosis Day

The World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24. The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2020 is “It’s Time”, to add weightage on the urgency to act on the commitments made by global leaders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a joint initiative “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB”.

The day aims to raise public awareness of tuberculosis and the efforts made to prevent and treat this disease. It is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO).

15 - International Nowruz Day

International Nowruz Day is celebrated globally on 21 March every year. Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on 21 March. The word Nowruz means new day. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world.

Celebrating Nowruz means the affirmation of life in harmony with nature, awareness of the inseparable link between constructive labour and respectful attitude towards natural sources of life.

16 - World Poetry Day

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized 21^st of March as World Poetry Day. The day recognizes the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind. The day is also meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals and to promote the teaching of poetry.

UNESCO first adopted 21 March as World Poetry Day during its 30^th General Conference in Paris in 1999, with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression.

17 - World Down Syndrome Day

The General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March each year, so as to raise public awareness of Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs in an individual when he/she has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. The theme of World Down Syndrome Day 2020 was “We Decide”.

The theme highlighted to empower persons with Down syndrome and show how effective and meaningful participation of persons with Down syndrome can be achieved.

18 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every year on March 21. On 23 December 2013, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2024. The theme of observation is "People of African descent: recognition, justice, and development".

The day encourages people to remember their obligation and determination to combat racial discrimination. It was on this day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws.

19 - International Day of Forests

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. The theme for 2020 was “Forests and Biodiversity”.

On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass. Forests are home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

20 - India celebrated “Shaheed Diwas” on 23 March

India celebrates Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs' Day on March 23 every year, to pay tribute to martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru. On 23 March 1931, the three Indian freedom fighters were hanged for assassinating John Saunders, a British police officer in 1928 in Lahore jail. The three brave freedom fighters were sentenced to death in the Lahore conspiracy case.

On this day, schools and colleges hold events to pay tribute for their contribution to India's independence from the British colonial rule.

21 - World Meteorological Day observed globally on 23 March

World Meteorological Day takes place every year on 23 March and commemorates the coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization. The day underlines the efforts of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services for the safety and well-being of society.

The theme of 2020 was “Climate and Water”. The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day reflect topical weather, climate or water-related issues. Since the world now faces increasing challenges posed by water stress, there is an urgent need to improve forecasting, monitoring and management of water supplies.

22 - World Water Day observed globally on 22 March

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This Day is an opportunity to learn more about water related issues, be inspired to tell others and take action to make a difference.

The theme of 2020 was “Water and Climate Change”. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A new World Water Development Report is released each year to provide decision-makers with tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies.

23 - International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed annually on 24^th March every year. This annual observance pays tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980. Monsignor Romero was actively engaged in denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador.

The purpose of the Day is to honour the memory of victims of human rights violations and pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to protect human rights.

24 - International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is observed annually on 25^th March to encourage governments to do more in their power to protect UN personnel in their jobs.

The day commemorates the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) when he was kidnapped by armed gunman in 1985. His body was finally found in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon in 2009.

25 - International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed annually on 25^th March. It honors the lives of those who died as a result of slavery or experienced the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade.

The theme for 2020 is “Confronting Slavery’s Legacy of Racism Together”. The theme underscores the reality that lasting effects of the transatlantic slave trade, including racism, continue to divide societies across the globe and hamper our advancement towards a world that respects human rights and enables sustainable development for all.

26 - World Theatre Day observed globally on 27 March

The World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on 27^th March. This day is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “theatre”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians, institutions and individuals which have not yet recognized its potential for economic growth.

World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute ITI. Every year the Executive Council of ITI chooses an outstanding theatre personality to write the message for World Theatre Day, which has been celebrated internationally every March 27^th since 1962.

27 - Earth Hour observed on 28^th March to show support for Planet Earth

Earth Hour, one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment was observed on 28^th March to show support for Planet Earth. Earth Hour marks a moment of solidarity for the planet as global communities unite and organize events digitally due to COVID-19 health crisis.

Earth hour is observed to seek attention to the immediate need for halting nature and biodiversity loss for our health and raise their voice for securing an international commitment to stop and reverse the loss of nature.