Olympiad Test Level 1: Current Affairs - 1 - Class 4 MCQ

Neeraj A Sharma, Honorary Consul General of Palau in India, received the prestigious “Medal of Honour” from HCCD-India during Consular Day at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. The event, hosted by HCCD-India, celebrated Honorary Consuls’ vital role in global relations. KL Ganju and Mohan Suresh graced the ceremony. Established in 1995, HCCD-India promotes understanding among Honorary Consuls. Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi presented the award, highlighting Honorary Consuls’ contribution to India’s global image.

• World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
• An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002.
• Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness-raising platform.
• The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly.
• In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.

• The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 is observed on December 3, with the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
• The IDPD serves as a global reminder to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs).
• The theme emphasizes the critical role of leadership by PwDs in achieving a sustainable and inclusive future.
• The day was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992 to promote awareness and rights of PwDs.
• India has launched several initiatives to support PwDs, such as the Accessible India Campaign and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

World Pulses Day, observed on February 10 annually, promotes awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses in sustainable food production. The United Nations assigns a theme each year; the 2024 theme is “Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People,” aiming to integrate pulses into diets and agricultural practices. The day originated in 2019, emphasizing pulses’ role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The International Gita Mahotsav (IGM), rooted in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, expands to Sri Lanka for its fifth edition from March 1 to 3. With past editions in Mauritius, London, Canada, and Australia, the Mahotsav’s global appeal is evident. The event aims to unite devotees worldwide, showcasing the universal significance of the Bhagavad Gita.

World NGO Day, celebrated annually on February 27, acknowledges the vital role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) globally. Over 89 countries and 6 continents participate. The day promotes active engagement in NGOs, advocates for collaboration between NGOs and public-private sectors, and raises awareness among the needy about the impactful work of NGOs. The 2024 theme, “Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” emphasizes their crucial contribution to global sustainability.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event on March 8th, acknowledging women’s accomplishments in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. In 2024, the United Nations’ theme is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ emphasizing the need for gender equality. IWD serves as a worldwide celebration of women’s achievements and a powerful call to action for advancing women’s rights and opportunities.

Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters, celebrates its 70th anniversary with ‘Sahityotsav,’ the world’s largest literary festival from March 11 to 16, 2024. Over 1100 writers and scholars from 175+ languages will participate in 190 sessions. Dr K. Sreenivasrao, Secretary, reveals diverse discussions, an exhibition, and a grand inauguration with governors Arif Mohammed Khan, Bishwabhusan Harichandan, and C.V. Anand Bose. Highlighted by the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023 on March 12, featuring Odia writer Pratibha Rai as Chief Guest.

World Water Day, observed on March 22 since 1993, raises awareness about freshwater conservation. The United Nations General Assembly initiated this observance to emphasize water’s significance in our lives. The 2024 theme, ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’, highlights the crucial role of transboundary water cooperation in fostering universal peace and sustainable development.

International Conscience Day, observed annually on April 5th, urges individuals to reflect on their conscience and uphold moral values. The 2024 theme is ‘Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.’ Instituted by the UN in 2020, this day stresses the importance of discretion in preventing harm. It champions self-respect and peace for all. Scholars denounce anti-human acts to foster public condemnation and deterrence.