World Drug Day 2023

Every year on June 26th, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed to promote global efforts in eliminating drug abuse. The focus of this year’s campaign is to increase awareness regarding the significance of treating individuals who engage in drug use with empathy and respect. It emphasizes the importance of providing evidence-based and voluntary services to all, while offering alternatives to punishment. Prevention is prioritized, and a compassionate approach is advocated. Additionally, the campaign aims to combat the stigma and discrimination faced by drug users by encouraging the use of respectful and non-judgmental language and attitudes.

World Drug Day 2023 Theme

This year World Drug Day’s theme is “People first: Stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”. The world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognizes the importance of taking a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices..

United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

The UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed on June 26th to commemorate the day in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into force. This convention is a crucial instrument in the global fight against torture. The prohibition of torture is considered a part of customary international law, which means that it is legally binding on all countries, regardless of whether they have ratified specific treaties that explicitly prohibit torture.

Day of the Seafarer 2023

The Day of the Seafarer is a special day dedicated to all those who work closely with salt water, including Coast Guards, Navies, fishermen, marine biologists, and cruise ship captains. It commemorates the first recorded sea voyage around 3200 BCE, which was sponsored by the Egyptian Pharaoh Snefru, known for building several pyramids. This annual event, observed on June 25th, aims to acknowledge the crucial role played by seafarers in international trade, the global economy, and society as a whole.

Day of the Seafarer 2023 Theme

This year’s Day of the Seafarer reflects the 2023 World Maritime theme: “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”. The 2023 campaign hashtag is #OceansWorthProtecting

International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID) is observed annually on June 24 to honor and recognize remarkable women in the fields of diplomacy and decision-making across the globe. Diana Abgar, an Armenian ambassador, is credited as the first female diplomat of the 20th century. Other influential women, such as former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and former Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, have made significant contributions in representing their nations on the international stage. Today, Ruchira Kamboj, the Permanent Representative/Ambassador of India to the United Nations in New York, carries on this legacy.

International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023 Theme

The theme for this year’s International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID) Inaugural Forum, organized by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), is “Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development.” The chosen theme emphasizes the importance of increasing the participation of women in decision-making and diplomatic roles.

International Olympic Day 2023

World Olympic Day or International Olympic Day is observed globally on June 23 to honor the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and encourage the principles upheld by the Olympic Movement. It is a day filled with sports events like races, displays, music, and informative workshops featuring athletes from various countries. World Olympic Day was created in 1948 as a tribute to June 23, 1894, when the inception of the modern Olympic Games took place at the Sorbonne in Paris. The aim of Olympic Day is to foster global engagement in sports, irrespective of age, gender, or athletic aptitude. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) urges National Olympic Committees (NOCs) worldwide to arrange events and initiatives on this day to encourage sports participation and uphold Olympic principles.

Theme of Olympic Day 2023

The theme of this year’s Olympic Day is ‘Let’s Move’ which aims to inspire people around the world to make time for daily physical activity. While the world is moving faster than ever, people are moving less with research showing over 80 per cent of young people fail to reach the daily activity level recommended for optimum mental and physical health. This 23 June is the start of a new global movement to make time to move.

Cristiano Ronaldo sets Guinness World Record to make 200 International Caps

Cristiano Ronaldo has received a Guinness World Record after reaching 200 international caps for Portugal. The legendary forward is making his 200th appearance for A Selecao das Quinas in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland. The 38-year-old has broken another record and is the most-capped player in international football.

Vitasta Mahotsav celebrated in J&K

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah addresses the Vitasta Mahotsav organized by the Ministry of Culture as the chief guest in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The objective of Vitasta Mahotsav is to acquaint the whole country with the great cultural heritage, diversity and uniqueness of Kashmir. The festival focuses on the folk beliefs associated with the Vitasta (Jhelum) river.

Umesh Kumar appoints as Chief of DERC

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed former Allahabad high court judge Umesh Kumar as the new chairman of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). This appointment comes after justice (retired) Rajeev Kumar Shrivastava (Madhya Pradesh high court), who had been proposed for appointment as DERC chairperson by the GNCTD. The President of India has appointed him under the sub-section 2 of Section 84 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

Ruby Sinha appointed as the President of BRICS CCI WE

Ruby Sinha has been appointed as the president of BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women’s Vertical (BRICS CCI WE) for a three-year term. Sinha takes over from Shabana Nasim, who has become the Executive Director of BRICS CCI and Chief Patron of BRICS CCI WE. An entrepreneur herself, Ruby Sinha is the founder of SheAtWork, a knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs, and Kommune Brand Communications. BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry works towards promoting active trade, commerce and entrepreneurship between the BRICS and other friendly nations. The Women Vertical of BRICS CCI has been created with a prime focus on women empowerment initiatives and policies across geographies.

Assam’s First Underwater Tunnel To Come Up Under Brahmaputra

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced the construction of Assam’s first-ever underwater tunnel, connecting Numaligarh and Gohpur. This groundbreaking project, estimated to cost Rs 6,000 crores, will be the first rail-road tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in northeast India. The tenders for the project are scheduled to open next month, marking a significant milestone in the region’s transportation infrastructure.

1,000-Year-Old Jaina Sculptures Discovered near Hyderabad, Telangana: Largest ‘Dwarapala’ Sculpture Found in Siddipet

Archaeologists in Siddipet district, Telangana, have made a significant discovery in the form of a 1,000-year-old sculpture. This extraordinary find, a ‘dwarapala’ sculpture representing Vijaya, the doorkeeper of Lord Vishnu, surpasses any previously reported findings in Telangana. Measuring six feet above the ground and three feet below, with a thickness of 9 inches, the sculpture was carved out of granite stone in relief.

PM Narendra Modi receives Egypt’s highest honour ‘Order of the Nile’

During his official visit to Egypt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the highest state honor of Egypt, known as the ‘Order of the Nile.’ This recognition marks the 13th international award received by Prime Minister Modi. The prestigious award was presented to him by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, making it a significant moment as Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Egypt since 1997. According to the official website of the Egyptian Presidency, the ‘Order of the Nile’ is bestowed upon heads of states, crown princes, vice presidents, as well as individuals, both Egyptian and foreign, who have rendered exceptional services to the country or humanity. It is also worth noting that recipients of this honor are commemorated upon their passing.

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan receives honorary doctorate in UK

Renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan has been granted an honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU) in England. The prestigious recognition is a tribute to his significant contributions to the field of music and the arts. Shankar Mahadevan, 56 years old, is a prominent member of the highly accomplished music composing trio known as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The honorary doctorate was presented to him by Professor Philip Plowden, the Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, during a ceremony held in Birmingham.

India’s first Omicron-specific mRNA booster vaccine:GEMCOVAC-OM

India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has announced the approval of Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals for emergency use authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for its mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine, GEMCOVAC-OM. The vaccine, designed specifically against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV2, has shown promising results in phase 3 clinical trials, indicating its potential to prevent future waves of the pandemic.

Journalist A.K. Bhattacharya authored a new book titled “India’s Finance Ministers”

Veteran Journalist Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya (AK Bhattacharya) has authored a new book titled “India’s Finance Ministers: From Independence to Emergency (1947-1977)” which highlights the role of India’s finance ministers who shaped India’s economy in the first 30 years(from 1947 to 1977) after Independence. The book is published by Penguin Business an imprint of Penguin Random House.