Current Affairs - Important Days

The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed every year on May 23. This day highlights one of the most preventable childbirth-related injuries—obstetric fistula, which results from prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. The 2025 theme, “Her Health, Her Right,” emphasizes the necessity of providing all women and girls access to quality sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Despite being preventable and treatable, obstetric fistula continues to affect hundreds of thousands of women globally, particularly in impoverished regions. The observance aims to mobilize global efforts to eliminate this condition by addressing healthcare inequalities and promoting women’s rights.

World Turtle Day is celebrated annually on May 23, an initiative sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit founded in 1990. The day aims to raise awareness about the protection and humane treatment of turtles and tortoises around the world. Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, the founders of ATR and World Turtle Day, have long advocated for reptile welfare. The 25th anniversary celebration carries the theme “Dancing Turtles Rock!”, emphasizing fun and public engagement while drawing attention to conservation issues. This day helps spotlight global efforts needed to preserve these ancient creatures and their habitats.

The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed each year on May 22, a date chosen to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992. Originally celebrated on December 29, the observance was moved to May 22 in 2000 by the UN General Assembly to enhance its visibility. The day serves to raise global awareness of the crucial role biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth. In 2025, the emphasis is on restoring nature and aligning biodiversity protection with sustainable development, underlining the urgent need for collective action to halt environmental degradation and promote ecological resilience.

National Anti-Terrorism Day in India is observed annually on May 21, marking the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1991 by the LTTE. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of terrorism and promoting peace, unity, and non-violence across the country. It also honours victims of terrorism and encourages citizens, especially the youth, to stand against extremism and radicalization. The observance reinforces India’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining social harmony and national integration.

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed every year on May 21. Established by the United Nations in 2002 following the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, this day promotes intercultural dialogue, peace, and sustainable development. It emphasizes embracing cultural differences and fostering inclusion and global cooperation. The observance aligns with the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, encouraging governance for culture, mobility of artists, integration of culture in development, and protection of cultural rights worldwide.