Current Affairs - Important Days

The UN Global Road Safety Week, being held from 12 to 18 May 2025, marks the 8th edition of this global initiative. This year's campaign focuses on making walking and cycling safer, emphasizing the urgent need for improved infrastructure for non-motorized road users. With pedestrians and cyclists accounting for over 25% of global road traffic deaths, the initiative brings attention to the importance of designing urban spaces that prioritize safety and accessibility. Supported by the WHO and UN partners, this observance is part of broader efforts to reduce road injuries and promote sustainable, active modes of transport.

The International Day of Plant Health is celebrated every year on May 12 to emphasize the critical role of plant health in sustaining food security, environmental biodiversity, and global development. Initiated through UN Resolution A/RES/76/256, this observance builds upon the momentum created during the International Year of Plant Health in 2020. The day also draws global attention to the challenges posed by pests, diseases, and climate-related threats to agriculture. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this initiative promotes actions to safeguard plants as vital components of food systems and ecological balance.

International Nurses Day is observed every year on May 12 to acknowledge and celebrate the vital role nurses play in healthcare systems around the world. The date marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, born in 1820, who is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. Her groundbreaking work during the Crimean War and the establishment of the Nightingale School of Nursing in 1860 transformed nursing into a respected and essential profession. This day serves both to commemorate her legacy and to recognize the tireless efforts of nurses in providing care, compassion, and expertise across diverse medical settings.

World Migratory Bird Day 2025 will be celebrated on two dates, May 10 and October 11, in alignment with migration peaks in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The day will highlight the theme "Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities," aiming to promote sustainable urban spaces that support the coexistence of humans and migratory birds. The announcement of these celebration dates was made by the organising partners on November 14, 2024, with a focus on raising awareness about the impact of urbanization on bird populations and advocating for conservation efforts.

World Thalassaemia Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about thalassaemia, a serious inherited blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce normal haemoglobin. The condition can result in severe anemia and other health complications. The day aims to increase public understanding of the disorder, promote testing and treatment, and support those affected. The 2025 theme, “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients,” emphasises the importance of collaboration among medical communities, families, and support organisations to enhance patient care and advance research and policy for better health outcomes.