Current Affairs - Important Days

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on May 8 to honour the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The date was chosen as it marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. First celebrated in 1948 as International Red Cross Day, it was renamed in 1984 to its current title. The theme for 2025, “Keeping Humanity Alive,” emphasises the enduring mission of this global movement to provide relief and support to those affected by conflict, disaster, and health crises.

World Athletics Day is observed every year on May 7 to promote sports and fitness, especially among the youth. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of athletics as a foundation for physical well-being and to inspire young people to engage in physical activity. The day is part of a broader initiative by World Athletics, formerly known as the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), to popularise track and field sports globally. While the first World Athletics Day was celebrated on May 15, 1996, the current annual celebration is firmly established on May 7.

World Asthma Day 2025 will be observed on Tuesday, May 6. Organized annually by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), this day is dedicated to raising global awareness about asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting over 250 million people. The 2025 theme, “Make inhaled treatments accessible for all,” underscores the need to improve access to essential inhaled medications, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where asthma-related mortality remains high. The event has grown significantly since its inception in 1998, now engaging over 100 countries in asthma education, advocacy, and efforts to reduce health disparities.

World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on May 3. It was established by the United Nations in 1993 as a way to honour and promote the fundamental principles of press freedom globally. The date also commemorates the Windhoek Declaration of 1991, which emphasized the need for a free, independent, and pluralistic press. This day serves as a reminder of the challenges journalists face worldwide, including censorship, harassment, violence, and threats to their safety, even in democratic nations. It encourages efforts to safeguard the rights of journalists and uphold freedom of expression as a cornerstone of democratic societies.

World Tuna Day is observed every year on May 2 to raise awareness about the critical need to manage tuna fish stocks sustainably. Tuna is not only a significant source of nutrition, rich in Omega-3, protein, and vitamin B12, but also a vital economic resource for many countries. Recognizing the increasing pressure on tuna populations due to overfishing, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated this day nine years ago to promote responsible practices and ensure the long-term conservation of this essential marine species.