Current Affairs - Important Days

Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. The date was chosen symbolically, with May being the 5th month, representing the average five-day duration of menstruation, and 28 representing the average menstrual cycle length in days. Since its inception in 2014 by the NGO WASH United, this day highlights the importance of breaking stigma, promoting education, and improving access to menstrual products and hygiene infrastructure. It aims to create a #PeriodFriendlyWorld where menstruation is normalized and does not hinder anyone’s potential.

World Thyroid Day is observed each year on May 25 to raise awareness about thyroid-related diseases and the importance of thyroid health. The day was officially established during the annual general meeting of the Thyroid Federation International in September 2007 and was first celebrated in 2008. It serves as a platform for healthcare professionals and the public to discuss advances in diagnosis and treatment. The 2025 theme, “Thyroid Disease and Artificial Intelligence,” highlights how emerging technologies are transforming the detection and management of thyroid disorders, bringing global attention to innovative healthcare approaches.

The United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution A/RES/78/281 in 2024, officially declared May 25 as World Football Day to be observed annually. This date holds historical significance as it marks the opening of the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, which was the first Olympic football tournament organized by FIFA. The observance is meant to celebrate the unifying power of football across cultures and nations. FIFA also aligns this day with World Football Week, running from May 21 to 25, and adopts themes like "Together, We Are Stronger" to emphasize the sport's role in promoting inclusion and global unity.

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.