Important Days

Observed on 24th March every year, World Tuberculosis Day aims to raise awareness about the severe health, social, and economic impact of Tuberculosis (TB) and to mobilize efforts to eliminate this global epidemic. The date commemorates the historic discovery of the TB bacteria by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882, paving the way for understanding and treating the disease.

This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver”, inspires deeper commitment to ending TB worldwide. It emphasizes combating drug-resistant TB and strengthening efforts at local, national, and international levels to save lives.

In India, the central government has launched several initiatives to eradicate TB:

• Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana: Providing ₹1,000 per month as nutritional support to TB patients.
• Free drugs and diagnostics: Ensuring accessible treatment for all.
• 100-day TB Elimination Campaign: Prioritizing districts to find and treat missing cases, reduce deaths, and prevent new infections.

According to the WHO’s Global TB Report 2024, India has made significant progress with a 17.7% decline in TB incidence rates from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023.

Shaheed Diwas, also known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed on March 23rd every year in India to pay tribute to the brave freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru. On this day in 1931, these three revolutionary heroes were executed by the British Government in the Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice remains a symbol of India’s fight for independence.

Significance of Shaheed Diwas

The day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by countless patriots who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were part of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization that fought against British colonial rule. Their courage and unwavering commitment to the nation continue to inspire generations.

Key Events Leading to Their Martyrdom

• 1928: Bhagat Singh and his associates protested against the Simon Commission, which did not include any Indian representation. During a protest, Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally assaulted by the police under the supervision of James A. Scott.
• 1929: Seeking justice, Bhagat Singh and Rajguru assassinated J.P. Saunders, mistaking him for Scott, to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.
• 1929: Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest oppressive laws and willingly courted arrest.
• 1931: After a controversial trial, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were sentenced to death. Despite numerous appeals, they were executed on March 23rd.

World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable water management. This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” emphasizes the vital role of glaciers in maintaining global freshwater supplies and calls for urgent conservation efforts amid climate change.

Established by the United Nations in 1992 during the Rio de Janeiro Conference, World Water Day was first celebrated in 1993. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing global water crisis, with 2.2 billion people lacking access to clean drinking water.

Every year on March 20, we celebrate World Sparrow Day to raise awareness about the alarming decline of sparrows due to urbanization, pollution, and habitat loss. Sparrows play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling insect populations, aiding in pollination, and dispersing seeds.

Founded in 2010 by the conservation group Nature Forever, World Sparrow Day is now recognized in over 50 countries, highlighting the urgent need for action. In India, where sparrows are lovingly known as Goraiya (Hindi), Kuruvi (Tamil), and Chirya (Urdu), their population has declined drastically.

🚨 Why Are Sparrows Disappearing?

• Loss of Nesting Spaces: Modern infrastructure lacks the small nooks and crevices sparrows prefer.
• Toxic Compounds: Unleaded petrol and pesticides reduce insect populations, the primary food source for sparrows.
• Urban Expansion: Green spaces are shrinking, leaving little room for sparrows to thrive.

🌿 How Can We Help?

• Plant native greenery to attract insects and provide food for sparrows.
• Reduce the use of chemical pesticides.
• Install nesting boxes in your garden or balcony.
• Provide a small water source like a birdbath.

💡 Inspiring Conservation Efforts

• The Koodugal Trust in Chennai has installed over 10,000 nests since 2020, significantly increasing sparrow populations.
• In Mysuru, the Early Bird Campaign educates children through birdwatching trips and community events.
• Delhi declared the house sparrow its state bird in 2012, symbolizing its commitment to conservation.

World Consumer Rights Day 2025 was observed on 15 March to highlight the importance of consumer rights and protection. The theme for 2025 is “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.”

The Government of India has implemented several measures to protect consumer rights and ensure quick grievance redressal. The Jaago Grahak Jaago campaign raises consumer awareness, and the National Consumer Helpline collaborates with over 1,000 companies for faster complaint resolution.

To tackle unfair trade practices in e-commerce, the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 outline responsibilities and liabilities for marketplace and inventory-based e-commerce platforms, ensuring proper grievance redressal mechanisms.

The 54th National Safety Week was observed across India from March 4 to March 10, 2025, to promote safety awareness and accident prevention. This year’s theme, “Safety and Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat,” emphasized the role of safety in national development. Activities included workshops, safety drills, and awareness campaigns. Labour and Factories Minister Vasansetty Subhash highlighted the importance of safety for workers, children, women, and the elderly.

The valedictory event at Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) focused on using Artificial Intelligence for workplace safety. The event reinforced the collective responsibility to ensure a safer and healthier environment.

CISF Raising Day is celebrated annually on March 10 to commemorate the founding of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969. This year, India marks the 56th CISF Raising Day, celebrating the bravery, dedication, and service of CISF personnel who safeguard the nation’s key infrastructure and uphold public security.

The CISF was established under the CISF Act of 1968 and initially comprised 3,129 personnel. Over the years, it has grown to a formidable force of 1,77,713 personnel as of June 2024. The CISF provides security to various critical sectors, including the Department of Space, the Department of Atomic Energy, airports, the Delhi Metro, ports, historical monuments, and key areas of the Indian economy such as petroleum, natural gas, electricity, coal, steel, and mining.

The 56th CISF Raising Day celebrations include parades, cultural programs, and official ceremonies to honor the dedication and sacrifices of CISF personnel. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the event in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu, as the chief guest, emphasizing the crucial role CISF plays in ensuring the development, progress, and mobility of the country.

The CISF has evolved into a multi-dimensional force, providing security across various sectors and recognizing the growing need for specialized personnel. The day is also marked by blood donation drives and health check-up camps across the country, further highlighting the CISF’s commitment to public service.

International Women’s Day 2025 was celebrated on March 8 with the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” The theme emphasizes equal rights, opportunities, and empowerment for all, particularly focusing on youth and young women as drivers of change.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a key global framework for women’s rights. The occasion calls for engaging media, corporate leaders, governments, and civil society to take action in promoting gender equality. People are encouraged to spread awareness using the hashtag #ForAllWomenAndGirls to inspire change.

Jan Aushadhi Diwas, celebrated on March 7th, is dedicated to raising awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), an initiative by the Government of India to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).

Launched in 2008, the PMBJP aims to reduce healthcare expenses for Indians by promoting the use of generic medicines across various therapeutic categories.

World Wildlife Day, celebrated annually on March 3rd, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s diverse flora and fauna. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, this day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to conserve wildlife and their habitats for future generations.

The Significance of World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day highlights the urgent need to combat wildlife crime and promote sustainable use of natural resources. With over 8,000 species of animals and plants at risk of extinction, it is crucial to take action to protect biodiversity and ensure the survival of endangered species.

2025 Theme: “Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration”

The theme for World Wildlife Day 2025 focuses on recovering key species that play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. By restoring these species, we can enhance the resilience of ecosystems and promote sustainable development.