IMPORTANT DAYS- APRIL

Apr 1 April Fools' Day

April Fools' Day is a day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by spreading hoaxes and other practical jokes on friends, family members, enemies, neighbours etc. People sometimes send their targets on a fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries, such as the UK, Australia and South Africa the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool". Elsewhere, such as in Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Russia, The Netherlands, and the U.S., the jokes last all day. The most clever April Fool joke is the one where everyone laughs, especially the person upon whom the joke is played.

History - Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar.

Theory 1 -  Julian Calendar was reformed around 1582 in France under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced and New Year's Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. Communication travelled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labelled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to non-existent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them.

Apr 2 World Autism Awareness Day

Autism is a developmental disability that remains with a person for his or her whole life. This condition affects the brain's functions. Autism, as defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is actually a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum. The first signs usually appear before a child is three years old.
People with autism often:

• Find social interaction difficult.
• Have problems with verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Demonstrate restrictive and repetitive behaviour.
• Have a limited set of interests and activities.
  

Because Autism is a complex spectrum of disorders, raising awareness is critical. On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States. This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges. It was first observed in 2008.

Apr 5 Indian National Maritime Day

 The National Maritime Day is celebrated every year on 5th April in commemoration of the maiden voyage of the first Indian Vessel 'S. S. Loyalty' owned by M/s. Scindia Steam Navigation Company from Mumbai to London on 5th April 1919. The National Maritime Day recognizes the services of seafarers and services of persons and organisations connected with promotion and development of national maritime industry by giving them awards, scholarships and facilitations.

The theme adopted for the 52nd 'National Maritime Day' is 'Make in India- an opportunity for the maritime sector. Many awards like the Varuna Award, NMD Award of Excellence, Gallantry Award to the Indian Seafarers are given to mariners on the occasion.

Apr 7 World Health Day

World Health Day is an annual event observed on April 7th. It is observed to draw attention to particular priorities in global health. Being physically healthy is of prime importance in life. Changes are required to develop public health system to address the growing degradation of health amongst the populace. There is a significant rise in the number of people suffering from various ailments and diseases. To attain this objective the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which first met in 1946 called for the establishment of an organization in the United Nations, which would be dedicated to health issues. The new organization would carry on the work of the Office International d'Hygiène Publique (the International Office for Public Hygiene) and the health units of the League of Nations. The World Health Organization was founded on April 7, 1948. Since then, the organization has carried out a huge amount of valuable work, including the global eradication of smallpox and the implementation of a wide range of public health strategies. Now, 193 countries are members and the organization is still working to improve many aspects of health around the world. At the First World Health Assembly in 1948, the delegates called for a World Health Day to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization. This has been held on April 7 every year since 1950. The day is used to draw attention to particular priorities in global health. Priorities in the last three occasions was 2008: Protecting health from the adverse effects of climate change, 2007: International health security and 2006: Working together for health.

April 11, National Safe Motherhood Day 

       It is a little known fact that Mumtaz Mahal, Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite queen died due to complications related to repeated childbirth. 
       The Taj Mahal for all its beauty is a grim reminder of the fact that even today there are thousands of women in the country who continue to die during childbirth. Every minute one woman somewhere in the world dies due to pregnancy related causes. In India every seven minutes a maternal death occurs leading to more than 77,000 women dying each year in India alone. The tragedy is that a majority of these deaths can be prevented. It is a question of not just a Right to Health but is also a Human Rights issue. It is every woman’s right to live and survive pregnancy and childbirth. These were some of the issues and concerns expressed during the celebrations of the National Safe Motherhood Day organized by White Ribbon Alliance India . The White Ribbon Alliancefor Safe Motherhood is a coalition of organizations working together to increase awareness, build alliancesand act as a catalyst for action in order to reduce maternalmortality. CEDPA launched the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood in India (WRAI) in November 1999.
More reading at: http://www.gktoday.in/important-days-of-april_01/

Apr 13 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, was a seminal event in the British rule of India. On 13 April 1919, a crowd of nonviolent protesters, along with Baishakhi pilgrims, had gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh garden in Amritsar, Punjab to protest against the arrest of two leaders [Dr.Satyapal and Dr.Saifuddin] despite a curfew which had been recently declared. On the orders of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, the army fired on the crowd for ten minutes, directing their bullets largely towards the few open gates through which people were trying to run out. The figures released by the British government were 370 dead and 1200 wounded. Other sources place the number dead at well over 1000.

This "brutality stunned the entire nation", resulting in a "wrenching loss of faith" of the general public in the intentions of Britain. The ineffective inquiry and the initial accolades for Dyer by the House of Lords fuelled widespread anger, leading to the Non-cooperation Movement of 1920–22. The massacre caused a re-evaluation of the army's role, in which the new policy became "minimum force", and the army was retrained and developed suitable tactics for crowd control.

Rabindranath Tagore tried to arrange a protest meeting in Calcutta and finally decided to renounce his knighthood as "a symbolic act of protest".

An enquiry commission was set up with lord William Hunter as the chairman(

the hunter Commission) , after a long inquiry unanimously condemned Dyer's actions. However, he was finally found guilty of a mistaken notion of duty and relieved of his command on 23 March 1920.

The day is observed to pay the Nation's Homage to the Patriotic Martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom of the Motherland.

Apr 14 Baisakhi

Baisakhi is a Seasonal Festival celebrated all over the state of Punjab, India and few other parts of North India. It is celebrated on the first of Baisakh month, ie, April. Baisakhi is a derivative of Vaishakha. After harvesting the winter crop, the farmers of the northern states of Punjab and Haryana celebrate the beginning of another year. Baisakhi Festival generally falls on April 13th or April 14th and marks the beginning of the solar year. People of North India, especially of Punjab thank God for good harvest. Baisakhi is one of the major festivals of Sikhs and as such, is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and gaiety in the state of Punjab and all throughout the world where there is a significant Sikh population. Visit to Gurudwaras, Baisakhi processions and traditional performances are the highlights of the day. Baisakhi also has another special significance for Sikhs as on this day, their tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji organized the order of the Khalsa.

Apr 14 Ambedkar Jayanti

Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated on 14 April to observe the birthday of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. He was born on the same day in 1891 to Ramji Ambadvekar and Bhimabai. Baba Saheb greatly contributed to the nation as a jurist, philosopher, politician, anthropologist, economist and historian. He was appointed as the first law minister of the independent India. He also contributed to drafting the Constitution of India, serving as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee from 29 August 1947 to 24 January 1950.
       Baba Saheb held a strong notion against the social divisions prevailing in the country at that time. He organised campaigns to spread words of equality and annihilate the Indian caste system.
      Due to deteriorating health, Baba Saheb died on 6 December 1956.
         The Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April 2016 will be the 125th birth anniversary of Baba Saheb.   Mass celebrations are held across the country on this day to pay homage to B. R. Ambedkar for his splendid contribution in preparing the Constitution of India. Every year a special event is organised in his honour at the Parliament of India. At the event, prominent leaders pay homage to his statue. The celebrations include activities like dance, painting, debate, dramatics, essay writing, as well as sports.

Apr 14 Tamil New Year Day

Tamil New Year is celebrated according to the Tamil calender on the first day of Chitteri month. It comes every year on April 14th. Tamil New Year is a special occasion for Tamil people.

In India Tamil new year is celebrated in Tamilnadu and Puduccheri. The Tamil population in Srilanka, Malaysia, Singapore and Mauritius also celebrate it in a grand manner.

            On this new year day Tamil people greet each other by saying “Iniya Tamizh Puthaandu Nalvazhthukkal”.

         On Tamil new year people wake up early in the morning and take bath. They offer all types of fruits and pongal to God. Three types of fruits sweet, sour and bitter have a special place in Tamil new year. These three tastes represent the Happiness, Sadness and Sacrifice in the lives of people. On this day people also go to temple and pray.

Entrances of the houses are decorated elaborately with 'kolam' and this day is marked with a feast in Tamil homes. People prepare different varieties of food and share them with relatives and friends. People of some communities in Tamilnadu, celebrate this day with neem flowers and raw mangoes, which are considered very important on this day.

Tamil people believe it to be an auspicious day for new and prosperous beginnings, so they celebrate this festival in a grand manner.

Apr 14- Fire Service Week

The Fire Service Week (FSW) is observed nation-wide under the guidance of the Fire Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India during April 14–20. This is in remembrance of the lives lost in the devastating fire that erupted and the explosions that followed on 14th April, 1944 at the Victoria Dock in the Bombay Port and also to prevent fire in all industries. The National Safety Council (NSC) has been promoting the FSW Campaign since 1999 with a view to propagate Fire Safety awareness amongst employees, their families and the public. NSC is facilitating industries in the observance of the FSW by developing appropriate promotional material related to prevention of fire and protection of life & property in the form of Special Information Packages comprising of pocket guides, special fire safety posters, banners and promotional utility items.

On 14th April 1944, a major explosion took place on board ship S.S. Fort Stikline carrying explosives and other combustibles and berthed at Bombay Docks. The explosion and the fire that followed had resulted in massive destruction of ships, port facilities, and residential area in the neighbourhood besides claiming lives of over 68 fire service personnel, about 150 port personnel and unaccounted number of civilians. In commemoration of the precious lives lost in the event. April 14 is being observed as the Fire Service Day and the following the Day as the Fire Service Week (FSW).

The FSW is a grim reminder of the destructive potential of fire and need for fire prevention efforts. Every year fires take a heavy toll in terms of human lives and property loss. The estimates are about 25,000 deaths and Rs.2, 700 cores worth property lost annually. It is expected that all sections of society, business and industry would review their fire safety needs, develop suitable strategies for fire prevention, fire control, rescue and rehabilitation and

undertake a campaign for fire safety during the FSW.

Apr 15 Vishu

Vishu is one of the most popular South Indian Festival. It is celebrated widely in the state of Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu. The term 'Vishu' denotes 'Equal' in Sanskrit language. It is the Traditional New Year for the residents of this state. As the people belonging to this region speak Malayalam, it is also known as Malayalam New Year. According to the Indian astrological calculations this day signifies the Sun's transit to the zodiac - Mesha Raasi (Aries - first zodiac sign). Astronomically speaking, it represents the vernal equinox. Therefore Vishu is considered to be denoting one of the equinox days. Traditional Malayalam Calendar marks the 1st day of the first month Medam (March-April) of the New Year as Vishu. As per the Gregorian calendar, Vishu generally falls on April 14th. Vishu can be referred as the 'South Indian Baisakhi, Bihu or Puthandu'. This is because similar occasions are being celebrated in other parts of India, though in a different manner but with same intent, i.e. New Year. Thus, it is Baisakhi in Punjab, Bihu in Assam and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. Apart for few exceptions in certain areas, Vishu largely, lacks in the fanfare and pomp which is generally evident in new year celebrations. Another uniqueness which sets it apart from New Year celebrations in other parts of the country is that, Vishu is more or less astrological favouring occasion and less of a religious occasion. Though, the official Malayalam new year falls on the first month of Chingam (August - September), the traditional one has more importance as 1st of Chingam has no astrological or astronomical value. Traditional Vishu is especially observed in the central and northern areas of Kerala.

Vishukkani or Kanikanal - Vishukkani is a Malayalam Word which literally means 'The first thing to be seen on the Vishu morning, after waking up'. The belief behind the Vishukkani is that the fortunes for the coming year depend upon the nature of the object one sees first in the morning of Vishu Day. Thus, the first sight should be the most positive sight. The arrangement is prepared with a lot of care to make it the most positive sight so as to bring a prosperous new year. According to some beliefs if you do not see a proper Vishukkani, then you will lose a year from your life or have bad luck, depending on how much you see. Keeping this in mind, the sight becomes a ritual arrangement (Vishukkani) of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh lemon, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow flowers konna (Cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins. All these items are placed in a Vessel called 'Uruli' in the puja room (prayer room) of the House. Uruli is an open-mouthed shallow circular vessel made out of bell metal.

For more reading : https://targetstudy.com/knowledge/day/349/vishu.html

Bihu  is the National Festival of Assam. The origin of the word ‘Bihu" is said to be from the Sanskrit word ‘Vishu’. Traditionally Bihu has been celebrated with Bihu dance and Bihu geets (songs) in the village fields and courtyards, with groups of youths going from house to house, singing Bihu songs which is known as Husori. The folk songs associated with the Bohag Bihu are called Bihugeets or Bihu songs. The same practice slowly got transformed to holding community functions mainly in towns and cities where cultural functions are held; such functions are based on Bihu dance and Bihu geets which depict mainly Bihu dances and songs. Though they owe their origins to ancient rites and practices they have taken definite urban features and have become popular festivals in urban and commercialized milieus in the recent decades.

Bihu involves a set of three different cultural festivals in Assam. These are Rongaali Bihu, Kongaali Bihu, Bhogali Bihu.

For more reading : https://targetstudy.com/knowledge/day/174/bihu.html

Apr 17 World Haemophilia Day

April 17 is World Hemophilia Day. This day is celebrated by hemophilia organizations around the world, and gives them an opportunity to increase awareness of hemophilia. World Hemophilia Day was started in 1989. The World Federation of Hemophilia chose April 17 in honour of WFH founder Frank Schnabel, who was born on that day. It is a day for us to remember and reflect on the contributions of people like Frank Schnabel who have dedicated themselves to improving care for people with hemophilia. It is also a time for us to re-commit ourselves to continuing the fight to improve the quality of life of people with hemophilia around the world. More at: http://www.gktoday.in/important-days-of-april_01/

Apr 18 World Heritage Day

World Heritage is the shared wealth of humankind. Protecting and preserving this valuable asset demands the collective efforts of the international community. This special day offers an opportunity to raise the public’s awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it, as well as draw attention to its vulnerability. On 18 April 1982 on the occasion of a symposium organised by ICOMOS in Tunisia, the holding of the “International Day for Monuments and Sites” to be celebrated simultaneously throughout the world was suggested. This project was approved by the Executive Committee who provided practical suggestions to the National Committees on how to organise this day. The idea was also approved by the UNESCO General Conference who passed a resolution at its 22nd session in November 1983 recommending that Member States examine the possibility of declaring 18 April each year “International Monuments and Sites Day”. This has been traditionally called the World Heritage Day. ICOMOS, the International Council for Monuments and Sites makes a number of suggestions on how to celebrate the World Heritage Day.
courtesy:http://www.gktoday.in/important-days-of-april_01/

Apr 19 Mahavir Jayanthi

Mahavir Jayanti is observed by Jains as birth anniversary of sage Mahavir. Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, established core tenets of Jainism. Mahavir was the 24^th and the last Jain sage.

The most important of all Jain festivals, Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Vardhaman Mahavir, the founder of Jainism and the 24th tirthankar (religious guru) of the faith. Mahavir was born on thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra month (which was Trayodashi Tithi during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month). Mahavir was born during 599 B.C. and disappeared in 527 B.C. at the age of 72. Mahavir was born at Kundalagrama which is situated under Vaishali district in Bihar. His birth anniversary is celebrated with much fervour at Jain temples across the country. Shrines and temples are decorated with flags for the occasion, and on the day of the festival, the idol of the tirthankar is given a ritual bath before being taken out, ensconced in a cradle, in a grand procession.

The custom of donating money, food and clothing to the poor is also an important aspect of celebrating Mahavir Jayanti. In addition, Jain organisations (in some cases, even individuals) arrange for free food and drink for all passersby. Important Jain shrines such as Sri Mahavirji in Rajasthan; Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat; Parasnath Temple (Kolkata) and Pawapuri in Bihar host major celebrations to mark Mahavir Jayanti.
- See more at: http://journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/mahavir-jayanti.aspx#sthash.hVkcwKA2.dpuf

Apr 22 Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated every year by the people in India to commemorate the birth of Hindu Lord, Hanuman. It is celebrated annually in the Hindi month of Chaitra (Chaitra Pournima) on 15^th day of the Shukla Paksha. Lord Hanuman, a dedicated disciple of the Hindu Lord Rama, is worshipped all over the India by the Hindus for his deep devotion to the god Rama. People worship Lord Hanuman as a symbol of devotion, magical powers, strength and energy. People read Hanuman Chalisa as it has ability to conquer the evil spirits and provide peace to the mind.

This celebration has lots of importance to all, however Brahmacharis, wrestlers and bodybuilders are specially inclined towards this celebration. There are many names through which Lord Hanuman is famous among his devotees like Bajrangabali, Pavanasuta, Pavankumar, Mahavira, Balibima, Marutsuta, Anjanisut, Sankat Mochan, Anjaneya, Maruti, Rudra and many more.

Hanuman avatar is considered as the 11^th Rudra avatar of the Lord Siva with great devotion, strength, knowledge, divine power, bravery, intelligence, spirit for selfless service and etc. He has devoted his life only for his Lord Rama and Mata Sita and never shows his bravery and intelligence without any purpose.

In the Maharashtra, it is commemorated to the Purnima in the Hindu Lunar month of Chaitra. However, according to other Hindu calendar, it falls on 14^th day (chaturdashi) of Ashvin month in the dark fortnight. After puja, Prasad is distributed among people to have full blessings.

In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it is celebrated in Margazhi month (between December and January) in the belief that Lord Hanuman was born to the amavasya in the Margazhi month. In Odisha, it is celebrated on 1^st day in the month of Baisakha (in April). In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated on 10^th day of Vaishaka month in the Krishna Paksha. It is the 41 days long celebration in the Andhra Pradesh which starts from the Chaitra Purnima and ends at 10^th days of the Krishna Paksha of Vaishakha month.

Apr 22 World Earth Day

Earth Day is observed to promote environmental awareness and call for the protection of our planet. Earth Day is divided into two different observances. Both are held worldwide annually. While some people celebrate Earth Day around the time of the vernal equinox, others observe the occasion on April 22 each year. Earth Day aims to inspire awareness of and appreciation for earth's environment. It is currently observed in more than 140 countries around the world. The April 22 Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson. Senator Nelson chose the date as the one that could maximize participation on college campuses. This date did not fall during exams or spring breaks, did not conflict with religious holidays such as Easter or Passover, and was late enough in spring to have decent weather. More students were likely to be in class, and there would be less competition with other events mid-week, so he chose Wednesday, April 22. It was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution. Some people prefer to observe Earth Day around the time of the March equinox. In 1978, American anthropologist Margaret Mead added her support for the equinox Earth Day, founded by John McConnell. She stated that the selection of the March Equinox for Earth Day made planetary observance of a shared event possible.

Observing Earth Day include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, conducting various programs for recycling and conservation, using recyclable containers for snacks and lunches. Some people are encouraged to sign petitions to governments, calling for stronger or immediate action to stop global warming and to reverse environmental destruction. Television stations frequently air programs dealing with environmental issues.

Apr 23 World Book and Copyright Day

Copyright is a form of intellectual property that gives the author of an original work exclusive right for a certain time period in relation to that work, including its publication, distribution and adaptation, after which time the work is said to enter the public domain. World Book and Copyright Day is an occasion to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors and to encourage people to discover the pleasure of reading. It is hoped that World Book and Copyright Day will increase people's understanding of and adherence to copyright laws and other measures to protect intellectual copyright. It is also hoped that this will lead to the renewed respect for those who have made irreplaceable contributions to social and cultural progress.

UNESCO created both the World Book and Copyright Day and the UNESCO Prize for Children's and Young People's Literature in the Service of Tolerance.

23 April is a symbolic date for world literature for on this date in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.

pril 11, National Safe Motherhood Day , India It is a little known fact that Mumtaz Mahal, Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite queen died due to complications related to repeated childbirth. The Taj Mahal for all its beauty is a grim reminder of the fact that even today there are thousands of women in the country who continue to die during childbirth. Every minute one woman somewhere in the world dies due to pregnancy related causes. In India every seven minutes a maternal death occurs leading to more than 77,000 women dying each year in India alone. The tragedy is that a majority of these deaths can be prevented. It is a question of not just a Right to Health but is also a Human Rights issue. It is every woman’s right to live and survive pregnancy and childbirth. These were some of the issues and concerns expressed during the celebrations of the National Safe Motherhood Day organized by White Ribbon Alliance India . The White Ribbon Alliancefor Safe Motherhood is a coalition of organizations working together to increase awareness, build alliancesand act as a catalyst for action in order to reduce maternalmortality. CEDPA launched the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood in India (WRAI) in November 1999.
More at: http://www.gktoday.in/important-days-of-april_01/

Apr 25 World Malaria Day

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by a eukaryotic protist of the genus Plasmodium. Malaria is naturally transmitted by the bite of a female Anopheles  mosquito. According to W.H.O. - Approximately half of the world's population is at risk of malaria, particularly those living in lower-income countries. It infects more than 500 million people per year and kills more than 1 million. The burden of malaria is heaviest in sub-Saharan Africa but the disease also afflicts Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and even parts of Europe. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of the Americas  (22 countries), Asia, and Africa. Each year, there are approximately 350–500 million cases of malaria, killing between one and three million people, the majority of whom are young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Although it is a preventable and treatable disease, poverty in Africa makes it a huge killer. World Malaria Day is a day for recognizing the global effort to provide effective control of malaria.

Malaria Awareness Day was designated to be April 25 by President George W. Bush in 2007.

World Malaria Day was established and approved at the 60th World Health Assembly (WHA) in March 2007. It replaced "Africa Malaria Day" which was commemorated every year since 2001 on 25 April.  The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of malaria as a disease that is preventable and treatable and to mobilize communities across the world to get involved in the fight against it.

Apr 30 Save The Frogs Day

' SAVE THE FROGS!' is the world's leading amphibian conservation organization. Our mission is to protect amphibian populations and to promote a society that respects and appreciates nature and wildlife. We work in California, across the USA, and around the world to prevent the extinction of amphibians, and to create a better planet for humans and wildlife.
Since 2008, SAVE THE FROGS! scientists and volunteers have held over 1,400 educational events in 59 countries to educate people about the plight of frogs and teach them ways to protect amphibians. SAVE THE FROGS! has held protests at government agencies to ban harmful pesticides and to protect wetlands; restored habitat for endangered amphibians; gotten frog legs out of 77 supermarkets and two restaurants; ended frog dissections at 18 schools; educated over two million website visitors through our 300+ page website; and stopped the construction of a 12-story condominium complex that was planned to be built on endangered toad habitat. SAVE THE FROGS! creates educational materials and provides inspiration and training to volunteers around the world to empower them to go into their communities and conduct activities that benefit amphibians. To ensure the growth of the amphibian conservation movement, SAVE THE FROGS! has awarded over $24,000 in grants to conservationists in 11 countries. SAVE THE FROGS! passed successful legislation designating the California Red-Legged Frog as California's official state amphibian and we regularly meet with politicians to educate them about a variety of issues that impact frog populations. In October 2014, SAVE THE FROGS! initiated a campaign to Re-Frog America by building 1,000 wetlands over the next 10 years.
As we continue our work to counteract the massive harm being done to frog populations, your financial support is more crucial than ever. Please support our efforts by donating, volunteering, becoming a member, spreading the word and purchasing some eco-friendly merchandise from our Gift Center. Together we can SAVE THE FROGS!

Apr 30- Anti-Child Labour Day

In India, Anti-Child Labour Day is observed on April 30, a day before Labour Day, while the World Day Against Child Labour is held on June 12.

In 2001, about 12 million children in India were in a hazardous job.UNICEFS estimates that India, with its larger population, has the highest number of labourers in the world under 14 years of age. International Labour Organization estimates that agriculture and relatives activities – at 70 percent – are the largest employer of child labour in India.
Since the Government amended the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, enforcing a ban on employment of children under 14 in any kind of jobs in October 2006, situation has barely changed and child labour continues to flourish in both rural and urban India. Thus, though the country observes the Anti-Child Labour Day tomorrow, hundreds of children continue to work hard as domestic help in houses, at roadside restaurants in the state and in other low-skilled labour-intensive sectors.
Children who work miss the corresponding education and remain illiterate which limits their opportunity to develop properly as well as the ability to become prosperous for their own and for the community well being. In this way, Child Labour has a long term side effects for the country and its economic welfare. Proper education is essential for keeping an economy prospering.
Education is the right response to end child labour. School is the best place to work for a child.

Courtesy: various sources in the Net.