World Organ Donation Day 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History
World Organ Donation Day 2023 is observed on August 13, 2023. It is a global event that is observed to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to encourage people to become organ donors.
Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or tissue to someone else who needs it to survive or improve their quality of life. Organs that can be donated include kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, pancreases, and intestines. Tissues that can be donated include corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons.
There are currently over 100,000 people in the United States waiting for an organ transplant. Every day, 22 people die while waiting for a transplant. In India, there are over 5 lakh people waiting for an organ transplant.
World Organ Donation Day 2023, Theme
The theme for World Organ Donation Day 2023 is “Step up to volunteer; need more organ donors to fill the lacunae”.
By becoming an organ donor, you can save the lives of others. Please consider becoming an organ donor today.
Here are some additional facts about organ donation:
Every 9 minutes, someone in the United States is added to the waiting list for an organ transplant.
There are currently over 100,000 people waiting for an organ transplant in the United States.
Every day, 22 people die while waiting for a transplant.
In India, there are over 5 lakh people waiting for an organ transplant.
The most common organs donated are kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, pancreases, and intestines.
Tissues that can be donated include corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons.
Organ donation is safe and can save lives.
When a person donates an organ, they are not putting their own health at risk.
The surgery to remove the organ is major, but the risks are similar to the risks of any major surgery.
If you are interested in becoming an organ donor, you can sign up to be an organ donor on the Donate Life website.
You can also talk to your family and friends about your decision to become an organ donor.
You can carry an organ donor card with you at all times.
World Organ Donation Day, Significance
The significance of World Organ Donation Day is that it is a day to focus on the need for organ donation and to celebrate the lives of organ donors and recipients. It is also a day to educate people about organ donation and to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that surround it.
World Organ Donation Day, History
World Organ Donation Day is a global event that is observed every year on August 13. It was first celebrated in 2005 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society for Organ Donation (ISOD). The purpose of World Organ Donation Day is to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to encourage people to become organ donors.
Why is the National Flag unfurled at the Red Fort every August 15?
The National Flag of India is unfurled at the Red Fort every August 15 to commemorate the country’s independence from British rule. The Red Fort was once the seat of the Mughal Empire, and it was from here that the British colonial government ruled India for over 200 years. On August 15, 1947, India finally gained its independence, and the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort for the first time. This act symbolized India’s new status as a free and independent nation.
Since then, the Prime Minister of India has unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort every year on Independence Day. This is a time for the nation to come together and celebrate its freedom. The Prime Minister delivers a speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, outlining the government’s plans for the future and reaffirming India’s commitment to democracy and secularism. The unfurling of the national flag is a reminder of India’s journey from colonial rule to independence, and it is a symbol of the country’s hope for a brighter future.
Here are some additional reasons why the National Flag is unfurled at the Red Fort every August 15:
The Red Fort is a symbol of India’s rich history and heritage. It is a reminder of the country’s past struggles and triumphs.
The Red Fort is a centrally located and easily accessible location for people from all over India to come and celebrate Independence Day.
The Red Fort is a large and imposing structure that is well-suited for hosting large-scale events.
The Red Fort has a long association with the Indian independence movement. It was from here that many important leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, gave speeches and rallies to inspire the Indian people to fight for freedom.
The unfurling of the national flag at the Red Fort is a significant event in the life of the Indian nation. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and hope. It is a reminder of India’s past, present, and future.
NPCI Launches UPI Chalega 3.0 Campaign to Drive UPI Adoption and Safety Awareness
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced the third edition of its UPI Safety Awareness Campaign named “UPI Chalega.” Collaborating with key stakeholders in the payments ecosystem, the campaign aims to emphasize the ease, safety, and swiftness of using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for transactions.
This initiative seeks to educate users about several essential UPI features that enhance convenience and security:
Promoting UPI for Various Transactions
The “UPI Chalega” campaign is geared towards promoting UPI as a trustworthy, efficient, and real-time payment method for a diverse range of transactions. It also sheds light on innovative features like UPI LITE, designed for swift low-value transactions, UPI AUTOPAY, facilitating secure recurring payments across UPI applications, and UPI Interoperability, which ensures seamless money transfers between all UPI-enabled apps.
Building on Previous Successes
This isn’t the first time the UPI Chalega campaign has been launched. In 2020, it was initiated under the guidance of the Financial Literacy Advisory Committee (FLAC). The success of the first and second editions played a pivotal role in expanding UPI’s reach, fostering awareness about its safety measures, and enhancing its usability for diverse transactions, firmly establishing it as a preferred choice for digital payments.
Engaging Initiatives for UPI Adoption
With the launch of UPI Chalega 3.0, the campaign continues its mission to encourage the adoption of UPI while prioritizing user safety. Through captivating initiatives, the campaign aims to achieve its objectives. The campaign’s promotional material features snapshots of the “#UPIWaliShaadi” commercials, showcasing relatable scenarios within a grand Indian wedding setting.
Comprehensive Resource Hub
To supplement the campaign, a dedicated microsite, www.upichalega.com, has been created. This hub serves as a valuable resource, offering engaging TV commercials, informative ‘How to’ videos, details about participating banks and third-party apps, and dynamic social media feeds. Users can access in-depth information about UPI services such as UPI LITE, UPI AutoPay, and Interoperability through detailed instructional videos on how to enable, set up, and effectively use these services.
Ultimate Goal: Wider UPI Adoption
The overarching objective of the campaign is to enhance overall brand awareness of UPI, enhance understanding of its distinctive features, and drive increased adoption among new users. By using relatable and heartwarming scenarios, the campaign provides an engaging platform to enlighten the audience about the innovative aspects of UPI and its role in transforming digital transactions.
Why Island of Katchatheevu in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech in the Parliament during the No Confidence debate on August 10, mentioned the island of Katchatheevu. Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi for his now expunged Bharat Mata remarks, PM Modi said it was the Indira Gandhi government which gave away Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974.
Where is the island of Katchatheevu?
Katchatheevu is an uninhabited off-shore island in the Palk Strait. The island is located between Neduntheevu, Sri Lanka and Rameswaram, India. It was formed due to volcanic eruptions in the 14th century.
Administration and History
The 285-acre land was jointly administered by India and Sri Lanka during British rule.
The Raja of Ramnad (present-day Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu) owned Katchatheevu island and later became part of the Madras Presidency.
In 1921, both Sri Lanka and India claimed this piece of land for fishing and the dispute remained unsettled. After Indian independence, the country initiated to resolve the pre-independence territory dispute between Ceylon and the British. Today, the uninhabited island is administered by Sri Lanka.
Conflict
Fishermen of both countries have been fishing in each other’s waters without conflict for a very long time. The issue emerged when both countries signed four Maritime Boundary Agreements between 1974-76. The agreement marked the international maritime boundary of India and Sri Lanka.
In 1974, then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan area under the “Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement” aimed at resolving the maritime boundaries in the Palk Strait.
Another agreement signed in 1976 restricted both the countries’ fishermen from fishing in the other’s exclusive economic zones.
The agreement aimed to facilitate resource management and law enforcement in the Palk Strait. Now, Indian fishermen were only allowed to use the island for resting, net drying and the annual St. Anthony’s festival.
They are not permitted to use the island for fishing. However, Indian fishermen continued trespassing the Sri Lankan water boundary, searching for better catch in the area.
The next few decades went well but the problem turned serious when fish and aquatic life in the Indian continental shelf depleted, which resulted in an increased number of Indian fishermen in the region. They are also using modern fishing trolleys which harm marine life and the ecosystem.
What is the agreement now?
In 1974, Indira Gandhi made attempts to settle the maritime border between India and Sri Lanka, once and for all.
As a part of this settlement, known as the ‘Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement’, Indira Gandhi ‘ceded’ Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. At the time, she thought the island had little strategic value and that ceasing India’s claim over the island would deepen its ties with its southern neighbour.
MakeMyTrip And Ministry Of Tourism To Launch Traveller’s Map of India Microsite
Travel company MakeMyTrip has announced a collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to introduce over 600 unique and unconventional travel destinations. The company has introduced a specialized microsite named ‘Traveller’s Map of India‘ to facilitate this initiative.
This digital platform enables travelers to engage interactively and unearth hidden tourism treasures within India, tailored to their preferences. The creation of this meticulously crafted microsite aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s forward-looking ‘DekhoApnaDesh‘ program.
Empowering Indian Explorers: Unveiling the ‘Traveller’s Map of India’
The ‘Traveller’s Map of India’ resonates with the sentiments of every Indian explorer. This endeavor will grant every individual the authority to advocate for the nation’s cultural, historical, natural, and geographical wonders. Minister of Tourism, Kishan Reddy, extended a warm welcome to MakeMyTrip’s venture, applauding their efforts to showcase the variety of destinations within India and encourage domestic tourism.
Exploring India’s Hidden Gems: MakeMyTrip’s Curated Selection of Lesser-Known Destinations
The company stated that in order to create the carefully curated list, it analyzed India’s travel search records. Given the substantial number of monthly users on the platform, the destination searches conducted can be regarded as a collective expression of the nation’s preferences for must-visit places within the country.
Building upon this foundation, the company meticulously handpicked destinations that remain undiscovered or are recognizable primarily within specific regions of the nation. These selections have also been meticulously organized into distinct categories, such as adventure, wildlife, heritage, mountains, and beaches, among others, to assist travelers in effortlessly finding their preferred travel styles.
About ‘DekhoApnaDesh’ initiative
‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative is a endeavor led by the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism. The core objective of this initiative is to not just offer financial support to travelers exploring different corners of India but also to create a robust and enticing tourist infrastructure.
To achieve this, a substantial budget has been dedicated by the government, aimed at boosting travel experiences and bolstering tourism-related facilities throughout the country.This strategic plan outlines the development and promotion of around 50 distinct destinations across the nation, each offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, history, and landscapes.
India Observes Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to Remember Victims of 1947 Violence
India observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to remember the victims of the 1947 violence that accompanied the country’s partition. The day was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 to commemorate the sufferings of millions of people who were displaced and lost their loved ones during the partition. The day was observed with a number of events across India. In New Delhi, a candlelight vigil was held at the India Gate war memorial. In Punjab, a special exhibition was organized to showcase the stories of partition survivors. And in Kolkata, a blood donation camp was organized to mark the day.
In a speech on Sunday, Modi said that the partition was a “dark chapter” in India’s history and that the country must never forget the “horrors” that were inflicted on its people. He urged Indians to “remove the poison of social divisions” and to “strengthen the spirit of oneness” in order to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is a reminder of the dark side of history. But it is also a day to remember the resilience and courage of the people who survived the violence. It is a day to reflect on the importance of peace and harmony, and to rededicate ourselves to building a better future for all.
Survivors Share Stories of Partition Horrors
On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, survivors of the 1947 violence shared their stories of pain and loss. They spoke of how they were forced to flee their homes, of how they witnessed loved ones being killed, and of how they struggled to rebuild their lives after the partition.
The stories of partition survivors are a reminder of the horrors that were inflicted on millions of people during the partition. They are also a reminder of the importance of peace and harmony. We must never forget the past, but we must also work to create a better future for all.
Government Pledges to Prevent Repeat of Partition Horrors
The Indian government has pledged to prevent a repeat of the partition horrors of 1947. In a statement on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, the government said that it is committed to “building a strong and united India where everyone feels safe and secure.”
The government said that it will take all necessary steps to prevent communal violence and to promote social harmony. It also said that it will work to provide justice to the victims of partition-related violence.
The government’s pledge is welcome, but it is important to remember that words are not enough. The government must take concrete action to prevent a repeat of the partition horrors. This includes addressing the root causes of communal violence, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of education.
The government must also work to build a culture of tolerance and understanding. This means promoting interfaith dialogue and education about different cultures. It also means challenging the narratives of hate and division that are often used to justify violence.
The partition horrors were a dark chapter in India’s history. But they do not have to define our future. If we work together, we can build a strong and united India where everyone feels safe and secure.
Amit Shah Hails The Team Of NAFIS Of NCRB For Winning Gold Award
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the team of National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for securing the Gold Award in the Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering for Digital Transformation Category-1.
The accolade, conferred by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), stands as a testament to the exceptional efforts of the NAFIS team in achieving a new standard of efficient governance. The Gold Award recognizes NAFIS for its commitment to crafting an impregnable fingerprint identification system, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a secure India.
NAFIS: Catalyst for Enhanced Criminal Detection and Investigation
The Ministry of Home Affairs underscored NAFIS’s pivotal role in revolutionizing the landscape of fingerprint identification systems within crime control. The establishment of a central database containing fingerprints of criminals accessible to users across all States, Union Territories, and Central Agencies has significantly augmented the efficiency and effectiveness of criminal detection and investigation processes.
NAFIS: Streamlining Criminal Tracing Across the Nation
The impact of NAFIS on crime control has been profound. Its introduction has streamlined the process of tracing inter-state criminals’ involvement in various criminal activities, transcending geographical boundaries. The system has enabled law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties with enhanced ease, precision, and efficiency, reinforcing the fight against crime on a national scale.
NAFIS: Empowering Law Enforcement through Cutting-edge Technology
NAFIS is a centralized searchable database for crime and criminal-related fingerprints. Managed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) at the Central Fingerprint Bureau in New Delhi, this web-based application aims to gather fingerprint data of criminals across all states and Union Territories.
One of NAFIS’s distinguishing features is its assignment of a distinctive 10-digit National Fingerprint Number (NFN) to each individual arrested for a crime. This NFN serves as a lifelong identifier, linking different crimes registered under multiple FIRs to the same unique ID. This innovative approach not only streamlines recordkeeping but also bolsters the overall effectiveness of criminal investigations.
The National Crime Records Bureau: Guardian of Crime Data
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), established on March 11, 1986, under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, plays a pivotal role in gathering and analyzing crime-related data as defined by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL). Headquartered in New Delhi, the NCRB stands as a crucial element in the country’s crime control efforts.