PI DAY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR RIVERS

Rivers are important for the biodiversity; they are key to maintaining it. They are life-giving sources of water that host billions of species. Protecting rivers is key to conserving and restoring the planet. Every day, more than a million tonnes of industrial and agricultural waste, and sewage are released into rivers. PI International day is hosted to bring together people across borders to commit and work to protect our rivers, which are extremely important for our environment, as well as economy.

"The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life was adopted by the participants of the first International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in March 1997 in Curitiba, Brazil," according to the internationalrivers.org. In September 1995, several organizations, including International Rivers Network (I.R.N.), India’s Save the Narmada Movement (N.B.A.), Chile’s Biobio Action Group (GABB), and European Rivers Network (ERN) conducted a preparatory meeting in Brazil. As a result, they formed an international Organizing Committee headed by Brazil’s Movement of People Affected by Large Dams (MAB).

This year, it is also the 25th anniversary of PI International day! This day is celebrated by highlighting the importance of rivers to our planet's ecological diversity, and by creating solidarity by uniting people from across the world to make their voices heard.

The International Rivers organization also "strengthens movements of communities and civil society to defend rivers by exposing destructive projects," according to their website. This day is thus, instrumental in creating awareness about their work, and adhering support.

Russia-Ukraine war

War- a word associated with mass killings of the innocent, destruction, political propaganda and overall, a symbol of conflict. Time and now, it has been a major source for destruction of property, wealth, trade, industry and has resulted in large number of casualties. It is an event never anticipated by humans, and neither welcomed, instead its treated with fears of losing a loved one or the constant struggle for peace, equality and humanity. The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine has taken the world politics and financial market by a storm, and despite world leaders intervening, it hasn’t shown much signs of progress.

On 24^th February, 2022 President of Russia Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” and full-scale invasion to “demilitarize and de-nazify” Ukraine and minutes later, the country was attacked with missiles and airstrikes, including the capital, Kyiv, followed by large ground invasions from multiple directions. But it isn’t a newly formed conflict between the two nations, Since Ukraine’s independence from Russia in 1991, and starting from 1993, through the 1990s and 2000s where both the countries engaged in gas disputes, and 2010s, there has been political tension between the two nations. In 2014, the current ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war first began, when Russia annexed Crimea and pro-Russian forces controlled the eastern Donbas, which were internationally recognized as parts of Ukraine, leading to political unrest between the two nations since, and the current agitation.

World Consumer Rights Day

Every year 15th March is celebrated as the World Consumer Rights Day.

World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by President John F Kennedy, who sent a special message to the US Congress on 15th March 1962, in which he formally addressed the issue of consumer rights. The consumer movement first marked that date in 1983 and now uses the day every year to mobilize action on important issues and campaigns.

National Ordnance Factory Day

The National Day of Ordnance Factory is observed every year on the 18th of March to mark the occasion of the first production. This day celebrates the contribution of the Ordnance Factories to the country. They produce arms and ammunition for the defence and their branches also include the Gun Factory, Equipment Factory, etc. All of these constitute the Ordnance Factory. On this day, apart from the events organized by the staff, there are various displays. The displays are mainly of rifles, ammunitions, guns and artillery which are exhibited across the country in different locations.

The celebration on this day starts with a flag hoisting and then a parade. 18th March is mainly chosen because on this day in 1802, the production of the first Ordnance Factory of India commenced in Cossipore, Kolkata. it was established in the year 1801 and it started functioning in the year 1802.Ordnance Factory Day is celebrated across the country. This department is among the top 50 manufacturers of defence equipment in the world. Ministry of Defence is the direct manager of this board. Not only does It deliver its products to Army and Air force but also to Navy. Also, some of its ammunition, clothing and explosives are exported across to about 30 countries in the world.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS

March 20 is celebrated as the International Day of Happiness from the year 2013. It is the day when the world recognizes the importance of happiness in one's life. Each and every person strives to be happy, and it can be different for everyone.

However, in the modern world, people are evolving as more disconnected than before. In our busy schedule, people forget to find happiness in what they do. The purpose of happiness day is to do something that not only gives us joy but also brings a smile on someone else’s face too. Some people may find happiness in money but for others it may not be luxury, at times, giving yourself a little present is no wrong thing, for others it may be spending time with their close ones, may it be their family or their friends. When people see their close ones happy it makes their day. Moreover, many people also find happiness when they travel; when they dance; when they sing, different things can make people discover happiness in different ways.

There are ample ways to celebrate happiness - a kind act of feeding the homeless, donating them some utilities and also finding time to do some charity work one is grateful for, and bring a smile on their faces. The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal which also keeps one's mental health stable and acts as a powerful tool to help others by making others' day better. There have been several studies that state ‘a smile improves mood, decreases stress and creates a positive environment around oneself’. Smiles are so contagious that they uplift and raise someone's spirit positively.

Additionally, every person has their own definition of happiness, it is about a person's well-being and a key to being content with one’s surroundings. One should treasure every little moment in their life and always have gratitude for the moments that bring you happiness. The term happiness is of such great significance that it can make someone's life worth living and can bring a fairer approach to life.