22 December - National Mathematics Day - India

22 December - Birthday of Sreenivasa Ramanujam, a mathematics genius of India.

Prime Minister declared  that 22 December will be National Mathematics Day.
It is the birthday of Sreenivasa Ramanujam, a mathematics genius of India.

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Srinivasa Ramanujan - Biography

Srinivasa Ramanujan (22 December 1887 – 26 April 1920) was a mathematician, who made extraordinary contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions.

Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3900 results (mostly identities and equations). 

Ramanujan went to Cambridge in 1914. Hardy, his collaborator at Cambridge said Ramanujan could have become an outstanding mathematician if his skills had been recognized earlier. It was said about his talents of continued fractions and hypergeometric series that, “he was unquestionably one of the great masters.” It was due to his sharp memory, calculative mind, patience and insight that he was a great formalist of his days.

G.H. Hardy spoke on some of Ramanujan’s (as yet unpublished) research at the London Mathematical Society at the monthly meeting on 11 June 1914. June 11 is a landmark date for modern Indian mathematics.

He got elected as the fellow in 1918 at the Trinity College at Cambridge and the Royal Society. He departed from this world on April 26, 1920.

In 1918, Hardy and Ramanujan studied the partition function P(n) extensively and gave a non-convergent asymptotic series that permits exact computation of the number of partitions of an integer. Hans Rademacher, in 1937, was able to refine their formula to find an exact convergent series solution to this problem. Ramanujan and Hardy's work in this area gave rise to a powerful new method for finding asymptotic formulae, called the circle method.

He discovered mock theta functions in the last year of his life.For many years these functions were a mystery, but they are now known to be the holomorphic parts of harmonic weak Maass forms.

The Ramanujan conjecture

Ramanujam has many conjectures to his credit

One conjecture has connection with conjectures of André Weil in algebraic geometry that opened up new areas of research. Ramanujan conjecture is an assertion on the size of the tau-function, which has as generating function the discriminant modular form Δ(q), a typical cusp form in the theory of modular forms. It was finally proven in 1973, as a consequence of Pierre Deligne's proof of the Weil conjectures. The reduction step involved is complicated. Deligne won a Fields Medal in 1978 for his work on Weil conjectures.

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Hardy-Ramanujan number 1729

The number 1729 is known as the Hardy–Ramanujan number after a famous anecdote of the British mathematician G. H. Hardy In Hardy's words:

“

I remember once going to see him when he was ill at Putney. I had ridden in taxi cab number 1729 and remarked that the number seemed to me rather a dull one, and that I hoped it was not an unfavorable omen. "No", he replied, "it is a very interesting number; it is the smallest number expressible as the sum of two cubes in two different ways."

”

The two different ways are

1729 = 1³ + 12³ = 9³ + 10³.

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Some Books on publications by Ramanujan

Srinivasa Ramanujan, G. H. Hardy, P. V. Seshu Aiyar, B. M. Wilson, Bruce C. Berndt (2000). Collected Papers of Srinivasa Ramanujan. AMS. ISBN 0-8218-2076-1.
 It contains the 37 papers published in professional journals by Ramanujan during his lifetime.

S. Ramanujan (1957). Notebooks (2 Volumes). Bombay: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

S. Ramanujan (1988). The Lost Notebook and Other Unpublished Papers. New Delhi: Narosa. ISBN 3-540-18726-X.
This book contains photo copies of the pages of the "Lost Notebook".

Problems posed by Ramanujan, Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society.

S. Ramanujan (2012). Notebooks (2 Volumes). Bombay: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.



http://www.famousscientists.org/srinivasa-ramanujan/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srinivasa_Ramanujan

Current Mathematics Genius Professor Manjul Bhargava

India Questions Math Genius Professor Manjul Bhargava: Full Transcript
India | NDTV.com | Updated: January 21, 2015

Professor Manjul Bhargava has been awarded the Fields Medal in Mathematics (awarded once in four years only).
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-questions-math-genius-professor-manjul-bhargava-full-transcript-730559

Manjul Bhargava - Lecture at Techfest 2015, IIT Bombay

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Mathematics - Achievements of India

Mathematics in India - 2013 Book by Kim Plofker
Review by David Mumford
American Mathematics Association
http://www.ams.org/notices/201003/rtx100300385p.pdf


Introduction from the book - chapter
http://assets.press.princeton.edu/chapters/s8835.pdf


India as a player in Mathematics
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/India-as-a-player-in-Mathematics/article16574923.ece


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https://www.amtionline.com/index

Presents   Distinguished Mathematics Teacher Award to enterprising and pioneering teachers of Mathematics.

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Updated  22 December 2017, 22 December 2014

India - World Soil Day - December 5 - Soil Health - “Swastha Dhara, Khet Hara”

“Swastha Dhara, Khet Hara”

http://soilhealth.dac.gov.in/



According to Central Soil Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Dehradun, On an average 16.4 tonnes of fertile soil is lost every year per hectare.

India has 17 per cent of world’s population and just 2 per cent of geographical area. It is  essential to improve the condition of soil in order to increase agricultural productivity and provide food to all in the years to come.

The links between Soil Fertility and Poverty alleviation

Soil Health Card based Soil Testing in Every Farm  will help rebuild the soil fertility
Pandurang Hegde
3 December 2016
http://pib.gov.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?relid=108692




Sep 19 2016
Soil health card scheme lags behind due to lack of interest from states
According to a background note prepared by the agriculture ministry, less than a fifth of targeted farmers have received soil health cards
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/4ZHUeA1l4xnWXcRrdyYFBN/Soil-health-card-scheme-lags-behind-due-to-lack-of-interest.html



Soil Health Card – A tool for Agri revolution
Nirendra Dev

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=133855

http://employmentnews.gov.in/VOL.%2040%20Soil%20Health%20Card%20%E2%80%93%20A%20tool%20for%20Agri%20revolution01Jan16.pdf

2015 Report on Soil Health Card Scheme

http://soilhealth.dac.gov.in/Content/UserManual/ReportonWorldSoilDay3.pdf

PM launches ‘Soil Health Card scheme’, presents Krishi Karman Awards from Suratgarh, Rajasthan
19 Feb, 2015

http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-launches-soil-health-card-scheme-presents-krishi-karman-awards-from-suratgarh-rajasthan/

Soil Health Card – A tool for better productivity

 K.M.Ravindran*, M. Srividhya*                                                                                                          
14.08.2014
http://pib.gov.in/newsite/efeatures.aspx?relid=108692

World Soil Day - 5 December

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Picture Source: http://www.un.org/en/events/soilday/
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About World Soil Day- 5th December

World Soil Day - 5th December

The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), in 2002, made a resolution proposing the 5th of December as World Soil Day to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to human wellbeing.


A/RES/68/232 on World Soil Day and International Year of Soils
Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the "Global Soil Partnership", FAO has supported the formal establishment of the World Soil Day as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference, in June 2013, unanimously endorsed World Soil Day and requested official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the 68th UN General Assembly declared 5th of December as the World Soil Day.

Since 2012, the FAO-GSP has been organizing celebration events of this important day.

http://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/world-soil-day/background/en/


India - World Soil Day - December 5 - Soil Health
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Take Care of Soil for Productive Agriculture

Health Soil only gives us Nutritious Food

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Uploaded by IFPRI
2 December 2016

WHY SOIL IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL IN THE WORLD?

SOIL FACTS

Soil is the network of interacting living organisms within the earth's surface layer which support life above ground.

The nutritional value of the food we eat is directly related to the health of the soil in which it grows (or what it eat grows).

Management of agricultural soils should consider the structural, biological and mineral health of the soil (not just N, P, K) to produce nutritionally-dense food.

Soil has varying amounts of organic matter (living and dead organisms), minerals, and nutrients.

An average soil sample is 45% minerals, 25%, 25% air, and 5% organic matter (less in degraded soils).

Carbon is a master variable within the soil that controls many processes, such as development of soil structure, water storage and nutrient cycling.

On average, Australia’s current soil organic carbon content is only around 1%. In the 1800s, some of the most productive farms in south eastern Australia recorded soil organic carbon content of nearly 20%.

Soil high in organic carbon content enables better rainfall infiltration & retention – providing greater resilience to drought.

Every gram of soil organic carbon can hold up to 8 grams of water.

Soils are vulnerable to carbon loss through degradation, but regenerative land management practices can build soil and restore soil health.

Soil erosion within conventional agricultural practices can occur at rates up to 100 times greater than the rate of natural soil formation.

Natural processes can take more than 500 years to form 2 centimetres of topsoil.

Soil carbon takes three distinct forms: living carbon, labile carbon and fixed carbon.

- Living carbon takes the form of microbes, fungi, plant roots, nematodes, earth worms etc.
- Labile carbon in the soil comprises decomposing (dead) plant and animal material that is in a state of transition.
- Fixed carbon in the soil consists of stable compounds as humates and glomalins.
...Sequestered Carbon comprises the fixed carbon plus the total living biomass.

Soil stores 10% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions.

Around 95% of our food is directly or indirectly produced on our soils.

Microbial activity controls and manipulates the chemistry of the soil: not the other way around.

Soil microbes have a symbiotic relationship with plants - plants provide sugars to microbes and microbes make nutrients bio-available for plants.

Living organisms in soil ultimately control water infiltration, mineral density and nutrient cycling.

Fungi and bacteria help break down organic matter in the soil and earthworms digest organic matter, recycle nutrients, and make the surface soil richer.

In a handful of fertile soil, there are more individual organisms than the total number of human beings that have ever existed.

Soil is one of the most complicated biological materials on our planet.

IMPROVE THE SOIL AND IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

http://www.soilsforlife.org.au/world-soil-day

Gabe Brown: Keys To Building a Healthy Soil

Transcend Productions
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DCED

2016 Gabe Brown - What is Soil Health?

In Loving Memory MC
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Uploaded 22 Feb 2016

2016 World Soil Day

2016 Theme: “Soils and pulses, a symbiosis for life”

The positive contributions of pulses to soil properties are many: they fix the atmosphere nitrogen and improve its biodiversity, fertility and structure.

Owing to their nutritional benefits, 2016 was declared the International Year of Pulses.


Soil is an essential resource and a vital part of the natural environment from which most of the global food is produced.

Soil provides living space for humans.  Soil also provides essential ecosystem services, which are important for water regulation and supply, climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and cultural services.

But approximately 33% of our global soils are degraded. Policy makers and people have to  explore opportunities to embrace sustainable development via the sustainable development goals.

http://www.un.org/en/events/soilday/    on 4 December 2016

2015 World Soil Day

World Soil's Day Event - A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself
DurhamUniversity
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uploaded 14 January 2016

5 December - International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

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pic source: https://www.unv.org/international-volunteer-day-2016-download-centre
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Pic source: https://www.unv.org/international-volunteer-day-2016-download-centre
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 2016 is the year of the ‘Keyboard Volunteer’

Growth of online volunteering

02 December 2016, Bonn, Germany: To mark International Volunteer Day today, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has released encouraging new figures demonstrating a rise in ‘keyboard volunteers’ as interest in the UNV.

Online Volunteering service swells.

Research shows that the volume of conversations online around “online volunteering” more than doubled in the last year, with the United States of America accounting for almost 34 per cent of all conversations, while applications for the United Nations Online Volunteering service rose by 10 per cent in the same period.
The new findings mark the launch of a campaign which aims to celebrate the contribution made by the billion volunteers across the world. #GlobalApplause will see stories and recognition shared from and to volunteer-involving organizations all over the world, on Facebook and Twitter.
In addition to the almost 7,000 volunteers working on projects in the field, UNV has a network of over 12,000 online volunteers. For online assignments, organizations and volunteers team up to address sustainable development challenges, with volunteers working from a computer, tablet or mobile phone anywhere in the world, on a vast range of projects, including translation services, graphic design and project management.

Richard Dictus, UN Volunteers Executive Coordinator comments: “Trust in our world, our leaders, our future and our values has been shaken this year by a growing sense of divisiveness, which often comes to a head online and via social media. We’re pleased to see that despite the sometimes negative environment of the web, the internet can still be a force for good and empower thousands of people to make a real difference to communities across the world each day.

While ‘keyboard activists’ can often be derided for failing to make an impact, through the UNV Online Volunteering service, every day volunteers are working for peace and development through the power of their keyboard and today is the perfect opportunity to remember the contribution they – and the billions of people who volunteer across the world -- make.”

International Volunteer Day (IVD), on December 5th, was designated by the United Nations in 1985 as an international observance day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism. It is an opportunity for volunteers, and volunteer organizations, to raise awareness of, and gain recognition for, the contribution they make to their communities.

https://www.unv.org/sites/default/files/UNV%20Press%20Release_Final_EN.pdf

Theme for 2012: Celebrate volunteering!

http://www.volunteeractioncounts.org/en/


Online Volunteering Awards 2012


Association of African Entrepreneurs Team
Association for Global Humanists and Ethics Pakistan Team
ASTRA Anti Trafficking Action Team
Delta Women Team
Fondation Joseph the Worker Team
PCs4Kids Team
Positive Nett-Works Team
UNDP Brazil Team
UNHCR Regional Support Hub Team
Youth for Technology Foundation Team

http://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en/org/stories/index.html

Message of UNO Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

for the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development 2012



"Founded on the values of solidarity and mutual trust, volunteerism transcends all cultural, linguistic and geographic boundaries. By giving their time and skills without expectation of material reward, volunteers themselves are uplifted by a singular sense of purpose."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the International Volunteer Day
for Economic and Social Development
5 December 2012

More messages and press releases for 2012
http://www.unv.org/current-highlight/international-volunteer-day-2012.html
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About the Day

International Volunteer Day is a chance for individual volunteers, communities and organizations to promote their contributions to development at the local, national and international levels. By combining UN support with a grassroots mandate, International Volunteer Day is a unique opportunity for people and volunteer-involving organizations to work with government agencies, non-profit institutions, community groups, academia and the private sector.

The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/40/212 on 17 December 1985. Since then, governments, the UN system and civil society organizations have successfully joined volunteers around the world to celebrate the Day on 5 December.

http://www.un.org/en/events/volunteerday/background.shtml


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Ideas for Celebrating the Day


A march or rally
A clean up
A competition (drawings, photographs, stories)
A blood donation
Volunteer Fair
Celebratory event
Conference on ‘Volunteer Action Counts’
Fundraising for a local volunteer organization
Workshops about volunteer activities

 Be Creative! Think of more ways.


http://www.volunteeractioncounts.org/en/
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Other Historical Events of the Day



Updated  4 December 2016, 5 December 2012

10 December - Human Rights Day

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About the Day


Promoting respect for human rights is a core purpose of the United Nations and defines its identity as an organization for people around the world. Member States have mandated the Secretary-General and the UN System to help them achieve the standards set out in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To do so, the UN System uses all the resources at its disposal, including its moral authority, diplomatic creativity and operational reach. Member States, however, have the primary responsibility for protecting human rights of their populations.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on 10 December 1948. The date has since served to mark Human Rights Day worldwide.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main UN rights official, and her Office play a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observance of Human Rights Day.

http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/2011/about.shtml
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2015 Human Rights Day Events

“Our rights, our freedoms, always”: Human Rights Day 2015

Human Rights Day 2015  celebrations are part of a commemoration of the upcoming anniversary of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).


To date, the ICCPR and the ICESCR have been ratified by 168 and 164 States respectively since they were adopted 49 years ago. Human Rights Day marks the start of a year-long campaign to celebrate the coming half century of the two Covenants.

There will be events taking place in cities all over the world and online.


And today are the finals of the Seventh Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition. The competition, which started on 8 December, brought together 45 participants from 15 universities representing all 5 United Nations regions of the World (Africa, Asia and the Middle East, Eastern Europe, South America and the Caribbean, Western Europe and other regions).

On 16 December is the launch of the two Covenants campaign. The event includes a photo exhibition and a performance on freedom. The event takes place at Palais des Nations.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/HRD2015.aspx

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/HRDay2015/Pages/HRD2015.aspx



http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/HRD2015.aspx


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2012 Events

http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/

Google+ Hangouts

2011
http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/2011/index.shtml

NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION DAY - INDIA - 14 DECEMBER

In India 14 December is observed as Energy Conservation Day.

Energy conservation is using less energy and avoiding excessive or wasteful uses.



Article originally posted on Knol  and available in more details in
http://nraoiekc.blogspot.com/2012/02/national-energy-conservation-day-india.html

23 December - India - Kisan Divas

23 December, birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh is celebrated as Kisan Divas in India.


http://farmersindia.blogspot.in/2012/12/kisan-divas.html

7 December - India Armed Forces Flag Day

                                         Picture Source: http://www.bjpgujarat.org/english/news/shri-modi-appeals-citizens-to-donate-generously-on-occasion-army-flag-day

                                          INDIAN AIR FORCE FLAG
                                          Picture Source: http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=7



On Armed Forces Flag Day, flags of armed forces are bought by people to recognize the contribution of armed forces personnel to the society and in turn contribute to armed forces funds.

Donate to Army Central Welfare Fund

100% Income Tax Exemption under Section 80G

Army Central Welfare Fund


Monetary contributions to the Army may be made through Demand Draft in favour of “Army Central Welfare Fund” payable at New Delhi and forwarded to the under mentioned address :-

Director, Accounts Section
Ceremonials and Welfare Directorate
Adjutant Generals Branch
Room No 281-‘B’ (Accts Sec)
Integrated HQ of MoD (Army)
South Block, New Delhi – 110011

Alternatively, the amount can also be sent directly in the account of Army Central Welfare Fund under intimation to the above office as per the details of Bank Account given below :-

Name of Fund: Army Central Welfare Fund
Account No: 020500101007721
Type of Account: Saving
Bank: Corporation Bank
Branch: Chandni Chowk, Delhi - 110006
IFSC Code: CORP0000205





     
The contribution towards Army Central Welfare Fund is 100% exempted from income Tax vide clause (III HC) of Section 80-G of Income Tax Act 1961.
http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=Za2xRQJKmZ4bIM0ux6eVeA==&ParentID=W0irYxbf1ViC5bDLjQ/k1A==

Donate to Airforce Wives Welfare Association

http://www.afwwaservices.co.in/Donations.aspx

Donations Exempted under Income Tax Act 80 (G)

Information for Donors
Air Force Wives Welfare Association was formed on 28th Oct 1970 as a registered body to provide assistance to the families of deceased /disabled /retired /serving personnel of the Indian Air Force.
Registered Office
  Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Central)
Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan),
Rafi Marg,
New Delhi-110 011
Admin Office
  Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Central)
Santushti Shopping Complex,
New Wellington Camp,
Opp-Ashok-Samrat Hotel,
Race Course,
ND-110003
Aims and Objectives
The objects of the Association are as follows:
  To promote the welfare of the families of Officers, Airmen and NCs (E) of the IAF, whether deceased, retired or serving.
  To take steps to secure the welfare of all patients in Air Force Hospitals and of IAF patients in other hospitals, i.e. Army and Civil.
  To affiliate, amalgamate with and support any other society, association or trust having similar aims and objects.
  To carry out charitable, social, philanthropic, culture, educational and other activities for the benefits of the members and their families.
  To establish and manage alone or in cooperation with other Association/Organization; Hostels, Schools and such other Ventures/ establishments; primarily for the benefit for the members and their dependents.
  To create trusts and or other similar institutions to award scholarships, stipends and financial assistance for promotion of welfare activities.
  To raise fund by subscriptions, donations, collection, fetes etc. for any object consistent with the objects of the Association whether unconditional or subject to conditions of the trust.
  To invest Funds of the Association not immediately required for its purpose.
  To purchase, take on lease, hire or otherwise acquire and hold immovable or movable property for the Association and sell or otherwise dispose of the same.
  To erect, maintain, repair or improve any building for the purpose of the Association.
  To maintain, educational institutions, Vocational Training Institutes etc. for those entitled to benefit from the funds of the Association.
  To do all such other things as are incidental with or conducive to the above objects.
  To utilize income of the Association towards promotion of aims and objectives of Association.
Donation
The Association welcome any kind of donation in the form of cash or kind for the welfare of Air Force families & their dependents. The donation to this organization is exempted under Income Tax Act 80 (G). The cheque/draft should be drawn in favour of "Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Central)".


Indian Air Force Offical Website
http://indianairforce.nic.in/

2014

Messages on the occasion of Flag Day from President, Prime Minister

http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/NewsDetail/frmNoticeDetails.aspx?MnId=wZKaJTvhq6pc+/CjfB48LQ&NewsID=n2ahkz/h4ilzXrV1e27QXg==



Related Blog Post

4 December Navy Day - India

4 December - Navy Day India

4 December is celebrated as the Navy Day in India, to commemorate the start of Operation Trident during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The one-night attack the Indian Navy sank three vessels near the largest Pakistani port of Karachi. Operation Trident resulted in first use of anti ship missiles in the region.

Picture source: http://pib.nic.in/photo//2014/Dec/l2014120459948.jpg



2014
The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Union Minister for Defence, Shri Manohar Parrikar, the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley, the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and other dignitaries during the 'At Home' reception, organised by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R.K. Dhowan on the occasion of Navy Day, in New Delhi on December 04, 2014.
CNR :62672 Photo ID :59948

Photos of Navy Day Display in Mumbai
http://www.rediff.com/news/report/defence-news-india-celebrates-43rd-navy-day-today/20141204.htm

India - National Consumer Day - 24 December

24 December - National Consumer Day in India

18 December - International Migrants Day.

The 132 UNO Member States  participated in the General Assembly's High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development on 14-15 September 2006 reaffirmed the importance of international migration and human rights of migrants. . First,  international migration was a growing phenomenon and it could make a positive contribution to development in countries of origin and countries of destination provided it was supported by the right policies. Secondly, they emphasized that respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of all migrants was essential to reap the benefits of international migration. Thirdly, they recognized the importance of strengthening international cooperation on international migration bilaterally, regionally and globally.

UNO is making continuous  efforts to study and guide the member states on international migration. On 18 December 1990, the General Assembly had adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

On 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day.

UNO urges Member States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to observe International Migrants Day through the dissemination of information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, and through the sharing of experiences and the design of actions to ensure their protection.



http://www.un.org/en/events/migrantsday/background.shtml


International migration today

The total number of international migrants has increased over the last 10 years from an estimated 150 million in 2000 to 214 million persons today.

Remittances which also indicate the importance of migration have increased exponentially: up from USD 132 billion in 2000 to an estimated USD 440 billion in 2010.



Secretary General's Message for 2012

http://www.un.org/en/events/migrantsday/2012/sgmessage.shtml


Migrant Manifesto YouTube video
Being promoted by Migrants Rights Organizations
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http://www.our-day.org/

http://www.nihrc.org/index.php/news/item/155-combating-migrant-worker-exploitation-on-international-migrants-day

http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/blog/2012/10/mrn-launches-new-international-migrant-day-campaign

http://www.edf.org.uk/blog/?p=21571

Migrant workers rights in Ireland - Guides in various languages
http://www.lawcentreni.org/publications/migrant-workers.html

11 December Burkina Faso National Day

Burkina Faso - Country Information


On 11 December 1958, Burkina Faso(Then with the name The Republic of Upper Volta)  achieved self-government, and became a republic and member of the Franco-African Community. It gained full independence two years later. The name of the country was changed to Burkina Faso in 1984.

12 December - Kenya - Independence Day - Jamuhiri Day

Kenya - Country Information

12 December 1963


On December 12, 1963, at midnight to be exact, Kenyans assembled in large numbers  on the grounds of the Uhuru Gardens to witness change of power from British to Kenyan government.

The Union Jack was finally lowered for the last time at midnight.

People turned to one other in tears, hugs, dance and whoops of joy.


http://www.nation.co.ke/Features/saturday/A-symbol-of-our-independence--/-/1216/1286748/-/146a5vu/-/index.html


http://www.nation.co.ke/Features/DN2/-/957860/1417596/-/bgtqu3/-/index.html

11 December - International Mountain Day

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The International Mountain Day strives to achieve a stronger engagement of actors/institutions and the civil society in sustainable mountain development. It is also a concrete opportunity to mobilize resources to improve the livelihoods of mountain communities.

http://www.un.org/en/events/mountainday/
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2012 Theme:  “Celebrating Mountain Life”


Mountains are home to 12% of the world's population.
Sustainable mountain development is key to improve the livelihood of these often poor and isolated people.

http://www.mountainpartnership.org/

7 December International Civil Aviation Day

About the Day
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International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 by ICAO, through Assembly Resolution A29-1, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Organization, created on 7 December 1944. In 1996, pursuant to an ICAO initiative and with the assistance of the Canadian Government, the United Nations General Assembly by resolution officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day and listed it as an official UN day. The purpose of the global celebration is to generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States, and of the role of ICAO in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport.

http://legacy.icao.int/icao/en/aviation_day.htm
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Theme 2012


“Aviation: Your reliable connection to the world”.


Secretary General ICAO 2011
http://www.icao.int/Documents/secretary-general/benjamin/20111207_ICAD2011.pdf

9 December - International Anti-Corruption Day

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On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption (resolution 58/4).  The Convention entered into force in December 2005.

The Assembly designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.



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UNO Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon"s Message on International Anti-Corruption Day

"On this International Anti-Corruption Day, let us pledge to do our part by cracking down on corruption, shaming those who practice it and engendering a culture that values ethical behaviour."



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Anti-Corruption Legislation - Papers and Articles



FORMULATING AN EFFECTIVE ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGY – THE EXPERIENCE OF HONG KONG ICAC
By Mr Tony KWOK Man-wai
http://www.unafei.or.jp/english/pdf/PDF_rms/no69/16_P196-201.pdf


The Effectiveness of Anticorruption Policy - What has worked? - 2011 paper
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/r4d/PDF/Outputs/SystematicReviews/Anti_corruption_2011Hanna.pdf

http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/206910/AntiCorruptionPoliciesandPrograms.pdf
World Bank 2000

http://www.10iacc.org/download/workshops/cs06.pdf

Bahrain - National Day - 16 December

Authors

• Narayana Rao

Published

All Rights Reserved

Version 3

Last edited: 16 Jul 2011

Exported: 26 Nov 2011

Original URL: http://knol.google.com/k/-/-/2utb2lsm2k7a/5075

Bahrain became independent from the British on December 16, 1971. Since then, December 16 has been celebrated as National Day.

http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/bahrain-national-day/
http://www.bahrainbay.com/billboard/2009/nationalday.html

Collected Knols

• About working in Bahrain
  

Christmas - December 25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=488dxIR6jSw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY

Lyric:  In lyrics007    right click and open in a separate window

http://www.lyrics007.com/Mariah%20Carey%20Lyrics/All%20I%20Want%20For%20Christmas%20Is%20You%20Lyrics.html

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Christmas Channel on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/christmas
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Knols On Christmas

Christmas

Christmas Shopping - Shopping Guide

Search Link for Christmas Knols
1311 results on 19.11.2011
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From Wikipedia

Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday^[5][6][7] generally observed on December 25 (with alternative days of January 6, 7 and 19^[2]) to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.^[8][9] The exact birthday of Jesus is not known, and historians place his year of birth some time between 7 BC and 2 BC. Narratives of his birth are included in two of the Canonical gospels in the New Testament of the Bible.
The date of Christmas may have initially been chosen to correspond with either the day exactly nine months after Christians believe Jesus to have been conceived,^[10] the date of the Roman winter solstice,^[11] or one of various ancient winter festivals.^[10][12] Christmas is central to the Christmas and holiday season, and in Christianity marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days.^[13]
Although nominally a Christian holiday, Christmas is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians worldwide,^[1][14][15] and many of its popular celebratory customs have pre-Christian or secular themes and origins. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, several figures, known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus, among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season.^[16]
Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.
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1. ^ ^{a b} Christmas as a Multi-faith Festival—BBC News. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
2. ^ ^{a b} Several traditions of Eastern Christianity that use the Julian calendar also celebrate on December 25 according to that calendar, which is now January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. Armenian Churches observed the nativity on January 6 even before the Gregorian calendar originated. Most Armenian Christians use the Gregorian calendar, still celebrating Christmas Day on January 6. Some Armenian churches use the Julian calendar, thus celebrating Christmas Day on January 19 on the Gregorian calendar, with January 18 being Christmas Eve.
3. ^ Ramzy, John. "The Glorious Feast of Nativity: 7 January? 29 Kiahk? 25 December?". Coptic Orthodox Church Network. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
4. ^ ^{a b c} "Christmas in Bethlehem".
5. ^ Canadian Heritage – Public holidays — Government of Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
6. ^ 2009 Federal Holidays — U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
7. ^ Bank holidays and British Summer time — HM Government. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
8. ^ Christmas, Merriam-Webster. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
   Archived 2009-10-31.
9. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k} "Christmas", The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913.
10. ^ ^{a b c} McGowan, Andrew. "How December 25 Became Christmas, Biblical Archaeology Review, Retrieved 2009-12-13". Bib-arch.org. Retrieved 2011-02-24.
11. ^ ^{a b} Newton, Isaac, Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John (1733). Ch. XI.
    A sun connection is possible because Christians consider Jesus to be the "sun of righteousness" prophesied in Malachi 4:2.
12. ^ ^{a b} "Christmas", Encarta
    Roll, Susan K., Toward the Origins of Christmas, (Peeters Publishers, 1995), p.130.
    Tighe, William J., "Calculating Christmas". Archived 2009-10-31.
13. ^ "The Christmas Season". CRI / Voice, Institute. Retrieved 2008-12-25.
14. ^ Why I celebrate Christmas, by the world's most famous atheist – DailyMail. December 23, 2008. Retrieved December 20, 2010.
15. ^ Non-Christians focus on secular side of Christmas — Sioux City Journal. Retrieved November 18, 2009.
16. ^ "Poll: In a changing nation, Santa endures", Associated Press, December 22, 2006. Retrieved November 18, 2009.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

Wikipedia content included under creative commons

It has more topics on Christmas in the article

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More Articles on Christmas

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm

World Aids Day - 1 December

The day was initiated in 1988





http://www.worldaidsday.org/about-world-aids-day.php

Bahrain National Day - 16 December

Bahrain became independent of British Rule on 16 December 1971.



Bahrain Economic Development Board
http://www.bahrainedb.com/EDBHome.aspx

Bahrain International Airport
http://www.bahrainairport.com/bia/



Originally posted
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