Important Days

World No Tobacco Day, 2024

• It is an annual global event aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promoting tobacco control measures.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco consumption is a leading cause of death and disease in India, accounting for approximately 1.35 million deaths each year.
• The theme for World No Tobacco Day, 2024 is "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference" with the goal is to safeguard future generations and promote a steady decline in tobacco use.

Goa Statehood Day, 2024

• Each year, May 30 is designated as Goa Statehood Day, and this year, it falls on a Thursday. Formerly a Portuguese colony for over 450 years Goa was liberated by India in 1961. In 1987, Goa, along with Daman and Diu, was granted the status of a union territory.
• Goa Statehood Day is celebrated with vibrant ceremonies and programs across the state. Cultural events and festivities on May 30 showcase Goa's rich heritage.
• The day features social programs, music, dance, and the exceptional cuisine of Goa. It is a time for people to remember and honor the sacrifices made during the struggle for Goa's freedom from Portuguese rule, which endured for about 450 years.
• Located on the western coast of India, Goa is the smallest state in terms of area. Renowned for its breathtaking beaches, delectable Goan cuisine, and stunning landscapes, Goa is a popular tourist destination.

Exercise Red Flag 24

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in a 16-day multi-nation military exercise in Alaska, USA.
• It aimed at providing realistic training in a simulated combat environment.
• The exercise called 'Red Flag 24' began on 30^th May 2024 and will run until 14^th June 2024.

India successfully concludes hosting the 46^th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26^th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26)

• Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju announced plans to establish a new Antarctic research station, Maitri-II.
• The ATCM-46 was themed "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (one Earth, one family, one future), aligning with the Antarctic Treaty System's principles of peace, scientific cooperation, and preservation of Antarctica for humanity.
• The meeting was inaugurated by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Ambassador Pavan Kapoor, and Dr. Shailesh Nayak.
• Ambassador Pankaj Saran was elected as Chair of ATCM-46, and Dr. Vijay Kumar served as the Head of the Host Country Secretariat.

Russia to Remove Taliban from 'Terror' List

• Russia is poised to delist the Taliban as a banned terrorist group, a decision coming three years after the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan.
• This development, as per the state-controlled RIA Novosti news agency, follows Russia's years-long efforts to build ties with the Taliban, marked by extensive dialogues and economic cooperation despite global sanctions.