AMAZING FACT

 Body language

Body language is the series of gestures and movements we make with our face, head, arms, hands and indeed our whole bodies, to signal thoughts and feelings. Head and facial gestures can say a lot about how we feel. How often do you raise your eyebrows when you are surprised, for instance, or nod your head when you say 'yes'? Our body language shows how we feel. People who are tired tend to hunch up and look smaller. People who are excited and happy make big and confident gestures.

Whole body gestures, meaning the way we stand or sit, can also communicate a lot. Confident people tend to show they are sure of themselves by standing up straight. A fine example of body language is when two dogs meet. You will see them take up a number of different poses at various times- ears and nose down, tail between their legs, ears pricked, teeth bared, or tail up and wagging. It is actions like these that allow dogs to tell each other when they want to fight, to run away, or to make friends.

IMPORTANCE OF TIME

Time Management

At the New Year, you are given a very precious gift: the gift of 365 days or 31,536,000 seconds, but this year 2024 being leap year, you have extra 1 day, 24 hours, 1440 minutes and 86,400 seconds. Gift of time is the greatest resource in your life. It is like a sum of money given to you at the beginning of the New Year, which you can put to a variety of good uses depending on how you value and visualise your life. 

As Marc Levy, a French writer, said, “If you want to know the value of one hour, ask the lovers waiting to meet. If you want to know the value of one minute, ask the person who just missed the train. If you want to know the value of one second, ask the person who just escaped death in a car accident. And if you want to know the value of one hundredth of a second, ask the athlete who won a silver medal in the Olympics.” 

The time given to you is like a kite in the sky. To take the kite to greater heights, the kite-flyer has to take charge of the thread and guide it according to the direction of the wind. 

Every person is given the same 24 hours every day. But we find that some people manage this time well and become successful, while others fret and sweat, feeling that they don’t have enough time. 

Time is the most valuable gift and the key is not spending it somehow, but investing it intelligently. 

Shiv Khera, in his famous book You Can Win, explains this through the story of two woodcutters who went to the forest to cut trees. The first one cut, day after day, lesser and lesser number of trees, while the second was successful in cutting the same number every day because he spent daily some time to sharpen his axe. Sharpening the axe is synonymous to investing your time to care for your body, mind, heart and soul so that you are prepared to face your future tasks. 

Besides your studies, work or daily life chores, invest your time in doing regular meditation, spending time with your family, reading good books, attending seminars or talks and doing physical exercises. This will bring long-term results in your life. Therefore, manage your time well by prioritising your tasks, and writing them down according to their importance. Stay away the non-essentials from your life. Concentrate on one task at a time. Develop the habit of good Time Management. Take care of your time, and time will take care of you! 

DISCOVER THE RELATIVELY EXCITING LIFE OF ONE OF HISTORY'S GREATEST SCIENTISTS

 Albert Einstein 

It all began with a boy imagining what it would be like to run alongside a beam of light. Albert Einstein, who was born in 1879, was 16 years old. Not long before this “thought experiment” he had run away from his boarding school in Germany, turning up on the doorstep of his parents’ house in Italy. Fortunately, Einstein’s parents realised how miserable he had been at boarding school and decided to send him to a Swiss school. However, to get into the new school, the young Einstein had to pass a set of exams – and he failed most of them. Luckily, he did well enough at maths and physics, so the school agreed to take him on the promise that he put in extra work in the other subjects. 

An unwilling pupil: Einstein continued playing with the idea of riding on a light beam during his four years at university. However, he found many of the lectures boring, and he often missed classes to work by himself. An annoyed university teacher took revenge by writing a bad report on Einstein when he graduated in 1900. This meant that for nearly two years afterwards he struggled to find a job. In 1902, a friend recommended the 23-year-old Einstein for a job at the Swiss patent office. This is where people register their inventions to stop others copying them. Einstein’s father died shortly afterwards, and for many years Einstein felt sad that his dad had died before Einstein had a chance to be successful in the scientific world.

A year of miracles: Einstein often had spare time at his job, and he used it to work on scientific problems that interested him. In 1905 this work started to pay off. This is sometimes described as Einstein’s “miracle year”, when he published four major breakthroughs. The first explained why electrons were emitted when light hits a material. As well as being a wave, Einstein found that light consists of particles called photons. This work changed physics forever and years later won Einstein the Nobel Prize for Physics (a famous award) in 1921. The second piece of work analysed Brownian motion. This is the never-ending jiggle of small particles in a liquid. Einstein’s research provided evidence that atoms really existed, before there was any other proof. For his third big idea, Einstein laid out why the speed of light remains constant. The fourth breakthrough was perhaps the most famous equation in all of science: E = mc² (energy equals mass times the speed of light squared). This describes how matter is converted into energy inside stars. 

Defying gravity: However, for Einstein there was always one thing missing in his theories, because they paid no attention to the most fundamental of all physical forces: gravity. For the next 10 years, Einstein studied gravity, and by 1915 he came up with his theory of general relativity. This explained how gravity affects space and time, and paved the way for a new way to understand the universe. The foundation of Einstein’s famous theory of relativity is that the speed of light remains constant at all times. Imagine a spaceship travelling at the speed of light shooting a laser at an enemy. You would think that the laser, which also travels at light speed, would take the boost from the spaceship firing it and travel at twice the speed of light. It should hit the enemy first, but it doesn’t. Spaceship and laser hit the enemy craft at the same moment. For the speed of light to remain constant, other things must change: time slows down as objects travel faster until, at the speed of light, time stops entirely. 

Just for laughs: When cameramen turned up to Einstein’s 72nd birthday party uninvited, he stuck his tongue out at them. 

THE STICKY SUBSTANCE THAT WE LIKE TO CHEW

 Chewing gum

Most of us love chewing gum. It’s fun! When we chew gum, we want to blow it as a big balloon. The balloon blows, the eyes are wide open: When is it going to pop?

While chewing gum, have you ever thought about questions like “How and when was chewing gum invented? Who chewed it first? What did the first gum taste like?” Let’s read the history of gum.

The invention of gum and the habit of chewing dates back to ancient times, around 6000 years ago! Archaeologists have found gum-like substances during excavations around Sweden and Finland. It is thought that people living in these regions in ancient times chewed the sticky substance they obtained from birch bark tar. They chewed the gum not for fun or relaxation as we do now, but to clean their teeth, cure bad breath and relieve their stomachs. Also, the colour of the gum was not white or colourful, but grey.

Ancient Greeks and Romans also discovered the white resin of the gum tree in their region. They called this sticky substance mastic. Scientists believe that people in this period also chewed gum for oral health. 

With its freshness and sweet smell, this chewing gum is still collected from trees and sold as mastic gums today. This precious tree where the chewing gum comes from grows on Chios Island and the Çeşme Peninsula in Turkey. 

People living in Africa made chewing gum from the sap of the acacia tree. The sap has an orange pink colour and a rubber-like structure. This substance, known as acacia gum or gum Arabic, was used both as chewing gum and as an adhesive. Egyptians used it to preserve their mummies. Some Italian painters used it to make paint and glue. In India, it was used to make medicine.

In Australia, gum was obtained from eucalyptus tree. It’s no surprise that koalas chew the tree’s leaves for so long! Lemurs and monkeys soften the sap in tree stems with their saliva in their mouths and then chew it.

In Southeast Asia, gum was obtained from the ginseng plant. Americans chewed the resin collected from spruce trees. In Mexico, people made a kind of chewing gum called “chicle” by drying the resin of the tree known as sapodilla.

Hundreds of years later, the production of chewing gum changed completely. In the late 1860s, Thomas Adams tried adding flavourings to natural rubber and could make a tasty chewing gum. It was then started to be produced in factories to be sold. That’s how packaged chewing gums entered people’s lives.

Natural chewing gum is still chewed to avoid bad breath and relieve the stomach as well as strengthen the jaw muscles. But most of the packaged, colourful and sweet chewing gums sold in markets contain sweeteners, flavour and colour additives. These substances are harmful for our health. For this reason, you should read the package of chewing gum before buying it and learn the ingredients it contains.

As the chewing gum gradually became more popular, other producers tried to find different formulae. In 1928, Walter Dimer achieved in making gum that could blow bubbles. By using natural rubber in the right amount, he made a chewing gum that was thin but strong enough not to break and soft enough to be chewed.

When you swallow chewing gum, don’t worry, it won’t stick to your stomach. It’ll break down in the stomach and is evacuated in the poop within a few days. Still, be careful not to swallow while chewing gum!

AN IMPORTANT PRODUCT OBTAINED FROM TREE

 Natural Rubber

Have you ever seen a milky liquid flowing from a plant?

Some of you might have seen a spurge or a dandelion with its flying seeds in spring… When a part of their stem is broken, a white fluid called latex come out. Besides these, many other plants secrete this fluid to heal their tissues.

The tree in the image is the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Although its homeland is the Amazon rainforest in South America, today it is mostly grown in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The rubber tree produces plenty amounts of latex. This latex contains intensive amounts of a substance called rubber.

Rubber is used in the production of various goods, especially car tyres! How interesting, isn’t it? The fluid coming from the trunk of a tree is actually the raw material for car tyres. And this is not the only item. It is also used in erasers, surgical gloves, elastic bands, shoes, balloons and so on... Besides, rubber gains adhesive properties when heated and mixed with certain chemicals, that’s why adhesives are also produced from rubber.

What is the journey of natural rubber from the tree to the production of goods?

The first step in the production of natural rubber is to collect latex from the trees. Latex is collected in the morning. The trunk of the trees is cut with special knives so as to slice grooves. The fluid running down from the grooves is gathered in containers. Latex solidifies when left in the open air. To avoid this solidification, ammonia is added to the collected fluid.

Then, chemicals such as formic acid, acetic acid are added to this fluid. The rubber substance is left to become lumpy. The rubber come out of the fluid is passed through large rollers. After passing through the rollers, the rubber is removed from excess water, gets thinned and becomes ready to dry. 

The layers of rubber are hung on a rope like clothes, and are let dry. This process is done in farmer gardens, forests or factories. The layers dry in the open air in a few days. This process takes less time in factories. The rubber is dried in special places called smokehouses. As it dries, it changes in colour and gradually turns brown. Depending on its purpose of use, the rubber is transported to the factory where the relevant product is produced.

Rubber becomes sticky at high heat and brittles at low heat. That’s why, it is passed through special processes in factories. One of these processes is the method accidentally discovered by Charles Goodyear in 1839. In this method, rubber is cooked with sulphur. So, it becomes durable against bad conditions and has a flexible structure. If you think about car tyres, you can imagine this better....

Rubber was even used in BC. It was used in such different fields in such great amounts that resources became insufficient over the years. That’s why, artificial (synthetic) rubber started to be made. Synthetics became more durable and useful than natural ones in time. The rubber used today is 70% synthetic. 

Since it is a recyclable material, natural rubber is eco-friendly compared to synthetic rubber or plastic. But it has still negative impacts on the environment. 

There are rubber tree forests created only for natural rubber production. Since there is only one type of tree planted in these forests, biodiversity in that area declines. This factor poses a threat to tropical forests and the living beings there. Chemicals used to increase the yield pollute soil and water. Also, these trees need more water than the other plants in the area.

All raw materials we use have positive and negative sides. Considering all of these, we can say that the best way to protect nature is to consume less.

YEAR 2024

 International Year Of Camelids

The UN has designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. Camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos are an important source of livelihood for millions of families – most of them pastoralists – in dryland and mountainous rangeland ecosystems  around the world.

Camelids are fascinating creatures that have been a part of human history for thousands of years. They include animals like camels, llamas, alpacas,  vicuñas and guanacos. These unique animals  have incredible importance in  our world, and that is why  2024 is declared as the  International Year of  Camelids by the  United Nations.

Let us explore the remarkable world of camelids and discover why they deserve this special recognition.

What are camelids? Camelids are a family of animals that are known for their incredible adaptations to various environments. They are native to different parts of the world, and each species has its own unique characteristics. Camels, for example, are well-suited for arid deserts, while llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos thrive in the high mountains of South America. These animals are known for their strength, resilience and the valuable resources they provide.

Camelids and people: Camelids have played a vital role in human history and have been our companions for many purposes. They have helped us in transportation, carrying heavy loads across deserts and mountains. Camels, for instance, are often called “ships of the desert” because of their ability to travel long distances in harsh conditions. In South America, llamas and alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years. They provide wool, meat and are important for cultural practices. Vicuñas and guanacos are protected and admired for their incredibly soft and fine wool.

Conservation and the International Year of Camelids: Some species, like the wild Bactrian camel, are endangered, and this initiative aims to protect and conserve these magnificent animals. Camelids are remarkable animals that have been our partners for centuries. They provide us with valuable resources, contribute to biodiversity and hold a special place in our hearts and cultures. As we celebrate the International Year of Camelids in 2024, let’s work together to protect and appreciate these amazing creatures, ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come.

Celebrating  Camelids: Camelids hold cultural and ecological significance, particularly in mountain and desert regions, where they are an integral part of the livelihoods and traditional ways of life of indigenous communities.

Why are camelids important?

RESOURCE PROVIDERS: Camelids provide us with valuable resources. Camels give us milk, meat and wool, while llamas and alpacas are well-known for their soft and luxurious wool.

SUSTAINABLE FARMING: In many parts of the world, especially in the Andes mountains, camelids are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming. They don,t harm the environment and are an essential part of the local economy.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Camelids are deeply ingrained in the cultures of the regions where they live. They are often featured in stories, ceremonies and art, making them important cultural symbols.

BIODIVERSITY: These animals play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of their native habitats. Vicuñas and guanacos, for example, help keep the grasslands healthy through their grazing habits.

How can you help?You might be wondering how you can contribute to the well-being of these incredible animals. Here are a few ways:

LEARN MORE: Educate yourself about camelids, their habitats and the challenges they face. The more you know, the better you can help.

SUPPORT CONSERVATION EFFORTS: Consider supporting organisations and projects that are working to protect and conserve camelid species.

CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS: When shopping for products like wool, look for those that are sustainably and ethically sourced.

SPREAD THE WORD: Tell your friends and family about the importance of camelids and the International Year of Camelids. Awareness is a powerful tool for change.

CALENDAR 2024

Some important days which are observed worldwide 

JANUARY 

1 New Year’s Day 

4 WORLD BRAILLE DAY: World Braille Day is a reminder of the importance of accessibility and independence for those who are blind or visually-impaired. 

11 International “Thank-You” Day 

15 World Religion Day 

20 Penguin Awareness Day 

24 International Day of Education 

26 WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DAY: World Environmental Education Day is dedicated to showing children how they can take care of our Earth through recycling, saving energy and water, no littering and fighting climate change!

31 International Zebra Day

FEBRUARY 

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: Climate changes have serious implications on the lives of humans, animals and natural ecosystems. We have one planet – it is up to us to protect it for our future generations.

2 WORLD WETLANDS DAY: Wetlands function as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters. 

4 World Cancer Day

10 World Pulses Day

11 International Day of Girls and Women in Science 

12 Darwin Day 

13 World Radio Day 

14 St Valentine’s Day 

15 World Hippo Day

15 International  Childhood Cancer Day

19 World Whale Day 

20 World Day of Social Justice 

21 International  Mother Language Day 

22 World Thinking Day 

27 International Polar Bear Day 

29 Leap Day: Most of the time, there are  365 days in a year, and every  four years, we have a special guest called Leap Year! Leap Year is like a bonus day, and it happens because our Earth takes about 365.25 days to go around the sun. So, to catch up with that extra 0.25, we add a whole day to the calendar. It’s like a giant game of catch-up! So, every four years, we get to celebrate one extra day in February, making it 29 days instead of the usual 28. 

MARCH 

3 WORLD WILDLIFE DAY: On this day we celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and raise awareness of endangered animals and plants. 

8 International Women’s Day 

10 World Kidney Day 

12 Plant a Flower Day 

18 Global Recycling Day  

20 World Oral Health Day

20 International  Day of Happiness

20 World Frog Day 

21 International Day of Forests, Human Rights, World Poetry Day 

22 WORLD WATER DAY: This day is a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. 

23 World Meteorological Day 

23 Earth Hour: Celebrate Earth Hour between 20:30 and 21:30

24 World TB Day

29 Good Friday 

31 Easter

APRIL 

1 April Fool’s Day 

2 International  Children’s Book Day, World Autism Awareness Day

7 World Health Day 

10 Family Day

12 International Day of Human Space Flight 

13 International Plant Appreciation Day 

18 International Day for Monuments and Sights

21 International Creativity and Innovation Day

22 International Mother Earth Day

23 English Language Day, World Book Day 

25 World Malaria Day: Every year on World Malaria Day, we mark the fight to beat malaria, but for half of our world, every day is a fight against this devastating disease. Malaria causes sickness and death, reduces productivity, fuels poverty and creates hunger, especially in impoverished, rural farming communities.

29 Save the  Frogs Day

MAY

1 Workers’ Day

2 World Tuna Day, World Asthma Day

3 World Press Freedom Day

5 World Hand Hygiene Day 

7 – 13 International Composting Awareness Week

8 World Red Cross Day

11 World Migratory  Bird Day: This day highlights the need to protect migratory birds and their habitats.

12 Mother’s Day

12 International Nurses’ Day

15 International Day of Families

16 International Day of Light

18 International Museum Day

20 World Bee Day, Endangered Species Day

22 International Day for  Biological Diversity:  Biodiversity refers to every living thing, including plants, bacteria, animals and humans. 

23 World Turtle Day: Leatherback sea turtles are like time travellers of the ocean. These ancient reptiles have been around for more than 100 million years, even outliving dinosaurs! Some leatherback turtles migrate thousands of miles between their nesting and feeding grounds.

30 Water a Flower Day 

JUNE 

1 World Reef Day, International Children’s Day, Global Day of Parents: International Children’s Day is a special day, dedicated to celebrating and cherishing children. On this day, we come together to ensure that every child is treated with kindness, respect and care. It’s a day to appreciate the laughter, curiosity and imagination of kids everywhere, promoting a world where every child can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, surrounded by love and opportunities.

3 World Bicycle Day

5 World Environment Day

7 World Food Safety Day

8 World Oceans Day: The oceans generate most of the oxygen we breathe, they regulate our climate and they feed us. 

12 World Day  against Child Labour

13 International Albinism Day

14 World Blood Donor Day

15 Global Wind Day16 Father’s Day

17 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: Desertification is a type of land degradation in which a relatively dry area of land becomes increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water as well as vegetation and wildlife.

20 World Refugee Day

21 International Day of Yoga

22 World Rainforest Day

30 International Asteroid Day

JULY

7 International Chocolate Day

11 World Population Day: As the world population reaches 8 billion, it will have profound implications for development.

12 Malala Day: On Malala Day, we celebrate the young leader, role model and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. This brave young woman has been a champion of peace, women’s rights and education for all children.

14 Shark Awareness Day

15 World Youth Skills Day

16 World Snake Day

17 World Emoji Day

18 World Nature Conservation Day

20 International  Moon Day: This day marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission.

29 International Tiger Day: Tigers are on the brink of extinction and International World Tiger Day aims to bring attention to this fact and try to halt their decline.

30 International Day of Friendship

31 World Ranger Day: This is a day to celebrate rangers and the work they do to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures.

AUGUST 

CHILD HEALTH MONTH: Taking care of your health is like giving a superpower boost to your body every day, not just during Child Health Month. Eating yummy fruits and veggies, zipping around during playtime and getting a good night’s sleep are your secret weapons to stay strong and happy. So, remember, being a health hero is a year-round mission.

8 International Cat Day

9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous People: This day is observed to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous populations.

10 World Lion Day: Lion Day aims to raise awareness of the majestic hunter – king of the jungle.

10 International Biodiesel Day

12 International Youth Day: An opportunity to celebrate young people’s voices, actions and initiatives.

12 World Elephant Day: It is estimated that every day 100 African elephants are killed by poachers.

13 International Left-handers Day

14 World Lizard Day

19 International Orangutan Day

19 World Humanitarian Day

19 World Honey Bee Day: World Honey Bee Day encourages everyone to enjoy and buy locally grown honey.

20 - 24 World Water Week

31 African Traditional Medicine Day

SEPTEMBER 

5 International  Day of Charity

7 International Vulture Awareness Day

8 International Literacy Day

15 International Day of Democracy

16 International Day for  the Preservation of  the Ozone Layer: The ozone layer is like Earth’s sunscreen. It protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. We need to take care of the ozone layer to keep our planet safe and healthy.

20 World Clean-up Day: World Clean-up Day is like a giant team effort where people from all around the world join together to clean up our planet. On World Clean-up Day, we all become Earth superheroes, working together to keep our home beautiful!

21 International Coastal Clean-up Day

21 World Gratitude Day

21 Zero Emissions Day, International Day of Peace

22 World Car-Free Day

22 World Rhino Day

22 World Rivers Day

23 Sign Languages Day

24 World Gorilla Day

26 World Environmental Health Day

26 International Day  for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons: Observed to promote the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.

26 World Maritime Day

27 World Tourism Day

28 World Rabies Day

29 World Heart Day

OCTOBER 

1 World Vegetarian Day, International Music Day

2 International Day of Non-Violence, World Farm Animals Day

4 World Animal Day

5 World Teachers Day: Celebrates the role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels.

7 World Habitat Day

9 World Post Day

10 World Mental Health Day, World Sight Day

11 International Day of the Girl Child: Promotes the rights of girls and addresses the unique challenges they face globally.

15 Handwashing Day: Someone who washes their hands often is less likely to get sick, and won’t easily pass germs on to the next person.

16 World Food Day: Aims to raise awareness and encourage action to end world hunger.

17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

23 World Edible Insect Day

24 International Day of Climate Action

24 United Nations Day: Commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations in 1945.

24 World Polio Day: On this day we encourage efforts to eradicate the disease. 

29 Internet Day: This day celebrates an important moment in 1969 in the history of computers – the very first electronic message was sent between two computers!

31 World Cities Day

NOVEMBER 

1 World Vegan Day: Celebrated by eating delicious plant-based foods that are good for us and the planet!

5 World Tsunami Awareness Day: A tsunami is a formidable oceanic phenomenon characterised by a massive and powerful sea wave, often triggered by natural events like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, causing a huge disturbance in the water.

10 World Science Day for Peace and Development: On this day, we celebrate scientists who help make our world a better and happier place through awesome discoveries and inventions!

11 Origami Day: The word “origami” comes from the Japanese words “ori”, meaning fold, and “kami”, meaning paper. So, origami literally translates to “folded paper.”

13 World Kindness Day

14 World Diabetes Day: Eating healthy is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with diabetes. 

16 International Day for Tolerance

19 International Men’s Day

19 World Toilet Day

20 Universal Children’s Day: Universal Children’s Day is dedicated to promoting the ideals the UN has set for protecting the rights of children and promoting the general welfare of children all over the world.

21 World Philosophy Day

21 World Television Day, World Fisheries Day: On World Fisheries Day, we think about how important fish are around the world and to say a big thank you to the brave fishermen and women who work really hard to bring us delicious seafood.

DECEMBER 

1 World AIDS Day

4 World Wildlife Conservation Day: In the wild, everything gets recycled. Plants and animals decompose, and their nutrients go back into the soil. It’s like nature’s way of recycling. Conservation helps maintain these natural cycles, ensuring a healthy environment for all living things.

5 World Soil Day: Soil is without a doubt, one of the most significant parts of the ecosystem, contributing to our food, water and energy and playing an important part in reducing the impact of climate change.

5 International Volunteers Day

7 International Civil Aviation Day

10 Human Rights Day (UN)

11 International Mountain Day: Mountain Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and value of mountains from an ecological and economical perspective.

20 International Human Solidarity Day: Today is a special day when people all over the world come together to help each other and work as a team to make sure everyone has a good life and our planet stays healthy.

24 Christmas Eve

25 Christmas Day

26 Boxing Day: Boxing Day, celebrated in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, is a day after Christmas when people exchange gifts and engage in acts of kindness, including helping those who are less fortunate.

31 New Year’s Eve