First International Yoga Day observed globally

The first International Yoga Day (IYD) was celebrated across the world on 21 June 2015.
This edition of IYD was led by India and was marked by 192 countries across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led thousands of participants of all ages at Rajpath yoga event.
The celebrations were also held at the United Nations headquarter in New York which was led by External affair minister Sushma Swaraj.
Numerous mass events were held in various cities across the world including New York London, Tokyo and Sydney.
Background

• The idea of celebrating the International Yoga Day was pitched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014.
• In December 2014, UNGA had unanimously adopted India-led resolution to observe 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga’. This resolution was adopted under the agenda of ‘Global Health and Foreign Policy’.
• 21st June was selected because it represents one of the two solstices and it is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere which has special significance in many parts of the world.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2015