The United Nations (UN)’s World Post Day is annually observed across the globe on October 9th to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union(UPU) in 1874.
The day aims to create awareness about the role of the postal sector in the everyday life of people across the globe and its contribution to the social and economic development of the countries.
The theme of 2021 World Post Day is “Innovate to recover”.
Background:
i.The World Post Day was declared by the Universal Postal Union(UPU) Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.
ii.The Posts of various countries introduce and promote new postal products and services on World Post Day.
1st postage stamp:
The world’s first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system was ‘Penny Black’.
It was first issued in Great Britain, on 1st May 1840.
UN Stamps:
i.The United Nations is the only organisation in the world which is neither a country nor a territory that has the permit to issue postage stamps.
ii.The UN is also the only postal authority to issue stamps in 3 different currencies – United States Dollars(USD), Swiss Francs and Euro.
National Postal Week 2021 – 9th to 15th October
i.The National postal week is annually celebrated across India from 9th to 15th October to create awareness about the roles and activities of the India Post among the public and media at the national level.
ii.As a part of the National Postal week, the department of Post celebrates World Post Day, Banking day, Postal Life Insurance Day, Philately Day, Business Development Day and Mails Day to focus on various services provided. The department will also participate and organize day wise activities under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Week, begins from 11 October 2021 to 17 October 2021.
- 09.10.2021- World Post Day
- 11.10.2021- Banking Day
- 12.10.2021-Postal Life Insurance Day
- 13.10.2021- Philately Day
- 14.10.2021- Business Development Day
- 16.10.2021- Mails Day
Note:
The post offices ensure seamless banking services to all customers(including rural areas) and have opened around 1.45 lakh India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) accounts.
About Universal Postal Union(UPU):
UPU is a United Nations specialized agency and the postal sector’s primary forum for international cooperation
Director General– Bishar Hussein
Established in 1874
Headquarters- Berne, Switzerland
About India Post:
Director– Abhishek Kumar Singh
Headquarters– New Delhi
