International Tea Day - May 21

Tea is the second most beverage that people choose to drink after water. India is the second-largest producer of tea after China. Many countries, for example, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, Kenya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Malawi, India, Uganda, and Tanzania, celebrate International Tea Day on 15th December.

But the United Nations celebrates this day on 21st May every year. This is because tea production begins in May in most countries. Assam was the first state in India which started tea plantations. The people got tea plants imported from China. Gradually, Assam Tea Company commenced the commercial expansion of tea estates. India is home to Chai enthusiasts. Darjeeling Tea, Assam tea, and Nilgiri Tea are among the top Indian Tea types people prefer.

There are other important days and dates of national and international importance, integral from the UPSC prelims and other government exams.

Days and dates of importance are relevant from the IAS Exam and other government exam perspective.

International Tea Day 2022

The world will celebrate International Tea Day 2022 on 21^st May 2022. The main aim of celebrating this day is to increase tea consumption worldwide. Tea has potential health benefits, as stated by the United Nations, and it is also recognised as one of the world’s oldest beverages.

Tea contributes to the national GDP by export earnings, employment, and food security. Many medicinal properties of tea may help with some diseases like cardiac issues, controlling diabetes, protecting the lungs from anti-oxidants due to pollution, etc. Tea has been considered an essential beverage by the Sustainable Development Goal Programme.

International Tea Day in India

International tea day in India is observed every year on the 15^th of December. But after the United Nations General Assembly decision in December 2019, this day was observed on 21^st May every year. This aromatic beverage is an integral part of life for some people.

Currently, China is the largest exporter of tea. In a survey conducted in 2007 by the Tea Board of India, only domestic consumers consumed around 80% of the total tea produced in India.

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Questions on International Tea Day in UPSC

In the Current Affairs section of UPSC prelims, you may be asked one or two questions regarding International Tea Day. A few key points that every IAS exam aspirant should remember regarding International Tea Day during their UPSC exam are the following:

• Tea is the World’s most consumed drink. Tea is an aromatic beverage, and it is made from the Camellia Sinensis.
• It is said that tea originated in northern Myanmar, India, and Southwest China. But the exact place where the tea plant grows is unknown. According to evidence, it has been said that there were many instances where people native to China used to consume Tea 5000 years ago.
• Tea grows well in a moderately hot and humid climate as it is a tropical and subtropical plant.
• The ideal temperature to grow a tea plant must be 20^o to 30^o C. Temperatures below 10^o C and above 35^o C are harmful to these plants.
• Slightly acidic soil is considered the most suitable soil for tea cultivation.

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