World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage action towards protecting the environment. With indiscriminate tree cutting and other forms of pollution threatening our planet, it is more important than ever to celebrate this day and understand its significance. The theme for this year is 'Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resistance', with the slogan 'Our Land, Our Future', emphasizing the need to take action to preserve our environment for future generations. Join the global movement and learn more about the history and purpose of World Environment Day.
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, is a significant event established by the United Nations to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote collective action towards protecting our planet.
The concept of World Environment Day emerged during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. The conference highlighted the urgent need to address global environmental concerns, leading to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Two years later, in 1974, the first World Environment Day was observed.
World Environment Day serves as a platform to:
The theme for World Environment Day 2023 is 'Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resistance,' emphasizing the urgent need to restore degraded land and address the challenges of desertification and drought. By highlighting these issues, the day aims to raise awareness about the importance of land conservation and sustainable land management practices.
1. What is the history of World Environment Day?
World Environment Day was first celebrated in 1974, following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972.
2. What is the purpose of World Environment Day?
World Environment Day aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action towards protecting the environment.
3. What is the 2023 theme for World Environment Day?
The 2023 theme is 'Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resistance,' highlighting the importance of land conservation and sustainable land management practices.
4. How can I participate in World Environment Day?
There are numerous ways to participate, such as:
5. What are the past themes of World Environment Day?
Past themes have included:
World Environment Day is an important reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. By raising awareness, encouraging action, and promoting sustainable practices, we can make a positive impact on the health of our environment and ensure a thriving future for all.
After days of negotiations, India announced Monday that an agreement had been reached with China on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control. However, China did not mention this in a media briefing in Beijing the following day, raising questions about the implementation of the pact. In New Delhi, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the need for trust-building measures between the two countries in order for the agreement to be successful.
As tensions rise between North Korea and Ukraine, South Korea vows to take action in response to the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. In addition to potential advisors and heavy weapons being sent to Ukraine, there are also reports of fighter pilots being sent to Russia. This military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is seen as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and poses a significant security threat to the international community. As the situation develops, South Korea is prepared to take "phased measures" in response to their military ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Kazan, Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit. He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from BRICS countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit is the first since the grouping was expanded last year. In a statement, PM Modi emphasized the importance of BRICS as a platform for international cooperation and discussed strengthening partnerships in various sectors with Putin during their meeting. Stay updated on the latest updates from the summit with our live blog.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Tuesday during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Putin hailed the growing cooperation between the two countries as a stabilising factor for the world, while Xi highlighted their strong relationship and the need for a just world order. Both leaders emphasized the non-alliance and non-confrontational approach to their relationship, which they say is a model for neighboring major countries. This is a developing story and more details will be released.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit 2024 has kicked off with several bilateral summits discussing key issues such as India-Russia ties, the war in Ukraine, and conflicts with Iran and Israel. The summit, with the theme of 'Strengthening Multilateralism,' will see discussions on global issues and includes new member nations - Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. As major emerging economies, the BRICS group comprises 41% of the world population and 24% of the world GDP, making it an important platform for discussions on global development and security.
Atmospheric conditions over the Bay of Bengal have facilitated the intensification of a low-pressure area into a depression, which is expected to transform into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23. The storm is predicted to make landfall on October 24, causing heavy rainfall and strong winds along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal for three days. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings for fishermen and local authorities to prepare for potential damages, and has designated hundreds of cyclone shelters to accommodate evacuees.
South Korea's foreign ministry has called the Russian ambassador to discuss North Korea's reported dispatch of 1,500 troops to train and potentially fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. VP Foreign Minister Kim expressed strong condemnation, while the Russian embassy stated that their cooperation with North Korea is in line with international law and not directed against South Korea. The U.S. and NATO also expressed concern and potential escalation if these reports are confirmed.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kazan, Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit and was welcomed by Rustam Minnikhanov. On the sidelines, Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi also congratulated Russia on its successful BRICS presidency, stating that many countries are now interested in joining the grouping. The annual summit in July strengthened cooperation in various fields between India and Russia.
The debate over South Korea's right to reprocess nuclear fuel has been reignited in the midst of escalating tensions with North Korea. Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong of the South Korean Embassy in Washington stated that the government will discuss the issue with the new U.S. administration. This comes as North Korea continues to ramp up its nuclear weapons programs and hostile language towards South Korea. With growing internal calls for South Korea to develop its own nuclear weapons, some argue that the country should at least have the reprocessing right, similar to Japan. However, this process is subject to further negotiation under the U.S.-South Korean Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation.
After months of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has confirmed a patrolling agreement has been reached between the two countries. The goal is to return military ties between the two nations to pre-April 2020 levels. However, the Army Chief also pointed out the need for rebuilding trust between the two forces in order to successfully restore the status quo. This confirmation comes days after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a patrolling agreement and ongoing efforts to resolve the tension that began in May 2020.