as the world approaches the much-awaited International Friendship Day in 2024, it is worth reflecting on the significance of this day and its history. Initially established in the United States in the 1950s, the United Nations officially recognised July 30 as International Friendship Day in 2011, highlighting the crucial role friendship plays in promoting peace and understanding among different cultures and communities. This year, India and several other countries will be celebrating Friendship Day on August 4, reinforcing the idea of honouring our personal connections and strengthening our bonds with thoughtful gestures and activities. Moreover, the UN stresses the importance of involving young people as future leaders in building bridges and promoting cultural diversity through friendships.
International Friendship Day: Celebrating the Bonds that Unite the World
International Friendship Day is a globally recognized occasion that celebrates the invaluable connections we share with those dear to us. Its roots can be traced back to the 1950s in the United States, and in 2011, the United Nations officially designated July 30th as International Friendship Day.
Significance of Friendship Day
Friendship plays a pivotal role in nurturing our well-being and shaping our lives. It transcends borders and boundaries, fostering unity and understanding among diverse cultures and communities. By recognizing the power of friendship, International Friendship Day aims to:
Celebration of Friendship Day
Across the globe, Friendship Day is celebrated in various ways, reflecting the unique customs and traditions of different cultures. In many countries, it is customary to exchange gifts, cards, or small tokens of appreciation with friends. Special events and activities are also organized, such as:
In India and Other Countries
While International Friendship Day is officially celebrated on July 30th, India and some other countries observe it on August 4th. This distinction stems from cultural and historical factors, and it provides an opportunity for these nations to celebrate the day in a manner that resonates with their traditions.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is International Friendship Day celebrated?
Internationally, it is celebrated on July 30th, while in India and some other countries, it is observed on August 4th.
2. Who founded International Friendship Day?
Its origins can be attributed to Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho of Paraguay, who proposed the idea in 1958.
3. Why is friendship day important?
Friendship fosters unity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange, contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious world.
4. How is Friendship Day celebrated in different cultures?
Celebrations vary widely, including gift exchanges, special events, and gatherings tailored to the local customs and traditions.
5. What is the United Nations' role in International Friendship Day?
The UN recognized July 30th as International Friendship Day in 2011, highlighting its significance in promoting peace and understanding among nations.
While addressing a press conference in Paris, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected President Trump's idea of seizing Greenland as "not a good one" and "not going to happen." He reiterated the Biden administration's belief in the strength of alliances, stating that working closely with allies is more effective than alienating them. France's Foreign Minister also downplayed the possibility of US forces being deployed against Denmark, but cautioned about a return to the "law of the strongest" in the international arena. Trump's nominee for national security adviser, Congressman Mike Waltz, has emphasized the importance of securing Greenland for US national security, but both Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any notion of the island being for sale.
A stampede at Tirupati's Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan ticketing center left four devotees dead and several injured. Despite being in the vicinity of a major religious site, the incident highlights the lack of effective crowd management and safety protocols. Multiple investigations have been launched into the tragedy, with promises of compensation and structural reform to avoid future incidents.
As Donald Trump's threat to buy Greenland stirs global controversy, Denmark's foreign minister reaffirms their recognition of Greenland's autonomy and dismisses any possibility of the island becoming a US state. However, amid increased US interest in the Arctic region, Trump's willingness to use force or economic measures to acquire Greenland has prompted concerns from European allies. As talks between Greenland's leader and the Danish king take place, there is a growing focus on the island's push for independence and allegations of colonial-era mistreatment.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has strongly stated that the European Union will not tolerate any nation attacking its sovereign borders, in response to US President-elect Donald Trump's comments about his intentions to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Barrot expressed doubts about the possibility of the US actually invading Greenland, but urged the EU to be vigilant and strengthen its position. Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., recently made a private visit to Greenland, shortly after his father's controversial comments. However, Greenland's government has made it clear that the territory is not for sale and its future will be determined by Greenlanders alone.
In a surprising statement, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he was considering using economic force to make Canada the 51st state. The remarks have sparked mixed reactions from Albertans, with some expressing fear and others dismissing it as a joke. Trump also proposed imposing tariffs and cutting off trade agreements with Canada, which has further escalated tensions between the two countries.
A massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Tibet near the Nepal border this morning, resulting in the death of 126 people and severe damages to buildings in the region. The tremors were felt in several parts of India, including Bihar, Delhi-NCR, Assam, and West Bengal. The National Center for Seismology has reported several subsequent earthquakes in the same location, with the strongest measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale. The high-altitude area of Dingri County on Mount Everest has faced building collapses amidst freezing temperatures.
In a series of social media posts, President-elect Donald Trump joked about buying Canada as part of the United States after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation. However, this banter comes after Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico, which would violate the recently enacted USMCA. Experts warn that imposing tariffs on Canada, one of the US' largest trading partners, could have damaging effects on the Canadian economy and lead to a strained relationship between the two countries. While some have dismissed Trump's remarks as jokes, others see it as a disrespectful insult to Canada.
As her time as vice president draws to a close, Kamala Harris will embark on a four-day trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany. The trip, which will take place from Jan. 13 to Jan. 17, provides one final opportunity for Harris to address key foreign policy challenges before the transition of power to Donald Trump. Together with her husband, Doug Emhoff, Harris will visit U.S. servicemembers stationed at all three of the countries she plans to visit. As Harris looks to the future, her decision to conclude her term with a global trip raises questions about her potential next steps and continued involvement in international affairs.
As Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland, the president-elect himself hinted at potentially using military force or economic coercion to acquire the mineral-rich territory. Despite backlash from Danish officials and Greenland’s government, Trump supporters are enthusiastic about the prospect of “Make Greenland Great Again." But with its strategic location and Indigenous population, will such a controversial move be allowed? Only time will tell.
The eldest son of President-elect Donald Trump made a private visit to Greenland, sparking speculation that the future administration may seek to take control of the mineral-rich territory. Trump Jr. landed in the capital city of Nuuk and was not met by Greenlandic representatives, as the visit was labeled "private." This visit comes after the president-elect expressed a desire to acquire the Arctic territory, which is home to a large U.S. military base and holds strategic importance for multiple countries.