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.
Chief of the Indian Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is on a four-day official visit to the UAE, aiming to enhance and consolidate the bilateral maritime relations between the two countries. During his visit, he will meet with the Commander of the UAE Naval Forces and other government officials, as well as visit the National Defence College of UAE. This visit is in line with the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE. The two navies have a history of cooperative engagements, including joint exercises and visits under the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee.
Four-and-half years after the tense standoff between India and China, an agreement has been reached on the disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. After a meeting between Chinese and Indian diplomatic and military negotiators, it was decided that patrolling arrangements would be put in place to resolve the issues that arose in 2020. Despite this positive development, certain issues such as the Depsang Plains and Demchok remain unresolved and both sides continue to maintain a state of alert.
As tensions rise between the US and China, countries from the Global South are looking to strengthen their ties and assert their collective power. This is evident in upcoming events such as the BRICS Summit, where leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will discuss trade, currency issues, and the global supply chain. Another significant event is the China-Africa Summit, where China is deepening its cooperation with African nations in an effort to create a more united front against Western dominance. These events highlight the importance of the Global South in shaping the future of global politics and economics.
Renowned historian William Dalrymple highlights India's pivotal role in world history, tracing back to its influence on even the ancient Roman empire. From philosophy to mathematics, India's contributions are invaluable, and it continues to be the center of learning and innovation in the Asian world. However, as Union Minister Jaishankar points out, India must also address threats and challenges from other countries with a strategic approach. Category: Others Title: Union Minister Jaishankar Stresses on the Need for Cybersecurity Awareness and South-South Cooperation In a recent address, Union Minister Jaishankar emphasized the importance of cybersecurity and the need for individuals to take responsibility for staying secure. He also expressed India's strong interest in bringing the global south back into the spotlight and taking a more active role in international affairs. Jaishankar's comments come amidst tensions with Canada, highlighting the need for deft handling of international relations.
In a landmark ruling, the Indian Supreme Court has declared Section 6A of the Citizenship Act of 1955 to be unconstitutional. Justice J.B. Pardiwala, in his dissenting opinion, stated that the open-ended nature of the section has led to increased abuse and misuse, as immigrants are now able to use forged documents to falsely claim eligibility. The judge further emphasized that the lack of a temporal limit on the section's application only adds to its counter-productivity. As a result, Justice Pardiwala has declared that the section should be declared invalid with prospective effect.
In a significant development, India and China have reached an agreement on "patrolling arrangements" and resolving the ongoing military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The agreement includes areas like Demchok and Depsang, which have been unresolved so far. While the details of the agreement have not been disclosed, this announcement comes at a crucial time, just a day before the BRICS Summit, suggesting a possible meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders have not met in-person since the Galwan clashes in 2020, making this a potentially significant bilateral development.
After weeks of negotiations, Indian Foreign Secretary announced that India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling activities in eastern Ladakh. This development comes just days before Prime Minister Modi's departure to the BRICS Summit, where it is anticipated that he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for bilateral discussions. The agreement is believed to focus on patrolling in specific regions, and is a step towards easing tensions between the two countries.
British newspaper The Sun has announced their launch of a new complaints policy, in accordance with the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) regulations. The policy aims to maintain accuracy in their reporting and address any errors that may occur. To make a complaint, readers can visit thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/.
In a major development, India and China have agreed to disengage their troops after four-and-a-half years of a standoff in Eastern Ladakh. The Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri, stated that after close discussions between the diplomatic and military negotiators of both countries, an agreement has been reached on patrolling arrangements in the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The disengagement will lead to the resolution of issues that arose in 2020. This comes after several meetings, including one between Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Chinese Defence Ministry's Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs Li Jinsong. The move is seen as a sign of reducing tensions between the two countries, with efforts being made to avoid any confrontation and build trust.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, former UK prime minister David Cameron emphasized the need for a "reset" of global institutions as the world continues to evolve. He praised India's strong economic growth, democracy, and commitment to tackling climate change, and argued that the country should have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Cameron also noted that India's increasing global presence is already being recognized, through its involvement in groups like the Quad and the G20, and its regular invitation to attend the G7 meetings.