Belarus Independence Day

Belarus Independence Day, celebrated on 3rd July is a significant national holiday that marks the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation during World War II in 1944. This day is a proud reminder of Belarus’s resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of its people. The celebrations are characterized by a blend of patriotic fervour, historical reflection, and cultural festivities, drawing citizens together in a powerful expression of national pride.

Historical Significance of Belarus Independence Day

Liberation from Nazi Occupation  

Belarus Independence Day commemorates the liberation of Minsk, the capital city, from Nazi forces during Operation Bagration in 1944. This strategic offensive, led by the Soviet Union, was crucial in defeating Nazi Germany on the Eastern Front. The liberation of Minsk marked a pivotal moment in the country’s history, symbolizing the end of years of brutal occupation and the beginning of a new chapter for Belarus.

Path to Authority

While 3rd July marks the liberation from Nazi occupation, Belarus declared its full independence from the Soviet Union on 25th August 1991. However, Independence Day continues to be celebrated on 3rd July reflecting the deep historical roots and the significance of the World War II liberation in the collective memory of the Belarusian people.

Celebrations and Traditions

National Parade

One of the highlights of Belarus Independence Day is the grand military parade held in Minsk. This parade showcases the strength and discipline of the Belarusian armed forces, featuring a display of military hardware, ceremonial units, and a flyover by the air force. The parade is attended by high-ranking officials, including the President, and is a spectacle that instils national pride and unity.

Cultural Events

Throughout the country, various cultural events are organized to celebrate Belarusian heritage. These include concerts, folk music performances, dance shows, and exhibitions showcasing traditional arts and crafts. These events not only entertain but also educate citizens and visitors about the rich cultural history of Belarus.

Fireworks Display

As the day draws to a close, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky over Minsk and other major cities. The vibrant colours and patterns symbolize the joy and freedom that Independence Day represents. Families and friends gather in public spaces to enjoy the fireworks, creating a sense of community and shared celebration.

Memorial Services

Belarus Independence Day is also a time for solemn remembrance. Memorial services are held to honour the sacrifices of those who fought and died for the country’s freedom. Wreaths are laid at war memorials and cemeteries, and moments of silence are observed to pay tribute to the heroes of the past.

Significance in Modern Belarus

National Identity

Independence Day is a cornerstone of Belarusian national identity. It reinforces the values of freedom, resilience, and unity that are central to the nation’s ethos. The day serves as a reminder of the struggles endured and the victories achieved, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among Belarusians.

Reflection on Progress

The day also provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress Belarus has made since gaining independence. It is a time to celebrate economic achievements, social advancements, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Leaders often use this occasion to address the nation, highlighting past successes and outlining future goals.

Promoting Unity

Independence Day plays a crucial role in promoting unity among the diverse population of Belarus. It brings together people from different backgrounds, regions, and walks of life in a shared celebration of their common heritage. This unity is vital for the continued development and stability of the country.

 

International Plastic Bag Free Day

 

International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed annually on July 3 to raise awareness about the problem of plastic pollution. It also emphasises the significant threat plastic poses to ecosystems, particularly affecting terrestrial and marine species. The goal is to urge individuals and governments to recognise this concern and take action to reduce plastic use and pollution.

International Plastic Bag Free Day: History

Rezero, a member of Zero Waste Europe (ZWE), initiated the first International Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3, 2008. The occasion was initially celebrated in Catalonia alone but gained wider recognition the following year when ZWE introduced it to the European Union.

Through persistent and effective campaigns, ZWE succeeded in persuading several governments to take steps to reduce the use of single-use plastic. As a result, this day was established as a dedicated occasion to emphasise the importance of eliminating plastic bag use.

International Plastic Bag Free Day: Significance

This day raises awareness about the environmental impact of plastic bags. It serves as a reminder to individuals, communities, and governments worldwide of the urgent need to reduce plastic pollution. By encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices and policies, the day aims to minimise the use of single-use plastics like plastic bags, which are harmful to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

The day promotes global cooperation towards creating a cleaner and healthier planet for current and future generations.

 

Nostradamus' Death Anniversary

 

Nostradamus, who passed away on 1/2 July 1566, in Salon, France, aged 62, was a French astrologer and physician, the most widely read seer of the Renaissance.

Nostradamus began his medical practice in Agen sometime in the 1530s, despite not only never having taken a medical degree but also apparently having been expelled from medical school. In 1544 he moved to Salon, where he gained renown for his innovative medical treatments during outbreaks of the plague at Aix and Lyon in 1546–47. He began making prophecies about 1547, which he published in 1555 in a book entitled Centuries. The work consisted of rhymed quatrains grouped in hundreds, each set of 100 called a century. Astrology was then at a peak, and an enlarged second edition, dedicated to the French king, appeared in 1558.

Some of his prophecies appeared to be fulfilled, and his fame became so widespread that he was invited to the court of Catherine de Médicis, queen consort of Henry II of France, where he cast the horoscopes of her children. He was appointed physician-in-ordinary by Charles IX in 1564. Nostradamus’s prophecies were the subject of many commentaries; contrary to popular belief, however, they were never condemned by the Congregation of the Index, the body set up by the Roman Catholic Church for the examination of books and manuscripts. Because of their cryptic style and content, the prophecies continued to create much controversy. Some of them are thought by believers to have foretold actual historical events that occurred since Nostradamus’s time, including certain details of the French Revolution of the 18th century. Others, having no apparent meaning, are said by some to foretell events that have not yet occurred.

 

 

Sir William Henry Bragg's Birth Anniversary

 

William Henry Bragg, born on 2 July 1904, in Wigton, Cumberland, England, was a British physicist. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, Bragg spent 23 years teaching at the University of Adelaide in Australia, before returning to the University of Leeds in 1909.  There, working with his son William Lawrence, he invented the X-ray spectrometer in 1912, which allowed them to measure the wavelengths of X-rays. X-rays had only been discovered in 1895, and scientists were not entirely sure that they were electromagnetic waves like light and radio waves. The Braggs showed that they are, and that if you bounce X-rays off solid crystals at very slight angles, then the waves are reflected at different angles, depending on their wavelength, which one could now measure. 

The pioneer British scientist in solid-state physics was a joint winner (with his son Sir Lawrence Bragg) of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1915 for his research on the determination of crystal structures. The Braggs remain the only father-son Nobel Laureates.  He was knighted in 1920.

Samuel Hahnemann's Death Anniversary

Samuel Hahnemann, who passed away on 2 July 1843, in Paris, France, aged 88, was a German physician, founder of the system of therapeutics known as homeopathy.

Hahnemann studied medicine at Leipzig and Vienna, taking the degree of M.D. at Erlangen in 1779. After practicing in various places, he settled in Dresden in 1784 and then moved to Leipzig in 1789. In the following year, while translating William Cullen’s Lectures on the Materia medica into German, he was struck by the fact that the symptoms produced by quinine on the healthy body were similar to those of the disordered states that quinine was used to cure. This observation led him to assert the theory that “likes are cured by likes,” similia similibus curantur; i.e., diseases are cured (or should be treated) by those drugs that produce in healthy persons symptoms similar to the diseases. He promulgated his principle in a paper published in 1796; and, four years later, convinced that drugs in small doses effectively exerted their curative powers, he advanced his doctrine of their “potentization of dynamization.” His chief work, Organon der rationellen Heilkunst (1810; “Organon of Rational Medicine”), contains an exposition of his system, which he called Homöopathie, or homeopathy. His Reine Arzneimittellehre, 6 vol. (1811; “Pure Pharmacology”), detailed the symptoms produced by “proving” a large number of drugs—i.e., by systematically administering them to healthy subjects.

In 1821 the hostility of apothecaries forced him to leave Leipzig, and at the invitation of the grand duke of Anhalt-Köthen he went to live at Köthen. Fourteen years later he moved to Paris, where he practiced medicine with great popularity until his death.

 

Ernest Hemmingway's Death Anniversary

Ernest Hemmingway, who passed away on 2 July 1961, was an American author and journalist.

One of the most famous authors of the early 20th-century, Hemingway published seven novels, six short story collections, and two non-fiction works.

Many of his works are considered classics of American literature, and he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 "for his mastery of the art of narrative, most recently demonstrated in The Old Man and the Sea."

Hemingway was also an accomplished journalist and was present with Allied troops at the Normandy landings and the liberation of Paris.

World Porcupine Day

July 2nd is World Porcupine Day. These herbivore mammals are highly recognizable by their coat of needle-like quills that remind predators not to mess with them! The sharp quills detach easily when touched but are replaced quickly after losing them. A single animal may have 30,000 or more quills! About two dozen species are scattered around North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Some are good climbers and spend much of their time in trees, eating natural bark and stems, while others eat fruit, leaves, and springtime buds, usually living on the ground and inhabiting deserts, grasslands, and forests.

René Lacoste's Birth Anniversary

René Lacoste, born on 2 July 1904, in Paris, France, was a French tennis player who was a leading competitor in the late 1920s. As one of the powerful Four Musketeers (the others were Jean Borotra, Henri Cochet, and Jacques Brugnon), he helped France win its first Davis Cup in 1927, starting its six-year domination of the cup. Later on, he was better known for his successful sportswear company.

Lacoste, who was nicknamed “the crocodile,” won the Wimbledon singles in 1925 and 1928, the French singles in 1925, 1927, and 1929, and became the first foreigner to win the U.S. championship twice (1926–27). With Borotra, he won the British doubles in 1925 and the French doubles in 1924, 1925, and 1929.

A methodical player, Lacoste would study every aspect of tennis before a match, and he would wait for an opponent to weaken. His best-known game was perhaps the 1927 U.S. championship, in which he drove Bill Tilden to exhaustion in the two-hour final. After winning the 1929 French championship, Lacoste retired. Decades later, sport shirts and other items of apparel with his “crocodile” emblem (although somehow changed to an alligator) became popular throughout the world. He and his fellow “musketeers” were elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1976.

World Sports Journalists Day

 

Every year, World Sports Journalists Day is celebrated on July 2. Sports has emerged as one of the significant career paths. Many people with special interest and deep passion for sports and journalism often pursue 'Sports Journalism'. 

Sports Journalists Day marks the success of sports media professionals and motivates them to put more effort into spreading knowledge about sports among the general public. Many news agencies organise events to honour their sports journalists on this special day.

World Sports Journalists Day: History

The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) established World Sports Journalists Day on July 2, commemorating the formation day of AIPS as an organisation in 1994 during the Summer Olympics in Paris. This day is marked to honour the outstanding work of journalists in the field of sports journalism. Over the years, many sports media professionals have been honoured for their accomplishments on this special day.

World Sports Journalists Day: Significance

The World Sports Journalists Day encourages and recognises the accomplishments of various sports journalists. One of the major reasons to celebrate World Sports Journalists Day is to spread awareness about sports across the globe. Many media organisations in different parts of the world organise special events in honour of sports journalists on this day. This day brings inspiration to people to make a career in sports journalism.

World UFO Day

Every year on July 2, people all over the planet observe World UFO Day. This extraordinary day is all about studying the Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and bringing people together to discuss possibilities of life beyond Earth.

This day is celebrated with great excitement by the fans of UFOs. This subject has, for decades, piqued the curiosity of both young and old. On this day, UFO enthusiasts like to talk about UFOs, hold discussions and debates about the future of human life and the possibility of life among the stars.

The possibility of life beyond our own world would indeed be fascinating, and it’s the perfect opportunity to be part of the informative events organised by various groups on World UFO Day. It's a chance to learn more about UFOs and meet people who share similar interests.

What is a UFO?

Let's first understand what a UFO is before we get any further. Unidentified Flying Object is an abbreviation for UFO. In simple terms, anything flying in the air that we are unable to easily can be called a UFO. UFOs aren't generally always alien spaceships; they could be:

• Weather balloons

• Natural events in the sky

• Satellites

• Unusual aircraft.

What is the history behind World UFO Day?

It was first celebrated on June 24. In 1947, Kenneth Arnold's well-known UFO sighting prompted the selection of this date. The date was later postponed to July 2. July 2 marks the anniversary of the 1947 Roswell incident. 

The Roswell incident is significant in the history of UFOs. It took place in New Mexico, USA when a mysterious object crashed close to Roswell in July 1947. The US military said it was a weather balloon. However, the people believe it was an alien spacecraft. The incident attracted a lot of attention and gave rise to many theories.  

What is the importance of this UFO Day?

World UFO Day is important because it raises awareness of the possibility that the universe may contain intelligent life somewhere else too. It likewise urges individuals to contemplate the chance of UFOs and to conduct research into the subject.

How to celebrate World UFO Day this year?

• One way is to go to a UFO convention or a UFO parade. If you go to parades or other events on this day, you can learn more about the event. You can meet new people while going on these occasions and ask them their perspectives on UFOs.

• Individuals can likewise do their part by exploring UFOs online, reading about UFOs, or watching UFO films. Reading books will assist you with acquiring better information about UFOs and the universe. It's entertaining to read the various viewpoints that different authors have on this issue. You can shape your thoughts after reading various books on UFO Day.

• The most well-known UFO films include 'The Flash Gordon-types' of the 30s, 'The Martian marauders story' typical of the 50s and 60s, and the visually great movies of the recent couple of years. You can also see a few films on World UFO Day. This is the best opportunity to binge-watch the absolute best films on UFO.

What is the future of UFO research? 

As we celebrate World UFO Day 2024, the field of alien research is evolving:

Government Openness: Some countries are making more and more information public on UFOs.

Improved Technology: Advanced cameras and sensors can capture clearer images now to know more about UFOs.

Citizen Science: Common people can assist now on track and report UFO sightings with instruments like cameras becoming widely available.

Space discovery: As we learn more about space, we might end up with more answers about UFOs.

Madeira Day (Portugal)

Madeira Day is a national holiday celebrated on July 1st, commemorating the archipelago’s independence from mainland Portugal, granted in 1976. The day is marked with cultural events, parades, and fireworks displays. Visitors can experience the local culture by trying traditional Madeiran food, such as espetada (meat skewers), bolo do caco (a type of bread), and poncha (a local alcoholic drink). The holiday is an opportunity to learn about Madeira’s history and culture, including its unique traditions, such as the famous Madeira wine and the flower festival. Join the locals in celebrating Madeira Day and experience the island’s rich cultural heritage.

History of Madeira Day

Madeira is an archipelago situated in the north Atlantic Ocean. The islands were visited and then settled by Portuguese sailors in the service of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1419. The archipelago is considered to be the first territorial discovery of the exploratory period of the Age of Discovery.

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal. Autonomy was granted to the Autonomous Region of Madeira in the Portuguese Constitution on July 1st 1976. This followed the 1974 revolution that swept away the Salazar dictatorship that had governed mainland Portugal, the islands and the colonies since 1928.

The holiday is marked throughout the region with fireworks and parades.  An official ceremony takes place in the Regional Legislative Assembly.

Although it is officially celebrated as a public holiday in Madeira, it is also celebrated by Madeiran citizens and those with a Madeiran heritage around the world.

International Fruit Day

International Fruit Day is a global celebration on July 1st that encourages people to enjoy and promote the health benefits of eating fruits while raising awareness about reducing food waste.

What is International Fruit Day

-        Observed on July 1st worldwide, it encourages fruit consumption.

-        The event raises awareness about health benefits and reducing food waste.

-        It fosters community by promoting sharing fruits with others.

-        A "Fruit of the Year" is designated each year to highlight its significance.

-        Overall, International Fruit Day promotes healthier living and sustainable eating habits.

 
International Fruit Day History

International Fruit Day was first celebrated in 2007 in Berlin, Germany, by former social work students from the University of Applied Science Alice Salomon.

-        Initially, it started as a casual event focused on sharing meals of fruits and vegetables.

-        Over time, the event evolved to emphasize sustainability and global awareness.

-      Its core purpose expanded to raise awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of consuming more fruits.

-        In 2021, the United Nations declared it the 'International Year of Fruits and Vegetables' to enhance global awareness.

-        The day encourages people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate by sharing fruits with family, friends, and those in need.

-        International Fruit Day promotes a positive living environment and a healthier lifestyle through fruit consumption and lessening food waste.

10 Amazing Facts About Fruits

Here ten interesting facts to celebrate International Fruit Day:

1.      Bananas are classified as berries, while strawberries aren't true berries.

2.      Apples can float in water since they contain about 25% air.

3.      Durian fruit, known as the "King of Fruits," has a pungent odour.

4.      Pineapples take nearly two years to grow from planting to harvest.

5.      Avocado is a berry and has the highest fat content among fruits.

6.      Blueberries are one of the rare naturally blue foods.

7.      Grapes have multiple uses, from raisins to wine and juice.

8.      A single lemon tree can yield up to 600 pounds of lemons yearly.

9.      Watermelons consist of 92% water, making them incredibly hydrating.

10.   Dragon fruit, with its vibrant colours, belongs to the cactus family and offers a sweet taste.

Fruits offer a world of intriguing diversity, from floating apples to the exotic dragon fruit, each with its unique characteristics and qualities.

Major Durga Malla's Birth Anniversary

Durga Malla was born on 1 July 1913 at village Doiwala in Dehradun into the Gorkha family. During his student days, he was actively involved in anti-British activities in the locality.  His family was frequently subjected to severe interrogation by the British. In 1942 Netaji entrusted the responsibility to Durga Malla to mobilize volunteers for INA from different Gorkha battalions. He was promoted to the rank of Major by Netaji because of his commitment and passion.

After the formation of the Provisional Azad Hind Government under the supreme command of Netaji, war was declared against the Allied Forces on 25 October 1943. Durga Malla was posted in the Intelligence Branch.  He along with fellow soldiers entered the hilly area of greater Assam across the Burma border.

On 27 March 1944 when Durga Malla was on a mission in Manipur, he was captured by the British at Ukhrul in Manipur. On 15 August 1944, he was taken to Delhi Central Jail from the Red Fort. After 10 days, on 25 August 1944, he was sent to the gallows.

On 25 August 2017, the Uttarakhand government announced that the Doiwala- Khata road would be named after martyr Major Durga Malla. Also, the martyr’s statue adorns the Parliament which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2004.

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy - Birth & Death Anniversary

 

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (1 July 1882 – 1 July 1962) was an Indian physician, educationist, and statesman who served as Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1950 until his death in 1962. He played a key role in the founding of several institutions and the cities like Salt Lake (now a part of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation), Kalyani and Durgapur.

In India, the National Doctors’ Day is celebrated in his memory every year on 1 July. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour in 1961

National Doctors Day (India)

Every year on July 1st, India celebrates National Doctors Day, a day dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of doctors to the society. This day serves as a reminder of the selfless service and dedication of medical professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of the nation.

The Date and Its History

National Doctors Day is celebrated on July 1st (since 1991) in India to honour the birth and death anniversary of the renowned physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Dr. Roy, who was also the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, is remembered for his contributions to the medical field and his commitment to the welfare of the people.

Significance

National Doctors Day acknowledges the critical role doctors play in society. From providing routine medical care to responding to emergencies, doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system.

National Doctors Day is also an opportunity for the public to express gratitude to the medical community. It is a day to recognise the sacrifices doctors make, often at the expense of their own well-being, to ensure the health and safety of others. This day encourages society to appreciate and support the medical profession and to advocate for better working conditions and resources for healthcare workers.