Current Affairs - Important Days

National Mountain Climbing Day is celebrated each year on August 1 to honour the inspiring accomplishment of Bobby Mathews and Josh Madigan, who completed their climb of all 46 high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains in New York in 2015. Their final ascent of Whiteface Mountain on August 1 led to their recognition in the Adirondack 46er Club and later inspired the observance of this day. It serves not only as a tribute to their spirit of adventure but also promotes the benefits of mountain climbing for physical fitness, mental resilience, and environmental awareness. The day encourages people to connect with nature and challenge themselves.

International Friendship Day is officially observed by the United Nations on July 30 every year. The day emphasises the importance of friendship in promoting peace, harmony, and solidarity among individuals, communities, and nations. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2011, the observance seeks to inspire initiatives that foster mutual understanding and respect globally. While many countries, including India, celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August (which falls on August 3 in 2025), the internationally recognised date remains July 30. This observance encourages people to acknowledge and cherish the positive impact friendships have in both personal lives and international relations.

International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day, is observed every year on July 29 to raise awareness about tiger conservation. The day was established during the First International Tiger Forum held in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 2010, with participation from 13 Tiger Range Countries. The forum, hosted under the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin, culminated in the adoption of the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation. This declaration aimed to double the global tiger population by 2022, recognising the alarming decline in tiger numbers and the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to protect them and their habitats.

World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28 to increase global awareness about viral hepatitis, a serious disease that can lead to liver inflammation, chronic liver disease, and even liver cancer. The date was selected in honour of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who made groundbreaking contributions to hepatitis research by discovering the Hepatitis B virus, developing its diagnostic test and vaccine, and earning a Nobel Prize for his work. The day is marked by awareness campaigns, educational programs, and initiatives around the world, and the 2025 theme is “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” emphasising the importance of simplifying prevention and treatment.

World Nature Conservation Day is observed annually on July 28 to highlight the urgent need for preserving the environment and natural resources. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices that ensure a balance between human needs and ecological stability. Conservation plays a critical role in combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and promoting a healthier planet for future generations. The 2025 theme, “Restoration, Resilience and Responsibility,” underscores the global commitment to reversing environmental damage, building adaptive communities, and embracing individual and collective responsibility toward nature conservation.