05 July - Algerian Independence Day

 

 

Independence Day observed annually on 5 July, is a National Holiday in Algeria commemorating colonial Algerian independence from France on 5 July 1962.

The Algerian War of Independence began in November 1954 and ended in 1962. The war was very brutal and long, and was the most recent major turning point in Algeria's history. Although often fratricidal, it ultimately united Algerians and raised the value of independence and the philosophy of anticolonialism into the national consciousness. Abusive tactics of the French Army remains a controversial subject in France to this day.

 The most recognizable symbol of the Algerian Revolution is the national flag of Algeria, which features two equal vertical bands of green and white, with a red, five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the two-color boundary. The green color represents Islam and the white color represents purity. The red crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam, and the red color represents the blood of those who died fighting for independence. The flag was adopted on July 3, 1962, after Algeria gained independence from France following a long and bloody revolution that lasted from 1954 to 1962

05 July - Dolly Sheep

 

Dolly (5 July 1996 – 14 February 2003) was a female Finnish Dorset sheep and the first mammal that was cloned from an adult somatic cell. She was cloned by associates of the Roslin Institute in Scotland, using the process of nuclear transfer from a cell taken from a mammary gland. Her cloning proved that a cloned organism could be produced from a mature cell from a specific body part.Contrary to popular belief, she was not the first animal to be cloned.

The employment of adult somatic cells in lieu of embryonic stem cells for cloning emerged from the foundational work of John Gurdon, who cloned African clawed frogs in 1958 with this approach. The successful cloning of Dolly led to widespread advancements within stem cell research, including the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells.

Dolly lived at the Roslin Institute throughout her life and produced several lambs.She was euthanized at the age of six years due to a progressive lung disease. No cause which linked the disease to her cloning was found.

Dolly's body was preserved and donated by the Roslin Institute in Scotland to the National Museum of Scotland, where it has been regularly exhibited since 2003.

04 July - Girija Prasad Koirala birth anniversary

Girija Prasad Koirala (04 July 1924 – 20 March 2010), a Nepalese politician. He was born in Saharsa, Bihar. He headed the Nepali Congress and served as the Prime Minister of Nepal on four occasions, including from 1991 – 1994, 1998 – 1999, 2000 – 2001, and from 2006 – 2008. He was the Acting Head of State of Nepal between January 2007 – July 2008 as the country transitioned from a monarchy to a republic. He died on 20 March 2010 in Kathmandu, Nepal, at age of 85.

03 July - M. L. Vasanthakumari birth anniversary

 

Madras Lalitangi Vasanthakumari (popularly referred to as MLV) (3 July 1928 – 31 October 1990) was a Carnatic musicianand playback singer for film songs in many Indian languages. MLV and her contemporaries D. K. Pattammal and M. S. Subbulakshmi are popularly referred to as the female trinity of Carnatic Music.A prime disciple of G. N. Balasubramaniam, she was the youngest among the established musicians of that era, and was the youngest female to receive the Sangita Kalanidhi award.In 1967, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award by the government of India. Her daughter, the late K.Srividya, was an actress in Tamil and Malayalam languages.

As well as being a much sought-after playback singer for films, MLV popularized unfamiliar ragas, and her Ragam Thanam Pallavis were considered cerebral.Additionally, she popularized the compositions of the Haridasas. Her most famous disciples include Srividya (her daughter), Sudha Raghunathan, Charumathi Ramachandran, A. Kanyakumari, Yogam Santhanam, V. Kaveri, Rose Muralikrishnan, Meena Subramanian and Yamuna Arumugam.

01 July - Ghana Republic Day

 

 

Every year on July 1, Ghana celebrates its Republic Day. This day commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Ghana in 1960. In spite of gaining independence from the British in 1957, the country did not become a fully sovereign republic until 1960. Republic Day was a national holiday until 2019, when it was reclassified as a ‘commemorative holiday.’ Senior Citizens’ Day is also observed on this day to recognise their contributions to the history of Ghana.

Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence from colonial rule. The independence movement in Ghana was led by prominent figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, who played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for self-determination.

On Republic Day, Ghana honors its rich cultural heritage, celebrates its achievements as an independent nation, and reflects on the progress made in various fields since gaining independence. The day is marked by various events and festivities held across the country.

 

01 July - International Joke Day

 

International Joke Day is observed on July 1st every year. It is a light-hearted celebration dedicated to humor, laughter, and the joy of sharing jokes. On this day, people around the world engage in playful activities, exchange jokes, and try to bring laughter into their lives and the lives of others.

The purpose of International Joke Day is to appreciate the positive effects of humor on our well-being. Laughter is known to have numerous health benefits, such as reducing stress, boosting mood, and strengthening social connections. It is a universal language that can bring people together, break the ice, and create moments of joy and amusement.

To celebrate International Joke Day, people often share jokes with their friends, family, and colleagues. This can be done in person, through social media, or via text messages. Some individuals and organizations may organize joke-telling contests, comedy shows, or comedy-themed events to spread laughter and entertain audiences.

It's important to note that humor is subjective, and jokes should always be shared in a manner that is respectful and considerate of others' feelings. International Joke Day is meant to be a light-hearted and fun occasion, promoting positivity and laughter.

So, take this opportunity to share your favorite jokes, engage in humor-filled conversations, and enjoy the laughter that International Joke Day brings!

01 July - Van Mahotsav annual week-long festival celebrated in India

 

Van Mahotsav, also known as the Tree Plantation Festival, is an annual week-long festival celebrated in India. It was initiated in the year 1950 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of the Government of India to promote afforestation and conservation of forests.

Van Mahotsav takes place during the first week of July, with July 1st being the official opening day. The festival aims to raise awareness about the importance of trees and forests in maintaining ecological balance, combating climate change, and enhancing the overall well-being of the environment and society.

During Van Mahotsav, various tree plantation drives are organized across the country involving individuals, communities, schools, colleges, government organizations, and non-governmental organizations. People from different walks of life come together to plant saplings in parks, public spaces, schools, and along roadsides.

The festival encourages citizens to actively participate in tree planting activities and take responsibility for the environment. It promotes the understanding that every individual can contribute to the conservation of forests and the mitigation of environmental challenges by planting and nurturing trees.

Besides tree planting, Van Mahotsav also includes activities such as seminars, workshops, and exhibitions on topics related to environmental conservation and sustainable development. These events aim to educate people about the importance of forests, biodiversity, and the need to protect and preserve natural resources.

Van Mahotsav has played a significant role in raising awareness about afforestation and has led to the planting of millions of trees across the country. It serves as a reminder of the vital role trees play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute to the greening of India.

01 July - National Doctor’s Day

 

National Doctor's Day in India is celebrated on July 1st every year. This day is dedicated to honoring and appreciating the contributions and services of doctors to the society. The date commemorates the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was a renowned physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal.

National Doctor's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the selfless dedication and tireless efforts of doctors in providing healthcare and saving lives. It is a day to express gratitude towards the medical professionals for their commitment, compassion, and sacrifices. Various events and activities are organized on this day to recognize the valuable role of doctors and raise awareness about healthcare issues.

Hospitals, medical institutions, and healthcare organizations often organize seminars, conferences, and public discussions to highlight the importance of doctors and the challenges they face. Public campaigns may also be conducted to promote health awareness and educate people about preventive measures and healthy lifestyle choices.

On National Doctor's Day, individuals, patients, and their families express their appreciation by sending greetings, messages, and gifts to doctors. It is a time to thank doctors for their expertise, kindness, and dedication towards patient care.

It is worth noting that while National Doctor's Day in India is officially celebrated on July 1st, different countries may have their own dates to honor and recognize the contributions of doctors.

01 July - 75 years of Luxembourg - India friendship

 

75 years of Luxembourg - India friendship : Joint issue with India
 
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Republic of India are celebrating, in 2023, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations on 1 July 1948.

Cooperation in the steel sector led to the opening of a first Vice-Consulate in Bombay in 1929. With the inauguration of the Embassy of Luxembourg in New Delhi in February 2002, friendly relations developed between the two country. Two sculptures by Amar Nath Sehgal were chosen as motifs for the common block. The Indian sculptor, painter and poet, Amar Nath, who set up a studio in Luxembourg at the end of the 1970s, shared his private and professional life between the Grand Duchy and India until the early 2000s.

30 June - Democratic Republic of Congo Independence Day

 

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) celebrates its Independence Day on June 30th each year. This day marks the country's liberation from Belgian colonial rule and the establishment of the independent Republic of Congo in 1960.

The struggle for independence in the DRC was led by nationalist leaders such as Patrice Lumumba, who played a crucial role in the movement against colonialism. On June 30, 1960, the country gained independence, and Lumumba became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo.

Independence Day in the DRC is a significant national holiday celebrated with various events and activities across the country. It is a time for Congolese people to reflect on their history, honor their national heroes, and celebrate their sovereignty and freedom. The day is marked with official ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders.

Independence Day in the DRC also serves as an occasion to address the challenges faced by the country and reaffirm the commitment to progress, development, and national unity. It is an opportunity to highlight the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the Congolese people and promote a sense of pride in the nation.

Throughout the country, communities engage in festivities, including music, dance, and traditional ceremonies, to celebrate the spirit of independence. Additionally, schools, organizations, and institutions may organize educational and cultural events to raise awareness about the significance of this historical milestone in the DRC's journey.