Current Affairs: Passage of the Week - 04 August 2025 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Friendship Day celebrates the lasting bonds between friends. It is a fun occasion for everyone, marked globally.
On this day, friends exchange gifts, host special activities, and even go out for a party. A common, traditional approach to commemorate the occasion is to tie a friendship band around your friend’s wrist as a mark of your friendship and love.
Notably, the United Nations General Assembly has formally designated July 30 as International Friendship Day. However, some countries, including India, observe it on the first Sunday of August—while the date varies, the day of the week stays unchanged and this year, it will be celebrated on August 3, 2025.
Joyce Hall, the originator of Hallmark Cards, introduced the idea in 1930. Her plan was to mark this day on August 2 by sharing presents and greeting cards with friends.
Furthermore, the idea of a ‘Global Friendship Day’ was conceived on July 20, 1958, by Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho while he was dining with friends in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay.
This marked the beginning of the ‘World Friendship Crusade,’ a foundation dedicated to encouraging fellowship among all people, regardless of race, colour, or religion.
As a result, July 30 became a popular day of celebration as Friendship Day in Paraguay, and it has since been adopted by many other countries throughout the world.
The idea of a global Friendship Day became popular, and in 2011, the United Nations declared July 30 as International Friendship Day.
Some countries continue to mark Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August, while others adhere to the UN’s authorised date.
Regardless of the date, the purpose of Friendship Day is the same: to strengthen and celebrate the wonderful relationships of friendship that enrich our lives.
[Excerpt from Indian Express "National Friendship Day 2025, When and How it is Celebrated?" Dated 04/08/25]

Q1: When will National Friendship Day be celebrated in India in 2025?
(a) July 30
(b) August 1
(c) August 3
(d) First Saturday of August

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: In India, Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. In 2025, that falls on August 3.

Q2: Who originally introduced the idea of Friendship Day?
(a) Joyce Hall
(b) United Nations
(c) Mark Zuckerberg
(d) Thomas Edison

View Answer  

Ans: (a)
Sol: Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, introduced the idea of Friendship Day in the 1950s.

Q3: What is the purpose of tying friendship bands in India on Friendship Day?
(a) To celebrate birthdays
(b) As a symbol of loyalty and love
(c) To prepare for exams
(d) To honor teachers

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Ans: (b)
Sol: Tying colorful friendship bands on each other's wrists symbolizes loyalty and love between friends.

Q4: What was the reason for choosing the first Sunday of August to celebrate Friendship Day in India?
(a) It is a national holiday
(b) It is the founder's birthday
(c) It allows people more time to gather and celebrate
(d) It was declared by the UN

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: In India, the day was chosen for convenience, so people could celebrate without work or school pressures.

Q5: Which of the following is not mentioned as a common way to celebrate Friendship Day in India?
(a) Memory sharing
(b) Hosting dance competitions
(c) Exchanging gifts
(d) Going on trips

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: While memory sharing, gift exchanges, and trips are mentioned, hosting dance competitions is not.