Wednesday, 30 July 2025 International Friendship Day, officially recognized by the United Nations, is celebrated annually on 30 July to emphasize the importance of friendship in fostering peace, solidarity, and mutual understanding among peoples and cultures across the globe. The day encourages individuals, communities, and nations to build bridges of harmony, especially in times of rising tension, conflict, or division.
Overview & Background In mid‑July 2025, continuous heavy monsoon rainfall upstream triggered a sharp surge in water levels along the Ganga. In Varanasi, the river rose rapidly, inundating all 84 ghats and severely disrupting religious ceremonies, boat services, and everyday life News24+8Amar Ujala+8The Times of India+8 News24+4First India+4The Times of India+4 . The Ganga’s water level in Varanasi peaked at around 68.95 m—just shy of the danger mark of 70.26 m. Although it stabilized slightly below that threshold by mid‑afternoon, low‑lying neighborhoods—especially along the Varuna tributary, such as Pulkohna and Salarpur—had already begun flooding The Times of India .