EUROPE DAY -UPSC Current Affairs

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Context

The European Union’s delegation in Israel cancelled its Europe Day diplomatic reception over the planned participation of far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, saying it “does not want to offer a platform to someone whose views contradict the values EU stands for.”

About Victory in Europe Day

V-E Day or simply, Europe Day is one of the most important days in the history of Europe.
It was on May 8, 1945 (May 9 in Eastern Europe) that the surrender of the German armed forces was formally accepted, bringing an end to a war that had killed millions on battlefields, across bombarded cities and in brutal concentration camps.

About World War II

It officially began in 1939, with Germany’s invasion of Poland drawing Britain into the War.
While Germany enjoyed initial success, conquering much of Western Europe and making inroads in the East, the Luftwaffe’s failure in the Battle of Britain, Hitler’s doomed invasion of Soviet Russia, and the entry of the US into the conflict in 1941 would soon turn the tide.
By 1945, Germany faced inevitable defeat.
On April 30, 1945, as the Battle of Berlin raged on with both Soviets and Western Allies competing with each other to capture the city, German Fuhrer Adolf Hitler died by suicide.
The German Instrument of Surrender was signed on May 8, 1945 in Berlin.

Celebrations today

Almost every European country marks V-E Day, in remembrance of a War which killed at least 40-50 million people in the continent.
People across Europe mark the day by flying national flags or white “peace” flags.
Europe Day is a day celebrating "peace and unity in Europe" celebrated on 5 May by the Council of Europe and on 9 May by the European Union.
The first recognition of Europe Day was by the Council of Europe, introduced in 1964.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Which of the following statements with reference to Europe Day is/are incorrect?

1. It is a day celebrating "peace and unity in Europe" celebrated on 5 May by the European Union.

2. On this day, the surrender of the German armed forces was formally accepted, bringing an end to World War I.

Correct Answer: 4