Why in news?
Indian Red Cross Society completed 100 years of existence.
Indian Red Cross Society:
- Established in 1920 under the Indian Red Cross Society Act and incorporated under Parliament Act XV of 1920.
- President of India is designated the President of the Indian Red Cross Society and Union Health Minister is the Chairman of the Society.
- The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) is a voluntary humanitarian organization to protect human life and health based in India.
- It is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and so shares the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- The society’s mission is providing relief in times of disasters/emergencies and promoting health & care of vulnerable people and communities.
- It has a network of over 700 branches throughout India. The Society uses the Red Cross as an emblem in common with other international Red Cross societies.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies:
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a global humanitarian organization, which coordinates and directs international assistance following natural and man-made disasters in non-conflict situations.
- It was founded in 1919 in Paris in the aftermath of World War I.
- It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- It is the world’s largest humanitarian network which is guided by seven Fundamental Principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, universality and unity.
