Cable Car Day (U.S.)

Cable Car Day is observed on January 17 annually. The day commemorates the 1871 patent application for the cable car by Andrew Smith Hallidie. It is speculated that Hallidie became alarmed upon hearing reports of people falling and dying as she observed horses struggling to draw automobiles up the steep hills of San Francisco. He resolved to devise a mechanism in which the automobiles would be propelled up and down the hill via robust cables. San Francisco is currently the last metropolis in the United States to operate genuine cable cars. Additionally, the Cable Car Museum is a tourist attraction in San Francisco. Other communities in the United States are equipped with electric streetcars.

Cable Car Day History

Andrew Smith Hallidie, an inventor, was granted the initial patent for the cable car in early 1871. Since then, this date has been observed as Cable Car Day. Hallidie was inspired to design a cable-propelled transit system after observing horses struggling to draw automobiles up the steep Jackson Street in San Francisco, where they were falling and even dying. Hallidie, enraged by the demise of these equine companions, resolved to manifest his compassion through proactive measures. Before the advent of cable cars, Hallidie had already devised advancements for mining pulleys and a variant of aerial tramways, both of which significantly improved their economic situation. Hallidie was undoubtedly an inventive genius who consistently prioritized the welfare of others.

Two years after the issuance of his cable car patent, Hallidie initiated preparations for the construction of the inaugural cable car railroad on Clay Street. After that, progress was quite rapid. The majority of major American cities had at least one line by 1890. The electric streetcar had been invented at that time as well. These automobiles were powered using overhead electrical wire connections as opposed to underground moving cables. Cities began the rapid adoption of these modern automobiles. Additionally, they were simpler to implement and operate.

 

Nanabhoy Palkhivala's Birth Anniversary

 

Nanabhoy “Nani” Ardeshir  Palkhivala, born on 16 January 1920, was an Indian lawyer and jurist.

Being lead counsel in cases such as Kesavananda Bharati v. The State of Kerala, I.C. Golaknath and Ors. v. State of Punjab and Anrs., Minerva Mills v. Union of India garnered him international recognition and cemented his reputation as one of India’s most eminent advocates.

Between 1977 and 1979, Palkhivala also served as India's Ambassador to the United States.

National Hat Day (U.S.)

Celebrate National Hat Day on January 15 in style. It is your opportunity to flaunt your favourite fedora, cap, cloche, derby, or sunhat, or show off your best tuque, stocking cap, or beanie. 

People generally observe National Hat Day by wearing their favourite hat to celebrate an occupation or an era. For example, hats may denote one’s nationality in the military. Hats also indicated social status in the Middle Ages. 

History of National Hat Day

National Hat Day has been observed in libraries, schools, and museums since at least 1983. Patrons and students would wear their favourite hats to mark the day. Even patrol officers, postal workers, and restaurant servicers wore different types of hats to various events. 

Notably, back in 1971, the first top hat, created by haberdasher John Hetherington, made its appearance in court on this day. It is said to have caused a riot when he wore it in public for the first time. 

Food Corporation of India founded in 1965

 

The Food Corporation of India, founded on 14 January 1965, is an organization created and run by the Government of India. It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, formed by the enactment of Food Corporation Act 1964 in the Parliament of India. Its top official is designated as Chairman. It was set up in 1965 with its Initial headquarters at Chennai. Later this was moved to New Delhi. It also has regional centres in the capitals of the states. Important regions of the state also serve as district centres.

Durga Khote's Birth Anniversary

 

The pioneering Indian actress Durga Khote, famous for her roles in Marathi and Hindi movies, was born on 14 January 1905. She achieved many landmarks in her long and illustrious career spanning more than 50 years, during which she acted in many theatrical shows and about 200 films. Her life was an inspiration to many, not only as one of the earliest women to act in Indian cinema, but also as a resolute woman who charted the course of her own life.

Mahakumbh 2025

Prayag in modern-day Prayagraj is believed to be the most important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Traditionally river confluences are regarded as auspicious places, but in Sangam, the significance of the confluence is most pious because here, the holy Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati meet to become one.

According to legends, Vishnu was carrying a Kumbh (pot) of amrit (nectar), when a scuffle broke out and four drops were spilled. They fell to earth at the four Tirthas of Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. A tirtha is a place where the devout can attain salvation. The event is commemorated every three years by the Kumbh Mela, held at each tirtha in turn; the Sangam is known as Tirtharaj, the ‘King of Tirthas’ and here the Kumbh is held once in every twelve years, which is the greatest and holiest of all.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest religious congregation in India, attended by millions. The over month-long fair is marked by the construction of a massive tented township, complete with cottages, huts, platforms, civic facilities, administrative and security measures. It is organized immaculately by the government, the local authorities and the police. The mela is especially renowned for the presence of an extraordinary array of religious ascetics – sadhus and mahants – enticed from remote hideaways in forests, mountains and caves. Once astrologers have determined the propitious bathing time or Kumbhayog, the first to hit the water is by legions of Naga Sadhus or Naga Babas, who cover their naked bodies with ash and wear hair in long dreadlocks. The sadhus, who see themselves as guardians of the faith, approach the confluence at the scheduled time with all the pomp and bravado of a charging army.

Why is Mahakumbh 2025 is so special?

Kumbh Mela occurs every three years in four different locations. However, Mahakumbh is organised only in Prayagraj after every twelve years. Mahakumbh 2025 which begins on Monday, January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan, will conclude on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, aligning with Maha Shivratri. Additionally, Mahakumbh 2025 is more special not only because of its religious significance but also because of the rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years.

 

Yellapragada Subba Rao's Birth Anniversary

Yellapragada Subba Rao, born on 12 January 1895, was a pioneering Indian biochemist who discovered the function of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an energy source in the cell, developed methotrexate for the treatment of cancer and led the department at Lederle laboratories in which Benjamin Minge Duggar discovered chlortetracycline (Aureomycin) in 1945.