Thursday, October 30, 2025

International Translation Day


 

International Translation Day is an international day recognizing translation professionals. It is celebrated every year on 30 September, which is the day of the feast of St. Jerome, the Bible translator who is considered the patron saint of translators.  

United Nations resolution

On 24 May 2017, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 71/288 declaring September 30 International Translation Day, recognizing the role of professional translation in connecting nations. The draft resolution A/71/L.68 was signed by eleven countries: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Paraguay, Qatar, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam. In addition to the International Federation of Translators, the adoption of the resolution was advocated for by several other organizations, including International Association of Conference Interpreters, Critical Link International, International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters, Red T, World Association of Sign Language Interpreters.

The United Nations puts on an annual St. Jerome Translation Contest for translations in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and German.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Turkish Republic Anniversary


 

Republic Day (Turkish:Cumhuriyet Bayramı) is a public holiday in Turkey commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, on 29 October 1923. The annual celebrations start at 1:00 pm on 28 October and continue for 35 hours.

Background

The holiday commemorates the events of 29 October 1923, when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared that Turkey was henceforth a republic. Turkey had de facto been a republic since 23 April 1920, the date of the establishment of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi), but the official confirmation of this fact came three-and-a-half years later. On 29 October 1923, the status of the nation as a republic was declared and its official name was proclaimed to be Türkiye Cumhuriyeti ("the Republic of Turkey"). After that, a vote was held in the Grand National Assembly, and Atatürk was elected as the first President of the Republic of Turkey, keeping his position until his death.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The official dedication of the Statue of Liberty in 1886


On 28 October 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated in New York in New York Harbour by Stephen Grover Cleveland, president of the United States. This event marked the official unveiling of the gift from France, celebrated with a dedication ceremony and a naval parade. The statue is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy, officially named “Liberty Enlightening the World”.

 

Monday, October 27, 2025

Arvind N. Mafatlal's Birth Anniversary


 

Arvind N. Mafatlal, born on 27 October 1923, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, was a prominent Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and the patriarch of the Arvind Mafatlal Group. Under his leadership, the group grew from a textile company into a diversified conglomerate involved in chemicals and petrochemicals. 

Key facts about Arvind Mafatlal:

·  Business transformation: Mafatlal joined the family business, founded by his grandfather Gagalbhai Mafatlal, in 1954. He strategically diversified the group beyond its core textile business into petrochemicals by creating India's first integrated petrochemical complex. This included forming major joint ventures with international companies such as Royal Dutch Shell and Hoechst AG.

·   Visionary leadership: During India's post-independence era, he was celebrated as a key business leader. He steered the Mafatlal Group into becoming one of the country's largest conglomerates, often ranked after the Tata and Birla groups.

·   Philanthropy and social reform: Mafatlal was deeply committed to social causes, focusing on rural upliftment, healthcare, and education. He was the Chairman of the Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF), which used modern technology to improve the lives of rural and tribal populations.

Sunday, October 26, 2025

National Mule Day (United States)


 

Have you ever paused to consider the unsung heroes of American history and agriculture? National Mule Day, celebrated every October 26, shines a spotlight on these remarkable animals that have trotted through the annals of time, leaving hoofprints on the very fabric of the nation's development. Born from the union of a male donkey and a female horse, mules combine the best of both worlds – the strength and endurance of donkeys with the speed and agility of horses. This hybrid vigour made them indispensable to pioneers, farmers, and miners alike. From ploughing fields to carrying gold across the treacherous terrains of the California Gold Rush, mules have done it all. Yet, despite their pivotal role, they've remained largely in the shadows. National Mule Day not only celebrates these hardy creatures but also educates the public about their significant contributions beyond the fields and mines. It's a day to tip our hats to these sturdy beasts of burden that have shouldered the weight of American progress on their backs.

 

Saturday, October 25, 2025

World Swim Day 2025


World Swim Day takes place annually on the last Saturday of October. In 2025, it takes place on 25th October. It is a virtual event founded in 2018 by the MySwimPro app to celebrate swimming and raise funds for water safety and learn-to-swim organizations. 

About the event

·   Purpose: To encourage people worldwide to be active in the water and promote water safety.

·   Participants: Anyone can take part by swimming in any body of water, including pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans.

·   How it works: Participants register for the event and complete a swim or dryland workout. They are encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #WorldSwimDay.

·    Impact: Since its inception, the event has grown to include participants from over 100 countries and has helped raise thousands of dollars for charitable causes. 

Friday, October 24, 2025

Zambia Independence Day


 

Zambia, in southern Africa, is a landlocked country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many parks and safari areas. 

On 24 October 1964, Zambia became independent of the United Kingdom as a republic in the Commonwealth, and prime minister Kenneth Kaunda became the inaugural president. Prior to independence, the territory was known as Northern Rhodesia and was a British protectorate.

Kenneth Kaunda (28 April 1924 – 17 June 2021), also known as KK, was a Zambian politician who served as the first president of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. He was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule.

 

International Translation Day

  International Translation Day  is an  international day recognizing translation professionals. It is celebrated every year on  30 Septembe...