International Orangutan Day

 

Every year on August 19, the world observes International Orangutan Day to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect one of our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. This day reminds us of the serious threats these great apes face, including deforestation, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. With their rainforest homes in Borneo and Sumatra shrinking rapidly due to palm oil plantations and logging, orangutans are now staring at the risk of extinction. 

International Orangutan Day also serves as a chance to celebrate the uniqueness of these intelligent primates. From their fascinating behaviours to their striking features, orangutans have much to teach us about resilience and survival.

Here are some captivating facts about them:

The Heaviest Tree-Dwelling Animal

Orangutans are the largest animals to live almost entirely in trees. They spend most of their lives swinging through canopies, relying on vast forest areas for food and shelter. 

An Impressive Arm Span

These apes have remarkably long arms, stretching about 2.2 meters (over 7 feet) from fingertip to fingertip. That’s one and a half times longer than their legs. When they stand, their arms even reach their ankles.

Masters Of Dexterity

Orangutans can use both hands and feet with equal skill. Their feet resemble their hands, with four fingers and a thumb, making them excellent climbers and foragers.

Their Lifelong Bond With Their Mothers

Young orangutans stay with their mothers until about age seven. During this time, they learn vital survival skills, from identifying edible fruits to nest-building. This long learning period means females give birth only once every seven to nine years, the longest interval of any land mammal.

Majestic Males

Mature male orangutans often develop distinctive cheek pads, called flanges, around the age of 35. These unique features, along with their long lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild, make them stand out among great apes.

Nest Builders Of The Forest

Every night, orangutans construct nests out of branches and leaves to sleep in. In rainy weather, they even add a roof. Interestingly, conservationists often estimate orangutan populations by counting these nests, which are easier to spot than the animals themselves.

Tool Users

These clever primates use sticks to extract insects like termites and ants from tree holes. They’ve also been observed crafting makeshift “gloves” from leaves to handle thorny fruits such as durian.

A Species Under Grave Threat

It is estimated that over 100,000 Bornean orangutans were lost between 1999 and 2015 alone. Much of this decline is due to deforestation for palm oil plantations, logging, and fires. 

 

World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19th to honour humanitarian workers who risk their lives to deliver aid in crises around the world. It's a day to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty and to acknowledge the compassion and resilience of aid workers striving to alleviate human suffering. 

History and Significance

World Humanitarian Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2008 and first celebrated in 2009. The date was chosen to commemorate the bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad on August 19, 2003, which claimed the lives of 22 aid workers, including the UN Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. 

The day serves several crucial purposes:

·    Honouring Humanitarian Workers: It recognizes the bravery and selflessness of individuals, often working in dangerous and challenging environments, to deliver life-saving assistance and protection to those in need.

·  Raising Awareness: It draws attention to ongoing humanitarian crises, from conflicts and natural disasters to health emergencies and displacement, and highlights the urgent need for aid and support.

· Promoting Global Solidarity: It underscores the importance of empathy, collaboration, and international cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges and building a more compassionate world.

·   Inspiring Action: It encourages individuals, communities, and nations to support humanitarian efforts through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.

Baji Rao I Birth Anniversary

Baji Rao I, born on 18 August 1700, in Dubere, was a peshwa, or chief minister, of the Maratha confederacy from 1720 to 1740 during the reign of Shahu (1708–49). Baji Rao’s conquests were one of several contributors to the decay of the Mughal Empire, especially under Emperor Muhammad Shah (1719-48).

Baji Rao succeeded his father, Balaji Vishvanath Bhat, as peshwa in 1720, establishing hereditary succession for the post. His tenure oversaw the expansion in power and influence of the peshwa as well as of the dominion of the Marathas, especially into Malwa (now in Madhya Pradesh) and Gujarat. Upon Shahu’s death in 1749, Baji Rao’s son and successor, Balaji Baji Rao, became the virtual ruler of the Maratha confederacy.

Baji Rao’s success was achieved through military conquest and effective diplomacy, including the formation of alliances with Rajput princes, the ability to defeat and extract compromises from the Nizam al-Mulk of Hyderabad, and the implementation of a tax regime over a vast area of former Mughal territory. At the same time, the large territorial holdings under the Marathas allowed rival chiefs to assert a certain amount of independence, setting up the peshwas for setbacks later. The most notable instance was Baji Rao’s appointment of Malhar Rao Holkar as his chief general in Malwa in 1724. Holkar was able to set up a dynasty, which challenged Baji Rao II in 1801 and forced him to flee to the city of Bassein, where he sought protection from the British.  After a feud between Baji Rao II and the British in 1817–18, the peshwa ceased to exist.

Laxmidas Borkar's Centenary Birth Anniversary

Laxmidas Krishna Borkar, born Dattaram Krishna Borkar on 17 August 1925, in Kusman, Quepem, Goa, was a multifaceted figure whose life embodied the spirit of Goan resistance, journalism, and cultural preservation. As a freedom fighter, journalist, and writer, Borkar’s contributions to Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule and the nurturing of its unique identity—often referred to as “Goan-ness”—left an indelible mark on the state’s history. His journey, marked by courage, intellectual rigour, and a deep love for his homeland, continues to inspire Goans today.

Gabon Independence Day

Gabon, a small country in Central Africa, celebrates Independence Day on August 17th. It commemorates the country's independence from France in 1960. The day is marked by national festivities, parades, and other celebratory events. 

Gabon gained independence on August 17, 1960, after a period of French colonial rule. The country had been part of French Equatorial Africa since 1910, and before that, various regions were ceded to the French in treaties. In 1958, Gabon became an autonomous republic within the French Community, and finally achieved full independence in 1960. 

The anniversary of Gabon's independence is a public holiday, and celebrations often include official speeches, parades, drum shows, traditional dances, and fireworks at La Place de Fetes. It's a day for the Gabonese people to celebrate their freedom and unity. 

International Homeless Animals Day - Third Saturday of August

 

International Homeless Animals Day is observed on the third Saturday of August, which this year falls on August 16th. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of homeless animals and encouraging communities to address the issue of animal homelessness. The day was established by the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) in 1992. 

Here's how you can participate: 

Volunteer at a shelter:

Offer your time to help feed, clean, and play with animals at a local shelter.

Donate to shelters:

Contribute food, toys, blankets, or money to support the work of animal shelters.

Consider fostering or adopting:

Provide a temporary or permanent home for a homeless animal.

Spread awareness:

Educate your friends and family about the importance of responsible pet ownership and the issue of animal homelessness.

 

 

50 Years of the iconic Hindi film, Sholay

 

In 1975, a watershed moment transformed Indian cinema forever. Sholay, widely regarded as Bollywood’s most iconic film, premiered on a Friday, as Indian films do. This, however, was not just any Friday—it was August 15, the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule in 1947. On the eve of independence, Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister, had delivered a famous speech heralding India’s “tryst with destiny.” Almost 30 years later, Sholay became Bollywood’s tryst with destiny; it held the box-office record as highest-grossing film for 19 years, ran for five years in a cinema hall in Bombay (now Mumbai), captured the public imagination as few Indian films have before or since, and is regarded as an evolutionary milestone in Hindi cinema.

At once a western, revenge thriller, bandit drama, buddy film, comedy, and musical, Sholay is all things to all fans. The plot follows Jai and Veeru, best friends and petty criminals who are hired by former police officer Thakur Baldev Singh to capture the dreaded bandit Gabbar Singh, who is terrorizing Thakur’s village, Ramgarh.

World Lizard Day

World Lizard Day is celebrated annually on August 14th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about lizards and their importance in ecosystems. It's a time to learn about the diverse world of lizards, appreciate their unique characteristics, and understand the threats they face, such as habitat loss and climate change. 

Here's why World Lizard Day is important:

·        Biodiversity:

Lizards are a highly diverse group of reptiles with over 7,000 species found on every continent except Antarctica.

·        Ecological Roles:

Lizards play vital roles as predators, prey, and decomposers within their ecosystems, contributing to overall biodiversity. 

·        Conservation:

Recognizing the threats faced by many lizard species due to habitat loss, climate change, and other factors, World Lizard Day helps promote conservation efforts. 

International Wolf Day

 

International Wolf Day is celebrated by people all over the world on August 13 every year. It commemorates wolves and brings to the forefront their struggles. Wolves are highly intelligent animals with sophisticated social organizations and characteristic patterns of behaviour.

History and importance of Wolf Day

International Wolf Day was started in 2003 to make people more aware of wolves and their needs for conservation. The day seeks to transform negative attitudes toward wolves, widely regarded as dangers, by informing people on their importance in maintaining ecosystems. Wolves contribute to balance by regulating the populations of prey and facilitating biodiversity. The value of the day is in the promotion of coexistence between humans and wolves, with emphasis on continuous conservation worldwide. It is a reminder of the need to preserve endangered species and natural habitats, promoting respect for wildlife and the environment.

Wolf Species and Social Life

There are two primary wolf species currently: the gray wolf and the Ethiopian wolf. The Ethiopian wolf is scarce, with only around 500 remaining in the wild. The gray wolf is more widespread, with approximately 250,000 occurring in the Northern Hemisphere. Wolves inhabit packs under a male and female alpha. Each wolf's howl is distinctive, similar to a human fingerprint. This allows wolves to identify one another from afar.

History of Decline and Efforts to Recover

Wolves had nearly been driven to extinction in Europe and America. When human populations increased, wolves lost their natural habitat. They occasionally preyed on livestock and farmers attacked them. This led to massive hunting and killings of wolves. There have been conservation policies and reintroduction schemes that have allowed wolves to come back in Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany. Farmers continue to see wolves as a menace even with all these attempts. Illegal killings persist in some areas.

International Lefthanders Day

International Lefthanders Day is celebrated worldwide on August 13 as an observance which is dedicated to recognizing the unique experiences and perspectives of left-handed people. International Left-Handers Awareness Day is celebrated for their creativity, adaptability, and individuality, while also drawing attention to the fact that they make up only about 10% of the global population who are left-handed. 

What is International Left-Handers Awareness Day?

International Left-Handers Awareness Day is an annual occasion that honours the skills and contributions of left-handed individuals while shedding light on the everyday difficulties they encounter. Those who are Left-handed persons, they are so unique in the world and the way they represent whether it’s using tools, writing in notebooks, or operating devices created with right-handers in mind. The goal is to encourage better awareness, inspire more inclusive product designs, and build greater understanding of the left-handed experience.

When is International Left-Handers Awareness Day celebrated?

International Left-Handers Awareness Day is celebrated each year on August 13. International Left-Handers Awareness Day was introduced in 1976 by the UK-based Left-Handers Club. 

Being left-handed in a society where right-handed people predominate can frequently bring some challenges. From uncomfortable scissors to misaligned desks, lefties have had to adjust to a world that hasn't always been friendly. On the other hand, there are certain benefits linked to being left-handed. Researches indicate that left-handed people might be more successful in several industries. That is why, this day is celebrated to address the struggles 

International Left-Handers Day: History

The history of International Left-Handers Day begins in 1976 with the visionary efforts of Dean R. Campbell, the founder of The Left-Handers Club. Recognizing the difficulties faced by left-handed people in a predominantly right-handed world, Campbell established this special day to shine a spotlight on their experiences.

International Left-Handers Day: Significance

International Left-Handers Day is significant for several reasons:

·      Increasing Awareness: It draws attention to the difficulties experienced by left-handed people in a world dominated by right-handers. Even simple tasks like writing or using scissors might be more challenging for lefties.

·   Honouring Diversity: This day honours the distinctive traits and viewpoints of left-handed individuals. It advances the notion that one's diversity is an asset.

·     Encouraging Inclusivity: It pushes for the development of a world that takes into account the needs of people who are left- and right-handed. This involves creating locations and goods that are appropriate for all users.

·       Increasing Self-Esteem: It is a day for left-handed people to appreciate their uniqueness and take pride in their differences.

Parker Solar Probe launched in 2018

 

The Parker Solar Probe launched on August 12, 2018, at 7:31 UTC (3:31 a.m. EDT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket with an Upper Stage. It was the first NASA mission named after a living individual, honouring astrophysicist Eugene Newman Parker. Parker, who theorized the existence of the solar wind, was present at the launch. 

The Parker Solar Probe is designed to "touch" the Sun, by flying through its outer atmosphere, the corona, to gather data and unravel some long-standing mysteries of our star. To achieve this, the spacecraft utilizes a unique trajectory involving seven Venus gravity assists over roughly seven years to gradually push its orbit closer to the Sun. 

The mission has three main scientific objectives: to understand the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind, to determine the structure and dynamics of plasma and magnetic fields at the source of solar wind, and to investigate the mechanisms that accelerate and transport energetic particles. 

To achieve these goals, the probe is equipped with four key instruments:

·        FIELDS measures electric and magnetic fields.

·        IS☉IS studies energetic particles.

·        WISPR provides images of the corona and inner heliosphere.

·        SWEAP analyzes the most common particles in the solar wind. 

A 4.5-inch thick carbon-composite heat shield protects the spacecraft and its instruments from the extreme heat and radiation during its close passes by the Sun. 

World Steelpan Day

August 11^th is World Steelpan Day, declared by Pan Trinbago. When French planters arrived in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1700s, they brought the carnival tradition, and their slaves formed their own festival. In the 1930s, the steel pan was originally made with metal objects, including car parts, paint pots, dustbins, oil drums, and biscuit tins. A series of dents were hammered into the metal surface, and each one created a different note according to its position and size. While the British government tried to ban it, this instrument made out of industrial waste has become an icon of Trinidadian culture!

LEGO Group founded in 1932

 

The LEGO Group was founded on August 10, 1932, by a man named Ole Kirk Christiansen. Mr. Christiansen decided to call his company “LEGO” based on the double meaning of the word – it’s derived from the Danish words “leg godt,” which means “play well,” and in Latin, “lego” means “I put together.”

Mr. Christiansen didn’t set out to create a toy company at first, though. Instead, he started a woodworking shop creating furniture, ladders, and other such items. To demonstrate his products, Christiansen would build miniature models of them. He soon realized that these miniature models were trendy among children as playthings and, at the height of the Great Depression, they were easier to sell.

Thus, the concept of LEGO toys was born. It wasn’t until 1948, though, that LEGO began producing the interlocking blocks they are now known for. At first, the bricks didn’t gain a lot of traction. Metal and wooden toys were still the trends, and the market hadn’t really warmed up to the idea of plastic toys yet. Still, Christiansen and LEGO stuck with the production of their plastic “LEGO bricks,” even moving away from the production of metal and wooden toys to focus on them entirely.

It turned out to be a good move. Over the years, the company continued to grow and expand, posting consistent positive earnings and growth save for a few short years in the early 2000s, where they had a bit of a downturn. In 2016, LEGO reported its highest earnings of all time, bringing in a total of $5.17 billion.

It isn’t just LEGO bricks that the company is involved in, though. In 2014, The LEGO Group and Warner Bros released The LEGO Movie, which received almost unanimous praise and had one of the highest-grossing openings of any animated movie. LEGO continued their expansion into media, releasing many video games and another animated film, The LEGO Batman Movie, in 2017. In addition to this, the company has also opened up several retail stores where they sell their products and a few amusement parks called Legoland.

All in all, it’s been almost a century of success for LEGO as they grew to be one of the world’s largest toy brands then expanded beyond toys in several exciting ways.

 

 

National Lazy Day (United States)

 

In the busy life of today, where productivity and deadlines rule the lives of individuals every day, a day off can seem like a luxury. But on August 10 of each year comes National Lazy Day, a much-needed break. It reminds one to back off, rest and simply do nothing. It is something one shouldn’t feel guilty about; it’s self-care.

Whether it’s catching up on your favourite comfort show, napping, or simply selecting stillness, Lazy Day is the ideal reason to relax and recharge both your mind and body.

World Moomin Day

 

World Moomin Day is celebrated annually on August 9th, which is also Tove Jansson’s birthday. Tove Jansson, a Finnish artist, created the beloved Moomin characters and their stories. The day is a celebration of her work and the whimsical, quirky world of the Moomins. Moomin by Arabia releases a limited-edition Moomin's Day mug each year on this date. 

Jim Corbett National Park established in 1936

The Jim Corbett National Park was established as India’s first National Park on 8th August 1936. Originally called the Hailey National Park after Sir Malcolm Hailey, it was later renamed The Ramganga National Park, but was finally renamed in honour of the famous local conservationist Jim Corbett after his death in 1953. It was home to the launch of the Indian Government’s Project Tiger programme in 1972 – probably the greatest undertaking in the history of natural conservation. It is now home to the greatest population and density of wild tigers in the world.

National Javelin Day (India)

August 7 is celebrated as National Javelin Day in India. The Athletics Federation of India, the governing body for athletics in the country, designated this date to honour Neeraj Chopra's historic gold medal win in the javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics. This celebration recognizes his achievement and promotes the sport of javelin throwing across the nation.

On August 7, 2021, Neeraj Chopra made history by throwing the javelin 87.58 meters in the men's Javelin Throw final at the Tokyo Olympics, securing the gold medal. This victory marked India's first-ever gold medal in track and field events at the Olympics. With this achievement, Chopra also became the second individual gold medallist from India, following Abhinav Bindra's gold medal in shooting at the 2008 Beijing Games.

International Scuba Day

 

Every year, on the 6th of August, International Scuba Day is celebrated, inviting enthusiasts to plunge into the underwater world and explore. Scuba diving is a much sought-after underwater activity using apparatus like oxygen-filled tanks and breathing masks to comfortably breathe underwater and venture into the depths to see the mysterious and beautiful marine life up close. It’s almost like another world, another planet, evoking a surreal feeling to witness a thriving ecosystem under the ocean, where humans cannot survive.

Jamaica Independence Day

 

August 6 marks the day in 1962 when Jamaica officially gained independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. The British Parliament formally passed the Jamaica Independence Act on July 19, 1962, which took effect on August 6th. 

Independence Day is a significant national holiday in Jamaica, celebrated with various events and activities across the island. It is often part of a week-long celebration that also includes Emancipation Day on August 1st. These festivities highlight Jamaica's rich cultural heritage and national pride, featuring parades, concerts, and vibrant displays of the country's black, green, and gold flag. 

Bolivia Independence Day

 

Bolivia celebrates its Independence Day, known as Dia de la Patria (Fatherland's Day), on August 6th each year.

This date commemorates the signing of Bolivia's Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1825, marking the end of 16 years of struggle.

Here are some key facts about Bolivia's Independence Day:

·   Bolivia was named after Simón Bolívar, a key figure in the Spanish American wars of independence who led the fight for Bolivia's freedom.

·    The struggle for independence officially began with the Chuquisaca Revolution on May 25, 1809, considered the first cry of freedom in Latin America.

·   Bolivia's independence was proclaimed after the defeat of the last royalist general, Pedro Antonio Olañeta, at the Battle of Tumusla in April 1825.

·   Celebrations on August 6th typically include military parades, patriotic marches, street dances, and other cultural events showcasing Bolivia's rich heritage. 

In 2025, Bolivia will celebrate its Bicentennial (200th anniversary) of independence, with the government declaring August 6th and 7th as national holidays for the occasion. 

 

 

 

National Oyster Day (United States)

On August 5 each year, the U.S. honours a very special mollusk, the oyster, for National Oyster Day. Enjoyed as seafood in many parts of the world, this fine delicacy needs no introduction, but someone certainly thought it could use a celebration. Boil it, eat it fresh, put it in soup — there are many delicious ways to feast on oysters and just as many ways to enjoy this particular day.

Assistance Dog Day

 

Assistance Dog Day is celebrated on August 4 every year. Dogs are a man’s best friend because of their loyalty and dedication, but assistant dogs take this to a whole new level. These dogs help people with disabilities or illnesses to navigate through life. They help where they can and perform simple tasks like guiding their owner’s path, helping fetch an item, and lots of other activities. These dogs and their trainers deserve to be celebrated, and so this brought about Assistance Dog Day which aims to raise funds and increase awareness of the work they do. It makes up part of International Assistance Dog Week.

International Clouded Leopard Day

International Clouded Leopard Day is an annual event held on August 4 to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for the clouded leopard, a wild cat species native to Southeast Asia.

The day was initiated in 2010 by the Clouded Leopard Project to generate public interest and support for the conservation of clouded leopards and their habitats, as they face threats from hunting for fur and habitat loss.

 

Maithili Sharan Gupt's Birth Anniversary

Dr. Maithili Sharan Gupt, born on 3 August 1866, in Chirgaon, North-Western Provinces, British India, was one of the most important modern Hindi poets. He is considered one among the pioneers of Khari Boli (plain dialect) poetry and wrote in Khari Boli dialect, at a time when most Hindi poets favoured the use of Braj Bhasha dialect. He was a recipient of the third highest (then second highest) Indian civilian honour of Padma Bhushan, For his book Bharat-Bharati (1912), widely quoted during India's freedom struggle, he was given the title of Rashtra Kavi^] by Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1956, Rashtrakavi Maithili Sharan Gupt Abhinandan Samiti Calcutta published an Abhinandan Granth, a comprehensive 1000-page document in honour of his life and work.

His family now runs the RMSG Group of Institutions in Chirgaon, promoting his ideals of empowering education, especially among girls.

Shakeel Badayuni's Birth Anniversary

 

Shakeel Badayuni, born on 3 August 1916, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, was a renowned Indian Urdu poet and lyricist, celebrated for his romantic and soulful contributions to Hindi cinema, particularly during its "Golden Era".

Early life and education

·   Received early education at home in various languages: Arabic, Urdu, Persian, and Hindi.

·    Influenced by a distant relative, Zia-ul-Qadiri Badayuni, a religious shayar.

·    Attended Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where he actively participated in and won numerous inter-college mushairas (poetry symposiums).  

Career

·     Began his career working as a supply officer in Delhi after graduating from AMU.

·     Moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1944 to pursue a career as a lyricist.

·   Achieved instant success with his first film, "Dard" (1947), in collaboration with music director Naushad.

·    Formed a legendary partnership with Naushad, crafting lyrics for iconic films like "Baiju Bawra" (1952), "Mother India" (1957), and "Mughal-e-Azam" (1960).

·   Also collaborated with other prominent music directors such as Ravi and Hemant Kumar.

·  Penned numerous successful songs, including "Chaudvin Ka Chand Ho" (Chaudhvin Ka Chand), "Husnwale Tera Jawab Nahin" (Gharana), and "Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil" (Bees Saal Baad).

·  Wrote poetry outside of films as well, with his ghazals being immortalized by singers like Begum Akhtar and Talat Mehmood. 

Legacy and recognition

·  Known as a master of romantic poetry, his lyrics resonated with masses for decades.

·  Achieved a hat-trick of Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist in consecutive years (1961-1963).

·    Honoured with a postage stamp by India Post in 2013.

·    Died on 20 April 1970, at the age of 53, succumbing to diabetes complications.

·    A trust called "Yaad-e-Shakeel" was formed by his friends to support his bereaved family. 

Shakeel Badayuni's impactful words continue to resonate with listeners even today.