Georgius Agricola's Death Anniversary

Georgius Agricola, who passed away on 21 November 1555, in Chemnitz, was a German scholar and scientist known as “the father of mineralogy.” While a highly educated classicist and humanist, well regarded by scholars of his own and later times, he was yet singularly independent of the theories of ancient authorities. He was indeed among the first to found a natural science upon observation, as opposed to speculation. His De re metallica dealt chiefly with the arts of mining and smelting, and his De natura fossilium, considered the first mineralogy textbook, presented the first scientific classification of minerals (based on their physical properties) and described many new minerals and their occurrence and mutual relationships.

Oman National Day

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Salil Chowdhury's Birth Anniversary

Salil Chowdhury, born on 19 November 1925, was an Indian music director, songwriter, lyricist, writer and poet who predominantly composed for Bengali, Hindi and Malayalam films. He composed music for films in 13 languages. This includes over 75 Hindi films, 41 Bengali films, 27 Malayalam films, and a few Marathi, Tamil, Telegu, Kannada, Gujarati, Odia and Assamese films. His musical ability was widely recognised and acknowledged in the Indian film industry. He was an accomplished composer and arranger who was proficient in several musical instruments, including flute, the piano, and the esraj. He was also widely acclaimed and admired for his inspirational and original poetry in Bengali.

The first Bengali film for which Chowdhury composed music was Paribortan, released in 1949. Mahabharati, released in 1994, was the last of the 41 Bengali films where he rendered his music. He is affectionately called Salilda by his admirers. He mentored famous music directors like R.D. Burman and Hridaynath Mangeshkar. 

Mickey Mouse Day

From a whistling boat captain in black and white to the full colour Sorcerer’s Apprentice in Fantasia, Mickey has captivated the world with his charm and his antics. Mickey Mouse Day celebrates this classic cartoon character’s birthday.

Mickey Mouse took to the screen on November 18, 1928 with slapstick, plot twists, and a full lineup of comedy gold. Walt Disney left Universal Studios with a cartoon rabbit named Oswald, who became a mouse named Mortimer, who eventually became the Mickey we know and love.

Who could have guessed a rodent would become the most well-known character in the world? Mickey may be more globally recognizable than Santa. The first Mickey Mouse Club appeared in 1929, and now kids attend these clubs across the nation.

Mickey inhabits a world with Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, his nemesis, Pete, and many other memorable characters. It’s a world we can go back to time and time again for a good laugh.

Suez Canal officially opens in 1869

 

The Suez Canal officially opened on November 17, 1869, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas to create a vital maritime trade route between Asia and Europe. Constructed over a 10-year period by the Suez Canal Company under French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, it significantly shortened shipping times and has become a crucial artery for global trade. 

National Press Day (India)

Every year on November 16th, National Press Day is observed in India to recognize and honour the Press Council of India (PCI). The day celebrates the existence of a free and accountable press in the nation.

History

The Press Council of India began acting as a moral watchdog on this day to make sure that the press not only upheld the high standards expected of such a potent medium but also that it was unhindered by the influence or threats of any outside forces.

On November 16, 1966, the PCI was established. Since then, November 16 has been designated as National Press Day in India to honour the council's founding.

Significance

The council is crucial to India because it was created specifically to defend the free press, which is the fourth pillar of democracy. As a result, it consistently works to ensure that journalism's credibility is protected.

It highlights the system's flaws and problems and assists the government in finding solutions, thereby enhancing the democratic system of government's core principles.

 

Birsa Munda's 150th Birth Anniversary

 

Birsa Munda, born on 15 November 1875, in Ulihatu, was an Indian tribal independence activist, and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He spearheaded a tribal religious millenarian movement that arose in the Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand) in the late 19th century, during the British Raj, thereby making him an important figure in the history of the Indian independence movement.  The revolt mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada and Bandgaon.

Bhaktivedanta Swami's Death Anniversary

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who passed away on 14 November 1977, in Vrindavan, aged 81 years, was an Indian spiritual teacher, author, and the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), widely known as the Hare Krishna movement. 

Key Contributions and Life

• Mission: In 1965, at the age of 69 and with little money, he traveled to New York City to share the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita with the Western world, as instructed by his guru, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur.
• ISKCON: He founded ISKCON in New York City in 1966, popularizing the Hare Krishna mantra and the practice of bhakti-yoga (devotional service to Krishna).
• Author and Translator: He authored over 80 books, including English translations and commentaries on core Vedic scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita As It Is and the Srimad Bhagavatam. The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), which he established, is the world's largest publisher of books in the field of Indian religion and philosophy.
• Global Influence: Before his passing in Vrindavan, India, in 1977, he circled the globe numerous times, establishing over 100 temples and cultural centres and initiating thousands of disciples.
• Teachings: His teachings emphasized a simpler, more natural way of life and the attainment of true happiness through awakening one's pure love for God (Krishna consciousness). 

Kishore Kumar's Death Anniversary

 

Kishore Kumar (born Abhas Kumar Ganguly; who passed away on 13 October 1987, was an Indian playback singer, musician and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential and dynamic singers in the history of modern Indian music. Kumar was one of the most popular singers in the Indian subcontinent, notable for his yodelling and ability to sing songs in different voices. He used to sing in different genres but some of his rare compositions, considered classics, were lost in time.

Ashok Kumar's Birth Anniversary

Ashok Kumar, born on 13 October 1911, in Bhagalpur, was an Indian film actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema. He was honoured in 1988 with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest national award for cinema artists, by the Government of India and also received the Padma Bhushan in 1999 for his contributions to Indian cinema. He is considered to be one of India’s finest actors ever, playing leading, antagonist and character roles with equal panache.

Madan Mohan Malaviya's Death Annniversary

Madan Mohan Malaviya, who passed away on 12 November 1946, was a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement, a distinguished scholar, and an educational reformer, best known as the founder of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 2014. 

Key Contributions and Roles

• Educational Reform: Malaviya co-founded Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916 with the aim of integrating modern scientific knowledge with Indian traditions. He served as the university's Vice-Chancellor from 1919 to 1938.
• Indian Independence Movement: A four-time President of the Indian National Congress (1909, 1918, 1932, 1933), he actively participated in major independence movements.
• Social Activism: He advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity, the removal of caste barriers, and was instrumental in ending the Indian indenture system.

• Journalism and Media: Malaviya founded the English newspaper The Leader in 1919 and served as Chairman of the Hindustan Times from 1924 to 1946.
• Legal Career: As a lawyer, he successfully defended many accused in the Chauri Chaura case, preventing numerous death sentences. 

Nicknames and Legacy

• He was widely known as "Mahamana" (Great Soul).
• Malaviya is credited with popularizing India's national motto, 'Satyamev Jayate' (Truth alone triumphs). 

National Education Day (India)

 

National Education Day in India is celebrated annually on November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India. The day honours his immense contributions to the field of education and his vision for a modern, inclusive, and progressive education system. 

Established in September 2008 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now the Ministry of Education), National Education Day on November 11 is observed by educational institutions across India. It is not a public holiday. 

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad served as India's first Education Minister from 1947 to 1958 and played a crucial role in shaping the nation's education system. He championed free primary education, girls' education, and adult literacy. He also contributed to the establishment of key educational bodies and institutions.

International Accounting Day

International Accounting Day is celebrated annually on November 10. The day honours the significant contributions of accountants and the accounting profession to businesses, governments, and the global economy.

History and Significance

The date of November 10th commemorates the publication of the book Summa de arithmetica, geometria, proportioni et proportionalita by Italian mathematician Luca Pacioli in 1494. This work was the first to document and describe the system of double-entry bookkeeping, laying the foundational principles for modern accounting practices still used today. Because of this groundbreaking work, Pacioli is widely regarded as the "Father of Accounting". 

The day serves to:

• Acknowledge the role of accountants: Recognizing them as "unsung heroes" who ensure financial records are accurate, reliable, and compliant with complex regulations.
• Promote awareness: Highlighting the importance of financial transparency, stability, and ethical practices in business and society.
• Inspire future generations: Encouraging young people to consider a career in accounting by showcasing its dynamic nature, problem-solving aspects, and vital impact on decision-making and economic health. 

How it is Celebrated

Celebrations and activities for International Accounting Day include: 

• Organizing networking events, workshops, and webinars for professionals.
• Showing appreciation to accounting teams through recognition events or small gifts.
• Highlighting the achievements and value of accounting professionals within organizations and on social media.
• Volunteering accounting services to local non-profits or small businesses. 

King Edward VII Birth Anniversary

Birth Anniversary of Edmond Halley

Birth Anniversary of Marie Curie

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Birth Anniversary of James Naismith

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Chittaranjan Das' Birth Anniversary

Chittaranjan Das, born on 5 November 1870, Kolkata, popularly called Deshbandhu (friend of the country), was a Bengali freedom fighter, political activist and lawyer during the Indian Independence Movement and mentor of Subhas Chandra Bose. He was the founder-leader of the Swaraj Party in undivided Bengal during the period of British Colonial rule in India. His name is abbreviated as C. R. Das. He was closely associated with a number of literary societies and wrote poems, apart from numerous articles and essays.

 

Ritwik Ghatak's Birth Anniversary

Ritwik Ghatak, born on 4 November 1925, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was a noted Bengali filmmaker and script writer. Along with prominent contemporary Bengali filmmakers Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen, his cinema is primarily remembered for its meticulous depiction of social reality, partition and feminism. Although their roles were often adversarial, they were ardent admirers of each other's work and, in doing so, the three directors charted the independent trajectory of parallel cinema, as a counterpoint to the mainstream fare of Hindi cinema in India. Ghatak received many awards in his career, including National Film Award's Rajat Kamal Award for Best Story in 1974 for his Jukti Takko Aar Gappo and Best Director's Award from Bangladesh Cine Journalist's Association for Titash Ekti Nadir Naam. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri for Arts in 1970.

World Sandwich Day

 

World Sandwich Day is celebrated annually on November 3^rd. The day is held in honour of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, an 18th-century English aristocrat. As the story goes, he was an avid gambler and would not leave the card table for meals. To eat without interrupting his game or getting his fingers greasy, he asked his servants to place meat between two slices of bread. His friends began ordering "the same as Sandwich," and the meal quickly gained popularity, eventually spreading worldwide and giving the dish its name. 

Arrival of Indentured Labourers in Mauritius in 1834

On November 2nd, Mauritius commemorates the Arrival of Indentured Labourers, a significant national public holiday that marks the beginning of large-scale Indian immigration to the island. 

On this date in 1834, the British ship Atlas arrived in Port Louis carrying the first batch of 36 Indian indentured workers (known as "girmitiyas") from Kolkata, India, to work on the sugar plantations following the abolition of slavery. This event fundamentally shaped the country's demographics and cultural identity, as people of Indian origin now comprise over 68% of the Mauritian population.

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day is a Christian feast celebrated on November 1st in Western Christianity to honour all saints, both known and unknown. Following All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) and preceding All Souls' Day, it is part of a three-day observance known as Allhallowtide dedicated to remembering the dead. 

World Cities Day

 

World Cities Day is an annual United Nations observance day held on 31 October. The global observance, first held in 2014, is organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in coordination with each year's selected host city.

World Cities Day was established on 27 December 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/68/239, in which the General Assembly "decides to designate 31 October, beginning in 2014, as World Cities Day, invites States, the United Nations system, in particular UN-Habitat, relevant international organizations, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to observe and raise awareness of the Day". The first World Cities Day was held in October 2014.

A legacy of Expo 2010 Shanghai China, World Cities Day aims to promote the international community's interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world. The observance day ties in with Sustainable Development Goal 11, to make cities "inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable".

The general theme of World Cities Day is Better City, Better Life, while each year a different sub-theme and a location for its global observance is selected, to either promote successes of urbanization, or address specific challenges resulting from urbanization.

 

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.

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.

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”.

 

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.

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.

 

World Swim Day 2025

World Swim Day takes place annually on the last Saturday of October. In 2025, it takes place on 25^th 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. 

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.

 

World Kangaroo Day

World Kangaroo Day is celebrated on October 24 each year to raise awareness about kangaroo welfare and conservation. It was founded in 2020 by Kangaroos Alive and the Animal Justice Party. The day is dedicated to educating the public about the threats kangaroos face, such as habitat loss and hunting, and promoting their protection.

 

 

Pele's Birth Anniversary

 

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known by his nickname Pelé, born on 23 October 1940, in Três Corações, was a Brazilian football (soccer) player, in his time probably the most famous and possibly the best-paid athlete in the world. He was part of the Brazilian national teams that won three World Cup championships (1958, 1962, and 1970).

After playing for a minor league club at Bauru, São Paulo state, Pelé (whose nickname apparently is without significance) was rejected by major club teams in the city of São Paulo. In 1956, however, he joined the Santos Football Club, which, with Pelé at inside left forward, won nine São Paulo league championships and, in 1962 and 1963, both the Libertadores Cup and the Intercontinental Club Cup. Sometimes called “Pérola Negra” (“Black Pearl”), he became a Brazilian national hero. He combined kicking power and accuracy with a remarkable ability to anticipate other players’ moves. After the 1958 World Cup, Pelé was declared a national treasure by the Brazilian government in order to ward off large offers from European clubs and ensure that he would remain in Brazil. On 19 November 1969, in his 909th first-class match, he scored his 1,000th goal.

Pelé made his international debut in 1957 at age 16 and the following year played his first game in the World Cup finals in Sweden. The Brazilian manager was initially hesitant to play his young star. When Pelé finally reached the field, he had an immediate impact, rattling the post with one shot and collecting an assist. He had a hat trick in the semifinal against France and two goals in the championship game, where Brazil defeated Sweden 5–2. At the 1962 World Cup finals, Pelé tore a thigh muscle in the second match and had to sit out the remainder of the tournament. Nonetheless, Brazil went on to claim its second World Cup title. Rough play and injuries turned the 1966 World Cup into a disaster for both Brazil and Pelé, as the team went out in the first round, and he contemplated retiring from World Cup play. Returning in 1970 for one more World Cup tournament, he teamed with young stars Jairzinho and Rivelino to claim Brazil’s third title and permanent ownership of the Jules Rimet Trophy. Pelé finished his World Cup career having scored 12 goals in 14 games.

Pelé’s electrifying play and penchant for spectacular goals made him a star around the world. His team Santos toured internationally in order to take full advantage of his popularity. In 1967 he and his team travelled to Nigeria, where a 48-hourcease-fire in that nation’s civil war was called to allow all to watch the great player.

Pelé announced his retirement in 1974 but in 1975 agreed to a three-year $7 million contract with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League and to promote the game in the United States. He retired after leading the Cosmos to the league championship in 1977.

Pelé was the recipient of the International Peace Award in 1978. In 1980 he was named Athlete of the Century by the French sports publication L’Equipe, and he received the same honour in 1999 from the International Olympic Committee. In 2014 the Pelé Museum opened in Santos, Brazil. In addition to his accomplishments in sports, he published several best-selling autobiographies and starred in several successful documentary and semi-documentary films. He also composed numerous musical pieces, including the soundtrack for the film Pelé (1977).

 

 

Launch of Chandrayaan-1 in 2008.

India marked a historic milestone in space exploration with the launch of Chandrayaan-1 on October 22, 2008. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this ambitious project signalled India’s emergence as a serious player in lunar exploration. The spacecraft was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota aboard a PSLV-XL rocket, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in precision space launches.

Chandrayaan-1 was designed to orbit the Moon and conduct high-resolution remote sensing, aiming to gather detailed data about the lunar surface. Its payload included 11 scientific instruments, some developed in collaboration with international space agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), and Bulgaria. Among its objectives were mapping lunar mineralogy, studying the distribution of elements such as magnesium, aluminium, and silicon, and searching for water ice in permanently shadowed craters near the poles.

The mission achieved remarkable success, particularly in October 2009, when Chandrayaan-1’s Moon Impact Probe and NASA’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper detected water molecules on the lunar surface, a discovery that reshaped understanding of the Moon’s composition and potential for supporting future exploration. Over its 10-month mission, the spacecraft transmitted more than 70,000 images, contributing vast amounts of data for global scientists.

Chandrayaan-1 officially ended its communication with Earth in August 2009, but its legacy endures. The mission not only demonstrated India’s ability to undertake sophisticated space projects but also boosted international recognition of ISRO’s capabilities. It paved the way for Chandrayaan-2 and future lunar endeavours, inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers.

 

National Reptile Awareness Day (United States)

 

National Reptile Awareness Day is observed annually on October 21st to promote education, appreciation, and conservation of reptiles. The day aims to dispel negative perceptions and raise awareness about the threats these animals face in their natural habitats. 

Significance of the day

·   Encourages conservation: The day highlights the importance of preserving the diverse reptile species and their habitats, many of which are under threat from urbanization, illegal trading, and climate change.

·   Raises awareness: It helps educate the public on the ecological roles reptiles play. For instance, snakes control rodent and insect populations, while some turtles help clean waterways.

·    Dispels myths: Many reptiles, like most snake species, are non-venomous and are unfairly persecuted. The day provides an opportunity to share facts and challenge misconceptions about these often-misunderstood creatures.

·  Promotes appreciation: It encourages both reptile enthusiasts and the curious public to learn about and appreciate the unique characteristics of reptiles, such as their diverse adaptations for survival.