In 1857, Queen Victoria chooses Ottawa, as the capital of the Province of Canada

 

December 31 is a significant date for Ottawa, Canada’s capital, marking both a major historical anniversary and the centre of New Year's Eve festivities. 

Historical Significance: December 31, 1857 

On December 31, 1857, Queen Victoria officially selected Ottawa (then a small lumber town known as Bytown) to be the permanent capital of the Province of Canada. 

 

• The Selection Process: Ottawa was chosen as a political compromise between the rival cities of Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Kingston.
• Strategic Advantages: The location was chosen for its relative safety from American attack, its position on the border of English-speaking Canada West (Ontario) and French-speaking Canada East (Quebec), and its access via the Rideau Canal.
• Announcement: The decision was formally relayed to Canada's Governor General in a letter from the Colonial Secretary dated December 31, 1857. 

Saddam Hussein's execution in 2006

 

Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq, was executed by hanging on December 30, 2006.

Execution Details

Time and Location: The execution took place at approximately 6:00 a.m. local time at Camp Justice, a joint Iraqi-U.S. military base in the Kadhimiya neighbourhood of Baghdad.

Conviction: He was sentenced to death by the Iraqi Special Tribunal for crimes against humanity. Specifically, he was held responsible for the 1982 Dujail massacre, where 148 Shiite men and boys were killed in retaliation for an assassination attempt against him.

Last Moments: Official footage showed Saddam being led to the gallows and having a noose placed around his neck. However, a leaked mobile phone video surfaced later, showing witnesses heckling him and praising Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in his final moments.

Burial: His body was transported to his birthplace, Al-Awja (near Tikrit), and buried on December 31, 2006. Reports indicate his remains were later moved to a secret location in 2012 to prevent desecration during the rise of ISIS. 

International Cello Day

International Cello Day is celebrated annually on December 29.

Purpose and History

The day honours the cello, a bowed string instrument known for its deep, resonant, and "human-like" tone. It was officially founded by a group of cellists in 2015 to celebrate the instrument's versatility across classical, jazz, and even contemporary rock genres. 

Why December 29?

The date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Pablo Casals (born 1876), a legendary Catalan cellist, composer, and conductor. Casals is widely credited with: 

Elevating the Cello: Transforming it from a secondary orchestral instrument to a prominent solo instrument.

The Bach Suites: Rediscovering and recording Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cello Suites, which were previously dismissed as mere technical exercises.

International Cinema Day

 

International Cinema Day is celebrated annually on December 28. It marks the anniversary of the first public commercial film screening by the Lumière brothers at the Grand Café in Paris in 1895. 

On 28 December 1895, in the basement of the Grand Cafe in Paris (Le Salon Indien du Grand Cafe) on Boulevard des Capucines, the first public cinema show was held, where the brothers Auguste and Louis Lumiere showed the viewers 10 short films, among which was the famous short documentary The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station. During the screening of that film, the audience jumped from their seats and ran in horror away from the hall, fearing that the moving train on the screen would crush them. 

Each film was then 17 meters long, which, when hand cranked through a projector, ran approximately 50 seconds. From that moment, regular film screenings began, accompanied by a piano or a saxophone. The motion pictures were sometimes also accompanied by text below the images.

Establishnent of NIMHANS in 1974

 NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) was formally established in Bangalore on December 27, 1974, through the amalgamation of the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH) and the Mysore Government Mental Hospital, becoming an autonomous body to lead in mental health and neuroscience education, research, and patient care. It later gained "Deemed University" status in 1994 and was declared an "Institute of National Importance" in 2012.  

Key Milestones:

• 1954: 

AIIMH started within the Mental Hospital premises, with Dr. MV Govindswamy as its director, fostering an interdisciplinary approach. 

• 1974: 

The formal merger of AIIMH and the State Mental Hospital created the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS). 

• 1994: 

Granted "Deemed University" status by the UGC, providing academic autonomy. 

• 2012: 

Declared an "Institute of National Importance" by an Act of Parliament. 

 

NIMHANS's Role:

Today, NIMHANS serves as a premier multidisciplinary center for patient care, advanced research, and training in mental health and neurosciences, attracting patients and researchers globally. 

Dr. Manmohan Singh's Death Anniversary

Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on 26 December 2024, aged 92, was an eminent economist and statesman who served as the 14th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014.

Career Highlights

• Prime Minister (2004–2014): Leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), he was the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term.
• Architect of Economic Reforms: As Finance Minister (1991–1996), he is credited with ushering in "liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation" (LPG), which shifted India toward a market-oriented economy and averted a balance of payments crisis.

• Key Offices Held:
• Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985).
• Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1985–1987).
• Member of the Rajya Sabha representing Assam and later Rajasthan for over three decades until his retirement in April 2024. 

Major Policy Achievements

• Civil Nuclear Deal: He successfully negotiated the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, a landmark shift in India's foreign and energy policy.
• Social Rights Legislation: His government introduced several transformative acts, including the Right to Information (RTI) Act (2005), the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) (2005), and the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
• Economic Growth: During his tenure, India experienced some of its highest average annual GDP growth rates, pulling millions out of poverty. 

Centigrade Temperature Scale Developed in 1741

Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius developed his original centigrade temperature scale on December 25, 1741. He presented his findings to the Royal Society of Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden in 1742. 

It is worth noting that Celsius's original scale was the reverse of the one used today:

• He set the boiling point of water at 0 degrees.
• He set the freezing point of water at 100 degrees. 

The scale was reversed to its modern form (0° for freezing, 100° for boiling) shortly after his death, most notably by fellow Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus in 1745, to make it more practical for everyday use. The scale was officially renamed the "Celsius scale" in his honor in 1948 by an international conference. 

Bhanumathi's Death Anniversary

P. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna, who passed away on 24 December 2005, aged 80, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, was an Indian actress, singer, film producer, director, music composer, writer, editor, studio owner and novelist. She is regarded as the first female superstar of Telegu cinema. She is also considered the first female director of Telugu cinema with her debut directorial Chandirani (1953). Bhanumathi appeared in over 100 films predominantly in Telegu and Tamil languages. She also acted in few Hindi and Kannada films. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001 for her contribution to the Indian cinema. She was honoured among "Women in Cinema" at the 30th International Film Festival of India.

 

First Transistor was successfully demonstrated in 1947

The first transistor was successfully demonstrated on December 23, 1947, at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey. This demonstration followed a successful initial test conducted one week earlier on December 16, 1947. 

Key Facts of the Demonstration

• Inventors: The device was developed by physicists John Bardeen and Walter Brattain, under the direction of William Shockley.
• Technology: This first working model was a point-contact transistor made from a small slab of high-purity germanium with two closely spaced gold contacts.
• Performance: During the demonstration, the device operated as a speech amplifier with a power gain of approximately 18 (or 330 times in some experimental setups).
• Public Announcement: Although successfully demonstrated to lab management in late 1947, the invention was not publicly announced until a press conference on June 30, 1948. 

World’s first electrically lit Christmas tree in 1882

 

On December 22, 1882, Edward Hibberd Johnson, a close business associate of Thomas Edison, displayed the world’s first electrically lit Christmas tree at his townhouse in New York City. 

Key Historical Details

• The Inventor: Edward H. Johnson was the vice president of the Edison Electric Light Company. While Edison is credited with inventing the first strand of outdoor lights in 1880, Johnson was the first to apply them to a Christmas tree.
• The Display: The six-foot tree featured 80 hand-wired, walnut-sized electric bulbs in red, white, and blue. To make the display even more impressive, the tree sat on a rotating pedestal.
• A Safer Alternative: Before this, families decorated trees with wax candles, which posed a severe fire hazard. Johnson's invention provided a safer, though initially expensive, alternative.
• Public Impact: A reporter from the Detroit Post and Tribune witnessed the event on December 22, describing it as a "most picturesque and uncanny aspect". However, it took decades for the tradition to become widespread due to the high cost of electricity and specialized installation. 

Crossword Puzzle Day

 

December 21st marks an occasion that brings together vocabularians, puzzle enthusiasts, and casual readers alike: Crossword Puzzle Day. Celebrating the joy of wordplay and the satisfaction that comes from piecing together clues, this day invites all to appreciate the cultural phenomenon that is the crossword puzzle. To honour this fun-filled day, let's explore the origins of the crossword puzzle, its evolution over the years, and some fascinating facts that every puzzle fan should know.

The Origins of Crossword Puzzles

The first modern crossword puzzle was created by journalist Arthur Wynne, who designed it for the New York World newspaper in 1913. His creation, which he called a "Word-Cross," featured a diamond shape and initially omitted the now-common black squares. Wynne's artistic vision laid the groundwork for what would become a staple in newspapers worldwide by introducing a new form of wordplay that also challenged critical thinking.

The puzzles quickly gained popularity, inspiring other newspapers to create their own, and by the 1920s, crosswords had officially become a cultural phenomenon. This era also witnessed the introduction of the term "crossword" when Wynne rotated the title, resulting in the puzzles we know today. Since then, they have evolved into various forms, with some using creativity and humour, while others adopt more serious, academic tones.

International Human Solidarity Day

International Human Solidarity Day is observed annually on December 20. Established by the United Nations, it serves as a global celebration of unity in diversity and a reminder of the shared responsibility needed to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice. 

Core Objectives

The United Nations identifies several key purposes for this day:

• Celebrate Unity: Honouring the global community's ability to stand together despite national, cultural, or religious differences.
• Raise Awareness: Educating the public on the importance of solidarity in international relations and community development.
• Action for Poverty: Encouraging new initiatives and reminding governments to fulfil their commitments to eradicate poverty.
• Support Global Goals: Promoting cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). 

History and Origin

 

• 2000: The UN Millennium Declaration identified solidarity as a fundamental value for the 21st century.
• 2002: The UN General Assembly established the World Solidarity Fund (Resolution 57/265) on December 20 to tackle poverty in developing nations.
• 2005: The General Assembly officially proclaimed December 20 as International Human Solidarity Day (Resolution 60/209). 

 

Foundation Day of the Asian Development Bank

 

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) celebrates its Foundation Day on December 19th, marking the date of its official establishment in 1966 to promote economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, with operations starting in 1967 from its Manila headquarters. 

Key Facts about ADB's Foundation:

• Established: December 19, 1966.
• First Operations: Started in 1967.
• Purpose: To foster economic development and cooperation in Asia.
• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
• Founding Members: Began with 31 countries, expanding to 69 members today (50 from the region, 19 non-regional).
• Role: Provides loans, grants, technical assistance, and equity investments to support development.

World Arabic Language Day

 

World Arabic Language Day is celebrated annually on December 18th, established by UNESCO in 2012 to honour Arabic as a pillar of human diversity, recognizing its rich history, influence on culture, science, and its role as the sixth official language of the United Nations since 1973, with celebrations focusing on its beauty, heritage, and digital future.

Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī's Death Anniversary

Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, commonly known simply as Rumi, who passed away on 17 December 1273, in Konya (present-day Turkey), aged 66, was a 13th-century Sufi mystic, poet, and Islamic scholar whose works have had a profound and lasting influence across the Muslim world and beyond. He is one of the most widely read and best-selling poets in the world today. 

Boston Tea Party in 1773

The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal political protest that took place on December 16, 1773, at Griffin's Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts.  It served as a primary catalyst for the American Revolutionary War by uniting the colonies against British rule. 

Key Facts of the Event

• The Protest: Frustrated by "taxation without representation" and the British East India Company's monopoly on tea, a group of colonists—many from the Sons of Liberty—boarded three ships: the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver.
• The Action: Disguised as Native Americans (specifically Mohawk Indians) to hide their identities, they smashed and dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor over the course of three hours.
• Monetary Loss: Approximately 92,000 pounds of tea were destroyed, valued at nearly £10,000 in 1773, which is equivalent to roughly $1.7 million to $2 million today.
• Outcome: In retaliation, the British Parliament passed the Coercive Acts (known in the colonies as the Intolerable Acts) in 1774, which closed Boston Harbor and established formal military rule in Massachusetts. 

National Cupcake Day (USA)

 

National Cupcake Day is celebrated annually on December 15th. It is a day dedicated to enjoying, baking, and sharing these small, versatile desserts.

They’re small, sweet, and packed with personality—cupcakes are more than just mini cakes; they’re a worldwide sensation. Whether dressed up in swirls of frosting, glittering sprinkles, or filled with hidden centres, these have become a symbol of celebration, comfort, and creativity. And what better way to honour this bite-sized delight than with its very own holiday?

National Cupcake Day, celebrated every year on December 15th, is a time to indulge in your favorite flavors, try new ones, and share these tiny treats with friends and family. From birthday parties to weddings and everyday cravings, they have found their way into every corner of the culinary world.

Chhagan Bapa's Death Anniversary

Chhaganlal Parekh, popularly known as Chhagan Bapa, who passed away on 14 December 1968, aged 74, was a prominent Indian social worker and philanthropist. He is best known for his work in education, poverty alleviation, and social reforms for women, and for providing the initial seed funding for the successful women's cooperative, Lijjat Papad. 

Key Contributions and Work

• Social Work and Philanthropy: After a successful career in the coal business in Kolkata and Mumbai, Parekh retired to dedicate his life to social service. He was known for his tireless efforts during natural disasters, such as the 1956 Kutch earthquake, where he helped with relief work and fund collection.
• Education: He was a strong advocate for education, especially for women. His efforts led to the establishment of the first all-girls high school in Anjar, known as K.K.M.S. Girls High School.
• Women's Empowerment: He played a crucial role in empowering women by helping to establish Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad in 1959. He loaned the seven founding women a modest ₹80, which they used to start the cooperative that grew into a massive, global enterprise based on shared ownership and the motto "Sarvodaya" (upliftment for all).
• Recognition: In recognition of his significant contributions to society, the Government of India issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honour in 1999. 

National Violin Day (United States)

National Violin Day is celebrated annually on December 13th. It is a day to honour the rich history, versatility, and cultural contributions of the violin, an instrument known for its expressive capabilities across various music genres, from classical to folk, jazz, and rock.

Background

The name "violin" comes from the Medieval Latin word "vitula," meaning stringed instrument. Its modern characteristics were primarily developed by Italian instrument makers (luthiers) in the 16th century, with the oldest documented four-string violin credited to Andrea Amati around 1555. Prized instruments by master luthiers like Amati, Guarneri, and Antonio Stradivari are still sought after today.

 

How to Observe National Violin Day

Whether you are a seasoned player or a curious listener, there are many ways to celebrate National Violin Day: 

• Listen to music: Explore a wide range of music genres, from Paganini compositions to bluegrass, that feature the violin.
• Attend a performance: Look for local school, orchestra, or chamber music concerts and experience the instrument live.
• Watch violin-themed movies: Indulge in films that revolve around the instrument, such as The Red Violin or The Devil's Violinist.
• Learn to play: Fulfil a lifelong goal by signing up for a violin lesson or dusting off your own instrument to practice.
• Learn about its history: Read about the origins of the instrument, its evolution, and the famous luthiers who crafted masterworks.
• Share on social media: Use the hashtag #NationalViolinDay to share how you are celebrating. 

The day is a perfect opportunity to appreciate an instrument that has profoundly influenced music history and continues to inspire creativity across the globe. 

 

 

Universal Health Coverage Day

Universal Health Coverage Day is an annual, official United Nations-designated observance held every year on December 12. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the goal of ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can access quality and affordable healthcare without suffering financial hardship. 

History and Significance

The day commemorates the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's unanimous endorsement of a resolution in 2012 that urged countries to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) as an essential development priority. The official UN designation occurred in 2017. 

UHC Day serves as a global rallying point for advocates to: 

• Share stories of the millions who still lack access to health services.
• Call on leaders to make smarter investments in resilient health systems.
• Remind the world that "Health for All" is a human right and an imperative for equitable societies. 

National Tango Day (Argentina)/ International Tango Day

 

National Tango Day (also known as International Tango Day) is celebrated annually on December 11. The date was chosen to commemorate the shared birthday of two prominent figures in the history of tango: singer Carlos Gardel and composer Julio de Caro.

Key Details

• Date: December 11
• Significance: Honors the rich cultural legacy of the tango music and dance form.
• Origin: The idea was proposed by Argentine composer Ben Molar in the 1960s, and it was officially made a national day in Argentina in 1977. It has since gained worldwide recognition.
• UNESCO Status: In 2009, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) added the tango to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity lists, recognizing it as a high art form that originated in the Río de la Plata region between Argentina and Uruguay.
• Celebrations: The day is celebrated globally with various events, including concerts, dance festivals, workshops, and social gatherings known as milongas. 

International Animal Rights Day

 

International Animal Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th, coinciding with Human Rights Day, to advocate for animals' rights to respect, freedom from exploitation, and ethical treatment, highlighting that non-human beings deserve compassion and protection, similar to humans. Founded by the group Uncaged in 1998, the day calls for recognizing animals as sentient beings and promoting kindness, conservation, and the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights.

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

 

The date for the international observance related to genocide is December 9, officially known as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

About the Observance

• Date: December 9th annually.
• Purpose: This day commemorates victims of past genocides and raises awareness of the 1948 Genocide Convention and the commitment to preventing future atrocities.
• Significance: Established by the UN General Assembly on September 29, 2015, the date honours the adoption of the Genocide Convention on December 9, 1948.
• Focus: It underscores the responsibility of states to protect their populations from genocide and the need to combat impunity for this crime.

Dharmendra's Birth Anniversary

 

Dharmendra, born on 8 December 1935, was an Indian actor, producer and politician, primarily known for his work in Hindi films. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most commercially successful megastars in the history of Indian cinema. In a career spanning 65 years, he worked in over 300 films, holding the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Birth Anniversary

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, born on 7 December 1921, was a highly influential Hindu spiritual leader and the fifth guru of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a major branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. He was revered by his followers as a manifestation of Akshar, the eternal abode of Swaminarayan. 

Born Shantilal Patel in Chansad, Gujarat, India, he was initiated as a swami in 1940 and appointed president (Pramukh) of BAPS in 1950 at the young age of 28. He dedicated his life to selfless service and inspired millions globally through his simple, humble, and peaceful personality. 

World Pear Day 2025

World Pear Day is an annual celebration held on the first Saturday of December, and it in 2025 it is on December 6. The day promotes awareness and appreciation for the various health benefits and versatility of pears, especially during their peak season. 

Purpose and History

World Pear Day was initiated by the Pear Bureau Northwest in 2016 to highlight the global availability of fresh pears and to kick off National Pear Month, which is celebrated throughout December in the U.S. The event is a global effort involving retailers, importers, and consumers in over 24 countries, featuring sampling events, chef demonstrations, and social media campaigns using the hashtag #WorldPearDay.

Health Benefits

Pears are a low-calorie, fat-free, cholesterol-free source of essential nutrients. Key health benefits include: 

Improved Digestion: Pears are rich in dietary fibre, which aids digestion and can help prevent constipation.

Heart Health: The potassium in pears helps regulate heart rate and manage blood pressure, while antioxidants reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Weight Management: The high fibre content promotes a feeling of fullness, which helps in reducing cravings and managing weight.

Immunity Boost: They contain vitamins C and K, and various antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and fight infections.

 

International Volunteer Day

 

International Volunteer Day is celebrated annually on December 5th to recognize and promote the contributions of volunteers worldwide. The day, mandated by the United Nations in 1985, is a chance to celebrate the impact of volunteerism on local, national, and international levels and to encourage governments and organizations to support volunteer efforts. 

• Purpose: To acknowledge the invaluable work of volunteers and to promote the spirit of volunteerism and collective action.
• Recognition: It highlights how volunteers contribute to achievements like peace-building, disaster response, and sustainable development.
• Call to Action: The day encourages people and organizations to work together to support volunteerism and for governments to show their support through policy and resources.