Bishnu Prasad Rabha's Birth Anniversary

Bishnu Prasad Rabha, born on 31 January 1909, in Dacca, Bengal Presidency, British India, was an Indian cultural figure from Assam, known for his contributions in the fields of music, dance, painting, literature as well as political activism. As an advocate of people's cultural movement, he drew heavily from different genres of classical and folk cultural traditions. Considered a doyen of the Culture of Assam, the People of Assam affectionately call him Kalaguru (meaning: "the master of the arts"). He is also called by Marxists as Sainik Silpi (sainik "soldier", silpi "artist") for his active participation in the armed struggle, led by the Revolutionary Communist Party of India (RCPI).

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (World NTD Day)

 

World Neglected Tropical Diseases (World NTD Day) is a global healthcare event celebrated on 30^th January every year since 2021 with the goal of celebrating achievements made toward control of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases and encouraging everyone to join the growing movement in eradicating and eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a set of 20 diseases that include parasites, protozoa, bacterial, and viral diseases that are primarily seen in tropical regions. They significantly impact underdeveloped societies (low-income areas) and disproportionately affect children and women. Access to quality water, health care facilities, and sanitation are less in these low-income regions. More than 100 crore people globally suffer from the terrible health, social, and economic effects of these neglected tropical diseases.

World Automobile Day

World Automobile Day is celebrated every year on January 29th. It marks the day in 1886 when Karl Benz, a German inventor, applied for a patent for his ‘Motorwagen,’ the first practical car that could be sold. This car, known as the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, was the world’s first petrol-powered car.

However, 117 years prior, French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot had already constructed the first steam-powered road vehicle in 1769. Then, 39 years later, in 1808, François Isaac de Rivaz, a French-Swiss inventor, designed and built the first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine.

In fact, it was 78 years after this revolutionary discovery that Karl Benz applied for a patent for his ‘Motorwagen’ car in 1886. Nevertheless, it was the American-made Model T, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in 1908, that first gained dominance in the market. Released at a price affordable to the general public, this car was quickly adopted in the United States. It rapidly overtook horse-drawn carriages and established the ‘Ford Model T’ as a favorite in the market.

From the first car patent, in just 138 years, we have progressed to autonomous cars that operate without human involvement and even to vehicles capable of flying. Indeed, by 2036, marking 150 years since the first practical car, the Benz Motorwagen, it is expected that our roads will be dominated by autonomous vehicles powered by the most eco-friendly fuels.

 

George Fernandes' Death Anniversary

  

George Fernandes, who passed away on 29 January 2019, in New Delhi, aged 88, was an Indian trade unionist, statesman, journalist, freethinker, and member of Rajya Sabha from Bihar for a short while, and a member of Lok Sabha for a very long period, starting from Bombay in 1967 but mostly representing Bihar. He was a key member of the Janata Dal and the founder of the Samata Party. He held several ministerial portfolios including communications, industry, railways, and defence. 

International Lego Day

 

Every year on January 28th, Lego enthusiasts around the world come together to celebrate International Lego Day, a day dedicated to honouring the iconic Danish toy that has sparked creativity and imagination for generations. This special day commemorates the momentous occasion when Danish carpenter Godtfred Kirk Christiansen submitted his patent for the original Lego brick in 1958, laying the foundation for endless hours of imaginative play.

The Birth of Lego

The story of Lego began in the small Danish town of Billund in the early 1930s, when Ole Kirk Christiansen founded a small woodworking company. In 1932, the company adopted the name "Lego," derived from the Danish words "leg godt," meaning "play well." It wasn't until the late 1940s that the company transitioned from wooden toys to plastic, setting the stage for the creation of the iconic interlocking bricks.

The Lego Brick Patent

On January 28, 1958, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, the son of Ole Kirk Christiansen, submitted the patent for the Lego brick as we know it today. The patent outlined the innovative design of the brick, featuring the distinctive interlocking system that allows bricks to connect securely in various configurations. This invention revolutionized the world of toys, providing a platform for boundless creativity and construction.

The Impact of Lego on Creativity

Lego bricks quickly gained popularity for their versatility and the limitless possibilities they offered to builders of all ages. The company's commitment to fostering creativity and imagination has been a driving force behind the enduring success of Lego. The iconic plastic bricks have become a staple in households worldwide, transcending generations and cultural boundaries.

In 1998, Lego bricks were one of the original inductees into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New York.

International Lego Day Celebrations

International Lego Day is a time for Lego enthusiasts, young and old, to come together and celebrate the enduring legacy of these beloved building blocks. Communities organize events such as Lego building competitions, workshops, and exhibitions to showcase the incredible creations made possible by Lego bricks. Social media platforms buzz with activity as fans share their masterpieces and reminisce about their favourite Lego memories.

Educational Value of Lego

Beyond being a source of entertainment, Lego has also proven to be a valuable educational tool. Many educators incorporate Lego sets into classrooms to promote skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and spatial awareness. Lego Education sets specifically designed for educational purposes further highlight the company's commitment to fostering learning through play.

Lego's Ongoing Innovation

Over the years, Lego has continued to innovate, introducing themed sets inspired by popular movies, characters, and landmarks. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to produce more environmentally friendly bricks, such as those made from plant-based materials. Lego's dedication to staying relevant and environmentally conscious ensures its continued influence in the world of toys.

 

First Sighting of Antarctica in 1820

 

The first sighting of Antarctica is now widely acknowledged to have taken place on the 27^th or 28th of January 1820 during the voyage of two Russian ships, the Vostok  and Mirnyi  under the command of Captain Fabien (Thaddeus) Gottleib von Bellingshausen during a two year exploratory expedition around the world to discover new lands for the Russian Empire. Bellingshausen's ships were the first to have crossed the Antarctic Circle since Cook nearly 50 years earlier, they did so on the 26th of January 1820.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

 

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, is an international Memorial Day on 27 January that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945, an attempt to implement its "final solution" to the Jewish question. 27 January was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Red Army in 1945.

World Leprosy Day 2025

World Leprosy Day is observed internationally every year on the last Sunday of January to increase the public awareness of leprosy or Hansen's Disease. This date was chosen by French humanitarian Raoul Follereau as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi who had compassion for people afflicted with leprosy. The day began to be observed in 1954. Leprosy is one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world. It is an infectious chronic disease that targets the nervous system, especially the nerves in the cooler parts of the body: the hands, feet, and face. Pope Francis has spoken in support of the observation.

Cullinan Diamond found in 1905

 

The Cullinan Diamond was found in South Africa on 26^th January 1905. The stone was discovered near Pretoria in modern-day South Africa in 1905, and is named after the chairman of the mining company, Thomas Cullinan. In its uncut state, it weighed 3,106 metric carats and boasted a size of 10.1 x 6.35 x 5.9 cm. The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, weighing 3,106 carats (621.20 g), discovered at the Premier No. 2 mine in Cullinan, South Africa, on 26 January 1905. It was named after Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine.

Ramayana first aired on Doordarshan in 1987

Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana, an iconic television series that was aired on Doordarshan from January 25, 1987. The 74-episode show was originally aired from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988. In India, the series was originally broadcast on DD National from 25 January 1987 to 31 July 1988 with widespread acclaim. BBC recorded that it had a viewership of 82 percent, highest viewership in the world.

International Day of Education

International Day of Education is observed every year on January 24, which was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 3, 2018. This day reminds every one of the importance of education in bringing peace, development, and equality across the globe. The first International Day of Education was celebrated on January 24, 2019, marking a significant global initiative to promote inclusive and equitable quality education as a fundamental human right and a catalyst for sustainable development.

Importance of the Day

Education is regarded as a key enabler of breaking the poverty cycle and gender equality. It empowers the individual and communities, fostering individual development and collective progress. The UNGA has said that education is fundamental to building peace and attaining the SDGs, with special focus on SDG 4, ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong opportunities for all.

Historical Context

This day was co-sponsored by Nigeria and 58 other countries, showing the world's strong commitment to education. Since its inception, the International Day of Education has been a platform for advocating transformative actions aimed at ensuring that all people have access to quality education. The resolution by the UNGA emphasizes the collaborative efforts among governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals in making education accessible to everyone.

 

50th Anniversary of Wankhede Stadium

 

Wankhede Stadium is an international cricket stadium in Mumbai, India. It is owned and operated by Mumbai Cricket Association and is the home ground of the Mumbai Indians. It houses the headquarters of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the MCA and the Indian Premier League. The stadium is situated near Marine Drive in the Churchgate neighbourhood. Several old cricket clubs are near the stadium, including Hindu Gymkhana, Parsi Gymkhana and Cricket Club of India (CCI). The stadium has been host to numerous high-profile cricket matches in the past, most notably the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final, in which India defeated Sri Lanka and became the first country to win the Cricket World Cup on home soil. It hosted the last match of Sachin Tendulkar's international career.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) marked a significant milestone by setting a new Guinness World Records title. This achievement was for the 'Largest Cricket Ball Sentence,' celebrating the 50th anniversary of Wankhede Stadium.

The record was set using 14,505 cricket balls to form the sentence: "Fifty Years of Wankhede Stadium." This event took place on January 23, 2025, commemorating the stadium's first international match in 1975.

In honour of this historic occasion, MCA paid tribute to the late Eknath Solkar and other notable Mumbai cricketers who have passed away. Solkar had scored a century in the inaugural Test match at Wankhede against West Indies from January 23 to 29, 1975. The association's dedication to excellence was evident as they meticulously arranged the cricket balls on the field.

World Prosthodontist Day

 

World Prosthodontist Day is celebrated on January 22nd every year. It honours the contributions of the prosthodontics community, which specializes in replacing teeth.

How is it celebrated?

Competitions

Colleges and dental institutions celebrate World Prosthodontist Day with competitions that showcase artistic ability. These competitions can include smile selfies, memes, video competitions, and dental art. 

Talks and workshops

Colleges and dental institutions may also conduct talks and workshops for students, especially interns. These talks and workshops can cover topics such as implants and complete dentures. 

Community outreach

Some colleges and dental institutions may also participate in community outreach programs, such as signing memorandums of understanding with old age homes to provide treatment

Vladimir Lenin's Death Anniversary

 

Vladimir Lenin, (full Name: Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov), who passed away on 21 January 1924, in Gorki Leninskie, Russia, aged 53, was a Marxist Revolutionary and Soviet Leader.

He played a leading role in the October Revolution of 1917, overthrowing the Provisional Government and establishing a one-party state under the new Communist Party that became the Soviet Union.

Vladimir Lenin became interested in Marxism while at university and was later exiled to Siberia for sedition. After travelling through Europe Lenin returned to Russia to join the 1917 Russian Revolution, writing his April Theses for the Bolshevik Party on the way.

In power, Lenin began reforms to shift crown and private estates into soviet worker's control. He consolidated power through imposing censorship and authorizing the "Red Terror".

Ideologically a Marxist, his political theories are known as Leninism.

On his death in 1924, Saint Petersburg was renamed Leningrad in his honour and his body was embalmed and placed on display in a Mausoleum in Red Square.

International Day of Acceptance

 

International Day of Acceptance takes place on the 20th of January every year as a powerful reminder of the importance of social acceptance and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

This day is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive society that recognises the abilities, contributions, and rights of all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental challenges.

It emphasises the need to embrace diversity in all its forms and to advocate for equal opportunities and accessibility in every aspect of life. International Day of Acceptance is not only about raising awareness but also about taking action to create environments where differences are respected and celebrated.

It’s a call to individuals, organisations, and governments to promote understanding, respect, and equality for people with disabilities, thereby enriching communities with diverse perspectives and talents.

World Religion Day (Third Sunday of January)

 

World Religion Day takes place every January on the third Sunday of the month aiming to promote interfaith understanding and dialogue between all religions as well as mutual understanding and tolerance between people from different backgrounds.

The day is a global observance for people of all faiths and beliefs to come together to celebrate diversity, foster peace, and promote religious tolerance. It was established by the Bahá’í Faith community in the United States in 1950. Its purpose is to encourage people of all backgrounds to explore the teachings and principles of various religions and to promote unity and understanding among different faiths.

World Snow Day (Third Sunday of January)

 

World Snow Day, celebrated annually on the third Sunday of January, is a globally recognized occasion. Initiated by the International Ski Federation (FIS), this day emphasizes the importance of involving children and families in snow-based sports such as skiing and snowboarding. It’s an event that goes beyond mere enjoyment in the snow; it’s an invitation to discover the thrill and beauty of winter sports, while also promoting family togetherness and outdoor activities.

The essence of World Snow Day lies in its global appeal. Imagine families from different corners of the world, all reveling in the snowy landscapes of their regions, sharing a common joy. The day is a unifying event, bringing together communities through a shared love for winter sports and the natural beauty of snow.

History of World Snow Day

World Snow Day traces its roots to the ‘Bring Children to the Snow’ campaign initiated by the FIS in 2007. The first official celebration of World Snow Day took place in January 2012, marking the second phase of this campaign. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to create the world’s largest snow day. This initiative successfully brought together people from across the globe to enjoy and appreciate the wonders of snow and snow-based activities.

The FIS, which was established in 1910 and later named as such in 1924, has always been at the forefront of promoting skiing and snowboarding activities. With over 180 national skiing organizations under its umbrella, FIS plays a critical role in advocating for the participation of children in snow sports. This vision is not just about creating future champions but more about embedding skiing and snowboarding into the lives of children as a fun and healthy activity.

Why is World Snow Day Important?

World Snow Day holds significant importance for various reasons:

 

1. Promoting Physical Health: Engaging in snow sports like skiing and snowboarding is an excellent way for children and adults alike to stay active and healthy. These activities provide a fun way to exercise in the winter months.

2.  Family Bonding: This day offers a unique opportunity for families to spend quality time together, creating lasting memories while enjoying the thrill of winter sports.

3.  Environmental Awareness: By celebrating snow and winter landscapes, World Snow Day raises awareness about the importance of preserving these natural environments for future generations.

4. Cultural Exchange: As a global event, it fosters cultural exchange and understanding, with people around the world sharing their local snow traditions and experiences.

5.  Stress Relief and Mental Health: The joy of playing in the snow and participating in snow sports can be a great stress reliever and contribute to overall mental wellbeing.

6.  Educational Value: The day also serves as a platform to educate children about snow safety and the environmental aspects of snow and winter.

7.  Economic Boost: World Snow Day helps stimulate local economies, especially in regions where winter tourism is a significant industry.

 

 

International Flower Day

Every January 19^th, we pause to celebrate the vibrant beauty and heartfelt joy flowers bring to our lives. International Flower Day is not just about bouquets or gardens — it's about connection, kindness, and spreading happiness.

The holiday sprouted from a sweet gesture by Rohan and Brooke Levy, a father-daughter duo from Tasmania. Their tradition of gifting 300 flowers to strangers each year is as heartwarming as a sunflower on a sunny day.

Why Celebrate Flowers?

Flowers have been nature’s love language for centuries. Whether you’re wooing someone with roses, calming your nerves with lavender, or decorating your desk with daisies, blooms add beauty and positivity to every moment.

Oliver Hardy's Birth Anniversary

 

Oliver Hardy, born on 18 January 1892, in Harlem, Georgia, U.S., was an American comedic film actor best known as half of the Laurel and Hardy comedy duo. Teamed with Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy made some 100 comedies—many of them classics—between 1921 and 1950.

Norvell Hardy was the youngest of five children. His father died in late 1892; in tribute, the younger Hardy later adopted his father’s first name, Oliver, though he was known as “Babe” by friends and family. As a boy he toured in singing and vaudeville acts. While managing a movie theatre in 1913, Hardy decided that he could do better—or at least no worse—than the actors he saw on-screen, so he went to work at the Lubin studio in Jacksonville, Florida, the following year. He played the menacing “heavy” role in many of these early motion pictures. During the next decade Hardy appeared in more than 200 mostly short films for various studios (beginning with Outwitting Dad [1914] and including an appearance as the Tin Man in the 1925 silent version of The Wizard of Oz). In 1926 he and Laurel separately joined the Hal Roach Studios, one of Hollywood’s great comedy factories. The two soon became members of Roach’s “All-Stars,” an ensemble of comic performers featured in several short comedies. As producer Roach and director-supervisor Leo McCarey noticed the chemistry between Laurel and Hardy, the comics started to work together more often. By the end of 1927 they had officially become a team; their first successful joint comedy was the silent movie Putting Pants on Philip (1927).

In their comedies they played two friends who were brainless but eternally optimistic. Laurel was the guileless nitwit who caused most of their troubles, while Hardy was the pompous, irascible, overbearing windbag whose plans always went awry. With their incredible ignorance and stupidity, they typically managed to convert a simple, everyday situation into “another nice mess.” The robust but agile Hardy was often the skilled slapstick victim of Laurel’s chronic clumsiness, and, in turn, would take his anger out on his friend. One classic and oft-repeated skit involved the two men seamlessly swapping their iconic bowler hats, with Hardy becoming increasingly flustered to find Laurel’s too-small hat repeatedly perched on his head. Hardy was often portrayed as a gallant flirt who would coyly toy with his necktie, only to be left embarrassed by Laurel’s ineptitude as the plot progressed. As the silent film era ended, the pair achieved great popularity in comedies such as The Battle of the Century (1927), Leave ’Em Laughing (1928), Two Tars (1928), Liberty (1929), and Big Business (1929).

Unlike many other actors of the silent era, Laurel and Hardy easily made the transition to sound motion pictures. Hardy’s Southern tones were perfectly suited to his character, and, with the rise in popularity of musical films, the trained singer was eventually able to utilize his dulcet tenor in a number of pictures. An expert in performance, he generally left to his partner the work of writing and creating their comedy routines. Continuing to work for the Roach studio, the two made sound shorts at first. The Music Box (1932) won an Academy award for best short subject. Starting with Pardon Us (1931), they also made full-length feature films. Of their features, Sons of the Desert (1933) and Way Out West (1937) are generally regarded as classics.

The Laurel and Hardy films of the 1940s, made for other studios, were generally not as successful. In the early 1950s the two toured England with a stage act. They were set to make a series of U.S. television specials in 1956 when Hardy suffered a disabling stroke.  He died the following year with his third wife, Virginia Lucille Hardy, at his side. He had no children.

 

 

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.

Nellie Sengupta's Birth Anniversary

 

Nellie Sengupta, born on 12 January 1884, was an Englishwoman who fought for Indian Independence. She was elected president of the Indian National Congress at its 48th annual session at Calcutta in 1933.

Surya Sen's Death Anniversary

Surya Sen, who passed away on 12 January 1934, was an Indian revolutionary who was influential in the Indian independence movement against British rule in India and is best known for leading the Chittagong armoury raid.

Marguerite Bourgeoys' Death Anniversary

Marguerite Bourgeoys, who passed away on 12 January 1700, was a French nun and founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal in the colony of New France, now part of Québec, Canada. She travelled to Fort Ville-Marie (now Montreal) by 1653. There she developed the convent and educated young girls, the poor, and children of First Nations until shortly before her death at the turn of the 18th century. She is also significant for developing one of the first uncloistered religious communities in the Catholic Church. Declared "venerable" by the pope in 1878, she was canonized in 1982 and declared a saint by the Catholic Church.

First Use of Insulin to treat diabetes on human patient in 1922

 

On 11 January 1922, First use of insulin to treat diabetes in a human patient.

On 11 January 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy with diabetes, who lay dying at the Toronto General Hospital, was given the first injection of insulin. However, the extract was so impure that Thompson suffered a severe allergic reaction, and further injections were cancelled.

Over the next 12 days, James Collip worked day and night to improve the ox-pancreas extract, and a second dose was injected on the 23 January. This was completely successful, not only in having no obvious side-effects, but in completely eliminating the glycosuria sign of diabetes.

Conquest of Mecca in 630

 

 

On 11 January 630, Conquest of Mecca, The prophet Muhammad and his followers conquered the city, Quraysh surrendered.

The Conquest of Mecca, was the capture of the town of Mecca by Muslims led by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in December 629 or January 630 AD. The conquest marked the end of the wars between the followers of prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh tribe.

Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar's Birth Anniversary

 

Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar, born on 11 January 1898, was a Marathi writer from Maharashtra, India. He was the first Marathi author to win the prestigious Jnanpith Award.

Dietetics Day

 

Dietetics Day, celebrated on January 10th each year, highlights the critical role of dietitians in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases through nutrition. This observance provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of dietitians in clinical and community settings, emphasizing their expertise in creating personalized, evidence-based nutrition plans to improve overall well-being.

National Save the Eagles Day (U.S.)

Each year on January 10th, National Save the Eagles Day reminds us of the majestic raptors that soar above the Earth - whether they are well populated or endangered. National Save the Eagles Day on January 10 is a day to raise awareness about eagles and to give thanks for the conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. Did you know that there are more than 60 different species of eagles in the world? The bald eagle and the golden eagle are the only two species of eagles found in the U.S. As poaching, pesticides, human intervention, and other dangers continue to threaten eagle populations across the world, we need toc ome together to save and protect these majestic creatures, the symbol of American freedom.

National Apricot Day (U.S.)

 

National Apricot Day is celebrated annually on January 9 to honour the delicious and nutritious apricot, a fruit beloved for its vibrant flavour and versatile uses. This day serves as an opportunity to appreciate the cultural, culinary, and health benefits of apricots while raising awareness about their significance worldwide.

The origins of National Apricot Day remain unclear, but the fruit's history is well-documented. Apricots are believed to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago before travelling to the Mediterranean along the Silk Road. Eventually, Spanish explorers introduced apricots to the Americas in the 18th century.

Robert Baden-Powell's Death Anniversary

 

Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, who passed away on 8 January 1941, in Nyeri, Kenya, was a British army officer who became a national hero for his 217-day defense of Mafeking (now Mahikeng) in the South African War of 1899–1902. He later became famous as the founder in 1908 of the Boy Scouts and as cofounder in 1910 of a parallel organization for girls, the Girl Guides. The American Girl Guide organization was founded in 1912 and soon changed its name to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

In 1884–85 Baden-Powell became noted for his use of observation balloons in warfare in Bechuanaland (now Botswana) and the Sudan. From October 12, 1899, to May 17, 1900, he defended Mafeking, holding off a much larger Boer force until the siege was lifted. After the war he recruited and trained the South African constabulary. On returning to England in 1903, he was appointed inspector general of cavalry, and the following year he established the Cavalry School, Netheravon, Wiltshire. He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1907.

Having learned that his military textbook Aids to Scouting (1899) was being used for training boys in woodcraft, Baden-Powell ran a trial camp on Brownsea Island, off Poole, Dorset, in 1907, and he wrote an outline for the proposed Boy Scout movement. Scout troops sprang up all over Britain, and for their use Baden-Powell’s Scouting for Boys was issued in 1908. He retired from the army in 1910 to devote all his time to the Boy Scouts, and in the same year he and his sister Agnes Baden-Powell (1858–1945) founded the Girl Guides. His wife, Olave, Lady Baden-Powell (1889–1977), also did much to promote the Girl Guides. In 1916 he organized the Wolf Cubs in Great Britain (known as Cub Scouts in the United States) for boys under the age of 11. At the first international Boy Scout Jamboree (London, 1920), he was acclaimed chief scout of the world.

A baronet from 1922, Baden-Powell was created a baron in 1929. He spent his last years in Kenya for his health. His autobiography, Lessons of a Lifetime (1933), was followed by Baden-Powell (1942, 2nd ed. 1957), by Ernest Edwin Reynolds, and The Boy-Man: The Life of Lord Baden-Powell (1989), by Tim Jeal.