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.