International Hot and Spicy Food Day

 

International Hot and Spicy Food Day is celebrated annually on January 16th, a day dedicated to exploring and enjoying spicy cuisines from around the world, from mild heat to fiery challenges, encouraging people to try new hot dishes or explore different chili peppers. People celebrate by cooking spicy meals, visiting restaurants, trying new chili varieties, or even participating in chilli-eating contests. 

Foundation Day of Asiatic Society in 1788

The Asiatic Society is a Government of India organisation founded during the Company rule in India to enhance and further the cause of "Oriental research" (in this case, research into India and the surrounding regions). It was founded by the philologist William Jones on 15 January 1784 in a meeting presided over by Justice Robert Chambers in Calcutta, the then-capital of the Presidency of Fort William. At the time of its foundation, this Society was named as "Asiatick Society". In 1825, the society was renamed as "The Asiatic Society". In 1832 the name was changed to "The Asiatic Society of Bengal" and again in 1936 it was renamed as "The Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal". Finally, on 1 July 1951, the name of the society was changed to its present one. The Society is housed in a building at Park Street in Kolkata (Calcutta). The Society moved into this building during 1808. In 1823, the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta was formed and all the meetings of this society were held in the Asiatic Society.

Key Details of Foundation

• Founder: The society was established by the philologist and scholar Sir William Jones.
• Inaugural Meeting: The first meeting took place at the Grand Jury Hall of the Supreme Court in Calcutta (now Kolkata), then presided over by Justice Sir Robert Chambers.
• Original Name: At its inception, it was named the Asiatick Society.
• Objective: It was created to promote "Oriental research"—specifically to enquire into the history, civil and natural antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature of Asia. 

 

Armed Forces Veterans' Day (India)

 

In India, Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated annually on 14 January. This observance honours the selfless service and sacrifice of the nation’s ex-servicemen.

Key Highlights of the Day

• Significance: The date 14 January was chosen to commemorate the formal retirement of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, in 1953. He was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and led Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war.
• History: The day was first observed in 2017 to reaffirm the bond between serving personnel, veterans, and the nation.
• Welfare Focus: The celebrations include rallies and help desks for the System for Pension Administration - Raksha (SPARSH), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and grievance redressal counters to assist veterans and their families.
• National Observance: Commemorative events are taking place at 34 Rajya Sainik Boards and 434 Zila Sainik Boards across all States and Union Territories. 

 

Henri Farman Wins the Grand Prix d'Aviation in 1908

 

On 13 January 1908, Henri Farman became the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation.

He won the Deutsch-Archdeacon Prize and a significant cash prize for his flight in the Voisin-Farman I biplane at Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.

Henri Farman (1874-1958) was a French aviation pioneer and aircraft builder who popularized the use of ailerons, moveable surfaces on the trailing edge of a wing that provide a means of lateral control.  

Harika Dronavalli's Birthday

Harika Dronavalli, born on 12 January 1991, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, is an Indian chess grandmaster. She was part of the gold winning women's team at the 45^th Chess Olympiad in 2024.  She has won three bronze medals in the Women’s World Chess Championship, in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Harika was honoured with the arjuna Award for the year 2007–08 by the government of India. In 2016, she won the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix event at Chengdu, China and rose up from world no. 11 to world no. 5 in FIDE women's ranking. In 2019, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions towards the field of sports.

 

International Thank You Day

International Thank You Day celebrates gratitude worldwide on January 11. While its origins are unclear, the tradition likely started in the 1900s. Historical records suggest gratitude has been expressed for centuries—beginning with early Egyptian and Chinese dynasties, evolving through the Middle Ages, and becoming widespread in Europe by the 16th century. Today, it is celebrated globally as a reminder of the significance of a simple “thank you."

Importance

This day highlights the transformative power of gratitude in fostering stronger relationships and improving well-being. Research confirms that gratitude reduces stress, enhances mental health, and promotes resilience. By recognizing the efforts of those who positively impact our lives, we foster a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual respect. It reminds us to pause, reflect, and appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness in our daily lives.

Why do we celebrate?

International Thank You Day offers an opportunity to express gratitude to those who enrich our lives. It fosters empathy, understanding, and peace, encouraging individuals and communities to strengthen bonds. Celebrating gratitude cultivates a positive environment and emphasizes the importance of kindness as a tool for social harmony and personal growth.

Constantine II Death Anniversary

 

Constantine II, the last king of Greece from 1964 to 1974, passed away on 10 January 2023, in Athens, Greece, aged 82.

After spending World War II in exile in South Africa, Constantine returned to Greece in 1946. When his father became King Paul I in 1947, Constantine became crown prince; he succeeded to the throne upon his father’s death on 6 March 1964. Fearing leftist infiltration of the army, he dismissed Georgios Papandreou in July 1965 and appointed Interim premiers until April 21, 1967, when a military coup forestalled the election, he was planning for May of that year. He attempted a countercoup from northern Greece on 13 December 1967, but had few sympathizers and almost immediately fled to Rome with his family. The military regime retained control of the monarchy and appointed a regent in Constantine’s place, granting the king a free return if he desired.

On 1 June 1973, the military regime ruling Greece proclaimed a republic and abolished the Greek monarchy. A referendum on 29 July 1973, confirmed these actions. After the election of a civilian government in November 1974, another referendum on the monarchy was conducted on December 8. The monarchy was rejected, and Constantine, who had protested the vote of 1973, accepted the result.