National Popcorn Day (United States)

 

On January 19th, National Popcorn Day pops onto the scene with a crunch we all love to enjoy! The annual celebration recognizes a treat that satisfies munchies, day or night. 

This time-honoured snack can be sweet or savoury, caramelized, buttered or plain, molded into a candied ball, or tossed with nuts and chocolate. However, it is enjoyed, enjoy it on National Popcorn Day, January 19th.

The word "corn" in Old English meant "grain" or, more specifically, the most prominent grain grown in a region. When Native Americans introduce their most common grain, maize, to early Europeans, they aptly applied the word "corn."

As early as the 16th century, the Aztecs used popcorn in headdresses worn during ceremonies honouring Tlaloc, their god of maize and fertility. Early Spanish explorers were fascinated by the corn that burst into what looked like a white flower.

Popcorn started becoming popular in the United States in the middle 1800s. It wasn't until Charles Cretors, a candy-store owner, developed a machine for popping corn with steam that the tasty treat became more abundantly poppable. By 1900 he had horse-drawn popcorn wagons going through the streets of Chicago.

At about the same time, Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn to bring Cracker Jack to the world. Then in 1908, the national anthem of baseball was born. Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote Take Me out to the Ballgame. From that point onward, popcorn, specifically Cracker Jack, became forever married to the game.

 

World Snow Day 2026

World Snow Day is observed on the third Sunday in January each year, and in thus in 2026 it is being celebrated on 18^th January. It was created by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The purpose behind it is to increase children’s participation in snow-related sports like skiing and snowboarding, while bringing together families for a fun-filled frolic in the snow. Countries all over the world can make use of their snowy regions to host winter sports and activities so that more people can get the chance to experience snow. Imagine one great big global snowy fiesta, celebrated around the world over the same weekend — that’s the vision with which World Snow Day was established.

International Mentoring Day

International Mentoring Day is celebrated annually on 17th January. 

The day is observed as a centerpiece of National Mentoring Month (January) to foster global understanding of the mentoring movement and recognize the role mentors play in shaping lives and careers. 

Origins and History

• Muhammad Ali’s Legacy: The date was specifically chosen to honor the birthday of boxing legend and humanitarian Muhammad Ali (born 17J anuary 1942). His life values—confidence, conviction, and respect—are foundational to the day's spirit.
• Establishment: It was first launched in 2016 through a collaboration between

MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, the Muhammad Ali Center, and other global advocacy groups. 

Key Objectives

• Global Awareness: Highlighting the impact of mentoring across borders, industries, and generations.
• Promoting Inclusion: Emphasizing how mentoring can bridge opportunity gaps and elevate underrepresented voices.
• Call to Action: Encouraging individuals to become mentors, share success stories, or donate to mentoring organizations. 

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.