11 May - Minnesota became a state of the United States in 1858

 

Minnesota became a state of the United States on May 11, 1858. Prior to that, it was a territory under the control of the United States government. The United States acquired the area through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and it was initially part of the larger Northwest Territory. Over time, the region was organized into various territories, including the Minnesota Territory, before eventually achieving statehood. The process of becoming a state involved the drafting of a state constitution and approval by the U.S. Congress. Minnesota's admission as the 32nd state of the United States marked its formal incorporation into the Union.

11 May - Saadat Hasan Manto birth anniversary

 

Saadat Hasan Manto (11 May 1912 – 18 January 1955) was a Pakistani writer, playwright and author born in Ludhiana, who was active in British India and later, after the 1947 partition of India, in Pakistan. Known for his candid and often provocative narratives, Manto has been widely credited as one of South Asia’s most accomplished modernist fiction writers.

11 May - Asaf Ali birth anniversary

 

Asaf Ali (11 May 1888 – 02 April 1953), an Indian independence fighter and noted Indian lawyer, and the first Indian Ambassador to the United States. He was appointed governor of Odisha for two terms and later, Indian Ambassador to Switzerland. Ali was born on 11 May 1888 in Seohara, North-Western Provinces, British India.

11 May - Odd Hassel Norwegian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969

 

Odd Hassel (17 May 1897 – 11 May 1981) was a Norwegian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 for his ground-breaking research on the structure of molecules

After completing his education, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Oslo. He later became an associate professor of physical chemistry at the same institution in 1925. In the 1930s, he began his ground-breaking research on the three-dimensional structure of molecules, which would later earn him the Nobel Prize.

His research involved the use of X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of organic molecules. He discovered that molecules with non-planar structures are more stable than those with planar structures. This discovery became known as the “Hassel Effect” and was a major breakthrough in the field of chemistry.

Hassel also made significant contributions to the study of dipole moments in molecules. His work led to the development of the Hassel-Bjerrum theory, which explains the relationship between the dipole moment of a molecule and its chemical structure.

He continued to work as a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Oslo until his retirement in 1964. He remained active in the scientific community, however, and continued to publish research papers throughout his lifetime.

He died on 11 May 1981, in Oslo, Norway.

11 May - National Technology Day

 

 

National Technology Day is an observance celebrated in several countries to commemorate and appreciate the achievements and contributions made by scientists, engineers, and technologists in the field of technology. While different countries may have their own designated dates, the most commonly known National Technology Day is celebrated in India on May 11th each year.

In India, National Technology Day is celebrated to honor the successful nuclear tests carried out on May 11th, 1998, at Pokhran, Rajasthan. These tests, codenamed Pokhran-II, demonstrated India's nuclear capabilities and marked a significant milestone in the country's technological advancements. The day serves as a reminder of the nation's achievements in science and technology and highlights the importance of technological innovation for national development.

On National Technology Day in India, various events and activities are organized to showcase technological advancements across different sectors. These may include exhibitions, seminars, conferences, panel discussions, workshops, and award ceremonies. The day also provides an opportunity for scientists, engineers, and technologists to interact with students, educators, and the general public, fostering an appreciation for science and technology.

Apart from India, other countries also celebrate their own versions of National Technology Day to acknowledge and promote technological progress, innovation, and the impact of technology on society. The specific dates and celebrations may vary depending on the country.

 

11 May - Kim Philby death anniversary

 

Kim Philby (1 January 1912 – 11 May 1988), a British intelligence officer and a double agent for the Soviet Union. In 1963 he was revealed to be a member of the Cambridge Five, a spy ring that passed information to the Soviet Union during World War II and in the early stages of the Cold War. He died on 11 May 1988 at the age of 76 in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.

11 May - Juan Gris death anniversary

 

Juan Gris (23 March 1887 – 11 May 1927) was a Spanish painter and sculptor who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of Cubism. Gris was known for his innovative use of color, shape, and form, and his work had a significant impact on modern art.