17 May - World Information Society Day

 

World Information Society Day, also known as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, is observed annually on May 17th. It is a day designated by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting social and economic development and to address the digital divide.

The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2006 to mark the anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a two-phase UN conference held in 2003 and 2005. The WSIS aimed to address the challenges and opportunities of the information society, with a focus on harnessing the potential of ICTs to achieve sustainable development goals.

World Information Society Day aims to:

1. Promote inclusive information societies: Highlight the importance of providing equal access to information and communication technologies, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities offered by ICTs.

2. Advocate for ICT development: Raise awareness about the potential of ICTs in promoting economic growth, innovation, social inclusion, and cultural diversity. Encourage governments, organizations, and individuals to invest in the development and deployment of ICT infrastructure and services.

3. Foster digital literacy and skills: Emphasize the importance of digital literacy, education, and capacity-building to enable individuals to effectively and responsibly use ICTs, access information, and participate in the digital society.

 

17 May - World Hypertension Day

 

World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17th to raise awareness about hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, and its impact on public health worldwide. The day aims to promote education, prevention, and control of hypertension and its associated complications.

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood pressure levels. It is a major risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Hypertension affects a significant portion of the global population and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

World Hypertension Day was first established in 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL), an organization dedicated to promoting awareness, prevention, and control of hypertension. Each year, the WHL, in collaboration with various health organizations and institutions, selects a theme for World Hypertension Day to focus on specific aspects of hypertension management.

World Hypertension Day serves as a platform for various activities and initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, health screenings, educational programs, conferences, and scientific symposiums. These efforts aim to empower individuals to take control of their blood pressure levels, facilitate early detection and management of hypertension, and ultimately reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.

It is important to note that while World Hypertension Day provides a dedicated focus on hypertension awareness, education, and prevention, these efforts should be part of an ongoing commitment to promote cardiovascular health throughout the year.

17 May - Restrictions on weavers of Bengal's textile industry by The East India Company

 

The East India Company did indeed impose various restrictions on weavers in Bengal, which had a detrimental impact on the region's textile industry. During the 18th century, Bengal was renowned for its high-quality textiles, particularly muslin and silk, which were in great demand in both domestic and international markets.

When the East India Company gained control over Bengal through the Battle of Plassey in 1757, it sought to maximize its profits from the region. The company implemented several policies that undermined the indigenous textile industry and favored British manufacturers.

One of the key measures was the imposition of heavy duties and tariffs on Indian textiles, making them expensive and less competitive compared to British textiles. Additionally, the company discouraged the export of raw materials like silk and imposed strict regulations on their production, which hindered the growth of local industries.

The East India Company also established a system of monopolies and exclusive contracts, forcing weavers to sell their products exclusively to the company at low prices. This deprived the weavers of fair compensation for their labor and undermined their economic sustainability.

Furthermore, the company introduced technological changes that disrupted traditional weaving practices. British machines and power looms were introduced, which could produce textiles more quickly and at a lower cost. This resulted in the decline of handloom weaving and the displacement of thousands of weavers from their traditional occupations.

These policies and restrictions imposed by the East India Company had a devastating impact on Bengal's textile industry. The once-prosperous weaving communities faced impoverishment, loss of livelihoods, and a decline in their traditional craft. The company's actions were primarily driven by its profit-seeking motives, and the consequences for the local economy and society were severe.

It is important to note that the decline of Bengal's textile industry was not solely due to the East India Company's policies. Factors such as changing global market conditions, competition from other regions, and socio-economic changes within Bengal also played a role. However, the East India Company's actions exacerbated and accelerated the decline, leaving a lasting impact on the region's textile heritage.

17 May - World Telecommunication Day

 

World Telecommunication Day is an annual observance that takes place on May 17th. It is a day designated by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the importance of communication and the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in connecting people across the world.

The day was first celebrated on May 17th, 1969, marking the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the UN responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. The ITU plays a crucial role in the development and coordination of global telecommunications networks and services.

World Telecommunication Day aims to promote the benefits of ICTs in bridging the digital divide, fostering economic and social development, and improving access to information and communication resources. It also highlights the need for equitable and affordable access to telecommunications infrastructure and services, particularly in developing countries.

Each year, the ITU selects a theme for World Telecommunication Day to focus on specific challenges or opportunities related to the telecommunications sector. The chosen theme serves as a focal point for discussions, events, and initiatives organized by governments, industry leaders, organizations, and individuals around the world.

17 May - Odd Hassel birth anniversary

 

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.