31 May - World Parrot Day

 

World Parrot Day is an annual event celebrated on May 31st to raise awareness about parrots and promote their conservation. Parrots are highly intelligent and colorful birds known for their ability to mimic sounds and speech. They belong to the family Psittacidae, which includes species such as macaws, cockatoos, and African grey parrots.

The primary goal of World Parrot Day is to educate people about the challenges facing parrot populations worldwide and to inspire action to protect these fascinating birds. Parrots are native to tropical and subtropical regions and play vital roles in maintaining forest ecosystems. However, they face numerous threats, including habitat loss, illegal trade, poaching, and climate change.

The day also serves as an opportunity to promote responsible pet ownership and discourage the illegal trade of parrots as pets. Many parrot species are endangered or critically endangered due to their capture for the pet trade. World Parrot Day emphasizes the need for sustainable alternatives, such as adopting rescued parrots or supporting reputable breeders who prioritize the welfare and conservation of these birds.

Conservation efforts for parrots involve protecting their natural habitats, establishing protected areas, implementing strict laws and regulations against poaching and illegal trade, and supporting breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species. Research and monitoring initiatives are also essential for understanding parrot populations and developing effective conservation strategies.

By celebrating World Parrot Day, people can learn more about parrots, appreciate their beauty and intelligence, and contribute to the preservation of these remarkable birds. Through education and collective action, we can work towards ensuring the survival of parrot species and their habitats for generations to come.

31 May - Raj Khosla birth anniversary

Raj Khosla was a prominent Indian film director and producer who was active in the Hindi film industry, also known as Bollywood. He was born on May 31, 1925, in Lahore, British India (now Pakistan), and passed away on June 9, 1991.

Raj Khosla began his career in the film industry as an assistant director to Guru Dutt, a renowned filmmaker of the time. He made his directorial debut with the film "Milap" in 1955. Throughout his career, Raj Khosla directed numerous successful and critically acclaimed films, covering various genres such as drama, suspense, and romance.

Some of Raj Khosla's notable directorial ventures include "C.I.D" (1956), "Kalapani" (1958), "Mera Saaya" (1966), "Do Raaste" (1969), and "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971). He had a keen eye for storytelling and was known for his ability to create gripping narratives and engaging characters.

Raj Khosla often collaborated with popular actors of his time, including Dev Anand, Asha Parekh, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna, among others. He also worked closely with renowned music composers, such as Ravi and Laxmikant-Pyarelal, to create memorable soundtracks for his films.

During his career, Raj Khosla received several accolades and recognition for his work. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Director for the film "Do Raaste" in 1970. He is also remembered for his association with the suspense genre and is often referred to as the "Master of Suspense" in Indian cinema.

 

31 May - Maurice Allais birth anniversary

Maurice Allais, born on 31 May 1911, was a French physicist and economist, the 1988 winner of the *Nobel Memorial Prize* in Economic Sciences _"for his pioneering contributions to the theory of markets and efficient utilization of resources",_ for Maurice Allais contribution, along with John Hicks (Value and Capital, 1939) and Paul Samuelson (The Foundations of Economic Analysis, 1947), to neoclassical synthesis. They formalize the self-regulation of markets, that Keynes refuted, while reiterating some of his ideas.

 

31 May - Nur Jahan birth anniversary

 

Nur Jahan (31 May 1577 – 17 December 1645), the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Her original name was ‘Mehrunnisa‘.  After marriage, Jahangir conferred upon him the titles of ‘Nurmahal‘ and ‘Nur Jahan’. In 1613 AD, Nur Jahan was made ‘Pattamahishi’ or ‘Badshah Begum‘. Nur Jahan was a woman with extraordinary personality and intelligence, Jahangir left all the weight of governance on her. She was born on May 31, 1577 in Kandahar

31 May - Pankaj Roy birth anniversary

 

Pankaj Roy was an Indian cricketer who played as an opening batsman for the Indian national cricket team. He was born on May 31, 1928, in Calcutta, British India (now Kolkata, India), and passed away on February 4, 2001.

Pankaj Roy had a successful career in domestic and international cricket. He made his Test debut for India in 1951 against England. Throughout his career, he played 43 Test matches and scored 2,442 runs at an average of 32.56, including 6 centuries and 11 half-centuries.

One of Pankaj Roy's most notable achievements was his partnership with fellow cricketer Vinoo Mankad. They formed a formidable opening partnership and had several memorable innings together. In 1956, Roy and Mankad set a then-world record for the highest partnership in Test cricket, scoring 413 runs against New Zealand in Chennai (formerly Madras). This record stood for over three decades until it was surpassed in 1991.

Pankaj Roy's batting style was known for its solid technique and patience. He was regarded as a technically sound opener who could play long innings and provide a solid foundation for the Indian team. His contributions were crucial in the development of Indian cricket during that era.

After retiring from international cricket, Pankaj Roy continued to be associated with the sport. He served as a national selector and also held administrative roles in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Pankaj Roy's impact on Indian cricket, particularly as an opening batsman, is widely recognized. His partnerships and contributions to the game have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of cricketers in India.

31 May - World No Tobacco Day

 

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31st every year to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption worldwide. The day is organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partner agencies.

World No Tobacco Day serves as an opportunity to highlight the risks associated with tobacco use, including its link to various health issues such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, and other non-communicable diseases. It aims to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco and encourage individuals to quit smoking or avoid tobacco products altogether.

Each year, World No Tobacco Day focuses on a specific theme related to tobacco control. These themes often emphasize the need for comprehensive tobacco control measures, including measures to protect people from exposure to secondhand smoke, raise tobacco taxes, ban tobacco advertising, promote cessation support, and implement graphic warning labels on tobacco products.

The day is marked by various activities and initiatives around the world, including public awareness campaigns, educational events, and policy advocacy. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), healthcare professionals, and individuals participate in these efforts to promote a tobacco-free society and protect public health.

 

31st May - Titanic was launched 31st May 1911

ON THIS DAY: - 31st May 1911

Titanic was launched, built for the White Star Line by Harland & Wolff in Belfast and when completed she sailed from Belfast on 2nd April 1912, bound for Southampton.

(Pictures of the stamps shown here are Library Pictures)