12 December - Alfred Werner birth anniversary

 

Alfred Werner (1866–1919) was a Swiss chemist who made significant contributions to the field of coordination chemistry, particularly in the understanding of the structure and bonding in coordination compounds. He was born on 12 December 1866, in Mulhouse, Alsace (then part of France).

Werner is best known for his coordination theory, which he developed in the early 20th century. At the time, there was a lack of understanding about the structures of coordination compounds, which are formed by the coordination of metal ions with surrounding ligands. Werner's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for our modern understanding of coordination chemistry.

One of Werner's key contributions was the introduction of the concept of coordination number, which refers to the number of ligands surrounding a metal ion in a coordination complex. He proposed that these complexes have a three-dimensional spatial arrangement, and he classified them based on their coordination numbers.

In 1913, Alfred Werner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the theory of coordination compounds. This recognition marked a significant step forward in the development of inorganic chemistry.

Unfortunately, Werner's life was cut short, as he died at the age of 52 in 1919. Despite his relatively short career, his ideas and theories had a profound and lasting impact on the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of coordination compounds.

 

12 December - Vijayanta, first India-made millitary tank handed over to the Army

 

Vijayanta, first India-made millitary tank which was handed over to the Army, was manufactured at Avadi Heavy Vehicles Factory at Madras.

The Vijayanta was a main battle tank built in India based on a licensed design of the Vickers Mk.1. The Vijayanta was the first indigenous tank of the Indian Army. The prototype was completed in 1963 and the tank entered service in 1965. The first 90 vehicles were built by Vickers in the UK. Production continued at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi until 1983 with 2,200 units. A number of the tank hulls were converted to other uses such as self-propelled guns after being withdrawn from service. The Vijayanta has been supplemented by the T-72M1 in Indian service.

12 December - Yuvraj Singh birthday

 

Yuvraj Singh is a former Indian international cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders to have played for the Indian cricket team. He was born on December 12, 1981, in Chandigarh, India.

Yuvraj made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 2000 in the ICC KnockOut Trophy. He played a crucial role in India's success in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he was awarded the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding all-around performances. Yuvraj is particularly remembered for his memorable six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad's bowling during a T20 World Cup match against England.

Yuvraj was known for his aggressive batting style, powerful hitting, and ability to score quickly. He was also a handy left-arm spinner and an agile fielder. However, his career faced a setback when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Yuvraj successfully battled the disease and made a triumphant return to international cricket.

Throughout his career, Yuvraj Singh represented India in all three formats of the game - Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2019. Yuvraj's contributions to Indian cricket, especially in major tournaments, have left a lasting impact on the sport, and he remains a beloved figure among cricket fans.

 

 

The proclamation of George V as Emperor of India and the announcement of the shift of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi took place during the Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911. The Delhi Durbar was a grand event held to celebrate the coronation of a new monarch or significant events related to the British Empire in India.

During the Durbar, George V made the historic announcement that the capital of British India would be moved from Calcutta to Delhi. The decision to shift the capital was influenced by various factors, including strategic considerations, as Delhi was more centrally located, and the British wanted a symbolic shift that would emphasize their control over the entire subcontinent.

The construction of New Delhi, the new capital, began in 1912 and continued for several years. Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker were the chief architects responsible for the design and layout of New Delhi. The city was officially inaugurated as the capital in 1931.

The decision to move the capital from Calcutta to Delhi had far-reaching consequences and marked an important chapter in India's history under British rule. It was a symbolic and administrative change that reflected the evolving dynamics of British imperial control in the Indian subcontinent.

 

12 December - Kenya Jamhuri Day

 

Jamhuri Day is a national holiday in Kenya that is celebrated on 12 December each year. The word "Jamhuri" is Swahili for "Republic," and Jamhuri Day marks the day when Kenya officially became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. On 12 December 1964, Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule, and Jomo Kenyatta became the country's first Prime Minister.

The day is a significant occasion for Kenyans, and celebrations typically include various events such as parades, cultural displays, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches by political leaders. It is a time for reflection on Kenya's history, achievements, and progress as a nation.

The holiday emphasizes the principles of democracy, self-governance, and the unity of the Kenyan people. It is an opportunity for citizens to come together and celebrate their national identity. Additionally, the day often includes the honoring of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.

12 December - Shivaji Rao Gaikwad professionally know as Rajinikanth was born 1950

 

 

Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (born 12 December 1950), known professionally as Rajinikanth is an Indian actor, producer and screenwriter who works mainly in Tamil cinema. In a career spanning over five decades, he has done more than 160 films that includes films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and popular actors in the history of Indian cinema. Known for his uniquely styled lines and idiosyncrasies in films, he has a huge fan base across South India and has a cult following. The Government of India honoured him with Padma Bhushan in 2000, Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India's third and second highest civilian honours, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019 for his contributions to Indian cinema.