10 January - The Uniform Penny Post introduced in the United Kingdom in 1840

 

The Uniform Penny Post, a significant milestone in the history of postal services, was introduced in the United Kingdom on 10 January 1840. The Uniform Penny Post was part of a postal reform implemented by Rowland Hill, a British educator and postal reformer. The reform aimed to make postage more affordable and efficient.

Before the introduction of the Uniform Penny Post, the cost of postage was determined by the distance traveled and the number of sheets of paper in a letter. This system made postage expensive and complicated. Rowland Hill proposed a flat rate of one penny for letters weighing up to half an ounce, regardless of the distance traveled. Additionally, the sender, rather than the recipient, would pay for the postage.

The first adhesive postage stamp, known as the Penny Black, was also introduced as part of this postal reform. The Penny Black featured an image of Queen Victoria and had a face value of one penny. It allowed individuals to prepay postage, and it is considered the world's first adhesive postage stamp.

The introduction of the Uniform Penny Post and the Penny Black stamp revolutionized postal services, making them more accessible to the general public and significantly increasing the volume of mail. This reform became a model for postal systems worldwide.

 

10 January - Prince of Wales Museum inaugurated in 1922

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, (CSMVS) originally named Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is a museum in Mumbai (Bombay) which documents the history of India from prehistoric to modern times.The Prince of Wales Museum was inaugurated on 10 January 1922, by Lady Lloyd, the wife of George Lloyd, Governor of Bombay.

It was founded during British rule of India in the early years of the 20th century by prominent citizens of the city then called Bombay, with the help of the government, to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales (later George V, king of the United Kingdom and emperor of India). It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. The museum was renamed in 1998 after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.

The building is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, incorporating elements of other styles of architecture like the Mughal, Maratha and Jain. The museum building is surrounded by a garden of palm trees and formal flower beds.

The museum houses approximately 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history as well as objects from foreign lands, categorised primarily into three sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. The museum houses Indus Valley civilization artefacts, and other relics from ancient India from the time of the Guptas, Mauryas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakuta.

10-15 January - Pacific Asia Travel Association

 

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association working to promote the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region

As William J. Mullahey of Pan American Airways set about organizing the first Pacific area travel conference with the aim of promoting tourism to the largely undiscovered region of Asia Pacific

The inaugural conference eventually took place from January 10–15, 1952 at the Maluhia Auditorium of Fort DeRussy in Waikiki, Hawaii. There were 91 delegates in attendance at the conference, including representatives of government and business.

10 January - David Bowie death anniversary

 

David Bowie, whose full name was David Robert Jones, was a legendary English musician, actor, and record producer. He was born on 08 January 1947, in Brixton, London, England, and passed away on 10 January  2016.

Bowie was a highly influential figure in the music industry and is regarded as one of the most innovative and versatile musicians of the 20th century. Over his career, he explored various musical genres, including rock, pop, soul, funk, electronic, and experimental music. Some of his most well-known albums include "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" (1972), "Hunky Dory" (1971), "Heroes" (1977), and "Let's Dance" (1983).

Throughout his career, Bowie created a variety of alter egos and personas, such as Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and the Thin White Duke, contributing to his reputation as a chameleon in the music world. In addition to his musical achievements, Bowie was also an accomplished actor, with notable roles in films like "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976) and "Labyrinth" (1986).

David Bowie's impact on popular culture, his willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles, and his artistic innovation have left an enduring legacy in the world of music and entertainment. His death in 2016 marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to resonate with generations of fans and fellow artists.

10 January - Constantine II death anniversary

 

Constantine II ( 02 June 1940 – 10 January 2023 ) was the last king of Greece, he was the last king of Greece, reigning from 6 March 1964 until the abolition of the Greek monarchy on 01 June 1973. Constantine was born in Athens as the only son of Crown Prince Paul and Crown Princess Frederica of Greece. Being of Danish descent, he was also born as a prince of Denmark.

Constantine suffered multiple health problems in his final years, including heart conditions and decreased mobility. On 06 January 2023, he was admitted to the intensive care unit of the private Hygiea hospital in Athens in critical condition after suffering a stroke.He died 4 days later, on 10 January 2023, at the age of 82.

10 January - Fête du Vodoun (Benin)

 

The Fête du Vodoun, also known as the Vodoun Festival or Vodun Day, is a significant cultural and religious celebration in Benin. This festival is dedicated to Vodun, which is a traditional spiritual and religious belief system practiced by the Fon and other ethnic groups in Benin and neighboring regions.

The Fête du Vodoun typically takes place on January 10th every year. It is a national holiday in Benin, providing an opportunity for people to celebrate and honor their cultural and religious heritage. Vodun is recognized as one of the major traditional religions in Benin, and the festival is a manifestation of the rich cultural diversity and traditions of the country.

During the Fête du Vodoun, ceremonies, rituals, and festivities are held in various towns and villages across Benin. People dress in traditional attire, participate in dances, and offer prayers and sacrifices to honor the ancestral spirits and Vodun deities. The festival serves as a time for spiritual reflection, community bonding, and the transmission of cultural values from one generation to another.

Benin is often regarded as the birthplace of Vodun, and the Fête du Vodoun is an occasion when practitioners and communities come together to express their religious identity and celebrate the aspects of their heritage tied to this traditional belief system. It is an essential cultural event that showcases the resilience and continuity of Vodun practices in Benin.

10 January - Margaret Thatcher Day (Falkland Islands)

 

January 10 is a very special anniversary in the Falklands Islands because Margaret Thatcher's Day is celebrated. On this day in 1983 then Prime Minister Thatcher visited the Islands and was awarded the honorary freedom of the Falklands, and to celebrate the progress made in the islands in the South Atlantic over the years.

 

 

10 January - Majority Rule Day Bahamas

 

Majority Rule Day is a public holiday in the Bahamas that commemorates a significant political event in the country's history. It is observed annually on January 10th. The holiday marks the day when, in 1967, the Bahamas achieved a major milestone in its political development by holding its first general election under the principle of majority rule.

Before Majority Rule Day, the Bahamas was a British colony, and political power was concentrated in the hands of the white minority, while the majority of the population, consisting mainly of Black Bahamians, had limited political influence. The introduction of majority rule aimed to address issues of social and political inequality.

On January 10, 1967, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), led by Sir Lynden Pindling, won a majority of seats in the general election. This victory marked a historic shift as it was the first time that the majority Black population gained political control in the Bahamas. Sir Lynden Pindling became the first Black Premier of the Bahamas, and the achievement of majority rule was a crucial step toward the eventual independence of the Bahamas from British rule.

Majority Rule Day is a time for Bahamians to reflect on their nation's journey toward self-governance and to celebrate the progress made in achieving political equality and independence. It is a day marked by various events, ceremonies, and activities that highlight the significance of majority rule in shaping the modern political landscape of the Bahamas.

 

10 January -The first Adventures of Tintin comic is published

 

"The Adventures of Tintin" is a popular series of comic books created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé, the pen name of Georges Remi. The first Tintin album, titled "Tintin in the Land of the Soviets" (French: "Tintin au pays des Soviets"), was serialized in the children's supplement of the Belgian newspaper Le Petit Vingtième from 10 January 1929 to 08 May 1930.

The character of Tintin, a young and intrepid reporter, was introduced in this comic series. The plot revolves around Tintin's journey to the Soviet Union, where he uncovers various adventures and faces challenges. "Tintin in the Land of the Soviets" reflects the political context of the time, as it was created during the era of increasing tensions between the Western world and the Soviet Union.

Over the years, "The Adventures of Tintin" became immensely popular worldwide, and Hergé continued to create a total of 24 Tintin albums. The series features a mix of humor, mystery, and adventure, and it has left a lasting impact on the world of comics. Tintin's adventures have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into animated films, radio plays, and stage productions, solidifying the character's place in global popular culture.

 

10 January - Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense

 

Thomas Paine published "Common Sense" on 10 January 1776. "Common Sense" was a pamphlet that played a crucial role in influencing public opinion in favor of American independence from British rule. It was written in a clear and accessible style, making the arguments for independence understandable to a broad audience.

In "Common Sense," Paine argued for the inherent right of the American colonies to govern themselves and questioned the legitimacy of monarchical rule. He strongly advocated for the idea of a republic and the establishment of an independent and democratic government in America.

The pamphlet gained widespread popularity and became a significant catalyst for the growing sentiment for independence among the American colonists. It was widely circulated and read, contributing to the momentum that eventually led to the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is considered one of the most influential pamphlets in American history, and its impact on the American Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States is widely acknowledged.

10 January - World Laughter Day

 

World Laughter Day was first observed on 10 January 1998, and later shifted to the first Sunday in May. The concept of World Laughter Day was introduced by Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement.

The primary purpose of World Laughter Day is to promote laughter as a tool for personal well-being and to foster a sense of global unity and peace. Laughter is believed to have several health benefits, including reducing stress, boosting the immune system, and promoting a positive outlook on life.

On World Laughter Day, people participate in various laughter events, workshops, and activities organized in different parts of the world. Laughter clubs and organizations often conduct laughter yoga sessions, which combine laughter exercises with yogic deep-breathing techniques. These activities aim to spread joy, promote a sense of community, and highlight the positive effects of laughter on physical and mental health.

The celebration of World Laughter Day encourages people to take a moment to laugh and share laughter with others, promoting the idea that laughter is a universal language that can bring people together regardless of their cultural or linguistic differences.

 

10 January - World Hindi Day

 

World Hindi Day, also known as Vishwa Hindi Diwas, is observed on January 10th every year. The day is dedicated to the promotion and propagation of the Hindi language globally. It commemorates the anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference held in 1975 in Nagpur, India.

The objective of World Hindi Day is to promote the use of Hindi language at the international level and to spread awareness about its rich cultural and linguistic heritage. Various events, seminars, and cultural programs are organized on this day to celebrate the importance of Hindi as one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

The initiative aims to strengthen the ties between Hindi-speaking communities around the world and encourage the learning and usage of Hindi in different countries. It also emphasizes the significance of linguistic diversity and the role of Hindi in fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Governments, educational institutions, and cultural organizations play a crucial role in organizing events and activities to mark World Hindi Day and contribute to the global promotion of the Hindi language.

10 January - The world's first underground railway system officially opened in London

 

The opening of the first section of the London Underground, often referred to as the Tube, marked a significant milestone in transportation history. Here are the details of this event:

On January 10, 1863, the world's first underground railway system officially opened in London, United Kingdom. The initial section, known as the Metropolitan Railway, covered a route between Paddington Station and Farringdon Street (now Farringdon Station).

The Metropolitan Railway was designed to alleviate traffic congestion in London and provide a more efficient means of transportation. It used steam locomotives to pull carriages along the underground tracks. The opening of this railway marked the birth of the London Underground, which would go on to become an iconic and integral part of the city's public transportation network.

The success of the Metropolitan Railway spurred the development of additional underground lines in London and inspired the creation of similar systems in other major cities around the world. Today, the London Underground is one of the largest and most well-known urban metro systems globally, serving millions of passengers daily.

The historic opening of the first section of the London Underground on January 10, 1863, remains a significant moment in the evolution of modern transportation infrastructure.