20 January - International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development

 

The UN General Assembly has adopted, by consensus, a resolution proclaiming the period 2024-2033 as the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development. In this resolution, the UN body proclaims this decade “within existing structures and available resources, to represent a unique opportunity for humanity to use the critical role that sciences play in the pursuit of sustainable development in its three dimensions as one of the key means of implementation as well as in responding to the complex challenges of our time to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all”.

The text calls on the international community to raise awareness of the importance of all sciences for sustainable development, and to participate actively, in line with national priorities, in promoting a coordinated and concerted scientific approach providing decision-makers with the analysis and observation-based data needed to develop and effectively implement policies aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind.

 

20 January - India's first nuclear reactor, named "Apsara," was inaugurated in 1956

 

Nuclear power is the fifth-largest source of electricity in India after coal, gas, hydroelectricity and wind power. As of March 2018, India has 22 nuclear reactors in operation in 7 nuclear power plants, with a total installed capacity of 6,780 MW.Nuclear power produced a total of 35 TWh and supplied 3.22% of Indian electricity in 2017.7 more reactors are under construction with a combined generation capacity of 4,300 MW.

Apsara is the oldest of India's research reactors. The reactor was designed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) and built with assistance from the United Kingdom (which also provided the initial fuel supply consisting of 80 percent enriched uranium). India's and Asia's first nuclear reactor, Apsara reached criticality at 3:45 p.m on 4 August 1956 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Nehru on 20 January 1957. Apsara is a light water swimming pool-type reactor with a maximum power output of one megawatt thermal (MWt). The reactor burns enriched uranium in the form of aluminum alloyed curved plates. Fuel for the reactor is supplied under contract from the United Kingdom, provided that the fuel is safeguarded. The reactor itself is not under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. The Apsara reactor is utilized for various experiments including neutron activation analysis, radiation damage studies, forensic research, neutron radiography, and shielding experiments. The reactor is also used for research and the production of radioisotopes. 

 

20 January - The Battle of Yungay

 

The Battle of Yungay took place on 20 January 1839, near the town of Yungay in Peru, during the War of the Confederation. The conflict involved the forces of the Peruvian Confederation, led by President Felipe Santiago Salaverry, and the Chilean-Peruvian-Bolivian alliance, known as the United Restorative Army, commanded by the Supreme Protector of the Confederation, Andrés de Santa Cruz.

The Battle of Yungay resulted in a decisive victory for the United Restorative Army. President Salaverry was captured and later executed, leading to the collapse of the Peruvian Confederation. This event had significant implications for the political landscape in the region during the 19th century, contributing to changes in power dynamics and territorial arrangements among Peru, Chile, and Bolivia.

20 January - King George V of the United Kingdom passed away in 1936

 

King George V of the United Kingdom passed away on 20 January 1936. George V, whose full name was George Frederick Ernest Albert, was the monarch from 1910 until his death in 1936. His death marked the end of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, as he was the first monarch of the House of Windsor, a name adopted during World War I to replace the German-sounding Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

King George V played a significant role during World War I and the post-war period. His eldest son, who succeeded him as King, became known as Edward VIII but later abdicated, and his second son became King George VI.

 

20 January - Ronald W. Reagan became the 40th President of the United States in 1981

 

Ronald W. Reagan became the 40th President of the United States on 20 January 1981. The inauguration ceremony took place on the west front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Reagan, a Republican, served two terms in office, from 1981 to 1989.

His presidency was marked by a focus on conservative economic policies, including tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong stance against communism. Reagan's administration also faced significant events such as the Cold War, the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), and the Iran-Contra affair.

Reagan's second inauguration occurred on 21 January 1985, as his first term was followed by a successful re-election in 1984.

 

20 January - Fujifilm is founded 1934

 

Fujifilm's history dates back to 20 January 1934, when it was established under the name Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. The company was founded in Tokyo, Japan, by the merger of two photographic film producers, Fuji Shashin Film and Photo Film Co., Ltd.

Fujifilm has since evolved into a multinational conglomerate, known for its contributions to the imaging, photography, and healthcare industries. The company produces a wide range of products, including cameras, photographic films, medical imaging equipment, and various imaging-related technologies.

20 January - Bill Clinton as the 42nd President of the United States

 

Bill Clinton became President on 20 January 1993, and he served two terms in office, from 1993 to 2001. During his presidency, the United States experienced a period of economic growth and job creation. Clinton's administration also played a role in the negotiation of the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Bill Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States. He was born on 19 August 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. Clinton, a Democrat, won the presidential election in 1992, defeating the incumbent President George H.W. Bush and the independent candidate Ross Perot.

However, Clinton's presidency was marred by controversies, including the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1998. He was acquitted by the Senate and completed his second term in office.

After leaving the presidency, Bill Clinton remained active in public life through his philanthropic work and involvement in various global initiatives.

 

 

20 January - George W. Bush became the 43rd President of the United States

 

George W. Bush became the 43rd President of the United States on 20 January 2001, succeeding Bill Clinton. George W. Bush served two terms in office, from 2001 to 2009. His second term followed his re-election in 2004.

George W. Bush, whose full name is George Walker Bush, was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Before entering politics, he had a background in business and served as the Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000. He is the eldest son of former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush.

George W. Bush won the presidential election in 2000 as the Republican candidate, defeating the Democratic candidate Al Gore in a closely contested race. The election results in Florida were particularly contentious, leading to legal challenges and a Supreme Court decision that ultimately determined the outcome.

During his presidency, George W. Bush faced significant challenges, including the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, which led to the War on Terror and the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. His domestic policies included tax cuts, education reform (No Child Left Behind Act), and the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act.

George W. Bush served two terms, leaving office on 20 January 2009. After his presidency, he focused on various philanthropic efforts and writing. His presidency remains a subject of historical analysis and debate.

 

20 January - John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States in 1961

 

John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States on 20 January 1961. His inauguration took place on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Kennedy, a Democrat, served as President from 1961 until his tragic assassination on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. The famous line from his inaugural address, "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country," has become one of the most memorable quotes in U.S. political history.

20 January - Johannes V. Jensen birth anniversary

 

Johannes Vilhelm Jensen (1873–1950) was a Danish author, essayist, and Nobel laureate in Literature. He was born on 20 January 1873, in Farsø, Denmark, and he passed away on 25 November 1950. Jensen's works spanned various genres, including novels, poetry, essays, and plays. He is particularly known for his modernist writings and his exploration of evolution, philosophy, and the relationship between humanity and nature.

Johannes V. Jensen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1944. The Nobel Committee recognized him for his comprehensive and artistic works, which contributed to the renewal of Danish literature. His notable works include the "Myter" (Myths) cycle, a series of novels that explores the development of human culture and society.

Apart from his literary pursuits, Jensen had an interest in science, philosophy, and the natural world. His intellectual curiosity is reflected in his diverse body of work. Jensen's influence extends beyond literature, as he engaged with broader cultural and intellectual discussions of his time.

It's important to note that while Johannes V. Jensen's contributions to Danish literature and his Nobel Prize win are well-established, individual perspectives on his work may vary, and the appreciation of his writings can depend on personal tastes and literary preferences.

 

20 January - Subedar and Honorary Captain Karam Singh death anniversary

 

Subedar and Honorary Captain Karam Singh was a distinguished military figure in the Indian Army. He is renowned for his bravery and exceptional service during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48, also known as the First Kashmir War.

Subedar Karam Singh played a crucial role in the Battle of Tithwal, which took place in the Kashmir region. His unit, the Sikh Regiment, was tasked with defending the strategic town of Tithwal against Pakistani forces. During the battle, Subedar Karam Singh displayed exceptional leadership and courage. He led his men with great determination, even after being wounded multiple times.

For his extraordinary valor and leadership, Subedar Karam Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration, on October 26, 1948. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy.

The citation for Subedar Karam Singh's Param Vir Chakra reads: "Subedar Karam Singh was in command of the forward section of a company at Tithwal. This area was subjected to heavy and prolonged enemy shelling and mortaring. But Subedar Karam Singh moved from trench to trench, encouraging his men, directing their fire and firing along with them. In the face of determined enemy attacks, he moved from section to section exposing himself to the full fury of enemy fire and by his great example and leadership infused enthusiasm and determination into his men. Under his able command, the section repulsed all attacks."

Subedar Karam Singh's gallantry and dedication to duty have made him an inspirational figure in the history of the Indian Army.

Subedar and Honorary Captain Karam Singh was born on 15 September 1915, in Barnala, Punjab, British India. He passed away on 20 January 1993.

20 January - Penguin Awareness Day

 

Penguin Awareness Day is observed on January 20th each year. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about penguins, their habitats, and the conservation efforts needed to protect these unique and fascinating birds.

Penguins are flightless birds that are well-adapted to life in the water. They are known for their distinctive black and white plumage and their waddling gait on land. While some species of penguins live in Antarctica, others can be found in various sub-Antarctic regions, as well as parts of South America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

On Penguin Awareness Day, various organizations, aquariums, and environmental groups often conduct educational programs, exhibits, and social media campaigns to inform the public about penguins, their ecosystems, and the threats they face. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect penguin species and their habitats from environmental challenges, climate change, and human activities.

20 January - Agnes of Bohemia

 

Agnes of Bohemia (20 January 1211 – 2 March 1282), also known as Agnes of Prague, was a medieval Bohemian princess who opted for a life of charity, mortification of the flesh and piety over a life of luxury and comfort. Although she was venerated soon after her death, Agnes was not beatified or canonized for over 700 years.