26 July - INS Arihant Launched in 2009

 

INS Arihant is India's first indigenously developed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). Here are some key details about INS Arihant:

1. Launch and Commissioning: INS Arihant was launched on 26 July 2009, and was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 2016.

2. Design and Development: The submarine is part of India's Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. The design and development were carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Navy, and other associated organizations.

3. Specifications:

   • Displacement: Approximately 6,000 tonnes
   • Length: About 112 meters
   • Propulsion: Powered by an 83 MW pressurized water reactor
   • Speed: Can reach speeds of 24 knots when submerged
   • Range: Unlimited range with endurance limited only by food supplies

4. Armament: INS Arihant is equipped with K-15 Sagarika missiles, which have a range of around 750 kilometers, and it can also carry K-4 missiles, which have a longer range of around 3,500 kilometers.

5. Significance: The induction of INS Arihant marked a significant milestone for India, providing it with a credible second-strike capability and enhancing its nuclear deterrence posture. This makes India one of the few countries in the world to have a nuclear triad, capable of delivering nuclear weapons by land, air, and sea.

INS Arihant represents a crucial asset in India's strategic defense, playing a key role in its maritime security and nuclear deterrence strategies.

Since no stamp has been issued on INS Arihant , have displayed the INS Kalvari stamp.

26 July -- George Bernard Shaw birth anniversary

 

George Bernard Shaw was born on July 26, 1856, in Dublin, Ireland.

eorge Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist who lived from 1856 to 1950. He is regarded as one of the greatest dramatists in the English language. Shaw was born in Dublin, Ireland, and he later moved to London, where he became associated with the Fabian Society, a socialist organization.

Shaw wrote numerous plays, many of which are still performed and studied today.

George Bernard Shaw's plays often tackled social issues, challenged conventional thinking, and incorporated his socialist and progressive views. He used humor, satire, and sharp wit to criticize societal norms, politics, and the class system of his time.

Apart from his work as a playwright, Shaw was also an essayist, music critic, and public speaker. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 for his contributions to literature and his idealism in promoting humanitarian causes. Shaw's legacy as a playwright and thinker continues to influence the world of theater and literature to this day.

He passed away on November 2, 1950, at the age of 94. Throughout his long life, Shaw made significant contributions to literature, theater, and social and political discourse, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential playwrights and thinkers of his time.

26 July - Day of the National Rebellion Cuba

 

The Day of the National Rebellion in Cuba, celebrated on July 26, commemorates the start of the Cuban Revolution in 1953. This day marks the anniversary of the attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba and the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Barracks in Bayamo by a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro.

Background

• Political Context: Cuba was under the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, who had seized power in a military coup in 1952. His regime was characterized by widespread corruption, repression, and close ties with the United States.
• Revolutionary Movement: Fidel Castro, a young lawyer and political activist, emerged as a leader of the opposition against Batista. He believed that an armed struggle was necessary to overthrow the regime.

The Attack

• Moncada Barracks: On July 26, 1953, Fidel Castro and his brother Raúl led a group of about 160 rebels in an attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba. The aim was to seize weapons and spark a popular uprising against Batista's government.
• Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Barracks: Simultaneously, a smaller group of rebels attacked the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Barracks in Bayamo.
• Outcome: Both attacks were unsuccessful. Many of the rebels were killed, and others, including Fidel and Raúl Castro, were captured.

Aftermath

• Trial and Imprisonment: Fidel Castro and other surviving rebels were put on trial. During his defense, Castro delivered his famous speech, "History Will Absolve Me," outlining his revolutionary ideals and criticizing Batista's regime. Castro was sentenced to 15 years in prison but was released in 1955 as part of a general amnesty.
• Formation of the 26th of July Movement: The failed attack became a rallying point for the revolutionary movement. Castro went into exile in Mexico, where he organized the 26th of July Movement (Movimiento 26 de Julio or M-26-7), named after the date of the Moncada attack. This movement would eventually lead the guerrilla war against Batista's forces.

Significance

• Symbol of Resistance: The Day of the National Rebellion symbolizes the beginning of the Cuban Revolution and the determination to overthrow Batista's dictatorship.
• Cuban Revolution: The movement led by Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and others eventually succeeded in overthrowing Batista on January 1, 1959. This led to the establishment of a socialist state in Cuba, significantly impacting Cuban society, politics, and its relations with the United States and the world.

Commemoration

• National Holiday: July 26 is a national holiday in Cuba, marked by various ceremonies, speeches, and celebrations. The day is used to honor the sacrifices of those who fought against Batista and to celebrate the achievements of the Cuban Revolution.
• Legacy: The events of July 26, 1953, are a pivotal part of Cuba's national identity and history, emphasizing themes of resistance, resilience, and revolutionary change.

The Day of the National Rebellion remains a key date in Cuba's revolutionary history, representing the enduring spirit of the Cuban people's struggle for independence and social justice.

26 July - New York becomes the 11th state of the United States.

 

New York became the 11th state of the United States on July 26, 1788. This was a significant milestone in the early formation of the United States following the American Revolutionary War. Here are more details about this historic event:

Background

• Articles of Confederation: Before the Constitution, the newly independent American colonies were governed by the Articles of Confederation, which provided a loose federal structure.
• Constitutional Convention: In 1787, a Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia to draft a new Constitution to create a stronger federal government. The proposed Constitution required ratification by at least nine of the thirteen states to become effective.

Ratification Process

• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: The debate over the ratification saw two main groups: the Federalists, who supported a strong central government, and the Anti-Federalists, who feared centralization and loss of states' rights.
• New York's Role: New York was a key state in the ratification process due to its large population and economic influence. The debate in New York was particularly intense, with prominent figures like Alexander Hamilton advocating for ratification.

Ratification

• Constitutional Convention in New York: A convention was held in Poughkeepsie, New York, to debate the ratification of the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, among others, authored "The Federalist Papers" to argue in favor of ratification.
• Vote: On July 26, 1788, after intense debate, New York voted to ratify the U.S. Constitution with a narrow margin of 30 to 27.

Significance

• Federal Union: New York's ratification was pivotal in ensuring the success of the new federal system. As one of the largest and most influential states, its support lent significant credibility to the new Constitution.
• Political Influence: The ratification strengthened the Federalist position in the early political landscape of the United States. New York, particularly through figures like Hamilton, played a crucial role in shaping the early policies of the new federal government.

Legacy

• The Federalist Papers: The essays written by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison remain a critical source for interpreting the Constitution and understanding the framers' intentions.
• Economic and Cultural Hub: New York's early entry into the Union set the stage for its future development as an economic and cultural powerhouse in the United States.

Broader Impact

• Constitutional Framework: New York's ratification helped cement the U.S. Constitution as the foundational legal document of the country, guiding its political and legal systems.
• State-Federal Relations: The debates in New York highlighted the ongoing tension between state sovereignty and federal authority, a dynamic that continues to shape American politics.

New York's accession to the Union as the 11th state was a critical step in the formation of the United States, influencing the nation's development and governance for centuries to come.

26 July - Dadabhai Naoroji elected as the first Indian Member of Parliament in Britain in 1892

 

Dadabhai Naoroji was elected as the first Indian Member of Parliament in Britain on 26th July 1892.

Dadabhai Naoroji won the election for the Central Finsbury constituency in London as a Liberal Party candidate. This historic victory marked the first time an Indian was elected to the House of Commons, making him a trailblazer for Indian political representation in the UK.

Dadabhai Naoroji's election to the British Parliament was a significant milestone in the history of India's struggle for self-government and the fight for Indian rights during the colonial era. He continued to be a prominent figure in Indian politics and a vocal advocate for Indian interests throughout his time in Parliament.

Dadabhai Naoroji was a prominent Indian nationalist and social reformer. He was a leading figure in the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in advocating for Indian rights and self-government during the colonial era.