13 May - Phase 4 of the 2024 General Elections

 

Phase 4 of the 2024 General Elections will see voting for 96 parliamentary constituencies on 13 May 2024. (10 States/UTs) (General - 64; ST - 12; SC - 20). Voting is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (Times for poll closure may vary depending on the PC.)

On May 13, phase 4 elections will also be held simultaneously for all 175 seats (General: 139; ST: 7; SC: 29) in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and 28 seats (General: 11; ST: 14; SC: 3) in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

13 May - First sitting of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India in 1952

 

The Rajya Sabha, the Council of States, held its first sitting on 13 May 1952. It is the upper house of the Parliament of India and plays a crucial role in the legislative process, along with the Lok Sabha, the House of the People. The Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories of India, while the Lok Sabha represents the people of India.

The Rajya Sabha, as the upper house of the Indian Parliament, has several distinctive features:

1. Composition: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. It consists of members who are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and by the members of the Electoral College for Union Territories.

2. Representation: Unlike the Lok Sabha, where the representatives are directly elected by the people, the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly, which means they represent the states and union territories rather than specific constituencies.

3. Term: The term of a member of the Rajya Sabha is six years, and one-third of its members retire every two years. This system ensures continuity in the functioning of the house.

4. Special Powers: The Rajya Sabha has special powers that distinguish it from the Lok Sabha. It can initiate and pass resolutions to remove the President of India and other impeachable officials. It also plays a crucial role in the passage of certain types of bills, especially those related to states or subjects under the Concurrent List.

5. Representation of Expertise: The Rajya Sabha also provides representation to individuals with expertise in various fields such as arts, sciences, literature, and social service. The President of India can nominate members to represent these fields.

Overall, the Rajya Sabha serves as a vital forum for representing the interests of the states and union territories, providing a platform for deliberation and decision-making on legislative matters at the national level.

 

13 May - Hasrat Mohani death anniversary

 

Hasrat Mohani, whose full name was Syed Fazlul Hasan, was a prominent Indian Urdu poet, freedom fighter, and politician during the pre-independence era. He was born on 14 October 1878 in Mohan, Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, India, and he passed away on 13 May 1951.

Hasrat Mohani was known for his revolutionary poetry, which often expressed the aspirations for freedom and social justice. He played a significant role in the Indian freedom movement and was associated with the Khilafat Movement and the Indian National Congress. He was an advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity and worked closely with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

One of his most famous poetic compositions is "Mazhab nahi sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna" (Religion does not teach us to bear ill-will against each other), which underscores the message of communal harmony and unity.

Hasrat Mohani was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and later served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, until his death. His contributions to literature, politics, and the freedom struggle continue to be remembered and celebrated in India.

13 May - Mary Queen of Scots is defeated at Battle of Langside.

 

On May 13, 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots, was defeated at the Battle of Langside. This battle marked a significant event in the tumultuous history of Scotland and the life of Mary Stuart.

Following her forced abdication from the Scottish throne in 1567 and subsequent escape from captivity, Mary gathered supporters and attempted to reclaim her crown from the regency of her half-brother, James Stewart, Earl of Moray, who acted as regent for her infant son, James VI of Scotland.

The Battle of Langside, fought near Glasgow, was a pivotal confrontation between Mary's forces and those loyal to the Scottish regency. Despite initially having numerical superiority, Mary's troops were outmaneuvered and defeated by the regent's army. This defeat effectively ended Mary's hopes of regaining the Scottish throne and led to her fleeing to England, seeking the protection of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.

Mary's presence in England would ultimately lead to her imprisonment and eventual execution in 1587, after being implicated in various plots against Elizabeth's reign.

The Battle of Langside thus played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Scotland and England during the 16th century and contributed to the ongoing rivalry and intrigue between the two queens.

 

13 May - Rotuma Day (Rotuma)

Rotuma Day is an annual holiday celebrated on May 13th on the island of Rotuma, which is a Fijian dependency located in the South Pacific Ocean. Rotuma Day commemorates the day when Rotuman chiefs ceded the island to Great Britain in 1881, making it a British protectorate.

The day is marked with various cultural festivities, including traditional dances, music performances, sports competitions, feasting, and community gatherings. It's a time for Rotumans to come together to celebrate their unique culture, heritage, and identity.

Rotuma Day is not only celebrated on the island itself but also by Rotuman communities around the world, particularly in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries with Rotuman diaspora populations. It serves as an important occasion for Rotumans to reconnect with their roots, strengthen community bonds, and pass down cultural traditions to younger generations.

The celebrations often include the display of traditional Rotuman crafts, such as weaving, wood carving, and pottery, as well as the sharing of traditional foods and stories that highlight the island's history and cultural significance.

Rotuma Day is a time of pride and unity for the Rotuman people, and it reinforces their sense of belonging and connection to their island home and heritage.

 

13 May - National Fruit Cocktail Day (United States)

 

National Fruit Cocktail Day in the United States is celebrated on May 13th each year. This day is dedicated to honoring the delightful and refreshing concoction known as fruit cocktail.

Fruit cocktail typically consists of a mix of various fruits that are canned or preserved in syrup or juice. Common fruits found in fruit cocktail include peaches, pears, grapes, pineapple, and cherries. Fruit cocktail is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack, either on its own or as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or other dishes.

On National Fruit Cocktail Day, people may celebrate by indulging in fruit cocktail in various ways. Some may enjoy a classic canned fruit cocktail, while others may opt for homemade versions made with fresh fruits and homemade syrup. Creative recipes incorporating fruit cocktail into dishes such as salads, smoothies, or cocktails may also be explored.

This holiday serves as a reminder to appreciate the sweet and tangy flavors of fruit cocktail and the convenience it offers as a ready-to-eat treat. Whether enjoyed straight from the can or incorporated into culinary creations, National Fruit Cocktail Day is a time to savor the deliciousness of this beloved fruit medley.

 

13 May - International Hummus Day

 

International Hummus Day is celebrated annually on May 13th. This day is dedicated to honoring and enjoying hummus, a popular Middle Eastern dip or spread made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, among other ingredients.

Hummus has become a beloved food around the world, appreciated for its delicious flavor, creamy texture, and versatility. It can be served as a dip with vegetables, pita bread, or crackers, used as a spread in sandwiches and wraps, or incorporated into various recipes as a flavorful ingredient.

International Hummus Day provides an opportunity for hummus enthusiasts to celebrate this tasty dish and share their favorite hummus recipes and experiences. Restaurants, food companies, and communities may organize special events, tastings, promotions, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about hummus and its cultural significance.

In addition to being delicious, hummus is also known for its nutritional benefits, as it is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Its popularity has contributed to the globalization of Middle Eastern cuisine and increased appreciation for the diverse culinary traditions of the region.

Whether homemade or store-bought, hummus continues to bring people together to enjoy good food and celebrate cultural diversity on International Hummus Day and throughout the year.

13 May - First Formula One Grand Prix race is held in 1950

 

On May 13, 1950, the first Formula One Grand Prix race was held at the Silverstone Circuit in England. This inaugural race marked the beginning of the modern era of Formula One racing. The event was part of the newly established FIA World Championship of Drivers, which would later be renamed the Formula One World Championship.

The race at Silverstone was attended by thousands of spectators and featured a field of talented drivers competing in open-wheel racing cars. Giuseppe Farina, driving for Alfa Romeo, won the race, setting the stage for what would become one of the most prestigious and popular motorsport championships in the world.

Since that historic race in 1950, Formula One has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of fans and featuring races on circuits across the globe. The sport continues to captivate audiences with its high-speed action, cutting-edge technology, and fiercely competitive drivers and teams.

 image source: Postbeeld

13 May - The Inverted Jenny

 

The Inverted Jenny, is a 24 cent United States postage stamp first printed on 10 May 1918, in which the image of the Curtiss JN-4 airplane in the center of the design is printed upside-down; it is probably the most famous error in American philately. Only one pane of 100 of the invert stamps was ever found, making this error one of the most prized in all philately.

Initial deliveries went to post offices on 13 May 1918. Aware of the potential for inverts, a number of collectors went to their local post offices to buy the new stamps and keep an eye out for errors. Collector William T. Robey was one of those, he had written to a friend on 10 May mentioning that "it would pay to be on the lookout for inverts". On 14 May 1918, Robey went to the post office to buy the new stamps, and as he wrote later, when the clerk brought out a sheet of inverts, "my heart stood still". He paid for the sheet, and asked to see more, but the remainder of the sheets were normal. The postal clerk who sold the sheet later said he did not realize the image was inverted because he had never seen an airplane before.

13 May - Ronald Ross birth anniversary

 

Ronald Ross was born on 13May 1857, and he passed away on 16 September 1932. He was a British medical doctor who is best known for his groundbreaking work on the transmission of malaria. He was born in Almora, India, which was then part of British India. Ross joined the Indian Medical Service in 1881 and served in various locations, including India, Egypt, and West Africa.

Ross became interested in the transmission of malaria while serving in India. At the time, it was known that mosquitoes were somehow involved in the spread of the disease, but the exact mechanism was not understood. In 1897, Ross made a significant breakthrough when he discovered that malaria parasites were transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. He made this discovery while working in Secunderabad, India, by observing the life cycle of the malaria parasite in the stomachs of mosquitoes.

Ross's discovery had far-reaching implications for the understanding and control of malaria. It provided crucial insights into the disease's transmission, leading to more effective methods for its prevention and control. For his discovery, Ross was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902, becoming the first British Nobel laureate in medicine.