20 June - Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus opened in 1887

20 June 1887 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (station code: CSTM (mainline)/ST (suburban)  ,formerly know as Victoria Terminus (station code: BBVT/VT) , opened in Mumbai (Formerly Bombay).

It is a historic terminal train station and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

The terminus was designed by British born architectural engineer Frederick William Stevens, in an exuberant Italian Gothic style. Its construction began in 1878, in a location south of the old Bori Bunder railway station, and was completed in 1887, the year marking 50 years of Queen Victoria's rule, the building being named, Victoria Terminus.

The station's name was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (station code CST) in March 1996 to honour Shivaji, the 17th-century founder of the Maratha Empire, whose name is often preceded by Chhatrapati, a royal title. In 2017, the station was again renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (code CSTM), where Maharaj is also a royal title. However, both the former initials "VT" and the current, "CST", are commonly used.

The terminus is the headquarters of India's Central Railway. It is one of the busiest railway stations in India,serving as a terminal for both long-distance- and suburban trains.

19 June - The Ariane Passenger PayLoad Experiment Launch in 1981

The Ariane Passenger PayLoad Experiment (APPLE) was a significant milestone in India's space exploration history. Launched on 19 June 1981, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), APPLE was an experimental communication satellite equipped with a C-Band transponder. The launch was conducted using Ariane, a launch vehicle developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), and took place from the Centre Spatial Guyanais near Kourou in French Guiana.

Key Points About APPLE:

1. Historical Significance:

   • APPLE was India's first three-axis stabilized geostationary experimental satellite, marking a major advancement in the nation's satellite technology capabilities.
   • The successful launch and operation of APPLE laid the groundwork for subsequent Indian communication satellites and contributed significantly to the country's space communication infrastructure.

2. Technical Features:

   • The satellite featured a C-Band transponder, which is critical for communication applications such as television broadcasting, satellite radio, and data transmission.
   • It incorporated innovative technologies, including a cylindrical structure and a zero-gravity fuel system.

3. Launch and Orbit:

   • APPLE was launched aboard an Ariane-1 rocket, a testament to the collaboration between ISRO and ESA.
   • The satellite was placed into a geostationary orbit, which allows it to remain in a fixed position relative to the Earth, providing consistent communication coverage.

4. Mission Objectives:

   • The primary objective of APPLE was to test and demonstrate the feasibility of satellite-based communication for India.
   • The satellite also aimed to provide practical experience in the design, fabrication, and operation of communication satellites.

5. Legacy and Impact:

   • APPLE's success paved the way for the development of India’s domestic communication satellite program, leading to the launch of more advanced satellites like the INSAT series.
   • It also enhanced India's credibility and capability in space technology on the global stage.

The launch of APPLE on 19 June 1981, represents a landmark achievement for ISRO and highlights the progress and potential of India's space endeavors. It stands as a symbol of technological innovation and international cooperation in the field of space exploration.

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariane_Passenger_Payload_Experiment

19 June - Kuwait gained independence in 1961

19 June 1961, The day, when Kuwait gained independence from British.
It marks a great event in Kuwait's history, as it was the day the Gulf state gained its independence after being a British protectorate since the agreement was signed in 1899 by the seventh Amir, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Britain.

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the eleventh Amir of Kuwait, came to realize that, in light of changes, Kuwait had come to have sufficient resources and that its people could no longer tolerate the limitations of being a British protectorate, and thus made the initiative to substitute it with an agreement of friendship.

Thus, on 19 June 1961, the British government cancelled the agreement of 23 January 1899, on grounds that it conflicted with Kuwait's independence and sovereignty and signed the declaration of independence, bringing Kuwait into a new era.

June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a United Nations observance each June 17.Its purpose is to raise awareness of the presence of desertification and drought, highlighting methods of preventing desertification and recovering from drought. Each year's global celebration has a unique, novel emphasis that had not been developed previously.

This day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/49/115 on January 30, 1995, after the day when United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is drafted.

17 June - Jyoti Prasad Agarwala birth anniversary

Jyoti Prasad Agarwala (17 June 1903 – 17 January 1951) was a noted Assamese playwright, songwriter, poet, writer and film maker from Assam. He was considered as Assamese cultural icon, deeply revered for his creative vision and output and is popularly called the Rupkonwar of Assamese culture.In fact, he is regarded as the founder of Assamese cinema for Joymoti (1935).His death anniversary (17 January) is observed as Silpi divas (Artists' Day) in his honor.

In honor of Agarwala's contributions to Assamese literature and film, the Government of Assam issued a commemorative stamp of "Agarwala" in 2004. 

17 June - Begum Mumtaj Mahal, wife of Shah Jahan Death

Begum Mumtaj Mahal, wife of Shah Jahan, Emperor of India, passed away at Burhanpur a few hours after the birth of a daughter. She was married in 1612 and the Taj Mahal was built for her.

Mumtaz Mahal born Arjumand Banu; 27 April 1593 – 17 June 1631) was the Empress consort of the Mughal Empire from 19 January 1628 to 17 June 1631 as the chief consort of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.The Taj Mahal in Agra, often cited as one of the Wonders of the World, was commissioned by her husband to act as her tomb.

Mumtaz Mahal was born Arjumand Banu Begum in Agra to a family of Persian nobility. She was the daughter of Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan, a wealthy Persian noble who held high office in the Mughal Empire, and the niece of Empress Nur Jahan, the chief wife of Emperor Jahangir and the power behind the emperor.She was married at the age of 19 on 30 April 1612 to Prince Khurram, later known by his regnal name Shah Jahan, who conferred upon her the title "Mumtaz Mahal" (Persian: the exalted one of the palace).Although betrothed to Shah Jahan since 1607,she ultimately became his second wife in 1612. Mumtaz and her husband had fourteen children, including Jahanara Begum (Shah Jahan's favourite daughter),and the Crown prince Dara Shikoh, the heir-apparent,anointed by his father, who temporarily succeeded him, until deposed by Mumtaz Mahal's sixth child, Aurangzeb, who ultimately succeeded his father as the sixth Mughal emperor in 1658.

Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 in Burhanpur, Deccan (present-day Madhya Pradesh), during the birth of her fourteenth child, a daughter named Gauhar Ara Begum.Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built as a tomb for her, which is considered to be a monument of undying love. As with other Mughal royal ladies, we have no contemporary likenesses that are accepted as of her, but numerous imagined portraits were created from the 19th century onwards.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumtaz_Mahal

16 June - Martyrdom of Guru Arjan in 1606

On 16 June 1606, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir ordered that Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru be tortured and sentenced to death after the Guru had refused to stop preaching his message of God as started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Guru was made to sit on a burning hot sheet while boiling hot sand was poured over his body. After enduring five days of unrelenting torture, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was taken for a bath in the river. As thousands watched he entered the river, never to be seen again.

Accordingly, on the 16 of June of every year since 1606, the Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru and the first Sikh Martyr. Before the arrest, torture, and martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the Sikhs had nothing to do with weapons or violence, as all the Sikh Gurus had taught the message of compassion, love, dedication, hard work, worship of one God, and the commitment to peace and harmony for all the peoples of the world.

On Martyrdom day,the Pakistan government released a postal stamp of Dehra Saheb sahidi asthana of Guru Arjan Devji .This is first time in islamic world. The stamp was issued on 400th Anniversary of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Jee Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore . 

Issue Date : 16 June 2006

15 June - All-India Congress Accepts British Plan for Partition of India in New Delhi in 1947

On June 15th 1947, the All-India Congress accepted the British plan for the partition of India in New Delhi. The plan for the Partition, also known as the Mountbatten Plan was declared by the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten.

It called for each dominion to be granted its independence by Aug. 15 of that year.

The partition of India in August 1947 is no doubt one of the most tragic and violent events the subcontinent has witnessed in recent history. British India was partitioned on the basis of religious demographics which went on to create the Sovereign Sates of the Dominion of Pakistan and the Union of India (later the Republic of India). The Dominion of Pakistan (which was created as a homeland for Indian Muslims) was later further divided into the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

15 June - Global Wind Day

Global Wind Day, also known as World Wind Day, is an annual event celebrated on June 15th to raise awareness about the potential and benefits of wind energy. Organized by WindEurope and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the day highlights the importance of wind energy as a sustainable and renewable source of power. Here are some key aspects of Global Wind Day:

1. Promotion of Wind Energy: The event promotes wind energy's role in reducing carbon emissions, mitigating climate change, and transitioning to a greener economy.

2. Educational Events: Various activities such as seminars, exhibitions, and site visits to wind farms are organized to educate the public about wind energy technologies and their benefits.

3. Community Engagement: Communities and organizations around the world participate by hosting local events, providing opportunities for people to learn more about how wind energy works and its positive impact on the environment.

4. Policy Advocacy: The day is also used to advocate for policies that support the development and expansion of wind energy infrastructure and investments.

5. Global Participation: Countries worldwide participate in Global Wind Day, highlighting successful wind energy projects and discussing future opportunities and challenges in the sector.

By celebrating Global Wind Day, the aim is to inspire and mobilize individuals, businesses, and governments to support and invest in wind energy, contributing to a more sustainable and energy-secure future.

14 June - World Blood Donor Day

Every year, on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

World Blood Donor Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Tuberculosis Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day, and World AIDS Day.

Background:

Transfusion of blood and blood products helps and save millions of lives every year. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with higher quality of life, and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. It also has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care. Access to safe and sufficient blood and blood products can help reduce rates of death and disability due to severe bleeding during delivery and after childbirth.

In many countries, there is not an adequate supply of safe blood, and blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available, while also ensuring its quality and safety.

An adequate supply can only be assured through regular donations by voluntary unpaid blood donors. The WHO's goal is for all countries to obtain all their blood supplies from voluntary unpaid donors by 2020. In 2014, 60 countries have their national blood supplies based on 99-100% voluntary unpaid blood donations, with 73 countries still largely dependent on family and paid donors.