16 July - Frits Zernike birth anniversary

 

Frits Zernike (16 July 1888 –  10 March 1966) was a Dutch physicist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1953 for his invention of the phase-contrast microscope. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Zernike made significant contributions to the field of optics and microscopy.

Zernike's groundbreaking work on phase-contrast microscopy revolutionized the observation of transparent or nearly transparent objects, which were previously difficult to study under a microscope. His invention allowed for the visualization of details in biological specimens without the need for staining or other contrast-enhancing techniques.

In addition to his work on microscopy, Frits Zernike also made contributions to the field of mathematical physics. He developed a mathematical technique called the Zernike polynomials, which are used in the analysis of optical aberrations in systems such as telescopes and microscopes.

Frits Zernike's scientific achievements earned him recognition and honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physics. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the fields of optics and microscopy.

16 July - Aruna Asaf Ali birth anniversary

 

Aruna Asaf Ali was a prominent Indian independence activist and a key figure in the Indian freedom struggle. She was born on July 16, 1909, in Kalka, Punjab (now in Haryana), British India, and she passed away on July 29, 1996.

Aruna Asaf Ali played an instrumental role in India's struggle for independence against British colonial rule. She was actively involved in the Quit India Movement, a mass civil disobedience campaign launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942. During this movement, she worked to mobilize people and organize protests against British rule.

In 1942, she hoisted the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay (now Mumbai) during the Quit India Movement. Her act of defiance and courage inspired many others to join the struggle for independence.

After India gained independence in 1947, Aruna Asaf Ali continued her involvement in politics and social work. She held various positions, including becoming the first mayor of Delhi in 1958. She also served as the President of the All India Women's Conference.

Aruna Asaf Ali was known for her dedication to social causes and worked tirelessly for the betterment of society. She received several honors and awards for her contributions to India's freedom movement and social work.

21 July - USA celebrates National Ice Cream Day

 

National Ice Cream Day in the United States is typically celebrated on the third Sunday of July each year. In 2024, if the tradition continues, National Ice Cream Day would be observed on July 21nd.

On this day, many ice cream parlors and businesses may offer special deals and promotions to celebrate the occasion. It's a fun day to enjoy this delicious frozen treat and beat the summer heat! Keep in mind that dates for recurring events can sometimes change, so it's always good to double-check closer to the date.

16 July - Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, or Virgin of Carmel, is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as patroness of the Carmelite Order, particularly within the Catholic Church. The first Carmelites were Christian hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the late 12th and early to mid-13th century. They built in the midst of their hermitages a chapel which they dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, whom they conceived of in chivalric terms as the "Lady of the place." Our Lady of Mount Carmel was adopted in the 19th century as the patron saint of Chile.

Since the 15th century, popular devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has centered on the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, also known as the Brown Scapular. Traditionally, Mary is said to have given the Scapular to an early Carmelite named Simon Stock (1165–1265). The liturgical feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated on 16 July

15 July -Hassanal Bolkiah birthday

Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th and current Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei. He has been in power since 1967, and he is one of the world's longest-serving monarchs. 

• He is also the world's richest monarch, with an estimated net worth of over $28 billion.
• Bolkiah was born in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on July 15, 1946. He is the eldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit.
• He was educated at the Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England.
• Bolkiah was appointed Crown Prince in 1961, and he succeeded to the throne upon his father's abdication in 1967.
• He is the Prime Minister of Brunei, and he holds the portfolios of Minister of Defense, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Bolkiah is a devout Muslim, and he has been a strong supporter of Islamic causes. He has also been a vocal critic of terrorism.
• Bolkiah is a controversial figure. He has been criticized for his lavish lifestyle and his authoritarian rule. However, he is also popular among many Bruneians, who see him as a symbol of stability and prosperity.

Here are some other interesting facts about Hassanal Bolkiah:

• He owns a fleet of over 7,000 cars, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom that is encrusted with diamonds.
• He has a private zoo that is home to over 2,000 animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants.
• He is a keen golfer, and he has a private golf course in Brunei.
• He is also a talented musician, and he plays the piano and the guitar.

Hassanal Bolkiah is a complex and fascinating figure. He is a man of great wealth and power, but he is also a devout Muslim and a strong supporter of Islamic causes. He is a controversial figure, but he is also popular among many Bruneians. Only time will tell what his legacy will be.

 

 

15 July - the first postage stamps of the British colony of New Brunswick were issued in 1859

 

On July 15, 1859, the first postage stamps of the British colony of New Brunswick were issued. The stamps were part of the "Woodblock Issue" and marked the introduction of adhesive postage stamps in the province.

The stamps were designed and printed by the American Bank Note Company. They featured a rectangular design with a portrait of Queen Victoria in the center. The stamps were denominated with various values, including 5 cents, 10 cents, and 17 cents, to represent the different postal rates at the time.

The issuance of these stamps was a significant step in the development of the postal system in New Brunswick. The introduction of adhesive postage stamps made it easier and more convenient for individuals to prepay postage when sending mail.

Today, the early stamps of New Brunswick are highly sought after by collectors and are considered important pieces of philatelic history. They represent the beginnings of postage stamp usage in the province and are valued for their historical and aesthetic significance.

 

15 July - La Marseillesi' was declared the national anthem of France 1795

 

 

 

"La Marseillaise" is the national anthem of the French Republic. The song was written in 1792 by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in Strasbourg after the declaration of war by France against Austria, and was originally titled "Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin"("War Song for the Army of the Rhine").

The French National Convention adopted it as the Republic's anthem in 1795. The song acquired its nickname after being sung in Paris by volunteers from Marseille marching to the capital. The song is the first example of the "European march" anthemic style. The anthem's evocative melody and lyrics have led to its widespread use as a song of revolution and its incorporation into many pieces of classical and popular music.

 

15 July - Boeing largest aerospace company, started in 1916

 

Boeing was founded by William Boeing in Seattle, Washington, on July 15, 1916 

The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide.The company also provides leasing and product support services. Boeing is among the largest global aerospace manufacturers; it is the third-largest defense contractor in the world based on 2020 revenue,and is the largest exporter in the United States by dollar value.Boeing's stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

15 July - Anton Chekhov death anniversary

 

Anton Chekhov (29 January 1860 – 15 July 1904) was a Russian playwright and short-story writer who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is considered one of the greatest playwrights in the history of Western drama, and his plays are still widely performed today. He is also considered a master of the short story form.

Chekhov was born on 29 January 1860  in Taganrog, Russia, the third of six children. His father was a grocer and his mother was a former serf. Despite his humble origins, Chekhov was able to attend school and received a good education. He studied medicine at Moscow University but did not finish his degree.

In 1884, Chekhov began writing for various newspapers and magazines, and soon became a popular and respected writer. In 1888, he published his first collection of short stories, and by the 1890s, he had established himself as one of the most prominent writers in Russia.

In addition to his writing, Chekhov was also a practicing physician and would often travel to remote areas of Russia to provide medical care to the poor. He believed that his medical background helped him to better understand human suffering, which is reflected in his writing.

Chekhov’s most famous plays include The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, and The Three Sisters. These plays are known for their subtlety, psychological complexity, and lack of clear-cut resolutions. They are considered masterpieces of the modern theater.

 

Chekhov’s health began to decline around the turn of the century and he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Despite his illness, he continued to write, and he produced some of his best work during this time. He died on 15 July 1904 at the age of 44.

Chekhov’s plays and stories have been translated into many languages and continue to be performed and read around the world. His work has had a profound influence on modern literature, theater, and film.

15 July - Jamshedji Jijabhai birth anniversary

 

Jamshedji Jijabhai (15 July 1783 – 14 April 1859), a very wealthy charity from his business. Jamshed Ji Jijabhai’s most name is due to his charity. Due to financial constraints, he could not take education. At the young age of 12, he joined the business of selling old bottles with his maternal uncle. A few days later he also got married to my sister. With the death of his parents in 1899, the entire burden of the family came over Jijabhai. He was the first Indian to be honored by Queen Victoria. Jijabai, who was away from communal discrimination, took many steps to improve the condition of women and to remove the evils of Parsi society. Prominent among the institutions established with his financial assistance is – J. J. Hospital, J. J. School of Art, Poona Dam, and Water Institute. He was Bron on 15 July 1783 in Mumbai.