17 July - Angela Merkel born in 1954

 

Angela Merkel was born on July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, West Germany. She is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and served as the party's leader from 2000 to 2018.

Merkel's political career began after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 when she became involved in politics in the newly reunified Germany. She held various ministerial positions in the government before becoming the Chancellor.

In 2005, Angela Merkel became the first woman to be elected Chancellor of Germany, and she went on to win three subsequent elections in 2009, 2013, and 2017. She was widely regarded as a skilled negotiator and a pragmatic leader, often dubbed the "Iron Lady" for her firm stance on important issues.

During her time as Chancellor, Merkel played a critical role in navigating Germany through various challenges, including the global financial crisis, the European debt crisis, and the refugee crisis. She was known for her commitment to European integration and maintaining strong ties with other world leaders.

In 2021, Angela Merkel decided not to seek re-election, and her term as Chancellor came to an end after the September 2021 federal elections. After leaving office, Merkel's impact on German and European politics remains significant, and she is considered one of the most powerful women in the world and a key figure in shaping modern Germany and Europe.

 

17 July - USA celebrates National Lottery Day

 

National Lottery Day is observed on July 17th each year. It is a day to celebrate and recognize the impact of lotteries on society, their contributions to various causes, and the joy they bring to millions of people through the chance to win prizes and support charitable initiatives.

Lotteries have a long history and have been used as a means to raise funds for public projects, charitable organizations, and other social causes. Many countries around the world operate national or state lotteries, and the proceeds from these lotteries often go towards supporting education, health care, infrastructure, arts and culture, and other essential services.

On National Lottery Day, lottery operators may hold special events, promotions, or giveaways to engage with the public and celebrate the positive impact of their contributions. It is also a day when people participate in lotteries with the hope of winning prizes and contributing to various charitable causes indirectly.

It's worth noting that lottery participation should be done responsibly, and people should always gamble within their means. National Lottery Day provides an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of lotteries while recognizing the good they do in supporting social welfare programs and making a positive difference in society.

17 July - World Day for International Justice

 

World Day for International Justice, also known as Day of International Criminal Justice or International Justice Day, is observed on July 17th each year. The day serves to promote awareness about the importance of international justice, the fight against impunity, and the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international tribunals.

The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, is a permanent international court that prosecutes individuals for serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. It aims to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and contribute to the prevention of future atrocities.

International Justice Day provides an opportunity to commemorate the victims of international crimes and to recognize the efforts of organizations, governments, and individuals who work towards achieving justice for victims and upholding the rule of law.

On this day, various events, seminars, and awareness campaigns are organized globally to highlight the significance of international justice and to call for stronger support and cooperation with the ICC and other international justice mechanisms.

The day is a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure justice for victims and to promote a world where human rights are protected, and perpetrators of serious crimes are held accountable for their actions.

16 July - USA celebrates Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day

 

Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day is celebrated on July 16 each year. With discoveries in science, tech, and healthcare, A.I. offers the possibility of a more evolved future. A.I. tools already dominate the market making human life much easier. From travel and navigation to smartphone apps, A.I. has taken the world by storm and looks set to change the future. Although many believe that A.I. only emerged in recent years, its foundations reach back further than that. Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day was created to celebrate the history and accomplishments of A.I. tech and raise awareness about its current and future use cases in human life.

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.