04 August - International Beer Day (2023)

International Beer Day celebrates the taste of beer and the achievement of beer brewers. Beer is an ancient alcoholic drink brewed mainly from malted barley, hops, yeast and water although it is possible to brew it from other grains such as maize, wheat and rice. Records of beer date back to 4000 BC, making it one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world.

The three stated goals of the International Beer Day are to: appreciate brewers and servers, enjoy the taste of all beers from around the world, and to unite the world under the banner of beer. Founded in 2007 by the Association of California Brewers, International Beer Day has become an international event that is observed in more than 50 countries worldwide. It is held annually on the first Friday of August.

04 August - Pherozeshah Mehta birth anniversary

 

Pherozeshah Mehta, born on August 4, 1845, was a prominent Indian political leader and social reformer during the British colonial era. He played a significant role in the early stages of the Indian National Congress (INC), which was a key organization in the Indian independence movement.

Mehta was born into a Parsi family in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. He studied law in London and returned to India to practice as a lawyer. He soon became actively involved in public affairs and became a leading figure in the Indian National Congress. He was one of the founding members of the INC in 1885 and served as its president in 1890 and 1904.

Pherozeshah Mehta was known for his eloquence, dedication to the cause of Indian self-rule, and his efforts towards social and political reform. He advocated for constitutional reforms, civil rights, and the expansion of education and opportunities for Indians.

Mehta also played a significant role in the municipal governance of Bombay and was elected multiple times as the President of the Bombay Municipal Corporation. He contributed to improving the city's infrastructure, education, and public services.

Throughout his life, Pherozeshah Mehta remained a staunch advocate of moderate and constitutional methods for achieving India's self-rule. He was widely respected by people from different communities and political affiliations.

Pherozeshah Mehta passed away on November 5, 1915, but his contributions to Indian politics and society are remembered and celebrated to this day.

04 August - International Clouded Leopard Day in UK

 

International Clouded Leopard Day is celebrated on August 4 every year. It is celebrated to raise awareness of one of the most beautiful and endangered species of animals — the Clouded Leopard — in a bid to improve their numbers both in captivity and in the wild. This animal is known by other names, one of them being the mainland clouded leopard. These species of wild cats inhabit dense forests from the foothills of the Himalayas through mainland Southeast Asia into the south of China. Estimates show fewer than 10,000 Clouded leopards living in the wild. These shy and nocturnal animals are an endangered species as they are illegally hunted for their fur, and also because their habitat is constantly being threatened.

03 August - Shakeel Badayuni birth anniversary

 

Shakeel Badayuni (1916-1970) was a highly regarded Urdu poet, lyricist, and songwriter in the Indian film industry. He is best known for his profound and poetic lyrics that left a lasting impact on Indian music and cinema during the golden era of Bollywood.

Here are some key highlights about Shakeel Badayuni:

1. Early Life: Shakeel Badayuni was born on 03 August 1916, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2. Poetry and Literature: He had a deep interest in Urdu poetry from a young age and became known for his poetic talent during his college days. He was influenced by renowned poets like Mir Taqi Mir and Mirza Ghalib.

3. Bollywood Career: Shakeel Badayuni made his debut as a lyricist in the film "Chand" in 1944. However, his real breakthrough came with the film "Mela" (1948), for which he penned the superhit song "Ye Zindagi Ke Mele."

4. Collaboration with Music Directors: He collaborated with some of the finest music directors of his time, including Naushad, Roshan, and S. D. Burman, creating memorable songs that became classics.

5. Notable Works: Some of Shakeel Badayuni's iconic songs include "Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho" from the film "Chaudhvin Ka Chand" (1960), "Husnwale Tera Jawab Nahin" from the film "Gharana" (1961), and "Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhoolegi" from the film "Barsaat Ki Raat" (1960).

6. Awards and Recognition: Shakeel Badayuni received several awards for his contributions to Indian cinema, including the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist.

7. Death: Shakeel Badayuni passed away on 20 April 1970, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetic lyrics that continue to resonate with music lovers.

Shakeel Badayuni's poetry and lyrics are still cherished by music enthusiasts, and his soulful compositions remain an integral part of the Indian musical heritage. He is remembered as one of the most exceptional lyricists in the history of Bollywood.

03 August - Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was established

 

The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was established and is a well-known American tire manufacturer with a significant history in the automotive industry. The company was founded by Harvey S. Firestone on August 3, 1900.

Harvey S. Firestone was a businessman and entrepreneur who recognized the potential of the growing automobile industry and the need for quality tires. He established the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, which quickly became a leading manufacturer of tires for automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles.

The company's early success was largely attributed to its commitment to producing high-quality tires and its innovative techniques for tire manufacturing. Firestone's reputation for reliable and durable tires made the brand highly sought after by automakers and consumers alike.

Over the years, Firestone expanded its product offerings and became a prominent player in the global tire industry. The company's association with the automotive industry continued to grow, and Firestone tires were used in various motorsports events, further enhancing the brand's reputation.

In 1988, the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was acquired by the Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone Corporation. Despite the acquisition, the Firestone brand remains a significant part of Bridgestone's tire product line, and Firestone tires continue to be popular choices for many drivers around the world.

 

03 August - Alfred Deakin birth anniversary

 

Alfred Deakin was an influential Australian politician who played a significant role in the early years of Australia's federation and government. He was born on August 3, 1856, in Fitzroy, Victoria, and passed away on October 7, 1919, in South Yarra, Victoria.

Deakin was a prominent figure in the movement for Australian federation, which aimed to unite the separate colonies into a single nation. He was actively involved in drafting the Australian Constitution and played a key role in shaping the country's federal structure.

Throughout his political career, Deakin held various important positions. He was a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1879 to 1901, serving as Attorney-General and Chief Secretary in the Victorian government. He also represented Victoria at the various colonial conferences leading to federation.

As mentioned earlier, Deakin served as the second Prime Minister of Australia on three separate occasions. His terms were from September 1903 to April 1904, July 1905 to November 1908, and June 1909 to April 1910. He was a member of the Protectionist Party and later the Commonwealth Liberal Party.

Deakin's political ideology leaned towards progressive reforms and social justice. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he implemented significant policies, including the establishment of a White Australia policy, which sought to restrict non-European immigration, and the introduction of measures to support workers' rights and welfare.

 

03 August - Maithili Sharan Gupta

 

Maithili Sharan Gupt(3 August 1886 – 12 December 1964) was one of the most important modern Hindi poets.He is considered one among the pioneers of Khari Boli (plain dialect) poetry and wrote in Khari Boli dialect,at a time when most Hindi poets favoured the use of Braj Bhasha dialect.He was a recipient of the third highest (then second highest) Indian civilian honour of Padma Bhushan.For his book Bharat-Bharati (1912),widely quoted during India's freedom struggle, he was given the title of Rashtra Kaviby Mahatma Gandhi.

02 August - Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray birth anniversary

 

Sir Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray (August 2, 1861 – June 16, 1944) was a distinguished Indian chemist, educator, and entrepreneur, widely regarded as the father of modern Indian chemistry. Born in Raruli-Katipara, now in Bangladesh, Ray pursued his higher education at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned his D.Sc. in chemistry. Upon returning to India, he joined the Presidency College in Kolkata as a professor of chemistry, where he made significant contributions to chemical research and education.

Ray is renowned for his discovery of the compound mercurous nitrite and for founding Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, India's first pharmaceutical company. His research work and publications, including the seminal "History of Hindu Chemistry," highlighted the rich scientific heritage of ancient India. A dedicated nationalist and social reformer, Ray actively supported the Swadeshi movement, promoting self-reliance and the use of indigenous products. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and educators, embodying the spirit of scientific inquiry and national pride.

The Royal Society of Chemistry honoured his life and work with the first ever Chemical Landmark Plaque outside Europe. He was the founder of Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, India's first pharmaceutical company. He is the author of A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century (1902). 

02 August - The Clay Street Hill Railroad begin operation in 1873

 

The Clay Street Hill Railroad, which later became known as the San Francisco Cable Car System, began operating the first cable car in San Francisco on August 2, 1873.

The cable car system was developed as a solution to the city's steep hills, which made it difficult for traditional horse-drawn streetcars to operate effectively. Andrew S. Hallidie, an engineer and inventor, designed the system and installed a system of cables beneath the street that would pull the cable cars along the tracks.

The first cable car route ran along Clay Street from Jones Street to Kearny Street in San Francisco. The success of this line led to the rapid expansion of the cable car system throughout the city, providing a reliable and efficient means of transportation for San Francisco residents and visitors.

Today, the San Francisco Cable Car System is not only a vital part of the city's public transportation network but also an iconic symbol of San Francisco. Tourists from around the world come to experience riding the historic cable cars and to enjoy the scenic views of the city's hills and landmarks.

02 August - The Tower Subway opened to the public in 1870

 

The Tower Subway was a short underground tunnel that ran beneath the River Thames in London, England, United Kingdom. It was designed to allow pedestrians to cross the river between Tower Hill on the north bank and Tooley Street on the south bank.

The Tower Subway opened to the public on August 2, 1870. It was an innovative engineering project for its time, using a cylindrical wrought-iron tube that was 7 feet in diameter to carry passengers through the tunnel. However, the project was not financially successful, and it faced various technical issues. As a result, it was later converted to carry water mains, and the pedestrian service was discontinued.

The world's first underground tube railway, commonly known as the London Underground or simply "the Tube," was the Metropolitan Railway, which opened on January 10, 1863. It operated on a steam locomotive system and ran between Paddington and Farringdon stations in London. The success of the Metropolitan Railway laid the groundwork for the development of the extensive London Underground network that exists today.