13 December - Republic Day Malta

 

Malta became a republic on 13 December 1974, when it officially ceased to be a Commonwealth realm and became a sovereign republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. However, Malta celebrates its Republic Day on December 13th to mark this significant event in its history.

On Republic Day, various events and activities take place across the country, including official ceremonies, parades, and cultural events. The day is a public holiday, and it is an occasion for Maltese citizens to reflect on their national identity and the milestones in the country's political history.

For the most current and accurate information about Republic Day celebrations in Malta, especially if there have been any changes or developments after my last update, it's recommended to check with local authorities, official government sources, or reliable news outlets in Malta.

 

13 December - Sailor's Day Brazil

 

"Sailor's Day" in Brazil, known as "Dia do Marinheiro" in Portuguese, is celebrated annually on December 13. This day is dedicated to honoring and paying tribute to the Brazilian Navy and its personnel. It is a day to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of sailors in safeguarding maritime interests, protecting the country's coastline, and ensuring maritime security.

The date holds historical significance as it commemorates the birthday of Joaquim Marques Lisboa, the Marquis of Tamandaré, who was a distinguished Brazilian naval officer and a key figure in the history of the Brazilian Navy. The Marquis of Tamandaré is celebrated for his leadership during the Paraguayan War (1864–1870) and his contributions to the development and modernization of the Brazilian Navy.

On Sailor's Day, various events, ceremonies, and activities are organized by the Brazilian Navy to honor sailors, both past and present. This may include parades, religious services, and other commemorative events held across the country. It is a day for the nation to express gratitude to the naval forces for their service and commitment to maritime defense.

13 December - Indian Parliament attack in 2001

 

On 13 December  2001, five gunmen entered the Parliament complex in New Delhi and opened fire, resulting in a deadly terrorist attack. The attackers managed to breach the tight security at the Parliament premises, leading to a fierce gun battle with security forces.

The attack resulted in the deaths of several security personnel and government officials. A total of 12 people were killed, including the attackers. The victims included five Delhi Police personnel, a woman Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper, two Parliament Security Service personnel, and a gardener.

The terrorists involved in the attack were linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), two Pakistan-based militant organizations. The incident led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, both of which possess nuclear capabilities.

In response to the attack, India mobilized its military, and the situation escalated to the point of a military standoff between the two countries. The international community played a role in diffusing tensions, and the standoff eventually de-escalated.

The 2001 Indian Parliament attack had significant political, security, and diplomatic ramifications for the region, contributing to the complexities of India-Pakistan relations. The incident underscored the challenges of terrorism and security in the region.

 

13 December - Manohar Parrikar birth anniversary

 

Manohar Parrikar (13 December 1955 – 17 March 2019) was an Indian politician and a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Goa multiple times and held various important positions in both state and national politics.

Some key points about Manohar Parrikar include:

1. Early Life: Manohar Parrikar was born on December 13, 1955, in Mapusa, Goa. He was educated as a metallurgical engineer from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

2. Political Career: Parrikar entered politics in the early 1990s. He was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from his early days and later joined the BJP. He held various positions within the party.

3. Chief Minister of Goa: Parrikar served as the Chief Minister of Goa on multiple occasions. He first became Chief Minister in 2000 and later held the position from 2012 to 2014 and from 2017 until his resignation due to health reasons in 2019.

4. Defence Minister of India: In 2014, Parrikar was appointed as the Defence Minister of India in the Narendra Modi-led government. He played a crucial role in the defense sector during his tenure.

5. Illness and Passing: Manohar Parrikar battled pancreatic cancer and sought medical treatment in the United States. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the illness on March 17, 2019, at the age of 63.

6. Legacy: Parrikar was widely respected for his integrity and dedication to public service. He was known for his hands-on approach and was regarded as one of the more efficient and accessible politicians in India.

Manohar Parrikar's contributions to Indian politics, especially in the state of Goa and the defense sector at the national level, left a lasting impact. His death marked a significant loss for the political landscape in India.

 

13 December - Smita Patil death anniversary

 

Smita Patil (17 October 1955 – 13 December 1986) was an Indian actress who worked in films, television series and plays. Regarded among the finest stage and film actresses of her times,she appeared in over 80 films in several languages, but mostly in Hindi and Marathi, in a career that spanned just over a decade.During her career, she received two National Film Awards and a Filmfare Award. She was the recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour in 1985.

Apart from acting, Patil was an active feminist and a member of the Women's Centre in Mumbai. She was deeply committed to the advancement of women's issues and gave her endorsement to films which sought to explore the role of women in traditional Indian society, their sexuality, and the changes facing the middle-class woman in an urban milieu.[10]

Patil was married to actor Raj Babbar. She died on 13 December 1986 at the age of 31 due to childbirth complications. Over ten of her films were released after her death.

On the occasion of 100 years of the Indian cinema, a postage stamp bearing her face was released by India Post to honour her on 3 May 2013

12 December - Alfred Werner birth anniversary

 

Alfred Werner (1866–1919) was a Swiss chemist who made significant contributions to the field of coordination chemistry, particularly in the understanding of the structure and bonding in coordination compounds. He was born on 12 December 1866, in Mulhouse, Alsace (then part of France).

Werner is best known for his coordination theory, which he developed in the early 20th century. At the time, there was a lack of understanding about the structures of coordination compounds, which are formed by the coordination of metal ions with surrounding ligands. Werner's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for our modern understanding of coordination chemistry.

One of Werner's key contributions was the introduction of the concept of coordination number, which refers to the number of ligands surrounding a metal ion in a coordination complex. He proposed that these complexes have a three-dimensional spatial arrangement, and he classified them based on their coordination numbers.

In 1913, Alfred Werner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the theory of coordination compounds. This recognition marked a significant step forward in the development of inorganic chemistry.

Unfortunately, Werner's life was cut short, as he died at the age of 52 in 1919. Despite his relatively short career, his ideas and theories had a profound and lasting impact on the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of coordination compounds.

 

12 December - Vijayanta, first India-made millitary tank handed over to the Army

 

Vijayanta, first India-made millitary tank which was handed over to the Army, was manufactured at Avadi Heavy Vehicles Factory at Madras.

The Vijayanta was a main battle tank built in India based on a licensed design of the Vickers Mk.1. The Vijayanta was the first indigenous tank of the Indian Army. The prototype was completed in 1963 and the tank entered service in 1965. The first 90 vehicles were built by Vickers in the UK. Production continued at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi until 1983 with 2,200 units. A number of the tank hulls were converted to other uses such as self-propelled guns after being withdrawn from service. The Vijayanta has been supplemented by the T-72M1 in Indian service.

12 December - Yuvraj Singh birthday

 

Yuvraj Singh is a former Indian international cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the finest all-rounders to have played for the Indian cricket team. He was born on December 12, 1981, in Chandigarh, India.

Yuvraj made his debut for the Indian cricket team in 2000 in the ICC KnockOut Trophy. He played a crucial role in India's success in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he was awarded the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding all-around performances. Yuvraj is particularly remembered for his memorable six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad's bowling during a T20 World Cup match against England.

Yuvraj was known for his aggressive batting style, powerful hitting, and ability to score quickly. He was also a handy left-arm spinner and an agile fielder. However, his career faced a setback when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. Yuvraj successfully battled the disease and made a triumphant return to international cricket.

Throughout his career, Yuvraj Singh represented India in all three formats of the game - Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2019. Yuvraj's contributions to Indian cricket, especially in major tournaments, have left a lasting impact on the sport, and he remains a beloved figure among cricket fans.

 

 

The proclamation of George V as Emperor of India and the announcement of the shift of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi took place during the Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911. The Delhi Durbar was a grand event held to celebrate the coronation of a new monarch or significant events related to the British Empire in India.

During the Durbar, George V made the historic announcement that the capital of British India would be moved from Calcutta to Delhi. The decision to shift the capital was influenced by various factors, including strategic considerations, as Delhi was more centrally located, and the British wanted a symbolic shift that would emphasize their control over the entire subcontinent.

The construction of New Delhi, the new capital, began in 1912 and continued for several years. Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker were the chief architects responsible for the design and layout of New Delhi. The city was officially inaugurated as the capital in 1931.

The decision to move the capital from Calcutta to Delhi had far-reaching consequences and marked an important chapter in India's history under British rule. It was a symbolic and administrative change that reflected the evolving dynamics of British imperial control in the Indian subcontinent.

 

12 December - Kenya Jamhuri Day

 

Jamhuri Day is a national holiday in Kenya that is celebrated on 12 December each year. The word "Jamhuri" is Swahili for "Republic," and Jamhuri Day marks the day when Kenya officially became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. On 12 December 1964, Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule, and Jomo Kenyatta became the country's first Prime Minister.

The day is a significant occasion for Kenyans, and celebrations typically include various events such as parades, cultural displays, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches by political leaders. It is a time for reflection on Kenya's history, achievements, and progress as a nation.

The holiday emphasizes the principles of democracy, self-governance, and the unity of the Kenyan people. It is an opportunity for citizens to come together and celebrate their national identity. Additionally, the day often includes the honoring of individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.