14 December - Lord Canning birth anniversary

 

Lord Canning, whose full name was Charles John Canning, was a British statesman and the first Viceroy of India during the critical period of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Here are some key points about Lord Canning:

1. Birth and Early Life: Charles John Canning was born on 14 December 1812, in London, England. He came from a prominent political family, and his father was George Canning, a British statesman and Prime Minister.

2. Political Career: Lord Canning entered politics and served as Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Governor-General of India.

3. Viceroy of India: Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India in 1856, succeeding Lord Dalhousie. His term coincided with a tumultuous period in Indian history, marked by the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Indian Independence.

4. Indian Rebellion of 1857: The outbreak of the Indian Rebellion in 1857 posed a significant challenge to British rule in India. Canning faced the difficult task of suppressing the rebellion and restoring order. His decisions during this time were criticized by some, but he also took steps to address the grievances that had contributed to the uprising.

5. Policy of Mercy: Despite the severity of the rebellion, Canning advocated a policy of clemency and mercy toward the rebels who surrendered. He sought to avoid excessive retribution and encouraged a more conciliatory approach.

6. Abolition of the East India Company: Lord Canning's tenure saw the formal end of the rule of the East India Company. In 1858, the Government of India Act was passed, and control of India was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown.

7. Later Career: After his term as Viceroy, Canning returned to England. He continued his political career and served as the British Foreign Secretary. He was created Earl Canning in 1859.

8. Death: Lord Canning died on 17 June 1862, at the age of 49.

Lord Canning's role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and his policy decisions have been the subject of historical analysis and debate. His emphasis on clemency and the eventual transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown were significant developments in the history of British rule in India.

 

Reference: https://retrievia.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/page-19-2/

14 December - Prince Albert death anniversary

 

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who became Prince Consort of the United Kingdom. Here are key details about him:

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819–1861):

1. Birth and Background: Prince Albert was born on August 26, 1819, in Schloss Rosenau, near Coburg, in the German Confederation. His full name was Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel.

2. Marriage to Queen Victoria: Prince Albert married his cousin, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, on February 10, 1840. Their marriage was a significant and influential partnership.

3. Role as Prince Consort: Prince Albert's role as Prince Consort involved supporting Queen Victoria in her duties, and he played a key role in modernizing the monarchy. He was involved in various cultural, artistic, and industrial initiatives.

4. Children: Prince Albert and Queen Victoria had nine children, and their descendants married into various European royal families, earning Queen Victoria the title "Grandmother of Europe."

5. Death: Prince Albert died on December 14, 1861, at the age of 42. His death deeply affected Queen Victoria, and she mourned him for the rest of her life.

6. Legacy: Prince Albert's legacy includes his influence on the cultural and intellectual life of the Victorian era. Many institutions and initiatives, including the Great Exhibition of 1851, were associated with his efforts to promote science, industry, and the arts.

 

14 December - National Energy Conservation Day

 

National Energy Conservation Day is observed in India on December 14th every year. The day is dedicated to promoting energy efficiency and conservation efforts across the country. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which operates under the Ministry of Power in India, plays a crucial role in organizing and promoting activities related to energy conservation on this day.

Key objectives of National Energy Conservation Day include:

1. Awareness: The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of energy conservation and the need for sustainable energy practices.

2. Education: Educational programs and campaigns are organized to inform people about energy-efficient technologies and practices that can be adopted in various sectors, including industry, transportation, and households.

3. Promotion of Energy Efficiency: National Energy Conservation Day emphasizes the importance of adopting energy-efficient measures to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Recognition: The day is an occasion to recognize and appreciate the efforts of individuals, organizations, and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of energy conservation.

5. Government Initiatives: The government of India, through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, often launches new initiatives and policies aimed at promoting energy conservation on this day.

6. Events and Competitions: Various events, seminars, workshops, and competitions are organized to engage people, including students and professionals, in discussions and activities related to energy conservation.

7. Innovations: The day serves as a platform to showcase and encourage innovations in energy-efficient technologies and practices.

Energy conservation is a critical aspect of sustainable development, and National Energy Conservation Day serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible energy use. It encourages individuals, industries, and institutions to adopt measures that contribute to the overall goal of conserving energy resources for the present and future generations.

14 December - Nostradamus birth anniversary

 

Michel de Nostredame, commonly known as Nostradamus, was a French astrologer, physician, and reputed seer who lived in the 16th century. He is best known for his book "Les Prophéties" (The Prophecies), a collection of quatrains (four-line poems) that many people believe contain predictions about future events. Nostradamus was born on December 14, 1503, in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, and he died on July 2, 1566.

Key points about Nostradamus and his prophecies include:

1. Life and Background: Nostradamus was a skilled physician and an accomplished astrologer. He gained prominence during his lifetime for his medical work and later became known for his astrological predictions.

2. Les Prophéties: Nostradamus published "Les Prophéties" in 1555. The book consists of a series of rhymed quatrains, written in a cryptic and symbolic style. Some people believe that these quatrains contain predictions about future events, including wars, disasters, and political upheavals.

3. Interpretations: Nostradamus' prophecies are highly ambiguous, and their interpretation has been the subject of much debate. Many claim that his verses have predicted various historical events, including the French Revolution, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and the 9/11 attacks, among others.

4. Skepticism: While some people view Nostradamus as a prophetic figure, many historians, scholars, and scientists are skeptical of the claims that his writings accurately predict specific events. They argue that the quatrains are vague and open to various interpretations.

5. Literary Legacy: Regardless of the accuracy of his predictions, Nostradamus has left a lasting impact on literature, popular culture, and the mystique surrounding prophecy. His writings have been widely translated and studied for centuries.

6. Death: Nostradamus died in Salon-de-Provence, France, on July 2, 1566.

It's important to approach Nostradamus' prophecies with a critical mindset. While he is a historical figure whose writings have captured the imagination of many, the legitimacy and accuracy of his predictions remain a topic of much controversy and skepticism within the academic and scientific communities.

 

14 December - Alabama was admitted as the 22nd state in the United States

 

Alabama was admitted as the 22nd state in the United States on December 14, 1819. It became part of the Union during the era of westward expansion and was preceded by Mississippi, which was admitted as the 20th state on December 10, 1817. Alabama's admission to the Union followed the organization of its territorial government and marked its transition from a territory to a fully recognized state within the United States.

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