18 January - Ayodhya's Ram Temple postage stamp and Minaturesheet released

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched commemorative postage stamps on Ayodhya's Ram Temple and a book with stamps dedicated to Lord Ram from around the world.

Prime Minister @narendramodi releases Commemorative Postage Stamps on Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir and a book of stamps issued on Bhagwan Ram around the world.

Components of the design includes, i) the Ram Mandir, ii) Choupai 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', iii) Sun, iv) Saryu River, (v) Sculptures in and around the Temple

There are 6 stamps which include: Ram Temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri.

Gold leaf of sun rays and Chaupai lend a majestic icon to this miniature sheet. The five physical elements i.e. sky, air, fire, earth and water, known as 'Panchabhutas’ are reflected through various design elements and establish the perfect harmony of Panchamahabhutas essential for all manifestations.

The stamp book is an attempt to showcase the international appeal of Shri Ram on various societies. This 48-page book covers stamps issued by more than of 20 countries including like US, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Cambodia and organisations like the UN.

The Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the hypothesized birthplace of Rama, a principal deity of Hinduism.

The bhumi pujan (transl. ground breaking ceremony) for the commencement of the construction of Ram Mandir was performed on 5 August 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The temple, currently under construction, is being supervised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The inauguration of the temple is scheduled for 22 January 2024

 Reference : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-postage-stamps-ayodhya-ram-mandir-ceremony-2490257-2024-01-18

18 January - Kundan Lal Sehgal death anniversary

 

Kundan Lal Saigal, often referred to as K.L. Saigal, was a legendary Indian singer and actor who is considered one of the pioneers of Indian cinema and music. He was born on 04 April 1904, in Jammu, British India, and passed away on 18 January 1947, in Jalandhar, India. Saigal's contributions to the world of music and film have left an enduring impact.

Key points about Kundan Lal Saigal include:

1. Early Life: K.L. Saigal started his career as a trained classical vocalist but soon ventured into acting and singing for the Indian film industry.

2. Film Career: Saigal made his film debut with "Yamla Jat" in 1935, and his soulful singing and charismatic acting quickly gained popularity. He went on to act and sing in numerous successful films, including "Devdas" (1935), "President" (1937), and "Bhakt Surdas" (1942).

3. Playback Singing: K.L. Saigal is considered one of the earliest playback singers in Indian cinema, where actors would lip-sync to his pre-recorded songs. His unique voice and emotional renditions made him immensely popular.

4. Musical Style: Saigal was known for his melodious and emotive singing style. He often sang ghazals, bhajans, and classical compositions, leaving an indelible mark on Indian music.

5. Legacy: K.L. Saigal's legacy as a singer and actor endures, and he is remembered as one of the greatest voices in the history of Indian cinema. His influence can be seen in later generations of playback singers.

6. Death: K.L. Saigal passed away at the age of 42 on January 18, 1947, leaving behind a rich body of work.

Kundan Lal Saigal's impact on Indian music and cinema is significant, and his songs continue to be cherished by music enthusiasts. His contributions have earned him a permanent place in the history of Indian entertainment.

 

20 January - Franklin D. Roosevelt became the US President for the fourth time in 1945

 

Franklin D. Roosevelt was his fourth term as President of the United States on 20 January 1945. The inauguration took place during a time of global conflict, as World War II was ongoing.Roosevelt served as President from 04 March 1933, to 12 April 1945, making him the only U.S. president to be elected for more than two terms. However, he passed away shortly into his fourth term, and Harry S. Truman, his Vice President, succeeded him.  

After Roosevelt's death, the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1951, limiting presidents to two terms in office.

18 January - Henry Morgan captures Panama.

 

On 18 January 1671, the Welsh buccaneer and privateer Henry Morgan led a successful raid on the city of Panama, a significant Spanish settlement in Central America. This event is often referred to as the Sack of Panama or the Battle of Panama.

Henry Morgan was a notorious figure during the age of Caribbean piracy and privateering. He is best known for his exploits in the Caribbean and Central America on behalf of the English Crown. The raid on Panama was one of the major actions in his career.

Morgan's raid on Panama was a part of a series of actions against Spanish settlements in the region. The city of Panama was a key economic and administrative center for the Spanish in the Americas. Morgan and his buccaneers, estimated to number around 1,400, captured the city after a grueling march through the jungle. The sack of the city resulted in significant looting, destruction, and the capture of many prisoners.

The successful raid on Panama further increased Henry Morgan's reputation and contributed to his eventual knighthood. However, it's important to note that while Morgan's actions were celebrated in England, he was considered a pirate by the Spanish authorities. The raid on Panama and other similar actions by buccaneers played a role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Caribbean during the 17th century.

 

18 January - The Royal Thai Armed Forces

 

The Royal Thai Armed Forces are the armed forces of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Highest Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forcesis the King of Thailand.The armed forces are managed by the Ministry of Defence of Thailand, which is headed by the minister of defence and commanded by the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, which in turn is headed by the Chief of Defence Forces.The commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army is considered the most powerful position in the Thai Armed Forces.

Royal Thai Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 18 January to commemorate the victory of King Naresuan the Great in battle against the Viceroy of Burma in 1593.

18 January - ‘Bentley Motors Limited’, which makes luxurious vehicles, was established.

 

Bentley Motors Limited was founded on 18 January 1919, by Walter Owen Bentley in Cricklewood, North London, United Kingdom. Therefore, 18 January is considered the official founding date of Bentley Motors Limited.

W.O. Bentley, as he was commonly known, had a vision of building high-performance, luxury automobiles. The company quickly gained a reputation for its engineering excellence and success in motorsports. Bentley cars became synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and performance.

Since its establishment, Bentley has produced a range of luxury vehicles, often favored by those seeking a combination of elegance and high performance. The brand has become an iconic name in the automotive industry, with a rich history of crafting some of the world's most prestigious and luxurious automobiles.

 

18 January - Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first demonstrated the X-ray machine

 

On 18 January 1896, the German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first demonstrated the X-ray machine. This discovery was accidental but groundbreaking. While experimenting with cathode-ray tubes, Roentgen noticed that a screen in his laboratory started to fluoresce even when it was placed at a distance from the tube. Further investigation revealed that a new type of invisible ray was responsible for this effect.

Roentgen termed these rays "X-rays," as their nature was not yet understood. His discovery had profound implications for medical diagnostics and became a revolutionary tool in the field of medicine. The ability of X-rays to penetrate soft tissues while being absorbed by denser materials allowed physicians to visualize the internal structures of the human body, leading to advancements in medical imaging and diagnosis.

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen's work earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901, recognizing the significance of his discovery and its potential applications in various scientific and medical fields.

 

18 January - James Cook became the first European to discover the ‘Hawaii Archipelago’. -Sandwich Islands.

 

James Cook, the British explorer and navigator, is credited with being the first European to make contact with and explore the Hawaiian Islands, which he referred to as the "Sandwich Islands."

Captain James Cook made three separate voyages to the Pacific Ocean during the 18th century. During his third voyage, he encountered the Hawaiian Islands. Cook first arrived at the island of Kauai in 18 January 1778, and over the following months, he explored and mapped several of the islands within the archipelago.

Cook's expeditions provided valuable information about the geography, culture, and natural resources of the Hawaiian Islands. His arrival had a profound impact on the history of Hawaii, leading to increased contact with Europeans and, eventually, Western influence in the region.

Unfortunately, tensions arose during Cook's final visit to the islands. In 1779, while attempting to resolve a dispute with the Hawaiians at Kealakekua Bay on the island of Hawaii, Cook was killed during a violent encounter.

Despite Cook's tragic end, his exploration of the Hawaiian Islands marked a significant moment in the history of European exploration in the Pacific and had lasting consequences for the islands' future interactions with the outside world.

 

17 January - Benjamin Franklin birth anniversary

 

Benjamin Franklin (17 January 1706 –  17 April 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a polymath who excelled in various fields, including science, writing, printing, and politics. Here are some key aspects of his life and contributions:

1. Early Life: Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in a large family. He had limited formal education and was largely self-taught.

2. Printer and Writer: Franklin began his career as a printer and writer. He established the Pennsylvania Gazette, a successful newspaper, and Poor Richard's Almanack, which contained practical advice and witty proverbs.

3. Scientist and Inventor: Franklin made significant contributions to science. He conducted experiments on electricity and is famous for his kite experiment, where he demonstrated the connection between lightning and electricity. He also invented the lightning rod to protect buildings from lightning strikes.

4. Statesman and Diplomat: Franklin played a crucial role in American politics during the colonial and revolutionary periods. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence. He also played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the American Revolutionary War.

5. Ambassador to France: Franklin served as the United States Ambassador to France during the Revolutionary War. His diplomatic skills and charm were instrumental in securing French support for the American cause.

6. Founding Father: Franklin was one of the signers of the United States Constitution and is considered one of the Founding Fathers of the nation. He contributed to the shaping of the U.S. government and its institutions.

7. Abolitionist: In his later years, Franklin became an advocate for the abolition of slavery. He was the president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery.

8. Legacy: Benjamin Franklin's influence extends beyond his lifetime. His wit, wisdom, and contributions in various fields have left an indelible mark on American history. His aphorisms and sayings are still widely quoted, and he is often celebrated as one of the most versatile and accomplished individuals in American history.

 

17 January - Kamal Amrohi birth anniversary

 

Kamal Amrohi was a renowned Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his contributions to the Indian film industry. Here's a short note about him, including his birth and death dates:

• Birth Date: Kamal Amrohi was born on January 17, 1918, in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, India.

• Film Career: He began his career as a screenwriter and later ventured into film direction and production. Kamal Amrohi is best known for directing iconic Bollywood films such as "Mahal" (1949), "Pakeezah" (1972), and "Razia Sultan" (1983).

• "Pakeezah": "Pakeezah" is one of Kamal Amrohi's most famous and enduring works. The film, known for its classic songs and intricate storytelling, achieved cult status in Indian cinema. It is particularly celebrated for its grandeur and the timeless performance of actress Meena Kumari.

• Personal Life: Kamal Amrohi's personal life was marked by his tumultuous marriage to actress Meena Kumari, which drew significant media attention. He was also known for his perfectionism as a filmmaker.

• Death Date: Kamal Amrohi passed away on 11 February 1993, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India.

Kamal Amrohi's cinematic contributions continue to be celebrated and appreciated in Indian film history, and "Pakeezah" remains an enduring classic in Bollywood.