18 April - Malcolm Denzil Marshall birth anniversary in 1958

 

 Malcolm Denzil Marshall, born on 18 April 1958, was a West Indian cricketer. Primarily a fast bowler, Marshall is regarded as one of the finest and fastest pacemen ever to have played Test cricket. His Test bowling average of 20.94 is the best of anyone who has taken 200 or more wickets. He achieved his bowling success despite being, by the standards of other fast bowlers, a short man – he stood at 5 feet 11 inches, while most of the great quicks have been well above 6 feet, and many great West Indian fast bowlers, such as Joel Garner, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, were 6 feet 6 inches or above. He generated fearsome pace from his bowling action, with a dangerous bouncer. Marshall was also a very dangerous lower middle-order batsman with ten Test fifties and seven first-class centuries.

18 April - Zimbabwe Independence Day

 

Zimbabwe Independence Day is a momentous occasion in the history of the country, marking its liberation from British colonial rule on April 18th, 1980. Prior to independence, Zimbabwe, then known as Rhodesia, was under the control of British colonial authorities, who governed the region since the late 19th century. The struggle for independence was characterized by years of political activism, armed resistance, and negotiations, led primarily by nationalist movements such as the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU).

Key figures in Zimbabwe's struggle for independence include Robert Mugabe, Joshua Nkomo, and others who played significant roles in organizing resistance against colonial rule. The Lancaster House Agreement, signed in 1979, paved the way for the transition to independence, establishing the framework for a peaceful transfer of power and outlining the principles of the new Zimbabwean constitution.

On April 18th, 1980, Zimbabwe officially gained independence, with Robert Mugabe becoming the country's first Prime Minister. The day is celebrated annually as Zimbabwe Independence Day, a national holiday marked by various festivities and ceremonies across the country.

Zimbabwe Independence Day is not only a time for celebration but also a moment for reflection on the challenges that the country has faced and the work that still lies ahead in building a prosperous and inclusive nation. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and the responsibility of every citizen to contribute to the development and well-being of Zimbabwe.

 

18 April - The International Court of Justice held its inaugural meeting in 1946

 

On 18 April 1946, The International Court of Justice held its inaugural meeting in The Hague, Netherlands.

The International Court of Justice, is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN). It settles disputes between states in accordance with international law and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues. The ICJ is the only international court that adjudicates general disputes between countries, with its rulings and opinions serving as primary sources of international law.

The court is composed of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, and its seat is in The Hague, Netherlands.

 

18 April - Mahatma Gandhi concluded Champaran Satyagraha

 

On April 18, 1917, Mahatma Gandhi concluded his visit to Champaran in Bihar, where he had initiated the Champaran Satyagraha ten days earlier. During his time in Champaran, Gandhi investigated the grievances of the local farmers who were suffering under oppressive indigo farming practices enforced by British colonial planters. He organized peaceful protests, conducted surveys, and met with villagers to support their cause.

Gandhi's presence and advocacy in Champaran attracted national and international attention to the farmers' plight, leading to the formation of a commission to investigate their grievances. Ultimately, the Champaran Satyagraha resulted in significant reforms in the indigo farming system and improvements in the socio-economic conditions of the Champaran farmers.

Although Gandhi concluded his stay in Champaran on April 18, 1917, the impact of the Champaran Satyagraha reverberated far beyond that date. It marked a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence and demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance as a tool for social and political change.

 

18 April - Ivana Brlić Mažuranić birth anniversary

 

Ivana Brlić Mažuranić was a Croatian writer best known for her collection of fairy tales and children's stories. Born on 18 April 1874, in Ogulin, Croatia (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), she grew up in a family deeply rooted in Croatian culture and folklore. Her father, Vladimir Mažuranić, was a prominent politician and writer, while her mother, Ivana, came from a family with a strong tradition of storytelling.

Ivana Brlić Mažuranić's literary works are celebrated for their rich imagination, vivid storytelling, and deep connection to Croatian folklore and mythology. Her most famous work is "Priče iz davnine" (Tales from Long Ago), a collection of fairy tales inspired by Croatian folklore, legends, and mythology. Published in 1916, "Tales from Long Ago" consists of stories filled with mythical creatures, heroic adventures, and moral lessons, all set against the backdrop of the Croatian countryside.

Brlić Mažuranić's writing style is characterized by its simplicity, yet profound insight into human nature and society. Her stories often feature strong, independent female protagonists and themes of bravery, loyalty, and the power of good over evil. Despite being primarily aimed at children, her tales have universal appeal and continue to be beloved by readers of all ages.

In addition to her literary achievements, Ivana Brlić Mažuranić was also active in promoting Croatian culture and education. She was involved in various cultural and philanthropic activities and played a significant role in advancing children's literature in Croatia.

Ivana Brlić Mažuranić's legacy as one of Croatia's most beloved writers continues to endure, with her works being cherished as timeless classics of Croatian literature. She passed away on 21 September 1938, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire generations of readers.

 

18 April - World Amateur Radio Day

 

World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated annually on April 18th. It commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) on April 18, 1925. Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a hobby and service that allows licensed operators to communicate with each other using various radio frequencies.

Amateur radio operators, or "hams," engage in a wide range of activities, including communicating with other hams around the world, participating in contests, experimenting with radio technology, and providing emergency communication services during disasters or other emergencies.

World Amateur Radio Day serves as an opportunity to promote the hobby and highlight its contributions to society. It's a day for ham radio enthusiasts to celebrate their shared passion for radio communication, showcase their skills and projects, and raise awareness about the importance of amateur radio in public service and emergency communication.

Events and activities organized on World Amateur Radio Day may include special radio operations, contests, exhibitions, public demonstrations, educational programs, and outreach initiatives aimed at introducing new people to the world of amateur radio.

The theme for World Amateur Radio Day may vary from year to year, focusing on different aspects of amateur radio, such as innovation, experimentation, public service, or international cooperation. Overall, it's a day for the global amateur radio community to come together, celebrate their hobby, and promote the values of friendship, collaboration, and goodwill through radio communication.

 

18 April - Army Day (Iran)

 

April 18th is celebrated as Army Day in Iran, marking the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army. This commemoration honors the role of the Iranian military in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and defending its borders.

The celebration typically includes military parades, exhibitions showcasing military capabilities, and speeches by political and military leaders. It's an occasion to demonstrate the strength and readiness of the Iranian Armed Forces while also paying tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers in protecting the country.

Army Day in Iran is not only a display of military prowess but also serves as a reminder of the importance of national defense and unity in the face of external threats and challenges. It's a day when Iranians come together to express pride in their armed forces and reaffirm their commitment to defending their homeland.

 

18 April - Albert Einstein death anniversary

 

Albert Einstein, passed away on 18 April 1955, was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. He is best known to the general public for his mass–energy equivalence formula
E = mc^2, which has been dubbed "the world's most famous equation". He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics "for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect", a pivotal step in the development of quantum theory.

17 April - Herbalist Day

 

Herbalist Day is a day dedicated to celebrating and honoring the practice of herbalism, which involves the use of plants and plant extracts for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Herbalists are individuals who specialize in the knowledge and application of herbal remedies to promote health and well-being.

This day serves to recognize the contributions of herbalists in traditional medicine, alternative healing practices, and modern herbalism. It also raises awareness about the importance of preserving and utilizing the natural resources provided by plants for healing purposes.

Herbalist Day may be observed through various activities such as workshops, educational seminars, herb walks, and community events focused on herbal medicine. It's an opportunity for people to learn more about the benefits of herbs, deepen their understanding of traditional healing practices, and appreciate the wisdom passed down through generations of herbalists.

 

17 April - " WATERLOO " SONG topped charts in 1974

 

On April 17, 1974, an English song by a swedish pop group topped the charts around the world. The name of the song , ' WATERLOO ' is usually used in a phrase that refers to someone being defeated or encountering something they cannot overcome. It refers to a particular field in Belgium where Napoleon Bonaparte was finally defeated by the British. The song finishes the phrase,  " MEET YOUR MATCH."( Woo Waterloo, knowing my fate with you).
The lyrics of the song refers 1815 Battle of Waterloo. Sharing a related postage stamp issued from Mozambique to add it with Philately.