Raj Bahadur born on 21 August 1912, he was the leader of the Indian National Congress, who was elected a member of the Constituent Assembly of India from the state of Rajasthan. After independence, he became the first tourism minister of India.
21 August - P. Jeevanandham birth anniversary
P. Jeevanandham (21 August 1907 – 18 January 1963) also called Jeeva, was a social reformer, political leader, litterateur and one of the pioneers of the Communist and socialist movements in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
He was not only a socio-political leader, but was also a cultural theoretician, an excellent orator, journalist and critic; and above all, a relentless fighter for the deprived. A down-to-earth person with a clean record in public life, Jeevanandham was held in high esteem by ordinary people.
21 August - The Wildlife Protection Act was passed
On 21st August 1972, the Wildlife Protection Act was passed. This act was later implemented on 9th September 1972.
The Wildlife Protection Act of India was passed in 1972. This legislation, officially known as "The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972," is a crucial legal framework that aims to protect and conserve the country's diverse wildlife and their habitats. The act was enacted by the Government of India to address the alarming decline in wildlife populations due to habitat destruction, poaching, and other threats.
Key provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act include:
Prohibition of Hunting: The act prohibits hunting of certain species of animals and birds, unless permitted under specific circumstances, such as scientific research or management purposes.
Protected Areas: The act empowers the government to declare certain areas as wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and other protected areas. These designations provide legal protection to the flora and fauna within these areas.
Regulation of Trade: The act regulates the trade in wildlife and wildlife products, making it illegal to trade in endangered or protected species without appropriate permits.
Conservation Authorities: The act establishes various authorities at the national and state levels to oversee wildlife conservation efforts and enforce the provisions of the act.
Penalties and Punishments: The act imposes penalties and punishments for offenses related to hunting, poaching, illegal trade, and other violations. These penalties can include fines and imprisonment.
Amendment and Enforcement: Over the years, the act has been amended to strengthen its provisions and address emerging challenges to wildlife conservation.
The Wildlife Protection Act of India has played a significant role in the conservation of the country's biodiversity and the protection of endangered species. It has contributed to the establishment and management of numerous protected areas, as well as efforts to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
21 August - The famous painting "Mona Lisa" was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris, France
On August 21, 1911, the famous painting "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The theft of the painting caused a significant sensation and captured worldwide attention.
The theft was carried out by an Italian handyman named Vincenzo Peruggia, who had previously worked at the Louvre. Peruggia managed to hide inside the museum overnight and then took advantage of the fact that the museum was closed on Mondays. He removed the painting from its display and concealed it under his clothing.
Peruggia's motive for stealing the painting was rooted in his belief that the "Mona Lisa" should be returned to Italy. He viewed it as a national treasure that had been wrongfully taken by France. He intended to bring the painting back to Italy and present it to an Italian museum.
The theft remained a mystery for over two years until Peruggia was apprehended in 1913 when he attempted to sell the stolen painting to an art dealer in Florence, Italy. The "Mona Lisa" was subsequently returned to the Louvre and remains one of the most iconic and valuable artworks in the world.
The theft of the "Mona Lisa" and its eventual recovery only added to the painting's mystique and fame, solidifying its status as a cultural and artistic masterpiece.
20 August - Yellowstone Fires of 1988 know as “Black Saturday"
One of the most notable fire events occurred in 1988, commonly known as the "Yellowstone Fires of 1988."
During the summer of 1988, multiple fires ignited and spread across the park due to a combination of factors, including drought, dry conditions, and lightning strikes. These fires eventually merged into large and intense wildfires. The fires burned through a significant portion of the park's landscape, including forests and grasslands.
The exact number of acres destroyed can vary based on the specific sources and timeframes considered, but it is widely reported that more than 793,000 acres (approximately 36% of the park's total area) were affected by the fires in 1988. The fires prompted a significant response effort involving firefighting teams from various agencies.
The 1988 Yellowstone fires had ecological impacts and led to discussions about fire management policies in national parks. Despite the destruction caused by the fires, they also played a role in natural regeneration and ecosystem renewal. Over time, the park's landscape has shown signs of recovery, with new growth and ecological changes taking place.
On the most significant single day, Saturday, August 20th, to be known thereafter as “Black Saturday,” tremendous winds pushed fire across more than 150,000 acres.
20 August - Roger Wolcott Sperry birth anniversary
Roger Wolcott Sperry (August 20, 1913 – April 17, 1994) was an American neuroscientist who is best known for his groundbreaking research on the functional specialization of the brain's hemispheres. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981 for his split-brain research, which provided significant insights into the organization of the brain and its role in cognition.
Sperry's split-brain experiments involved studying patients who had undergone a surgical procedure called corpus callosotomy, which involved severing the corpus callosum—a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain. His research showed that the two hemispheres of the brain could function independently in certain tasks and had different specialized functions.
This work led to a better understanding of lateralization of brain function—how different functions are localized in specific brain regions—and the concept that the left and right hemispheres of the brain could have distinct cognitive abilities and processes. Sperry's research had significant implications for fields such as psychology, neurology, and cognitive science.
Roger Sperry's contributions to neuroscience and our understanding of the brain's complex organization have had a lasting impact on the field. His work challenged conventional wisdom and paved the way for new avenues of research into brain lateralization and cognition.
20 August - Salvatore Quasimodo birth anniversary
Salvatore Quasimodo (August 20, 1901 – June 14, 1968) was an Italian poet, essayist, and translator. He is known for his significant contributions to Italian literature and his engagement with themes of existentialism, spirituality, and the human experience in his poetry.
Quasimodo's poetry is characterized by its lyricism and introspective exploration of emotions. He was deeply affected by the social and political events of his time, including World War II and its aftermath, and these themes often found their way into his works.
In 1959, Salvatore Quasimodo was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his "lyrical poetry, which with classical fire expresses the tragic experience of life in our own times." He was one of the leading figures of 20th-century Italian literature and played a significant role in shaping the post-war Italian literary scene.
Beyond his poetry, Quasimodo was also involved in translating works from other languages into Italian and promoting cultural exchange. His writings continue to be studied and appreciated for their depth, sensitivity, and intellectual engagement with the complexities of human existence.
20 August - Sir Ronald Ross identified the Anopheles mosquito ,the malaria parasite in 1897
Sir Ronald Ross (May 13, 1857 – September 16, 1932) was a British physician who is best known for his groundbreaking work on the transmission of malaria by mosquitoes. His discovery of the role of mosquitoes in transmitting the parasite responsible for malaria marked a significant breakthrough in understanding the disease's lifecycle and opened the door for effective methods of control and prevention.
In 1902, Ross was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery, becoming the first British person to receive a Nobel Prize in a scientific field. His work laid the foundation for further research into mosquito-borne diseases and contributed to the development of strategies to combat malaria.
Ronald Ross was not only a scientist but also a prolific author and poet. His contributions to medicine and public health have had a lasting impact on global efforts to control and eliminate malaria, a disease that has historically been a major public health concern in many parts of the world.
Sir Ronald Ross identified the Anopheles mosquito as the vector responsible for transmitting the malaria parasite on August 20, 1897. This discovery was a significant milestone in understanding the transmission of malaria and has had a profound impact on the field of medicine and public health.
18 August - International Bow Day
International Bow Day is celebrated annually on August 19th, dedicated to the iconic and fashionable bow. This day honors the bow's versatility as a stylish accessory that has been a part of fashion history for centuries. Bows have been used in various forms, from decorative ribbons in hair to elegant bow ties and chic accessories on clothing and gifts. They symbolize everything from elegance and sophistication to playfulness and creativity.
On International Bow Day, people around the world celebrate by wearing bows, incorporating them into their outfits, or even using them in crafts and decorations. It's a fun and fashionable way to express personal style and creativity. Whether it's a simple hair bow, a fancy bow tie, or a decorative ribbon, this day is all about appreciating the charm and timeless appeal of bows in all their forms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)