25 October - Global Champagne Day

 

Global Champagne Day is an annual celebration that takes place on the fourth Friday of October. It honors the famous sparkling wine that hails from the Champagne region of France. Enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide come together to toast and appreciate the unique qualities of Champagne, with tastings, events, and parties held in various locations.

The day is an opportunity to learn more about the traditions and craftsmanship behind Champagne production, as well as the rules that dictate what can be officially labeled as "Champagne." Only sparkling wine produced in this specific region using particular methods can be called Champagne, making it distinct from other types of sparkling wines.

This year, Global Champagne Day falls on October 25, 2024. Many wine lovers mark the occasion with social gatherings and share their experiences using the hashtag #ChampagneDay on social media.

25 October - World Lemur Day

 

World Lemur Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about lemurs and their conservation. It is celebrated on the last Friday of October each year. Lemurs are a unique and endangered group of primates found only on the island of Madagascar and the nearby Comoros Islands.

The primary goal of World Lemur Day is to educate people about the importance of lemurs in maintaining the health of Madagascar's ecosystems and the need for their protection. Lemurs face various threats, including habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and hunting. Many lemur species are on the brink of extinction, and this day seeks to highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts.

On World Lemur Day, various organizations, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation groups worldwide organize events and activities such as educational programs, lemur-themed fundraisers, and social media campaigns. These activities aim to engage the public, promote conservation initiatives, and inspire support for the preservation of lemurs and their unique habitat.

World Lemur Day serves as a reminder of the incredible biodiversity found on Madagascar and the importance of preserving it for future generations. It encourages individuals to learn about lemurs, support conservation efforts, and contribute to the protection of these fascinating and endangered primates.

 

25 October - First indigenous tank was manufactured in Awdi factory and was named 'Vijayant' in 1965

 

On October 25, 1965, the first indigenous tank was manufactured in the Avadi Heavy Vehicles Factory in India, and it was named 'Vijayant.' The Vijayant was a significant achievement for the Indian defense industry and marked a step towards self-reliance in military hardware production. It was a main battle tank (MBT) and served in the Indian Army for several decades.

Key features and facts about the Vijayant tank:

1. Design and Development: The Vijayant was designed and developed in India by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT).

2. Armament: The tank was armed with a 105mm main gun and featured a coaxial machine gun. It had a crew of four, including the driver, gunner, loader, and commander.

3. Service: The Vijayant was in service with the Indian Army from the late 1960s until the 2000s. It was eventually phased out and replaced by more modern tanks, such as the T-72 and T-90.

4. Self-Reliance: The production of the Vijayant marked an important milestone in India's efforts to reduce dependency on foreign military equipment and promote indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

5. Export: The Vijayant was also exported to a few countries, including Myanmar and Mauritius, where it served in their respective armed forces.

6. Historical Significance: The production and deployment of the Vijayant were important for India's military capabilities and its ambition to have a self-reliant defense industry.

The Vijayant tank played a role in the Indian Army for several decades, but as technology advanced, it was gradually replaced by more modern and advanced tanks. Nonetheless, it remains a symbol of India's progress in indigenous defense manufacturing.

25 October - First General Election of India begins in 1951

 

The first General Election of India, often referred to as the "First Lok Sabha Election," was held in India in 1951-1952. This election was a significant event in the history of independent India, as it marked the country's transition to a democratic republic. Here are some key details about the first General Election of India:

1. Election Date: The election was conducted in several phases, beginning on October 25, 1951, and concluding on February 21, 1952. It was a massive logistical operation due to India's vast size and diverse population.

2. Purpose: The primary purpose of this election was to elect members to the first Lok Sabha (House of the People) and State Legislative Assemblies. The elected representatives would then draft and adopt India's new constitution.

3. Universal Adult Suffrage: One of the most remarkable aspects of the first General Election was the implementation of universal adult suffrage. All Indian citizens who were 21 years of age or older had the right to vote, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or gender.

4. Number of Voters: Approximately 176 million people were eligible to vote in this election, making it the largest election in the world at that time.

5. Candidates: Thousands of candidates from various political parties and as independents contested in the election. The Indian National Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, was a prominent political force in these elections.

6. Results: The Indian National Congress emerged as the dominant party in the election. Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India, and his government played a crucial role in shaping the country's early years as a democratic republic.

7. Significance: The first General Election of India was a historic event that showcased the commitment of the Indian people to democracy and their participation in the political process. It laid the foundation for India's democratic institutions and reaffirmed the principles of secularism and social justice.

The success of this election demonstrated India's commitment to democratic principles and its ability to conduct free and fair elections on a massive scale. It remains a pivotal moment in the history of the world's largest democracy.

 

25 October 1616 - Dirk Hartog Discovered Australia

Dirk Hartog was a Dutch sea captain and explorer known for making one of the earliest recorded European landings on the western coast of Australia. On October 25, 1616, he arrived at what is now known as Dirk Hartog Island, off the coast of Shark Bay in Western Australia. using the ship "Eendracht." The Eendracht was a Dutch East India Company (VOC) vessel. Hartog's landing is significant because it marked one of the first documented European contacts with the Australian continent.

During his time on Dirk Hartog Island, he left an inscribed pewter plate, known as the Dirk Hartog Plate, which is considered one of the earliest European artifacts found in Australia. The plate provided valuable evidence of the Dutch exploration of the Australian coastline during the early 17th century.

It's important to note that Dirk Hartog's landing did not result in the extensive exploration or colonization of Australia, as this would occur later by other European explorers, particularly the British, in the 18th century.

25 October - Dinesh Nandini Dalmia

 

Dinesh Nandini Dalmia (16 February 1928 – 25 October 2007), also written as Dineshnandini Dalmia, was an Indian poet, short story writer and novelist of Hindi literature.She was the fifth wife of Ramkrishna Dalmia, founder of the Dalmia Group, and three of his four previous wives were still alive and married to him when she became his fifth wife. Nevertheless, she positioned herself in opposition to gender discrimination and purdah system, and published poems, prose poems, short stories and novels on the theme of women's emancipation.Shabnam , Niraash Aasha, Mujhe Maaf Kama and Yeh Bhi Jhooth Hai are some of her notable works.The Government of India awarded her the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 2006, for her contributions to literature.In 2009, India Posts released a commemorative stamp on her.

24 October - Lakshmi Sehgal birth anniversary

 

Lakshmi Sehgal, born on October 24, 1914, and passing away on July 23, 2012, was a prominent Indian freedom fighter and a prominent figure in the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II. She played a significant role in the fight for India's independence from British colonial rule. Here is a short note about her:

Lakshmi Sehgal was a dedicated and courageous freedom fighter who joined Subhas Chandra Bose's INA during World War II. She held the rank of captain and served as the commander of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-female unit within the INA. The regiment was involved in various military actions and played a crucial role in the struggle for India's independence.

After India gained independence, Lakshmi Sehgal continued her commitment to social and political causes. She was actively involved in various social and political movements, advocating for women's rights, healthcare, and the welfare of the underprivileged. She was a recipient of several awards and honors for her contributions to India's independence movement and her continued service to society.

Lakshmi Sehgal's life serves as an inspiration for her unwavering dedication to the cause of Indian independence and her commitment to the betterment of society, especially for women's rights and healthcare. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in India for her significant contributions to the country's history and progress.

24 October - Sir William James Herschel

 

Sir William James Herschel, passed away on 24 October 1917, was a British ICS officer in India who used fingerprints for identification on contracts. He was born on 09 January 1833.

Herschel is credited with being the first European to note the value of fingerprints for identification. He recognized that fingerprints were unique and permanent. Herschel documented his own fingerprints over his lifetime to prove permanence. He was also credited with being the first person to use fingerprints in a practical manner. As early as 1858, working as a British officer for the Indian Civil Service at Jangipur in the Bengal region of India, he started putting fingerprints on contracts.

24 October - Veer Narayan Singh was arrested by the British Government at Sambalpur in 1856

 

Veer Narayan Singh, freedom fighter, was arrested by the British Government at Sambalpur for distributing grains from the warehouse to the people. He was sent to jail at Raipur. on 24 october.
Veer Narayan Singh's actions and sacrifices in the fight for India's independence continue to be remembered and celebrated for their significance in the broader context of the Indian freedom struggle.

24 October - Telegraph line Calcutta and Diamond Harbour

 

The first official telegraph line in India was indeed opened between Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Diamond Harbour, spanning a distance of approximately 33.8 kilometers. This telegraph line was inaugurated on October 24, 1851. It marked a significant milestone in India's telecommunication history, as it was one of the earliest telegraph lines established in the country during the British colonial era.

The introduction of the telegraph system greatly improved long-distance communication and played a vital role in various aspects, including trade, administration, and the military. This initial telegraph line in India paved the way for the expansion of the telecommunication network throughout the country, ultimately leading to the modern telecommunications infrastructure we have today.