17 May - World Information Society Day

 

World Information Society Day, also known as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, is observed annually on May 17th. It is a day designated by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting social and economic development and to address the digital divide.

The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2006 to mark the anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a two-phase UN conference held in 2003 and 2005. The WSIS aimed to address the challenges and opportunities of the information society, with a focus on harnessing the potential of ICTs to achieve sustainable development goals.

World Information Society Day aims to:

1. Promote inclusive information societies: Highlight the importance of providing equal access to information and communication technologies, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities offered by ICTs.

2. Advocate for ICT development: Raise awareness about the potential of ICTs in promoting economic growth, innovation, social inclusion, and cultural diversity. Encourage governments, organizations, and individuals to invest in the development and deployment of ICT infrastructure and services.

3. Foster digital literacy and skills: Emphasize the importance of digital literacy, education, and capacity-building to enable individuals to effectively and responsibly use ICTs, access information, and participate in the digital society.

 

17 May - World Hypertension Day

 

World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17th to raise awareness about hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, and its impact on public health worldwide. The day aims to promote education, prevention, and control of hypertension and its associated complications.

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood pressure levels. It is a major risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Hypertension affects a significant portion of the global population and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

World Hypertension Day was first established in 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL), an organization dedicated to promoting awareness, prevention, and control of hypertension. Each year, the WHL, in collaboration with various health organizations and institutions, selects a theme for World Hypertension Day to focus on specific aspects of hypertension management.

World Hypertension Day serves as a platform for various activities and initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, health screenings, educational programs, conferences, and scientific symposiums. These efforts aim to empower individuals to take control of their blood pressure levels, facilitate early detection and management of hypertension, and ultimately reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.

It is important to note that while World Hypertension Day provides a dedicated focus on hypertension awareness, education, and prevention, these efforts should be part of an ongoing commitment to promote cardiovascular health throughout the year.

17 May - Restrictions on weavers of Bengal's textile industry by The East India Company

 

The East India Company did indeed impose various restrictions on weavers in Bengal, which had a detrimental impact on the region's textile industry. During the 18th century, Bengal was renowned for its high-quality textiles, particularly muslin and silk, which were in great demand in both domestic and international markets.

When the East India Company gained control over Bengal through the Battle of Plassey in 1757, it sought to maximize its profits from the region. The company implemented several policies that undermined the indigenous textile industry and favored British manufacturers.

One of the key measures was the imposition of heavy duties and tariffs on Indian textiles, making them expensive and less competitive compared to British textiles. Additionally, the company discouraged the export of raw materials like silk and imposed strict regulations on their production, which hindered the growth of local industries.

The East India Company also established a system of monopolies and exclusive contracts, forcing weavers to sell their products exclusively to the company at low prices. This deprived the weavers of fair compensation for their labor and undermined their economic sustainability.

Furthermore, the company introduced technological changes that disrupted traditional weaving practices. British machines and power looms were introduced, which could produce textiles more quickly and at a lower cost. This resulted in the decline of handloom weaving and the displacement of thousands of weavers from their traditional occupations.

These policies and restrictions imposed by the East India Company had a devastating impact on Bengal's textile industry. The once-prosperous weaving communities faced impoverishment, loss of livelihoods, and a decline in their traditional craft. The company's actions were primarily driven by its profit-seeking motives, and the consequences for the local economy and society were severe.

It is important to note that the decline of Bengal's textile industry was not solely due to the East India Company's policies. Factors such as changing global market conditions, competition from other regions, and socio-economic changes within Bengal also played a role. However, the East India Company's actions exacerbated and accelerated the decline, leaving a lasting impact on the region's textile heritage.

17 May - World Telecommunication Day

 

World Telecommunication Day is an annual observance that takes place on May 17th. It is a day designated by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the importance of communication and the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in connecting people across the world.

The day was first celebrated on May 17th, 1969, marking the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the UN responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. The ITU plays a crucial role in the development and coordination of global telecommunications networks and services.

World Telecommunication Day aims to promote the benefits of ICTs in bridging the digital divide, fostering economic and social development, and improving access to information and communication resources. It also highlights the need for equitable and affordable access to telecommunications infrastructure and services, particularly in developing countries.

Each year, the ITU selects a theme for World Telecommunication Day to focus on specific challenges or opportunities related to the telecommunications sector. The chosen theme serves as a focal point for discussions, events, and initiatives organized by governments, industry leaders, organizations, and individuals around the world.

17 May - Odd Hassel birth anniversary

 

Odd Hassel (17 May 1897 – 11 May 1981) was a Norwegian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1969 for his ground-breaking research on the structure of molecules

After completing his education, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Oslo. He later became an associate professor of physical chemistry at the same institution in 1925. In the 1930s, he began his ground-breaking research on the three-dimensional structure of molecules, which would later earn him the Nobel Prize.

His research involved the use of X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of organic molecules. He discovered that molecules with non-planar structures are more stable than those with planar structures. This discovery became known as the “Hassel Effect” and was a major breakthrough in the field of chemistry.

Hassel also made significant contributions to the study of dipole moments in molecules. His work led to the development of the Hassel-Bjerrum theory, which explains the relationship between the dipole moment of a molecule and its chemical structure.

He continued to work as a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Oslo until his retirement in 1964. He remained active in the scientific community, however, and continued to publish research papers throughout his lifetime.

16 May - The first Academy Awards in 1929

 

The first Academy Awards, officially known as the 1st Academy Awards, were presented on May 16, 1929, in a private dinner ceremony at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Although the awards ceremony took place on May 16th, the awards recognized films released between August 1, 1927, and August 1, 1928.

The Academy Awards were organized by the newly-formed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), an organization created to recognize excellence in the film industry. The awards were intended to honor achievements in various categories, including acting, directing, cinematography, and more.

The ceremony itself was relatively low-key compared to modern-day Oscars. The event was not televised, and attendance was limited to around 270 guests. The entire ceremony lasted only 15 minutes, with the winners known in advance. The winners had been announced three months earlier, on February 18, 1929, at a private dinner.

The first Academy Award for Best Picture was presented to the film "Wings," a World War I aviation drama directed by William A. Wellman. The film "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" received the unique award for "Best Unique and Artistic Picture," a category that was only presented in the first year.

Other categories included Best Director, which was won by Frank Borzage for "Seventh Heaven," and Best Actor, which went to Emil Jannings for his performances in both "The Last Command" and "The Way of All Flesh." Janet Gaynor won the first-ever Best Actress award for her performances in three films: "Seventh Heaven," "Street Angel," and "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans."

The Academy Awards have since become an annual tradition and one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the film industry, attracting worldwide attention. The awards have expanded to include numerous categories and have evolved into a highly anticipated televised event

 

16 May - Georg Bednorz birth anniversary

 

He was born on 16 May 1950, in Neuenkirchen, Germany. He received his undergraduate degree in physics from the University of Münster in 1972 and his Ph.D. in 1978 from the University of Heidelberg.

After completing his Ph.D., he worked as a researcher at the IBM Research Laboratory in Ruschlikon, Switzerland. In 1986, he and his colleague, K. Alex Müller, discovered high-temperature superconductivity in a new class of materials called cuprates. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of superconductivity, as it allowed for superconductivity to occur at much higher temperatures than previously thought possible.

Since his discovery, Bednorz has continued to work on the development of new materials with novel electronic properties. He has also been involved in the design and fabrication of new devices based on these materials, such as superconducting sensors for medical imaging.

Overall, Georg Bednorz’s work has had a profound impact on the field of materials science and has opened up new avenues for research and development in a wide range of fields.

16 May - Mass Graves Day

 

"Mass Graves Day" may refer to a specific event or commemoration related to the discovery or remembrance of mass graves in Iraq, which has unfortunately experienced significant human rights violations and mass killings in recent history.

Iraq has a tragic history of mass graves resulting from conflicts, genocides, and human rights abuses. During the regime of Saddam Hussein, mass graves containing the remains of thousands of victims were discovered, particularly in the aftermath of the 1991 uprisings and the Anfal campaign against the Kurdish population.

To address these mass grave sites and provide justice to the victims, Iraq established the Mass Graves Directorate (MGD) in 2003. The MGD's mission is to investigate, exhume, identify, and document the victims buried in mass graves, as well as to support legal proceedings and provide support to survivors and their families.

Although there may not be a specific day dedicated to mass graves in Iraq, the country acknowledges the importance of remembering and documenting these atrocities to ensure accountability, justice, and remembrance for the victims.

 

16 May - Charles Perrault death anniversary

 

Charles Perrault (2 January 1628 – 16 May 1703) was an iconic French author and member of the Académie Française. In his 1697 book, Histoires ou contes du temps passé (Stories or Tales from Past Times), he laid the foundation for a new literary genre: the fairy tale. Among his most famous tales are Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (“Little Red Riding Hood”), Cendrillon (“Cinderella”), Le Maître chat ou le Chat botté (“Puss in Boots”), La Belle au bois dormant (“Sleeping Beauty”), and Barbe Bleue (“Bluebeard”).

In addition to his fairy tales, Perrault also wrote poetry, plays, and literary criticism. He was a member of the French court and held various official positions throughout his career, including a post as secretary to the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres. Perrault's work had a significant impact on French literature and helped establish fairy tales as a recognized genre.

Although his stories were initially intended for adult readers, Perrault's fairy tales have become beloved children's classics and have been adapted and retold in numerous forms of media over the centuries. His contributions to the genre have had a lasting influence on storytelling and continue to enchant audiences of all ages

15 May - Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was born in 1907

 

 

Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar was an Indian freedom fighter who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule. He was born on May 15, 1907, in Ludhiana, Punjab, which is now part of present-day India.

Sukhdev Thapar was an active member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization led by Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. He was a close associate and friend of Bhagat Singh, and the two of them, along with Rajguru, formed a formidable trio in the fight against British imperialism.

Sukhdev Thapar was involved in several acts of revolutionary activities to protest against British rule and promote the cause of Indian independence. One of the notable acts was the Lahore Conspiracy Case, where they planned the assassination of British police officer James A. Scott, who was responsible for the brutal lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai. However, due to a case of mistaken identity, John P. Saunders, an assistant superintendent of police, was assassinated instead.

Sukhdev, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, faced trial for their revolutionary activities. They were charged with murder and conspiracy and were sentenced to death by the British authorities. On 23 March 1931, all three were hanged in Lahore Central Jail. Their sacrifice and martyrdom had a profound impact on the Indian freedom struggle, inspiring countless others to join the movement and fight for independence.