31 May - World Parrot Day

 

World Parrot Day is an annual event celebrated on May 31st to raise awareness about parrots and promote their conservation. Parrots are highly intelligent and colorful birds known for their ability to mimic sounds and speech. They belong to the family Psittacidae, which includes species such as macaws, cockatoos, and African grey parrots.

The primary goal of World Parrot Day is to educate people about the challenges facing parrot populations worldwide and to inspire action to protect these fascinating birds. Parrots are native to tropical and subtropical regions and play vital roles in maintaining forest ecosystems. However, they face numerous threats, including habitat loss, illegal trade, poaching, and climate change.

The day also serves as an opportunity to promote responsible pet ownership and discourage the illegal trade of parrots as pets. Many parrot species are endangered or critically endangered due to their capture for the pet trade. World Parrot Day emphasizes the need for sustainable alternatives, such as adopting rescued parrots or supporting reputable breeders who prioritize the welfare and conservation of these birds.

Conservation efforts for parrots involve protecting their natural habitats, establishing protected areas, implementing strict laws and regulations against poaching and illegal trade, and supporting breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species. Research and monitoring initiatives are also essential for understanding parrot populations and developing effective conservation strategies.

By celebrating World Parrot Day, people can learn more about parrots, appreciate their beauty and intelligence, and contribute to the preservation of these remarkable birds. Through education and collective action, we can work towards ensuring the survival of parrot species and their habitats for generations to come.

31 May - World Otter Day

 

World Otter Day is an annual celebration held on May 31st to raise awareness about otters and their conservation. Otters are semiaquatic mammals that belong to the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, badgers, and minks. They are known for their playful nature, streamlined bodies, and webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers.

World Otter Day aims to educate people about the importance of otters in ecosystems and the various threats they face in the wild. Otters play a crucial role in maintaining the health of aquatic environments, as they help control the populations of fish, crayfish, and other aquatic creatures. They also act as indicators of the overall health of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

During World Otter Day, organizations, researchers, and otter enthusiasts around the world organize events, workshops, and educational programs to promote otter conservation. These activities may include public talks, guided tours, art exhibits, film screenings, and social media campaigns. The day serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of preserving otter habitats, reducing pollution, and combating illegal hunting and trade of otters and their products.

By spreading awareness about otters and their ecological significance, World Otter Day hopes to inspire action and encourage individuals, communities, and governments to take steps to protect these charismatic and vulnerable animals. Conservation efforts can involve habitat restoration, conservation breeding programs, research and monitoring, implementing legislation, and promoting responsible tourism practices that minimize disturbances to otter populations.

World Otter Day provides a platform for people to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of otters while emphasizing the need to conserve their habitats for future generations.

 

31 May - Raj Khosla birth anniversary

Raj Khosla was a prominent Indian film director and producer who was active in the Hindi film industry, also known as Bollywood. He was born on May 31, 1925, in Lahore, British India (now Pakistan), and passed away on June 9, 1991.

Raj Khosla began his career in the film industry as an assistant director to Guru Dutt, a renowned filmmaker of the time. He made his directorial debut with the film "Milap" in 1955. Throughout his career, Raj Khosla directed numerous successful and critically acclaimed films, covering various genres such as drama, suspense, and romance.

Some of Raj Khosla's notable directorial ventures include "C.I.D" (1956), "Kalapani" (1958), "Mera Saaya" (1966), "Do Raaste" (1969), and "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971). He had a keen eye for storytelling and was known for his ability to create gripping narratives and engaging characters.

Raj Khosla often collaborated with popular actors of his time, including Dev Anand, Asha Parekh, Dharmendra, and Rajesh Khanna, among others. He also worked closely with renowned music composers, such as Ravi and Laxmikant-Pyarelal, to create memorable soundtracks for his films.

During his career, Raj Khosla received several accolades and recognition for his work. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Director for the film "Do Raaste" in 1970. He is also remembered for his association with the suspense genre and is often referred to as the "Master of Suspense" in Indian cinema.

 

31 May - Nur Jahan birth anniversary

 

Nur Jahan (31 May 1577 – 17 December 1645), the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Her original name was ‘Mehrunnisa‘.  After marriage, Jahangir conferred upon him the titles of ‘Nurmahal‘ and ‘Nur Jahan’. In 1613 AD, Nur Jahan was made ‘Pattamahishi’ or ‘Badshah Begum‘. Nur Jahan was a woman with extraordinary personality and intelligence, Jahangir left all the weight of governance on her. She was born on May 31, 1577 in Kandahar

31 May - Pankaj Roy birth anniversary

 

Pankaj Roy was an Indian cricketer who played as an opening batsman for the Indian national cricket team. He was born on May 31, 1928, in Calcutta, British India (now Kolkata, India), and passed away on February 4, 2001.

Pankaj Roy had a successful career in domestic and international cricket. He made his Test debut for India in 1951 against England. Throughout his career, he played 43 Test matches and scored 2,442 runs at an average of 32.56, including 6 centuries and 11 half-centuries.

One of Pankaj Roy's most notable achievements was his partnership with fellow cricketer Vinoo Mankad. They formed a formidable opening partnership and had several memorable innings together. In 1956, Roy and Mankad set a then-world record for the highest partnership in Test cricket, scoring 413 runs against New Zealand in Chennai (formerly Madras). This record stood for over three decades until it was surpassed in 1991.

Pankaj Roy's batting style was known for its solid technique and patience. He was regarded as a technically sound opener who could play long innings and provide a solid foundation for the Indian team. His contributions were crucial in the development of Indian cricket during that era.

After retiring from international cricket, Pankaj Roy continued to be associated with the sport. He served as a national selector and also held administrative roles in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Pankaj Roy's impact on Indian cricket, particularly as an opening batsman, is widely recognized. His partnerships and contributions to the game have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of cricketers in India.

31 May - World No Tobacco Day

 

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31st every year to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption worldwide. The day is organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partner agencies.

World No Tobacco Day serves as an opportunity to highlight the risks associated with tobacco use, including its link to various health issues such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, and other non-communicable diseases. It aims to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco and encourage individuals to quit smoking or avoid tobacco products altogether.

Each year, World No Tobacco Day focuses on a specific theme related to tobacco control. These themes often emphasize the need for comprehensive tobacco control measures, including measures to protect people from exposure to secondhand smoke, raise tobacco taxes, ban tobacco advertising, promote cessation support, and implement graphic warning labels on tobacco products.

The day is marked by various activities and initiatives around the world, including public awareness campaigns, educational events, and policy advocacy. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), healthcare professionals, and individuals participate in these efforts to promote a tobacco-free society and protect public health.

 

31st May - Titanic was launched 31st May 1911

ON THIS DAY: - 31st May 1911

Titanic was launched, built for the White Star Line by Harland & Wolff in Belfast and when completed she sailed from Belfast on 2nd April 1912, bound for Southampton.

(Pictures of the stamps shown here are Library Pictures)

 

31 May - Maurice Allais, born on 31 May 1911,

Maurice Allais, born on 31 May 1911, was a French physicist and economist, the 1988 winner of the *Nobel Memorial Prize* in Economic Sciences _"for his pioneering contributions to the theory of markets and efficient utilization of resources",_ for Maurice Allais contribution, along with John Hicks (Value and Capital, 1939) and Paul Samuelson (The Foundations of Economic Analysis, 1947), to neoclassical synthesis. They formalize the self-regulation of markets, that Keynes refuted, while reiterating some of his ideas.

 

30 May - Julius Axelrod birth anniversary

 

Julius Axelrod, born on 30 May 1912, was an American biochemist. He won a share of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970 along with Bernard Katz and Ulf von Euler. The Nobel Committee honored him for his work on the release and reuptake of catecholamine neurotransmitters, a class of chemicals in the brain that include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and, as was later discovered, dopamine. Axelrod also made major contributions to the understanding of the pineal gland and how it is regulated during the sleep-wake cycle

30 May - Christopher Columbus embarked on his third voyage to the Americas in 1948

 

Christopher Columbus embarked on his third voyage to the Americas with a fleet of six ships on 30 May 1498. This voyage took place in 1498, following his initial voyages in 1492 and 1493. The purpose of Columbus's third expedition was to continue exploring and expanding the territories claimed by Spain.

The fleet consisted of three ships that were carried over from his second voyage: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Additionally, three new ships were added to the expedition: the Santiago de Palos, the San Cristobal, and the San Juan Bautista. These six vessels set sail from the Spanish port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in present-day southwestern Spain.

Columbus's third voyage differed from his previous ones in terms of the route he took. Instead of heading directly west across the Atlantic, he opted for a more southern route. He sailed along the coast of South America, exploring the regions of present-day Venezuela, Trinidad, and the islands of the Caribbean.

During this expedition, Columbus encountered various challenges and hardships. The voyagers faced severe storms, navigational difficulties, and tensions among the crew. Additionally, they struggled with adverse weather conditions, such as hurricanes and strong currents.

Columbus's exploration during his third voyage contributed to expanding European knowledge of the American continents. He explored parts of the South American mainland, including the Orinoco River, and continued to search for valuable resources and trade routes.

Despite his efforts, Columbus did not achieve all of his objectives during this voyage. His inability to find significant quantities of gold and his clashes with indigenous populations led to growing discontent among the crew. As a result, Columbus faced criticism and opposition upon his return to Spain.

Nonetheless, Columbus's third voyage remains an important chapter in the history of European exploration and the colonization of the Americas. It furthered European understanding of the vastness and diversity of the New World and contributed to the ongoing process of European expansion and colonization in the following centuries.