18 July : Oommen Chandy death in 2023 (Today)

 

 

Oommen Chandy (31 October 1943 – 18 July 2023) was an Indian politician and statesman who served as the tenth Chief Minister of Kerala, from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2011 to 2016. He was also leader of the opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2006 to 2011. He represented Puthuppally constituency as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the State Assembly from 1970 until his death in 2023. He was the longest serving MLA in the Kerala Legislative Assembly and also the longest-serving MLA of any legislative assembly in the history of India. He is the only Indian chief minister to achieve award for public service from the United Nations.He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress party. 

Congress veteran and former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy passed away on 18 July 2023, He was 79 years old.

The stamp was issued as part of Oommen Chandy's completion of 50 years as a member of the Legislative Assembly, the stamps prepared under the My Stamp project.

18 July - Vellore Lakshmanaswamy Mudaliar Ethiraj birth anniversary

 

Vellore Lakshmanaswamy Ethiraj (18 July 1890 – 18 August 1960) was an Indian lawyer and philanthropist who founded Ethiraj College for Women, a college in Chennai, India.[1] He was the first Indian to be appointed as Crown Prosecutor by the British Raj. He also served as the President of the Madras Bar Association.

Ethiraj was born on 18 July 1890 in a Tuluva Vellala (Agamudaya)Mudaliar family of Vellore and was born to Lakshmanaswamy and Ammayi Ammal. V. L. Ethiraj received his undergraduate degree from Presidency College, Chennai and received his law degree from Trinity College Dublin.[citation needed]

One of Ethiraj's successes was the Lakshmikanthan murder case, which he successfully fought in defense of Tamil actors M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and N. S. Krishnan.[citation needed] His advocacy was described by C. P. Ramaswami Iyer as "a marvel of the 20th century"

18 July - The Universities of Calcutta, Mumbai and Madras were established in 1857

 The Universities of Calcutta, Mumbai, and Madras are some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. Here's a brief overview of each university:

 

1. University of Calcutta:

• The University of Calcutta, also known as Calcutta University, was established in 1857.
• It is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
• It is one of the first modern universities in India and played a significant role in the development of higher education in the country during the British colonial period.
• The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of study.
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2. University of Mumbai:

• The University of Mumbai, formerly known as the University of Bombay, was founded in 1857.
• It is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
• Like the University of Calcutta, it was also one of the first three universities established in India during the British colonial era.
• The University of Mumbai is one of the largest universities in the world in terms of the number of students enrolled and the courses offered.
• It provides education in various disciplines, including arts, science, commerce, engineering, medicine, and law.
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3. University of Madras:

• The University of Madras, now known as the University of Madras, was established in 1857.
• It is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
• It was the third university established in India after the universities of Calcutta and Bombay.
• The University of Madras has a rich history and has been a prominent center for higher education and research in southern India.
• The university offers a wide range of courses in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and other fields.

All three universities have had a profound impact on the education system in India and have produced numerous scholars, intellectuals, and leaders in various fields. They continue to be esteemed institutions of higher learning in the country

18 July - Bishnu Dey birth anniversary

 

Bishnu Dey (1909-1982) was a prominent Bengali poet, writer, essayist, and literary critic from India. He is considered one of the most important figures in modern Bengali literature and played a significant role in the literary and cultural movements of his time.

Born on December 18, 1909, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bishnu Dey was influenced by the changing social and political landscape of India during the early 20th century. He was associated with the literary group known as "Kallol," which was instrumental in modernizing Bengali poetry and literature.

Bishnu Dey's poetry is known for its lyrical quality and deep philosophical insights. He experimented with various poetic forms and themes, touching on love, nature, spirituality, and the human condition. Some of his notable poetry collections include "Smriti Satta Bhavishyat," "Probhu Nasta Hoe Jay," and "Ulanga Raja."

Apart from poetry, Bishnu Dey also wrote essays and literary critiques that contributed to the development of Bengali literary criticism. He was an influential figure in promoting modernism and encouraging young poets and writers.

Bishnu Dey's contributions to Bengali literature earned him several accolades, including the Rabindra Puraskar, Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors.

Throughout his life, Bishnu Dey remained engaged with various literary and cultural organizations, leaving an indelible mark on Bengali literature. His works continue to be celebrated and studied by literature enthusiasts in Bengal and beyond.

 

17 July - Angela Merkel born in 1954

 

Angela Merkel was born on July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, West Germany. She is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and served as the party's leader from 2000 to 2018.

Merkel's political career began after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 when she became involved in politics in the newly reunified Germany. She held various ministerial positions in the government before becoming the Chancellor.

In 2005, Angela Merkel became the first woman to be elected Chancellor of Germany, and she went on to win three subsequent elections in 2009, 2013, and 2017. She was widely regarded as a skilled negotiator and a pragmatic leader, often dubbed the "Iron Lady" for her firm stance on important issues.

During her time as Chancellor, Merkel played a critical role in navigating Germany through various challenges, including the global financial crisis, the European debt crisis, and the refugee crisis. She was known for her commitment to European integration and maintaining strong ties with other world leaders.

In 2021, Angela Merkel decided not to seek re-election, and her term as Chancellor came to an end after the September 2021 federal elections. After leaving office, Merkel's impact on German and European politics remains significant, and she is considered one of the most powerful women in the world and a key figure in shaping modern Germany and Europe.

 

17 July - USA celebrates National Lottery Day

 

National Lottery Day is observed on July 17th each year. It is a day to celebrate and recognize the impact of lotteries on society, their contributions to various causes, and the joy they bring to millions of people through the chance to win prizes and support charitable initiatives.

Lotteries have a long history and have been used as a means to raise funds for public projects, charitable organizations, and other social causes. Many countries around the world operate national or state lotteries, and the proceeds from these lotteries often go towards supporting education, health care, infrastructure, arts and culture, and other essential services.

On National Lottery Day, lottery operators may hold special events, promotions, or giveaways to engage with the public and celebrate the positive impact of their contributions. It is also a day when people participate in lotteries with the hope of winning prizes and contributing to various charitable causes indirectly.

It's worth noting that lottery participation should be done responsibly, and people should always gamble within their means. National Lottery Day provides an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of lotteries while recognizing the good they do in supporting social welfare programs and making a positive difference in society.

17 July - WORLD DAY FOR INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE

 

World Day for International Justice, also known as Day of International Criminal Justice or International Justice Day, is observed on July 17th each year. The day serves to promote awareness about the importance of international justice, the fight against impunity, and the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international tribunals.

The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, is a permanent international court that prosecutes individuals for serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. It aims to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and contribute to the prevention of future atrocities.

International Justice Day provides an opportunity to commemorate the victims of international crimes and to recognize the efforts of organizations, governments, and individuals who work towards achieving justice for victims and upholding the rule of law.

On this day, various events, seminars, and awareness campaigns are organized globally to highlight the significance of international justice and to call for stronger support and cooperation with the ICC and other international justice mechanisms.

The day is a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure justice for victims and to promote a world where human rights are protected, and perpetrators of serious crimes are held accountable for their actions.

16 July - USA celebrates Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day

 

Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day is celebrated on July 16 each year. With discoveries in science, tech, and healthcare, A.I. offers the possibility of a more evolved future. A.I. tools already dominate the market making human life much easier. From travel and navigation to smartphone apps, A.I. has taken the world by storm and looks set to change the future. Although many believe that A.I. only emerged in recent years, its foundations reach back further than that. Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day was created to celebrate the history and accomplishments of A.I. tech and raise awareness about its current and future use cases in human life.

16 July - Frits Zernike birth anniversary

 

Frits Zernike (16 July 1888 –  10 March 1966) was a Dutch physicist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1953 for his invention of the phase-contrast microscope. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Zernike made significant contributions to the field of optics and microscopy.

Zernike's groundbreaking work on phase-contrast microscopy revolutionized the observation of transparent or nearly transparent objects, which were previously difficult to study under a microscope. His invention allowed for the visualization of details in biological specimens without the need for staining or other contrast-enhancing techniques.

In addition to his work on microscopy, Frits Zernike also made contributions to the field of mathematical physics. He developed a mathematical technique called the Zernike polynomials, which are used in the analysis of optical aberrations in systems such as telescopes and microscopes.

Frits Zernike's scientific achievements earned him recognition and honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physics. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the fields of optics and microscopy.

16 July - Aruna Asaf Ali birth anniversary

 

Aruna Asaf Ali was a prominent Indian independence activist and a key figure in the Indian freedom struggle. She was born on July 16, 1909, in Kalka, Punjab (now in Haryana), British India, and she passed away on July 29, 1996.

Aruna Asaf Ali played an instrumental role in India's struggle for independence against British colonial rule. She was actively involved in the Quit India Movement, a mass civil disobedience campaign launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942. During this movement, she worked to mobilize people and organize protests against British rule.

In 1942, she hoisted the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay (now Mumbai) during the Quit India Movement. Her act of defiance and courage inspired many others to join the struggle for independence.

After India gained independence in 1947, Aruna Asaf Ali continued her involvement in politics and social work. She held various positions, including becoming the first mayor of Delhi in 1958. She also served as the President of the All India Women's Conference.

Aruna Asaf Ali was known for her dedication to social causes and worked tirelessly for the betterment of society. She received several honors and awards for her contributions to India's freedom movement and social work.