July 9th has witnessed a diverse range of historical events that continue to shape our present world. On this date in 1875, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was established, marking a pivotal moment in the development of India’s capital market. The BSE, Asia’s first stock exchange, provides a platform for trading equities, debt instruments, derivatives, mutual funds, and even small and medium enterprise (SME) equities. Beyond trading, the BSE offers a comprehensive suite of services, including risk management, clearing, settlement, market data, and educational resources for capital market participants.
Two years later, on July 9, 1877, the world of tennis was forever altered with the commencement of the first Wimbledon Championship. Organised by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, this inaugural tournament marked not only the beginning of tennis championships in England but also the birth of grand slam tournaments. Spencer Gore etched his name in history as the first-ever Wimbledon champion.
Shifting focus to natural disasters, July 9, 1958, saw a devastating megatsunami strike Lituya Bay in Alaska, USA. Unlike regular tsunamis, megatsunamis generate waves of exceptional height, and this particular event produced waves reaching a staggering 516 meters, the highest recorded tsunami height in history. The destructive force of this natural phenomenon serves as a stark reminder of the immense power of nature.
On a more uplifting note, July 9, 1947, witnessed a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s rights in the US military. Florence Blanchfield was appointed as a lieutenant colonel, making her the first female officer in the US Army. This appointment marked a groundbreaking moment, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater female representation in the armed forces.
