First In The World

First In The World: General Knowledge Firsts

The world is a vast tapestry of historical milestones, with many ‘firsts’ that have shaped our understanding of science, technology, culture, and exploration. These pioneering achievements stand as testaments to human ingenuity, bravery, and curiosity. This article explores some of the most significant ‘firsts’ across various fields, highlighting the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.

First in the World – Male

First in the World – Female

1. First woman Prime Minister of any Muslim country Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan)
2. First woman Prime Minister of England Margaret Thatcher
3. First woman President of a country Maria Estela Peron
4. First woman Prime Minister of a country S Bhandar Nayake
5. First woman space tourist Mrs Anousheh Ansari
6. First woman to reach Antarctica Caroline Michaelson
7. First woman to climb Mount Everest Junko Tabei (Japan)
8. First woman to cross the Strait of Gibralter in the world Arti Pradhan
9. First woman to reach the North Pole Mrs Fran Phipps
10. First woman to set foot on North pole Ann Bancroft, USA
11. First woman who chair US Central Bank ‘Federal Reserve’ Janet Yellen
12. First woman cosmonaut in space Valentina Tereshkova (USSR)
13. First woman President of UN General Assembly Vijaya Laxmi Pandit
14. First women chief Justice of High Court Leela Seth
15. First woman Minister in Government Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
16. First woman Governor of a State in free India Sarojini Naidu
17. First woman Ambassador CB Muthamma
18. First woman Chief Minister of an Indian State Sucheta Kripalani
19. First woman Judge in Supreme Court Fatima Beevi
20. First woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
21. First woman to cross English channel Aarti Saha
22. First woman chairman of Union Public Service Commission Rose Millian Bethew
23. First woman Speaker of a state Assembly Shanno Devi
24. First woman Director General of Police Kanchan C Bhattacharya
25. First woman IPS Officer Kiran Bedi
26. First woman President of Indian National Congress Mrs Annie Besant
27. First woman Judge Anna Chandy
28. First woman Lawyer Cornelia Sorabjee
29. First woman to become Miss World Reita Faria
30. First woman Honours Graduate Kamini Roy
31. First woman Director General of Police Kanchan C Bhattacharya
32. First woman lieutenant General Puneeta Arora
33. First woman Pilot in Indian Air Force Harita Kaur Dayal
34. First woman Air Vice Marshal P Bandopadhyaya
35. First woman Chairperson of Indian Air Lines Sushma Chawla
36. First woman to receive Noble Prize Mother Teresa
37. First woman to receive Bharat Ratna Mrs Indira Gandhi
38. First woman Airline Pilot Durga Banerjee
39. First woman to receive Jnanpith Award Ashapurna Devi
40. First woman to receive Ashoka Chakra Nirja Bhanot
41. First woman Olympic Medal winner Karnam Malleshwari
42. First woman Asian Games Gold Medal Winner Kamaljit Sandhu
43. First woman to climb Mount Everest twice Santosh Yadav

Other Categories in First in the World

First In The World

The First Person in Space

Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human to journey into outer space on April 12, 1961. His spacecraft, Vostok 1, completed one orbit around Earth, making Gagarin an international hero and a symbol of Soviet space achievement during the Cold War era. His mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration and opened the doors for human space travel.

The First Man on the Moon

Neil Armstrong’s iconic words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” marked a historic moment on July 20, 1969. As the commander of Apollo 11, Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the lunar surface. This achievement not only represented the pinnacle of the space race but also showcased human capability and ambition in exploring beyond our planet.

The First Country to Gain Independence

The United States of America was the first country to declare independence from a colonial power, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This act of rebellion against British rule inspired numerous other independence movements worldwide, shaping the modern geopolitical landscape.

The First Woman to Win a Nobel Prize

Marie Curie made history as the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize in 1903, sharing the Physics award with her husband Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel for their work on radioactivity. She later won a second Nobel Prize in 1911, this time in Chemistry, for her discovery of the elements radium and polonium. Her groundbreaking research laid the foundation for advances in nuclear physics and chemistry.

The First Successful Powered Flight

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft. Their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, stayed aloft for 12 seconds and covered 120 feet on its maiden flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This breakthrough marked the beginning of the modern aviation era, transforming transportation and connecting the world in unprecedented ways.

The First Climbing of Mount Everest

Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, were the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, on May 29, 1953. Their successful ascent was a monumental achievement in mountaineering, symbolizing human perseverance and the quest for exploration.

The First Artificial Satellite

Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, was the world’s first artificial satellite. This spherical satellite transmitted radio pulses back to Earth, heralding the beginning of the space age and sparking a fierce technological competition known as the space race. Sputnik’s success demonstrated the feasibility of space exploration and led to significant advancements in satellite technology.

The First Heart Transplant

Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful human heart transplant on December 3, 1967, in Cape Town, South Africa. The patient, Louis Washkansky, survived for 18 days before succumbing to pneumonia. Despite the short survival time, this medical breakthrough paved the way for future developments in organ transplantation, significantly improving survival rates and the quality of life for many patients.

The First Human Genome Sequenced

In 2003, the Human Genome Project successfully completed the sequencing of the human genome, marking a monumental achievement in genetics and molecular biology. This international research effort, which began in 1990, mapped all the genes in the human DNA, providing invaluable insights into human development, disease, and evolution.

The First Recorded Civilization

The Sumerians of Mesopotamia are considered the creators of the first known civilization, emerging around 4500 BCE in what is now modern-day Iraq. They developed one of the earliest writing systems, cuneiform, and made significant advances in architecture, law, and astronomy. The Sumerian civilization laid the groundwork for many aspects of modern society.

The First Computer Programmer

Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer, is often credited as the world’s first computer programmer. In the mid-1800s, she worked on Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Lovelace wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine, foreseeing the potential of computers beyond mere calculation.

The First Use of Penicillin

Sir Alexander Fleming discovered the antibiotic properties of penicillin in 1928. However, it wasn’t until 1942 that Dr. Howard Florey and Dr. Ernst Boris Chain, building on Fleming’s work, successfully used penicillin to treat bacterial infections in humans. This breakthrough revolutionized medicine, drastically reducing the death rate from infections and paving the way for the development of more antibiotics.

The First Non-Stop Transatlantic Flight

Charles Lindbergh achieved the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight on May 20-21, 1927. He flew his aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis, from New York to Paris, covering approximately 3,600 miles in 33.5 hours. Lindbergh’s feat demonstrated the potential of long-distance air travel and significantly advanced the field of aviation.

The First Test-Tube Baby

Louise Brown, born on July 25, 1978, in England, was the world’s first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). This groundbreaking medical procedure, developed by Dr. Robert Edwards and Dr. Patrick Steptoe, provided new hope for couples struggling with infertility and has since led to the birth of millions of babies worldwide through assisted reproductive technology.

The First Woman Prime Minister

Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka became the world’s first female prime minister on July 21, 1960. Her election marked a significant milestone in the political landscape, challenging traditional gender roles and paving the way for greater female representation in leadership positions globally.

The First Video Game

The first video game is widely considered to be “Tennis for Two,” created by physicist William Higinbotham in 1958. This simple tennis simulation game was designed for display at the Brookhaven National Laboratory to entertain visitors. It laid the foundation for the video game industry, which has since grown into a major cultural and economic force.

The First Human to Summit K2

Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli, Italian mountaineers, were the first to reach the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, on July 31, 1954. Known for its extreme difficulty and dangerous climbing conditions, K2’s successful ascent was a landmark achievement in the history of mountaineering.

The First Test of a Nuclear Weapon

The first detonation of a nuclear weapon occurred on July 16, 1945, as part of the Manhattan Project. Known as the Trinity test, it took place in the New Mexico desert and marked the beginning of the atomic age. This event had profound implications for international relations, warfare, and ethical discussions surrounding the use of nuclear technology.

The First Commercially Successful Personal Computer

The IBM Personal Computer (PC), released in 1981, is often considered the first commercially successful personal computer. It standardized the architecture for PCs and popularized personal computing, leading to the widespread adoption of computers in homes and businesses.

The First Transcontinental Railroad

Completed on May 10, 1869, the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States connected the Pacific coast at San Francisco Bay with the existing eastern U.S. rail network at Council Bluffs, Iowa. This monumental project revolutionized transportation, facilitating commerce, travel, and the westward expansion of the United States.

The First Artificial Intelligence Program

The first artificial intelligence (AI) program, known as the Logic Theorist, was developed by Allen Newell and Herbert A. Simon in 1956. This program was designed to mimic human problem-solving skills and was capable of proving mathematical theorems. It laid the groundwork for the development of AI as a field, leading to advancements that have transformed technology and various industries.

The First Successful Organ Transplant

The first successful organ transplant was performed on December 23, 1954, by Dr. Joseph Murray and Dr. David Hume at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. The surgery involved transplanting a kidney from one identical twin to another, overcoming the body’s rejection response and pioneering the field of organ transplantation, which has since saved countless lives.

The First Sub-4-Minute Mile

Roger Bannister, a British middle-distance runner, broke the four-minute mile barrier on May 6, 1954. He completed the distance in 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds, a feat that was previously thought to be unattainable. Bannister’s achievement demonstrated the limits of human athletic performance and inspired future generations of athletes.

The First Commercially Available Mobile Phone

The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, released in 1983, was the first commercially available mobile phone. It marked the beginning of the mobile communications revolution, transforming how people connect and communicate. This bulky device paved the way for the sleek, powerful smartphones that are ubiquitous today.

The First Satellite Television Broadcast

The first satellite television broadcast took place on July 10, 1962, when the Telstar 1 satellite transmitted live television signals between the United States and Europe. This event marked the beginning of global satellite communications, which have since enabled real-time broadcasting, global news coverage, and the modern telecommunications industry.

The First Woman in Space

Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first woman to travel into space on June 16, 1963, aboard Vostok 6. Her mission demonstrated the potential for women in space exploration and broke significant gender barriers, inspiring future generations of female astronauts.

The First Use of the Internet

The ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet, sent its first message on October 29, 1969. This message, sent from UCLA to Stanford Research Institute, consisted of the letters “LO” (as the system crashed before “LOGIN” could be completed). This event marked the beginning of a technological revolution that would transform communication, information sharing, and global connectivity.

The First Test of the Hydrogen Bomb

The first test of a hydrogen bomb, known as “Ivy Mike,” was conducted by the United States on November 1, 1952, at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. This test demonstrated the immense destructive power of thermonuclear weapons, significantly influencing global military strategy and the dynamics of the Cold War.

The First African American President of the United States

Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African American president of the United States, serving two terms from 2009 to 2017. His election represented a significant milestone in American politics and civil rights, symbolizing progress towards racial equality and inspiring millions around the world.

The First Nobel Peace Prize

The first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1901 to Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Frédéric Passy, a leading international pacifist. This award recognized their efforts in promoting peace and humanitarian work, establishing a legacy that continues to honor individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering global harmony.

The First Color Television Broadcast

The first color television broadcast occurred on January 1, 1954, by NBC. This milestone in television history provided viewers with a richer, more immersive visual experience and marked the beginning of the widespread adoption of color TV, which transformed the entertainment industry.

The First Man to Reach the South Pole

Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer, was the first person to reach the South Pole on December 14, 1911. His successful expedition, which beat the British team led by Robert Falcon Scott, was a remarkable achievement in the annals of polar exploration and showcased the spirit of human determination and exploration.

The First Manned Submersible Dive to the Deepest Point in the Ocean

Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh made history on January 23, 1960, when they descended to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point on Earth’s seabed, aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste. They reached a depth of approximately 35,814 feet (10,916 meters), providing invaluable insights into the ocean’s depths and paving the way for future deep-sea exploration.

The First Use of Anesthesia in Surgery

Dr. William T.G. Morton successfully used ether as an anesthetic during a surgical procedure to remove a tumor from a patient’s neck on October 16, 1846, at Massachusetts General Hospital. This groundbreaking use of anesthesia revolutionized surgery by allowing pain-free procedures, significantly advancing medical practice and patient care.

The First Woman to Fly Solo Across the Atlantic

Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean on May 20-21, 1932. She flew from Newfoundland, Canada, to Ireland, covering approximately 2,000 miles in nearly 15 hours. Earhart’s daring feat cemented her status as a pioneering aviator and an inspiration for women in aviation and beyond.

The First Successful Human Liver Transplant

The first successful human liver transplant was performed by Dr. Thomas Starzl on July 23, 1967, in Denver, Colorado. The patient, a 19-month-old girl, survived for over a year after the operation. This medical breakthrough significantly improved the prospects for patients with liver failure and advanced the field of organ transplantation.

The First Movie with Synchronized Sound

“The Jazz Singer,” released on October 6, 1927, is widely recognized as the first feature-length motion picture with synchronized dialogue sequences. This film, starring Al Jolson, marked the transition from silent films to “talkies,” revolutionizing the film industry and changing the way stories were told on screen.

The First Cloned Mammal

Dolly the sheep, born on July 5, 1996, was the first mammal to be successfully cloned from an adult somatic cell. This breakthrough in biotechnology, achieved by scientists at the Roslin Institute in Scotland, demonstrated the potential for cloning in medical research and agricultural practices, raising ethical and scientific discussions about the future of cloning technology.

The First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable

The first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was completed on July 27, 1866, connecting Valentia Island in Ireland to Heart’s Content in Newfoundland, Canada. This monumental achievement in communication technology allowed messages to be sent across the Atlantic in minutes rather than weeks, revolutionizing international communication and commerce.

The First Non-European to Win the Nobel Prize in Literature

Rabindranath Tagore, an Indian poet, philosopher, and polymath, became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Tagore was honored for his profoundly sensitive, fresh, and beautiful verse, exemplified in his work “Gitanjali.” His recognition highlighted the universal appeal of non-Western literature and cultural contributions.

The First Man to Sail Solo Around the World

Joshua Slocum, a Canadian-American seaman, became the first person to sail solo around the world. His journey, completed between 1895 and 1898 aboard the sloop Spray, covered over 46,000 miles. Slocum’s voyage, documented in his book “Sailing Alone Around the World,” inspired countless sailors and adventurers.

The First Woman to Win the Fields Medal

Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian mathematician, became the first woman to be awarded the Fields Medal in 2014. Known as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics,” the Fields Medal recognized Mirzakhani’s outstanding contributions to the fields of geometry and dynamical systems. Her achievements broke significant gender barriers in the mathematical community.

The First Successful Moon Landing

The Soviet Union’s Luna 2 mission, launched on September 12, 1959, was the first human-made object to reach the moon. It impacted the lunar surface on September 13, marking the first successful moon landing and demonstrating the potential for lunar exploration, leading up to manned moon landings in the following decade.

The First Human to Run a Marathon in Under Two Hours

Eliud Kipchoge, a Kenyan long-distance runner, became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours on October 12, 2019. Although this achievement, completed in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds, took place under non-competition conditions and thus wasn’t an official world record, it showcased the extraordinary capabilities of human endurance and athleticism.

The First Woman to Win an Olympic Gold Medal

Charlotte Cooper, a British tennis player, became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1900 Paris Olympics. She won the women’s singles and mixed doubles events, marking a significant achievement in the history of women’s sports and the Olympic Games.

The First Use of the Electric Light Bulb

Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the first practical electric light bulb in 1879. Although other inventors had developed earlier versions, Edison’s bulb was the first to be long-lasting and commercially viable, leading to widespread use and the development of modern electrical lighting.

The First Transatlantic Flight

John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown made the first non-stop transatlantic flight on June 14-15, 1919. They flew from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Clifden, Ireland, in a modified Vickers Vimy bomber, covering approximately 1,890 miles. Their successful flight demonstrated the feasibility of transatlantic air travel and opened new possibilities for aviation.

The First Person to Cross Antarctica

Sir Vivian Fuchs led the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1955 to 1958, completing the first overland crossing of Antarctica. The expedition covered over 2,158 miles from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea, via the South Pole, and demonstrated the potential for human exploration in extreme environments.

The First Artificial Heart Transplant

Barney Clark received the first permanent artificial heart, the Jarvik-7, on December 2, 1982, at the University of Utah Medical Center. Dr. Barney Clark survived for 112 days with the device, which represented a significant advancement in medical technology and the treatment of end-stage heart disease.

The First Woman to Reach the North Pole

Ann Bancroft, an American explorer, became the first woman to reach the North Pole on foot and by sled on May 1, 1986. Her achievement highlighted the capabilities of women in extreme exploration and inspired further participation of women in polar expeditions.

The First Successful Human-to-Human Blood Transfusion

Dr. James Blundell, a British obstetrician, performed the first successful human-to-human blood transfusion in 1818. He used blood from a donor to save a patient suffering from postpartum hemorrhage. This groundbreaking procedure laid the foundation for modern blood transfusion medicine.

The First Video Uploaded to YouTube

The first video ever uploaded to YouTube was titled “Me at the zoo” and was uploaded by co-founder Jawed Karim on April 23, 2005. The 19-second video features Karim at the San Diego Zoo and marks the beginning of the platform that would revolutionize video sharing and content creation online.

The First Woman to Serve on the U.S. Supreme Court

Sandra Day O’Connor made history as the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, taking her seat on September 25, 1981. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, O’Connor served as an Associate Justice until her retirement in 2006, significantly influencing American law and society.

The First African American Woman to Travel into Space

Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel into space on September 12, 1992, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-47). Her mission underscored the growing diversity in space exploration and inspired many in the fields of science and engineering.

The First Film to Win the Academy Award for Best Picture

The first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture was “Wings,” directed by William A. Wellman, at the inaugural Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. This silent war film, known for its impressive aerial battle sequences, set a precedent for cinematic excellence and recognition.

The First African American Mayor of a Major U.S. City

Carl Stokes was elected as the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1967. His election represented a significant milestone in American politics and civil rights, paving the way for greater representation of African Americans in public office.

The First Person to Scale All Seven Summits

Richard Bass, an American mountaineer, became the first person to climb the highest peak on each of the seven continents, known as the Seven Summits, when he completed his ascent of Mount Everest on April 30, 1985. His achievement popularized the Seven Summits challenge among climbers worldwide.

The First Test Tube Twins

The first test-tube twins, Stephen and Amanda Mays, were born on June 5, 1981, in Melbourne, Australia. Their birth represented another milestone in the field of assisted reproductive technology, demonstrating the success and potential of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for multiple births.