24 March - Indian Peace Keeping Force was withdrawn in toto from the northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka

 

The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was withdrawn from the northern and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka on March 24, 1990. The IPKF was deployed in Sri Lanka in 1987 as part of the Indian government's efforts to facilitate peace and stability in the country's conflict-ridden regions, particularly during the Sri Lankan Civil War.

The IPKF's mission was to enforce the terms of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, which was signed between the governments of India and Sri Lanka. The accord aimed to address the grievances of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka and to find a political solution to the ongoing conflict.

However, the IPKF's presence in Sri Lanka was met with various challenges, including resistance from militant groups such as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The IPKF became embroiled in armed conflict with the LTTE and faced allegations of human rights abuses during its operations.

Amid escalating violence and mounting casualties, the Indian government decided to withdraw the IPKF from Sri Lanka. The withdrawal process began in 1989 and was completed in 1990, marking the end of India's military involvement in the conflict.

The withdrawal of the IPKF did not immediately lead to the resolution of the Sri Lankan Civil War, which continued for many years until its conclusion in 2009. However, the withdrawal of the IPKF represented a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict and had lasting implications for India-Sri Lanka relation

 

24 March - Jules Verne passed away on 1905

 

 

Jules Gabriel Verne (8 February 1828 – 24 March 1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright. His collaboration with the publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel led to the creation of the Voyages extraordinaires,a series of bestselling adventure novels including Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (1870), and Around the World in Eighty Days (1872). His novels, always well documented, are generally set in the second half of the 19th century, taking into account the technological advances of the time.

In addition to his novels, he wrote numerous plays, short stories, autobiographical accounts, poetry, songs, and scientific, artistic, and literary studies. His work has been adapted for film and television since the beginning of cinema, as well as for comic books, theater, opera, music and video games.

Verne is considered to be an important author in France and most of Europe, where he has had a wide influence on the literary avant-garde and on surrealism.His reputation was markedly different in the Anglosphere where he had often been labeled a writer of genre fiction or children's books, largely because of the highly abridged and altered translations in which his novels have often been printed. Since the 1980s, his literary reputation has improved.

Jules Verne has been the second most-translated author in the world since 1979, ranking between Agatha Christie and William Shakespeare.He has sometimes been called the "father of science fiction", a title that has also been given to H. G. Wells and Hugo Gernsback.In the 2010s, he was the most translated French author in the world. In France, 2005 was declared "Jules Verne Year" on the occasion of the centenary of the writer's death. 

24 March - Morarji Desai became the fourth Prime Minister of India

 

On March 24, 1977, Morarji Desai became the fourth Prime Minister of India. He was an important figure in Indian politics, serving as Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979. Morarji Desai was known for his contributions to the Indian independence movement and his involvement in various administrative roles before assuming the position of Prime Minister.

Desai's tenure as Prime Minister marked a significant period in Indian political history as he was the first Prime Minister not affiliated with the Indian National Congress to hold office for a substantial period after India's independence in 1947. He belonged to the Janata Party, which came into power after the Emergency era in India, ending the long reign of the Congress party.

During his time as Prime Minister, Desai pursued several key policies, including economic reforms and efforts to improve relations with neighboring countries. However, his term faced challenges, and he eventually resigned in 1979.

Morarji Desai's legacy in Indian politics remains notable for his contributions to the nation's governance and his role in shaping India's political landscape during a crucial period.

 

24 March - Harry Houdini birth anniversary

 

Harry Houdini, born on 24 March 1874, was a Hungarian-American escape artist, magic man, and stunt performer, noted for his escape acts. His pseudonym is a reference to his spiritual master, French magician Robert-Houdin (1805–1871).

24 March - British ship Eurydice sunk in 1878

 

On March 24, 1878, the British ship HMS Eurydice sank off the Isle of Wight. HMS Eurydice was a Royal Navy ship, a wooden-hulled screw frigate. The sinking of the Eurydice was a tragic maritime disaster resulting in the loss of 317 lives.

The ship had been returning to Portsmouth, England, from the West Indies when it encountered a violent storm off the Isle of Wight. The storm caused the ship to capsize and sink rapidly. Despite rescue efforts by nearby ships and shore-based lifeboat crews, only two of the crew members survived.

The sinking of the HMS Eurydice was one of the worst peacetime naval disasters in British history and led to significant changes in naval design and safety protocols. The tragedy served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by sailors at sea and prompted improvements in ship construction and safety procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

24 March - Queen Mary, grandmother of the Queen of Britain, died while asleep

 

On March 24, 1953, Queen Mary of Teck, the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, passed away peacefully in her sleep. Queen Mary was the wife of King George V and the mother of King George VI, making her the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Mary was a prominent figure in the British royal family and played a significant role in various charitable and cultural endeavors throughout her life.

Her death in 1953 marked the end of an era, as she had been a respected and influential member of the royal family for many years. Queen Mary's legacy includes her dedication to public service, her support for various charities, and her contributions to the cultural life of Britain. Her passing was mourned by the nation, and her memory continues to be honored within the royal family and beyond.

 

24 March - National Tree Planting Day Uganda

 

National Tree Planting Day in Uganda is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation. The Ugandan government, along with various organizations and communities, organizes tree planting activities across the country to combat deforestation, promote sustainable land use, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The government of Uganda recognizes the significance of trees in maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity, and improving the livelihoods of its citizens. National Tree Planting Day serves as a platform to engage citizens in tree planting initiatives, educate them about the benefits of trees, and encourage sustainable environmental practices.

Tree planting events on National Tree Planting Day often involve government officials, community leaders, schools, youth groups, and environmental organizations coming together to plant trees in designated areas such as schools, public parks, forests, and degraded landscapes. These activities aim to not only increase the country's forest cover but also promote community participation in environmental conservation efforts.

By celebrating National Tree Planting Day, Uganda reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability and encourages its citizens to take proactive steps towards preserving the country's natural heritage for future generations.

24 March - Rural Postal Life Insurance Day

 

Rural Postal Life Insurance Day is observed on March 24th each year. This day commemorates the establishment of the Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) scheme in India. RPLI is a unique insurance scheme provided by the Department of Posts, Government of India, which aims to provide life insurance coverage to people living in rural areas, especially those who do not have easy access to insurance services offered by traditional insurance companies.

The Rural Postal Life Insurance scheme was launched to cater to the insurance needs of rural populations and to promote financial inclusion by extending insurance services to remote and underprivileged areas. It has played a significant role in providing affordable life insurance coverage to millions of people in rural India, thus contributing to social security and financial stability in these communities.

On Rural Postal Life Insurance Day, various awareness programs, workshops, and events may be organized to highlight the importance of insurance and to educate rural populations about the benefits of the RPLI scheme. It's a day to recognize the efforts of the postal department in extending financial services to the rural masses and to encourage more people to avail themselves of the benefits of life insurance.

24 March - Queen Elizabeth I death anniversary

 

March 24th marks the anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth I of England, who passed away on March 24, 1603. Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, reigned from 1558 until her death. Her reign is often referred to as the Elizabethan Era, a period known for its flourishing of English literature and exploration, as well as its stability and prosperity. Queen Elizabeth I was one of England's most influential and successful monarchs, known for her intelligence, political savvy, and strong leadership. Her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty, as she left no direct heirs, and she was succeeded by James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England, uniting the crowns of England and Scotland.

 

24 March - Georgius Agricola born in 1494

 

Georgius Agricola, born on 24 March 1494, was a German Humanist scholar, mineralogist and metallurgist. Born in the small town of Glauchau, in the Electorate of Saxony of the Holy Roman Empire, he was broadly educated, but took a particular interest in the mining and refining of metals. For his groundbreaking work De Natura Fossilium published in 1546, he is generally referred to as the Father of Mineralogy.