31 March - The Indian Financial Year ends In India

 

The financial year in India typically runs from 01April to 31 March of the following year. This period is used for accounting purposes by businesses, government entities, and individuals for tax and financial reporting.

The Indian financial year is divided into twelve months, with each month spanning from the 1st to the last day of the month. The end of the financial year, March 31st, marks the deadline for various financial activities, including filing income tax returns, completing audits, and finalizing financial statements.

The Indian government presents its annual budget in February, outlining its expenditure and revenue projections for the upcoming financial year, which starts from April 1st. This budget serves as a blueprint for government spending and taxation policies for the year ahead.

Overall, the Indian financial year plays a crucial role in the country's economic planning, budgeting, and financial management. It provides a structured framework for financial transactions and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors.

31 March - National Crayon Day

 

National Crayon Day is celebrated annually on March 31st. While the exact origins of this holiday are unclear, it is believed to have been established to honor the invention and cultural significance of crayons.

The history of crayons dates back centuries, with early forms of colored drawing implements made from materials like charcoal and oil. However, the modern crayon as we know it was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One significant event in crayon history is the founding of the Crayola company. In 1903, cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith founded Binney & Smith in Easton, Pennsylvania, which later became known as Crayola LLC. The company initially produced industrial pigments before shifting its focus to art products for children. In 1903, they released their first box of crayons, containing eight colors.

Over the years, Crayola has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new colors, specialty crayons, and other art supplies. The brand has become synonymous with crayons and is widely recognized for its iconic yellow and green packaging.

National Crayon Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate the joy of creativity and the role that crayons play in artistic expression, childhood development, and education. It's a day for people of all ages to embrace their inner artist, whether through coloring, drawing, or other artistic endeavors. Additionally, it's a chance to reflect on the history and cultural significance of this beloved art supply.

31 March - King Nangklao Memorial Day (Thailand)

 

King Nangklao Memorial Day, also known as King Rama III Memorial Day, is observed in Thailand on March 31st each year. It commemorates the reign and contributions of King Nangklao, who was also known as King Rama III. King Nangklao ruled Siam (modern-day Thailand) from 1824 until his death in 1851.

During his reign, King Nangklao implemented various reforms and modernizations in Siam, including improvements to infrastructure, administration, and trade. He also played a significant role in preserving the independence of Siam amidst colonial pressures from European powers. King Nangklao is remembered for his efforts to strengthen the kingdom and for his contributions to Thai culture and heritage.

On King Nangklao Memorial Day, Thai people may participate in ceremonies, pay respects at royal monuments or temples, and reflect on the legacy of King Nangklao and his impact on the nation's history.

 

31 March - Daylight Savings Time goes into effect in the USA for the first time in 1918

 

Daylight Saving Time (DST) was first implemented in the United States on March 31, 1918. This was during World War I, and the purpose was to conserve fuel by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the evening hours. However, it was not universally adopted across the country at that time and was met with mixed reactions. After the war, Daylight Saving Time was repealed, but it was reinstated during World War II and has been observed at various times since then. The start and end dates of Daylight Saving Time have changed several times over the years due to legislation and adjustments in policy.

31 March - The Royal Australian Air Force was established.

 

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was indeed established on March 31, 1921. Initially, it was known as the Australian Air Force (AAF) until it received the royal prefix in August 1921, becoming the Royal Australian Air Force. The RAAF is the aerial warfare branch of the Australian Defence Force and has played significant roles in various military operations and conflicts throughout its history, including World War II and subsequent international deployments.

30 March - Cub Scouts stamp issued by India Post in 2017

 

A commemorative postage stamp issued on (30 March 2017) the Indian cub scouts scouting for young children. The Scout Movement was founded by Lord Baden Powell in 1907 for boys above the age of 12 years. One day, when he was inspecting the Scouts at a rally, he noticed the presence of some young boys. When inquired by him, the boys responded, “We are young Scouts.” Upon this, the founder came to the realisation that boys of younger ages too should be a part of the Scout Movement.He then introduced Wolf Cubs based on Rudyard Kipling’s ‘’The Jungle Book” in 1916

30 March - Land Day (Palestine)

 

Land Day is an annual commemoration observed by Palestinians on March 30th. It marks a significant event in Palestinian history and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for land rights and sovereignty.

Land Day originated in 1976 in response to Israeli government plans to expropriate large swathes of land from Palestinian communities in the Galilee region of northern Israel. Palestinians, both those living within Israel and in the occupied territories, organized a general strike and mass protests to oppose the land seizures.

The protests on Land Day resulted in clashes with Israeli security forces, leading to the deaths of six Palestinians and the injury of many others. This tragic event symbolized the Palestinian people's steadfastness in defending their land and rights against Israeli occupation and discriminatory policies.

Since then, Land Day has become a day of remembrance and solidarity for Palestinians worldwide. It is observed with rallies, demonstrations, cultural events, and educational activities, all aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing struggle for Palestinian land rights and the need for justice and self-determination. Land Day serves as a poignant reminder of the Palestinian people's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

 

30 March - The Florida Territory existed from 30 March 1822

 

The Territory of Florida was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 30, 1822, until March 3, 1845, when it was admitted to the Union as the state of Florida. Originally the major portion of the Spanish territory of La Florida, and later the provinces of East and West Florida, it was ceded to the United States as part of the 1819 Adams–Onís Treaty.It was governed by the Florida Territorial Council.

30 March - Swami Shraddhanand stamp issued by India Post

 

Swami Shraddhanand (22 February 1856 – 23 December 1926), also known as Mahatma Munshi Ram Vij, was an Arya Samaj sannyasi and an Indian Independence activist who propagated the teachings of Dayananda Saraswati. This included the establishment of educational institutions, like the Gurukul Kangri University, and played a key role on the Sangathan (consolidation and organization) and the Shuddhi (purification), a Hindu reform movement in the 1920s.

India Post issued a commemorative stamp on 30 March 1970 in his honor

29 March - Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founded in 1982

 

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a prominent regional political party in India, primarily based in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It was founded on 29 March 1982 by Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), a legendary Telugu film actor, with the vision of championing Telugu pride and providing an alternative to the dominance of the Indian National Congress in the state. Within nine months of its formation, the TDP achieved a landslide victory in the 1983 Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections, making NTR the Chief Minister. The party quickly gained national prominence and made history by becoming the first regional party in independent India to serve as the main opposition in the Lok Sabha after the 1984 general elections.

Over the years, TDP has played a crucial role in both state and national politics. It has led several governments in Andhra Pradesh, with leaders like NTR and later Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who took over the party leadership in 1995. Under Naidu’s leadership, the party focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and IT growth, making Hyderabad a major tech hub. The party has been an influential player in coalition politics at the national level, being part of alliances like the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at different points in time.

TDP has witnessed several political shifts, including the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, after which it played a key role in the governance of the newly formed state. However, the party faced setbacks in the 2019 Andhra Pradesh elections, where it lost power to the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Despite electoral challenges, the TDP remains a strong force in Andhra Pradesh, known for its commitment to development and regional identity. Its political future continues to be a subject of interest, especially with upcoming elections and alliances shaping the dynamics of state and national politics.