13 March - The planet Uranus is discovered by William Herschel in 1781

 

On the night of 13 March 1781, William Herschel, a German-born British astronomer and musician, was conducting a systematic survey of the night sky from his home in Bath, England. Using a homemade telescope, he observed an object in the constellation Taurus that appeared different from the surrounding stars. Initially, he thought it was a comet because it had a noticeable disk and moved relative to the background stars over several nights. However, further observations and calculations by astronomers such as Anders Johan Lexell and Johann Elert Bode revealed that the object followed a nearly circular orbit, characteristic of a planet rather than a comet. This made Uranus the first planet discovered with a telescope, expanding the known boundaries of the solar system for the first time in modern history. The discovery was groundbreaking, as it challenged the long-standing belief that only six planets existed. In recognition of his work, Herschel was appointed King’s Astronomer by King George III, and he initially proposed naming the planet Georgium Sidus (George’s Star) in honor of the king. However, the name Uranus, suggested by Johann Bode, was eventually adopted to align with the mythological naming convention of the other planets. This discovery marked a significant milestone in astronomy, leading to further studies of the outer solar system and the eventual discovery of Neptune and Pluto.

13 March - Mumbai General Post Office completion in 1913

 

Mumbai General Post Office (GPO). The Indo-Saracenic architecture of the GPO, inspired by Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka, showcases the fusion of various architectural styles, including Indian and Islamic elements, with a touch of Western influences. The intricate carvings, arches, and the central dome contribute to its architectural splendor.

The GPO's completion on 13 March 1913, makes it over a century old, and its historical and cultural significance as the central post office in Mumbai adds to its importance. The GPO serves not only as a functional postal facility but also as a symbol of Mumbai's rich heritage and colonial history.

 

13 March - Prince Mahendra became the king of Nepal

 

Prince Mahendra became the king of Nepal on 13 March 1950. He succeeded his father, King Tribhuvan, who had sought refuge in the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu during a political conflict. This period marked a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, as the Rana regime, which had held power for over a century, faced challenges, and the country moved towards a constitutional monarchy.

King Mahendra played a key role in shaping Nepal's political system. In 1959, he dissolved the democratically elected government and suspended the constitution, establishing the Panchayat system, which centralized power under the monarchy. The Panchayat system lasted until 1990 when a popular movement forced King Birendra (son of King Mahendra) to accept constitutional reforms and establish a parliamentary democracy.

King Mahendra ruled until his death in 1972, after which he was succeeded by his son, King Birendra. The political landscape in Nepal continued to evolve, with various changes in the system of government over the years.

 

13 March - Chester Greenwood received a patent for the invention of earmuffs in 1877

 

On March 13, 1877, Chester Greenwood, an American inventor from Farmington, Maine, received a patent for the invention of earmuffs. Greenwood came up with the idea for earmuffs at the age of 15 when he decided to find a solution to keep his ears warm while ice skating. He designed a pair of ear protectors made of wire with fur attached, and these earmuffs eventually became a widely used accessory for keeping ears warm in cold weather. Greenwood's invention earned him the nickname "the ear protector king," and his contribution is still recognized today as earmuffs remain a popular winter accessory.

12 March - The Indian film "Anand" was released

 

The Indian film "Anand" was released on March 12, 1971. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the movie is a classic Bollywood drama that features notable performances by Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. "Anand" is celebrated for its emotional storytelling and memorable music, composed by Salil Chowdhury. The film went on to become a critical and commercial success and is still remembered as one of the iconic movies in Indian cinema.

The movie had a lovely message which I try to follow - the essence being "Life is Short, Live it to the fullest, Be Happy and Spread Happiness". 

Courtesy :  Shushil Mishra

12 March - National Plant A Flower Day

 

National Plant A Flower Day is observed on 12 March, every year. The day is dedicated to promoting the use of flowers in gardens and in creating a better understanding of the importance of flowers in the world.

Flowers are the foundation of life on our planet. They are a part of the natural world and play a vital role in sustaining the growth and survival of all organisms. Flowers also have cultural and spiritual significance, often representing the hopes, dreams, and beauty of the universe.

11 March - World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in 2020

 

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. The declaration highlighted the widespread and sustained transmission of the virus across different countries and regions, emphasizing the need for coordinated international efforts to control the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on public health. The COVID-19 pandemic has since had far-reaching consequences on global health, economies, and daily life around the world.

10 March - Maulana Shaukat Ali birth anniversary

 

Maulana Shaukat Ali was born on 10 March 1873, and he passed away on 26 November 1938. He was a prominent Indian Muslim leader, activist, and politician who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Maulana Shaukat Ali, along with his brother Maulana Muhammad Ali, was actively involved in advocating for the rights of Muslims and promoting the Khilafat Movement in India.

10 March - Daylight Saving Time starts

 

Daylight Saving Time (DST) typically starts on the second Sunday in March each year in many parts of the United States and other countries that observe DST. However, it's important to note that the start and end dates of DST can vary by location, and not all regions or countries participate in this practice.

For reference, as of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the schedule for DST in the United States was as follows:

• DST starts on the second Sunday in March.
• DST ends on the first Sunday in November.

 

10 March - The rings of Uranus were first discovered

 

The rings of Uranus were first discovered on March 10, 1977, by astronomers James L. Elliot, Edward W. Dunham, and Douglas J. Mink using the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. They observed a star named SAO 158687 pass behind Uranus, and during this event, they noticed a series of dips in the star's brightness, indicating the presence of rings around the planet.

This discovery marked an important astronomical observation, revealing that Uranus, like Saturn, had a system of rings surrounding it. The rings of Uranus are much fainter and less prominent than Saturn's, making them more challenging to detect from Earth.