Jal Manekji Cooper's Birth Anniversary

Jal Manekji Cooper, born on 29 March 1905, in Mumbai, was an Indian philatelist, and an expert and authenticator of the postage stamps and postal history of India. Cooper was also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the author of several philatelic handbooks. He was both a stamp dealer and a collector and was associated with philatelists like C.D. Desai, N. D. Cooper, and Robson Lowe.

Cooper is occasionally but erroneously credited with having discovered the Inverted Head 4 Annas.

The 1891 reprints show that this error was already known. E. A. Smythies said the error was first discovered at a meeting of the Philatelic Society of London in 1874.

The Jal Cooper Philatelic Society, in Varanasi, India, is named after him and India Post issued a 10 rupees commemorative stamp in 1997 depicting Cooper and Indian postmarks, on the occasion of INDEPEX 97.

 

 

Barnum & Bailey Day

 

March 28 marks an exciting celebration in the world of entertainment—it’s Barnum & Bailey Day! This day commemorates the iconic American circus known as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” which combined the talents of P.T. Barnum, J.A. Bailey, and the Ringling Brothers. It’s a day to remember the magic, excitement, and wonder that the circus has brought to audiences around the world. 

 

Five Fun Facts about Barnum & Bailey Day

·        The Barnum & Bailey Circus was created when P.T. Barnum’s circus merged with James Anthony Bailey’s in 1881.

·        Known for its elaborate spectacles, the circus travelled across the country in special trains.

·        The phrase “The Greatest Show on Earth” was actually coined by P.T. Barnum, showcasing his flair for the dramatic.

·        The circus was famous for its vast menagerie of animals, breathtaking acrobatic performances, and unique attractions.

·        Barnum & Bailey Day celebrate not just the circus, but the imagination and innovation that can turn dreams into reality.

 

In 1902, in Kolkata, the first Electric tram in Asia began operations

 

The first electric tram in Asia began operating in Kolkata (then Calcutta), India, in 1902. The inaugural electric tram service ran from Esplanade to Kidderpore on March 27, 1902, marking a major milestone in Asian urban transport after horse-drawn trams had operated in the city since 1873. 

 

• Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
• Start Date: March 27, 1902.
• First Route: Esplanade to Kidderpore.
• Significance: It is the oldest operating electric tram network in Asia, often referred to as a "living museum".
• Transition: Before electricity, the city operated horse-drawn trams (1873) and experimented with steam locomotives (1882). 

The Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) oversaw the transition from steam and horse-drawn trams to electric power. While many cities in Asia previously had tram systems, Kolkata remains the only city in India where they still run, albeit in a reduced capacity

National Spinach Day (United States)

 

National Spinach Day is celebrated annually on March 26th to promote the consumption of this nutrient-dense leafy green, which is high in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. The day encourages incorporating fresh or cooked spinach into diets, often highlighted by eating recipes like salads, pasta, or smoothies. 

Musiri Subramania Iyer's Death Anniversary

 

Musiri Subramania Iyer, who passed away on 25 March 1975, aged 75, was a Carnatic vocalist whose stage performing career spanned the 1920s to the 1940s. After retirement from the stage, he remained an iconic figure in Carnatic music as a dedicated teacher and leader in the Carnatic community. His bhava-laden renditions of Carnatic songs have become the measuring stick for generations of Carnatic vocalists. Musiri Subramania Iyer is considered one of the giants of Carnatic music in the twentieth century.

 

Joseph Priestley's Birth Anniversary

Joseph Priestley, born on 24 March 1733, in Birstall, United Kingdom, was an English chemist, natural philosopher, separatist theologian, grammarian, multi-subject educator, and liberal political theorist who published over 150 works. He has historically been credited with the independent discovery of oxygen in 1774 by the thermal decomposition of mercuric oxide, having isolated it. Although Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele also has strong claims to the discovery, Priestley published his findings first. Scheele discovered it by heating potassium nitrate, mercuric oxide, and many other substances in about 1772. 

 

World Meteorological Day

 

Observed annually on March 23, World Meteorological Day, commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Day (WMO) in 1950. This day recognises the vital contributions of meteorologists and underscores the importance of global collaboration in weather, climate, and water management. It also highlights WMO’s efforts in advancing weather forecasting and tackling climate challenges worldwide.

World Meteorological Day: History

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) was founded in March 1950 and became a specialised agency of the United Nations in 1951. This marked a new era of global cooperation in meteorology, hydrology and related sciences.

The idea for the WMO began in the mid-1930s as the importance of weather forecasting and climate studies grew. However, progress was delayed due to World War II. After the war, efforts to establish the organisation gained momentum which led to its formation.

The WMO focuses on standardising meteorological practices, supporting research and addressing global weather challenges. Today, it has 193 members which includes 187 member states and 6 territories, each managing its meteorological services. The first World Meteorological Day was celebrated on March 23, 1961.

World Meteorological Day: Significance

World Meteorological Day is an important day that draws attention to the challenges our planet faces in terms of weather, climate and water resources. It helps raise awareness about how these elements impact our daily lives and highlights the progress made in meteorology and climate science.