Transfer Day (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Transfer Day is a public holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands observed on March 31st.

The holiday commemorates this day in 1917 when Denmark ceded the islands to the United States.

History of Transfer Day

These Caribbean islands are part of the Virgin Islands archipelago. They are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles and lie west of the British Virgin Islands.

On March 31st 1917, the 133-square-mile island chain comprising the Danish West Indies was ceded to the United States by Denmark, becoming the U.S. Virgin Islands in exchange for $25 million in gold.

The U.S. interest in the islands primarily was their strategic location to improve military positioning during World War I. Later, the islands were a foothold in the Caribbean for the U.S. Navy in World War II.

The islands are an organized, unincorporated United States territory.

Eiffel Tower Day

Eiffel Tower Day is celebrated on March 31, every year. The event is observed to celebrate the inauguration of the monument in history. On this day in 1889, the skyscraper was revealed to the public. 

What is the history of the Eiffel Tower?

A design competition was held in central Paris and more than 100 artists turned in their ideas, for an international fair to display the industrial advancement of France in the 19th century.

Gustave Eiffel proposed 1,000 feet open-lattice iron tower in the heart of Paris and received the contract in the year 1887.  He began work on the project on January 28, 1887, and completed it in two years, two months, and five days despite years of uncertainty, criticism, and even protests. 

Since its opening in 1889, the Eiffel Tower has become one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in Paris but throughout the globe. The magnificent iron tower is surely a great technical achievement and motivating representation of the City of Lights.

What is inside the Eiffel Tower?

There are three floors in the Eiffel Tower: the first floor, the second floor, and the summit (top level). On the first level, there are museums, a glass floor, frequently changing exhibitions, gift shops, and dining establishments. The Jules Verne restaurant, additional shops, and an observation area are all located on the second level.

The summit or top floor is mainly the highest observation deck in Europe at 276 metres (905 feet) above sea level. Along with a champagne bar and a replica of Gustave Eiffel's workplace, the top floor is divided into two levels.

Why the Eiffel Tower is so famous?

Gustave's vision gave Paris a new lease on life and made it into the romantic city we know today, with his creation. He intended the structure to serve as a representation of the "great scientific movement of the eighteenth century and the Revolution of 1789," in his own words.

The most well-known example of a lattice, or free-standing framework skyscraper, Eiffel Tower is constructed of wrought iron. Its delicate shape and economy of design made it quite a daring design at the time it was built.

The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid landmark in the world, with an average of 25,000 visitors per day, and it is unquestionably due to its great artistry.

What are the 7 facts about the Eiffel Tower?

·        Even though Eiffel received credit for the Tower's naming, the initial design was created by his company's two engineers, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier.

·        The Tower was designed to showcase France's manufacturing prowess during the World's Fair, but its intended lifespan was 20 years.

·        The enormous iron construction will sway during a storm despite being wind-resistant. Along with this, the enormous Tower also expands by an additional six inches each summer.

·        About 60 tonnes of paint are applied to the structure every seven years. It not only prevents rusting but also maintains the so-called La dame de fer attraction.

·        The 20,000-bulb sparkling light display that first illuminated the night sky on New Year's Eve 1999 is covered by copyright laws in France.

·        Despite its enduring popularity today, the Eiffel Tower narrowly escaped destruction in World War II.

·        The Eiffel Tower honours 72 French scientists and engineers with their names engraved on its ironwork. 

The Eiffel Tower, which is 1,063 feet tall and overlooks Paris, stands as a testament to the achievements of Western culture and modern engineering. And, the Eiffel Tower Day is an occasion of joy for millions of people worldwide because it is one of the most well-known monuments in the world.

 

 

Land Day (Palestine)

 

Land Day marks the Palestinian people’s collective uprising against Israeli systematic land theft and dispossession. On March 30, 1976, Israeli forces massacred six Palestinian protestors during mass demonstration s against the Israeli occupation’s theft of thousands of dunums of Palestinian land in the Galilee. Since 1976, the struggle has only intensified. Today, the Israeli settler colonial project and ethnic cleansing campaign continue to steal land, forcibly displace communities, and intensify its structural oppression across all of Palestine.

World Bipolar Day

 

The vision of World Bipolar Day (WBD) is to bring world awareness to bipolar conditions and to eliminate social stigma. Through international collaboration, the goal of WBD is to bring the world population information about bipolar conditions that will educate and improve sensitivity towards the condition.

WBD is celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having a bipolar condition.

WBD is an initiative of the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) in collaboration with the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD) and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD).

 

For those living with bipolar disorder, World Bipolar Day offers an opportunity to connect with others as well as assistance gaining access to valuable resources and relationships that can improve their lives through treatment.

National Pencil Day (U.S.)

 

National Pencil Day is observed on 30 March, every year. This day is significant as it celebrates the ‘modern pencil’ as we know it today. It is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the history of pencils and how they have evolved over time.

Pencils are very important and now should know about their discovery. This day provides an opportunity to know more about pencils and their importance in our lives.

National Pencil Day: History

The first step in the evolution of pencils dates back to the 16th century when the world discovered graphite. Graphite is a crystallized form of carbon that was found in Keswick, England. At this time, people began using graphite to write. However, it was not until the 1790s that a mass production of pencils was made possible. This was because France was cut off from this supply of pencils due to their war with Britain.

In 1794, German engineer Nicolas-Jacques Conté invented ‘Crayons Conté’, which was a low-quality graphite mixed with clay, shaped into rods, and baked.

This method allowed pencil makers in France to stop relying on the British for pencils. Soon, Germany became the major supplier of pencils to the world. With the mass production of pencils, it became easier to write letters and draw pictures.

Artists and non-artists alike began to use pencils to express themselves. In addition, pencils were used as a teaching tool in schools. They were seen as an essential tool for developing literacy skills and creativity.

National Pencil Day: Significance

Today, pencils are widely used and considered an essential part of our daily lives. They are used for writing, drawing, and solving puzzles. It is difficult to imagine a future without pencils.

National Pencil Day 2024 is an opportunity to reflect on the history of this seemingly humble tool and how it has evolved into a critical part of our lives.

One should note that pencils are also planet-friendly. They are made of wood and do not require any accessories. National Pencil Day allows us to know all the interesting facts about this item.

 

 

International Day of Zero Waste

 

Observed annually on March 30, the International Day of Zero Waste promotes global efforts to address the waste crisis and advance sustainable production and consumption practices. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022, this observance highlights solutions for resource recovery, reducing pollution, and protecting both human and environmental health.

Background

On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste. Türkiye led the resolution, supported by over 100 countries. The observance complements previous initiatives like the global push to end plastic pollution, highlighting the role of sustainable waste management in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) facilitate activities to advance global zero-waste efforts.

Devika Rani's Birth Anniversary

 

Devika Rani Chaudhuri, usually known as Devika Rani, born on 30 March 1908, in Visakhapatnam, was an actress in Indian films who was active during the 1930s and 1940s. Widely acknowledged as the first lady of Indian cinema, Devika Rani had a successful film career that spanned 10 years.

Her persona, no less than her film roles, were considered socially unconventional. Her awards include the Padma Shri (1958), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1970) and the Soviet Land Nehru Award (1990).