Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 23 Mar 2023

International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Every year 21^st March is marked as the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination also known as End Racism Day to commemorate the day in 1960 when police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against apartheid "pass laws".

The Pass Laws was a system used to control the movement of Black, Indian and Colored people in South Africa. The pass said which areas a person was allowed to move through or be in and if a person was found outside of these areas they would be arrested. The 2023 theme of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination focuses on the urgency of combatting racism and racial discrimination. The day aims to be an opportunity to “recognize the contribution of individuals and organizations that stand up against racial discrimination and the challenges they face”.

Shaheed Diwas

Shaheed Diwas is celebrated across India on 23^rd March since 1931 to remember the sacrifices made by three freedom fighters - Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru - who died while leading India's fight for freedom from British rule. The three freedom fighters were hanged by the British Government in 1931. The trio was found guilty of the murder of deputy police superintendent JP Saunders in 1928, to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.

Read more: Shaheed Diwas

World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day is celebrated globally on 23^rd March to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which was created in 1950. This year marks WMO's 150^th anniversary. The theme for World Meteorological Day 2023 is “The future of weather, climate, and water across generations.” The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day reflect topical weather, climate, and water-related issues. The day highlights “the essential role that ‘National Meteorological and Hydrological Services’ (NMHS) plays in the safety and wellbeing of the society,” the day is also observed to make people aware of their role in protecting Earth’s atmosphere.

Read more: World Meteorological Day

Sharda Peeth

Recently, Home Minister e-inaugurated Mata Sharda Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Sharda Devi and announced that the government of India will attempt to build a Kartrapur-style corridor to Sharda Peeth as an important step in the direction of discovery of Sharda-civilization and promotion of Sharda-script. Sharda peeth is an abandoned Hindu temple and ancient center of learning. It is located at Neelum Valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir across Teetwal village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district along the Line of Control. It is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is considered to be the abode of the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. Sharda peeth is the most revered religious place for Kashmiri Pandits.