Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 14 Apr 2023
- 6 min read
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day 2023 marks 104 years since the tragic incident that is seen as a turning point in Indian history. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a tragic incident that occurred on 13th April 1919 in Amritsar, India, where British Gurkha soldiers, on the orders of Brigadier-General Dyer, fired upon a large crowd of unarmed protestors who had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to demonstrate against the Rowlatt Act 1919 peacefully. The event resulted in the death of over 1000 innocent men, women, and children and sparked widespread protests and unrest throughout the country.
The incident was a significant turning point in India's struggle for independence from British rule and galvanized the Indian people to unite and fight for their rights and freedom. The massacre led to widespread condemnation of British colonial policies, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian independence movement. The incident also marked a significant turning point in Mahatma Gandhi's life as it led him to launch his first major nonviolent civil disobedience campaign, the Non-Cooperation Movement, which ultimately paved the way for India's independence in 1947. Today, Jallianwala Bagh serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by countless Indians in the fight for independence, and it continues to inspire people around the world to fight against oppression and injustice.
Read more: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Assam's Bihu Dance Sets Two Guinness World Records
Assam’s Bihu dance has made history by breaking two world records with 11,304 dancers and musicians performing at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. The performers attempted to create world records in two categories - the largest Bihu dance performance and the largest performance by folk musicians. This marks a significant moment for the traditional folk dance of Bihu, which is popular across Assam and especially performed during Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, the spring festival that heralds the Assamese New Year in mid-April.
The President of India has extended greetings on the occasion of various Traditional New Year Festivals celebrated across India, including Vaishakhi, Vishu (Kerala and other neighboring areas), Naba Barsha (West Bengal), Puthandu-Pirappu (Tamil Nadu), and Vaisakhadi. These festivals, observed during the spring season, signify the beginning of the new year according to different regional calendars in India. Vaishakhi is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs and marks the formation of the Khalsa panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh. These festivals bring together people from various castes and religions across India and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the country.
Read more: RONGALI BIHU, TRADITIONAL NEW YEAR FESTIVALS
IAF Joins Multinational Exercise Orion in France
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be sending a contingent France to participate in Exercise Orion at Mont-de-Marsan, an Air Force base of the French Air and Space Force (FASF). from 17th April to 5th May 2023. This exercise would mark the first overseas participation for the IAF's Rafale aircraft. In addition to the IAF and FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States of America will also take part in this multilateral exercise. This exercise will enable the IAF to learn the best practices of other Air Forces and enhance their employment philosophy, further enriching their capabilities.
Ghana Approves Oxford's Malaria Vaccine R21
Ghana has approved a new malaria vaccine from Oxford University, making it the first country in the world to do so, and a potential step forward in the fight against the disease. The vaccine, known as R21, has been approved domestically for children aged between 5 months and 36 months, who are at the highest risk of death from malaria. It is unclear when the vaccine may be rolled out in Ghana as other regulatory bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are still assessing its safety and effectiveness. The Oxford vaccine is the second malaria vaccine to be approved for use and the first major vaccine to be approved in an African country ahead of rich nations. The approval is rare as it comes before the publication of final-stage trial data.
The Serum Institute of India has a deal with Oxford to produce up to 200 million doses of the vaccine annually. The WHO has said that in the areas where the Mosquirix vaccine has been given, all-cause child mortality has dropped by 10 percent, a sign of its impact.
Read more: World Malaria Day 2022
