March 28th in History: Significance in Global and Indian Contexts

193 AD – Roman Emperor Pertinax Assassinated: On March 28th, 193 AD, Roman Emperor Pertinax was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard, marking a turbulent period known as the Year of the Five Emperors. This event led to a power struggle and political instability within the Roman Empire.
845 – Paris Sack by Vikings: In 845, Viking raiders under Ragnar Lodbrok and his sons attacked Paris, pillaging and causing widespread destruction. This event highlighted the Viking raids’ impact on European kingdoms during the early medieval period.
1776 – Juan Bautista de Anza Completes Expedition: Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza completed his expedition, establishing the first non-Native settlement at San Francisco Bay. This expedition played a crucial role in Spanish colonization and exploration of the American West.
1802 – Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers Discovers Pallas: German astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers discovered the asteroid Pallas on March 28th, 1802. This discovery contributed to the understanding of the solar system’s composition and paved the way for further astronomical research.
1910 – Henri Fabre’s Seaplane Flight: French aviator Henri Fabre successfully flew the first seaplane, the Fabre Hydravion, on March 28th, 1910. This achievement marked a significant milestone in aviation history, demonstrating the feasibility of aircraft taking off and landing on water.
1939 – Spanish Civil War Ends: On March 28th, 1939, the Spanish Civil War officially ended with the victory of General Francisco Franco’s Nationalist forces. This conflict, characterized by ideological divides and international involvement, had a profound impact on Spain’s political and social landscape.
1979 – Nuclear Accident at Three Mile Island: A partial meltdown occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, USA, on March 28th, 1979. This incident raised concerns about nuclear safety and had significant repercussions on public perception and policy regarding nuclear energy.
1990 – President George H.W. Bush Proposes Clean Air Act Amendments: President George H.W. Bush proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act on March 28th, 1990, aiming to address environmental concerns and improve air quality standards in the United States. These amendments marked a significant legislative effort to tackle environmental challenges.
2005 – Sumatra Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System: The Sumatra earthquake on March 28th, 2005, with a magnitude of 8.7, triggered concerns about tsunamis in the Indian Ocean region. This event underscored the importance of developing effective tsunami warning systems to mitigate disaster risks in coastal areas.
2017 – Brexit Triggered: On March 28th, 2017, British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, formally starting the process of Britain’s exit from the European Union (Brexit). This decision had far-reaching implications for the UK’s political and economic landscape.
2021 – Suez Canal Blockage: The container ship Ever Given became lodged in the Suez Canal on March 23rd, 2021, disrupting global maritime trade. Efforts to refloat the ship and reopen the canal lasted several days, highlighting the canal’s strategic importance and vulnerabilities in global logistics.
Notable Birthdays:
- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685): Celebrated German composer and musician known for his contributions to Baroque music.
- Virginia Woolf (1882): Influential English writer and key figure in the modernist literary movement.
- Lady Gaga (1986): Internationally renowned singer, songwriter, and actress known for her innovative approach to pop music and performance.
- March 28th holds significance in Indian history with several notable events and milestones that have contributed to the country’s rich tapestry of culture, politics, and social development. From movements for independence to scientific achievements, here are some key historical events and special dates related to India on March 28th:
- 1930 – Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt’s Assembly Bombing: On March 28th, 1930, Indian revolutionary leaders Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi to protest against oppressive British colonial laws. This daring act was part of their campaign to seek independence from British rule and drew widespread attention to the freedom struggle.
- 1979 – Nuclear Test at Pokhran: India conducted its first successful underground nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” on March 28th, 1979, at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. This test marked India’s entry into the nuclear club as the sixth nation to possess nuclear weapons, demonstrating its technological capabilities.
- 1999 – Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebration Begins: Although the official date of Kargil Vijay Diwas is on July 26th, the planning and execution of this military operation began earlier, including on March 28th, 1999. The Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan, ended with India reclaiming strategic positions in the Kargil sector, and Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrates the courage and sacrifice of Indian armed forces.
- 2002 – Gujarat Riots and Godhra Train Burning: On March 28th, 2002, the Godhra train burning incident occurred in the state of Gujarat, where a train carrying Hindu pilgrims was set on fire, resulting in the deaths of 59 people. This tragic event sparked communal violence across Gujarat, leading to widespread riots and tensions.
- 2012 – ISRO’s RISAT-1 Satellite Launch: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1) on March 28th, 2012. RISAT-1 played a crucial role in Earth observation, disaster management, and agricultural monitoring, showcasing India’s advancements in space technology.
- 2021 – Bengaluru Riots: In March 2021, violence erupted in Bengaluru, Karnataka, following a contentious social media post that allegedly insulted Islam. The riots resulted in property damage, injuries, and tensions in the region, highlighting challenges related to communal harmony and law enforcement.
- These events underscore the diverse spectrum of India’s history, encompassing struggles for independence, technological achievements, military valor, and challenges related to communal harmony and social stability. March 28th serves as a reminder of India’s journey through triumphs and challenges, shaping its identity as a nation striving for progress, unity, and resilience.