April 10th: A Day of Significance in Indian and world History

April 10th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history, spanning various cultures, regions, and time periods. From political developments to scientific breakthroughs, cultural milestones, and notable births and deaths, this date has left an indelible mark on the annals of history. Below is a comprehensive overview of some of the most notable events that have occurred on April 10th:

1. 837 – Halley’s Comet Makes Its Closest Approach: On April 10, 837, Halley’s Comet made its closest recorded approach to Earth at a distance of 0.0342 AU (5.1 million kilometers). This periodic comet, visible to the naked eye from Earth, has been observed and documented throughout history, appearing roughly every 75-76 years. Its appearances have often been associated with significant events or changes in human history.
2. 1606 – The Virginia Company of London is Established: The Virginia Company of London was established on April 10, 1606, by royal charter from King James I of England. This joint-stock company was formed to establish colonial settlements in North America, particularly in the region now known as Virginia. The company played a crucial role in the founding of the Jamestown colony in 1607, which became the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.
3. 1710 – The Statute of Anne, the First Copyright Law, Receives Royal Assent: The Statute of Anne, also known as the Copyright Act 1710, received royal assent on April 10, 1710, in Great Britain. This legislation is considered the world’s first copyright law and granted authors and creators exclusive rights to their work for a limited period. The statute laid the foundation for modern copyright law, which aims to protect intellectual property rights.
4. 1815 – The Mount Tambora Eruption: On April 10, 1815, Mount Tambora, located on the island of Sumbawa in present-day Indonesia, erupted catastrophically. This event is one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history, ejecting an estimated 160 cubic kilometers of material into the atmosphere. The eruption caused widespread devastation, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and triggering a global climate anomaly known as the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816.
5. 1849 – Walter Hunt Patents the Safety Pin: Walter Hunt, an American inventor, received a patent for the safety pin on April 10, 1849. The safety pin is a simple device consisting of a spring mechanism and clasp designed to fasten clothing securely. Hunt’s invention revolutionized garment fastening and remains widely used to this day.
6. 1866 – The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is Founded: On April 10, 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in New York City by Henry Bergh. The ASPCA is the first humane society established in North America and is dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals through advocacy, education, and enforcement of animal welfare laws.
7. 1912 – The RMS Titanic Sets Sail on its Maiden Voyage: The RMS Titanic, one of the largest and most luxurious ocean liners of its time, set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City on April 10, 1912. However, tragedy struck when the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives.
8. 1925 – The Great Gatsby is Published: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel “The Great Gatsby” was first published on April 10, 1925. Set in the Jazz Age of the 1920s, the novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream through the eyes of its narrator, Nick Carraway, and the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.
9. 1941 – World War II: The Siege of Tobruk Begins: During World War II, the Siege of Tobruk began on April 10, 1941, when German and Italian forces launched an assault on the Libyan port city of Tobruk, which was held by Allied forces. The siege lasted for 241 days until December 1941, with the Allies successfully defending Tobruk against multiple Axis attacks.
10. 1970 – Paul McCartney Announces the Breakup of The Beatles: On April 10, 1970, Paul McCartney issued a press release announcing his departure from The Beatles and effectively signaling the breakup of the iconic British rock band. McCartney’s announcement came amid growing tensions and creative differences among the band members, marking the end of an era in popular music history.
11. 1998 – The Good Friday Agreement is Signed in Northern Ireland: On April 10, 1998, the Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was signed in Northern Ireland, bringing an end to decades of sectarian conflict known as “The Troubles.” The agreement established a framework for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, including power-sharing arrangements and provisions for disarmament and the release of prisoners.
12. 2019 – Scientists Reveal the First Image of a Black Hole: On April 10, 2019, scientists unveiled the first-ever image of a black hole, captured by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a global network of telescopes. The historic image, which shows the silhouette of the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy M87, provided unprecedented insight into these enigmatic cosmic objects and confirmed key predictions of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

1. 1919 – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: One of the darkest days in Indian history occurred on April 10, 1919, when the British Indian Army under the command of General Reginald Dyer opened fire on unarmed civilians who had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab. The crowd had assembled for a peaceful protest against the arrest and deportation of two national leaders, Satyapal and Saifuddin Kitchlew, and to demand the release of political prisoners. The massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of people and left a lasting scar on India’s struggle for independence.
2. 1957 – K. Kamaraj Becomes Chief Minister of Madras State: Kumaraswami Kamaraj, popularly known as K. Kamaraj, assumed office as the Chief Minister of Madras State (now Tamil Nadu) on April 10, 1957. He was a prominent figure in Indian politics and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement as well as in the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC). Kamaraj’s leadership as Chief Minister was marked by several initiatives aimed at promoting education, social welfare, and rural development.
3. 1971 – India-Pakistan War Begins: On April 10, 1971, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 officially began, following the launch of Operation Chengiz Khan by Pakistan. The conflict, also known as the Bangladesh Liberation War, erupted amid escalating tensions between East and West Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively). India intervened in support of the Bangladeshi independence movement, leading to a decisive victory for India and the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
4. 1998 – India Successfully Tests the Agni-II Missile: On April 10, 1998, India conducted a successful test flight of the Agni-II intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). The test, which took place at the Integrated Test Range on Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha, demonstrated India’s growing capabilities in missile technology and strategic deterrence. The Agni-II missile has a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers and is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
5. 2019 – First Phase of Lok Sabha Elections: The first phase of the general elections to the 17th Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, commenced on April 10, 2019. The elections were held in multiple phases across the country, spanning several weeks, to elect members of Parliament from various constituencies. The 2019 elections saw high voter turnout and were significant in determining the political direction of the country for the next five years.

1. National Siblings Day (USA): April 10th is recognized as National Siblings Day in the United States, a day dedicated to celebrating the special bond between siblings. It’s an opportunity for brothers and sisters to show appreciation for each other and reminisce about shared memories. People often mark the occasion by spending time together, exchanging gifts, or sharing heartfelt messages on social media.
2. National Farm Animals Day (USA): April 10th is also observed as National Farm Animals Day in the United States. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the welfare of farm animals and promoting compassion towards them. It encourages people to learn more about the conditions in which farm animals are raised and to support initiatives that advocate for their humane treatment.
3. Golfer’s Day: April 10th is unofficially celebrated as Golfer’s Day, a day to honor and enjoy the sport of golf. Golf enthusiasts may take to the course to play a round with friends or simply indulge in watching golf tournaments on television. It’s a day to appreciate the skill, strategy, and camaraderie that golf brings to players and fans alike.
4. Salvation Army Founders’ Day: April 10th marks the anniversary of the founding of the Salvation Army in 1865 by William Booth and his wife, Catherine Booth, in London, England. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization known for its charitable work and humanitarian efforts worldwide. On Founders’ Day, members and supporters of the Salvation Army reflect on its history, mission, and ongoing commitment to serving those in need.
5. Day of the Builder (Russia): In Russia, April 10th is celebrated as the Day of the Builder (Dýen’ Stroyátela). This holiday recognizes the contributions of construction workers and professionals in the building industry. It’s a day to honor their hard work, dedication, and achievements in constructing infrastructure, buildings, and homes that contribute to the development and progress of society.