The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to partake in the Langkawi International Maritime Aero Expo (LIMA) happening from March 26 to 30, 2019, in Langkawi, Malaysia. This participation signifies the IAF’s first involvement in the Maritime Aero Expo, during which it will represent India by displaying its indigenously developed LCA Tejas fighter aircraft.
LIMA 2019: A First for the Indian Air Force
This international event serves as a platform for air-warriors to interact with their Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) counterparts, fostering closer relationships between the two services. LIMA 2019 offers an excellent opportunity to increase the scope of interactions and cooperation.
Meanwhile, Australia braces for the landfall of two cyclonic storms, named Trevor and Veronica. Trevor is expected to hit the northeast coast while Veronica is projected to strike the northwest area.
Cyclone Trevor & Veronica: Nature’s Duel Threat to Australia
Unlike many hurricanes or cyclones, Trevor and Veronica spin clockwise, a feature unique to cyclones occurring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Also noteworthy is the celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21 every year. The theme for 2019 focused on mitigating and addressing rising nationalist populism and extreme supremacist ideologies.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Highlighting Unity in Diversity
| Event | Date Proclaimed | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination | October 26, 1966 | Commemoration of the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, 1960 |
A Retrospect: The Historical Significance of the Day
The United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as a commemorative day to remember the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, where a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid “pass laws” resulted in police opening fire and killing 69 people.
Lastly, Navroz marks the New Year celebration for Parsis, followers of Zoroastrianism, and various sects of Muslim—both Shias and Sunnis—on March 21 every year. Navroz was introduced by a Persian (Iranian) king named Jalaluddin Malekshah in 1079 AD to generate revenue and collect taxes from people. The date marks the onset of spring and the day of the equinox.
Navroz: A New Year Celebration Across Faiths
In India, Navroz is known as Jamshed Navroz and is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, which includes traditions such as Kumbh Mela, Yoga, Sankirtana (ritual singing, dancing, and drumming of Manipur) among others.
Intangible Cultural Heritage of India: Keeping Traditions Alive
Other intangible cultural heritages include Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of utensils among thatheras of Punjab, Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh, Chhau Dance, Kutiyattam (a Sanskrit theatre of Kerala), Tradition of Vedic Chanting, Ramlila, Novruz (Persian New Year), Ramman (religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas), and Mudiyettu (ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala).
