The Sonepur Mela, also known as Malegaon Mela or Harihar Kshetra Mela, is a significant event held in Sonepur, Bihar, India. The fair takes place on Kartik Poornima (full moon day) in November, at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers. The Yellow Vest protest in France is another noteworthy event, as is the Exercise Aviaindra 2018—an Air Force level exercise between India and Russia.
Sonepur Fair: Asia’s Biggest Cattle Fair
The Sonepur Fair has been regarded for centuries as Asia’s biggest cattle fair, lasting from fifteen days to one month. Historical accounts suggest that the event can trace its roots back to ancient times and used to attract traders from as far away as Central Asia.
The fair is associated with the prominent Harihar Nath Temple in Sonpur, constructed by Raja Ram Narain, a significant figure during the late Mughal period.
Yellow Vest Protest: France’s Concern Over High Living Costs
Over the course of four consecutive weekends, France has borne witness to widespread demonstrations against rising fuel taxes, increasing living costs, and other social issues. These demonstrations have been labeled as the “yellow vest” or “gilets jaunes” movement, as protesters donned high-visibility yellow jackets that French law mandates every vehicle to carry.
The original protests were primarily spearheaded by working-class individuals expressing dissatisfaction over fuel tax hikes and declining living standards. The protests soon broadened in scope, addressing other concerns such as calls for higher wages, lower taxes, better pensions, and simplified university entry requirements.
The main goal of this universally backed movement is to shed light on the economic frustrations and political mistrust experienced by poorer working families.
Table: Yellow Vest Movement Key Facts
| Issues Protested | Duration | Key Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel tax hikes, high living costs, demands for wage increases, tax reductions and improved pensions | Four consecutive weekends | Yellow vests |
Exercise Aviaindra 2018: India-Russia Collaborative Exercise
The Exercise Aviaindra is a collaboration between India and Russia and is an Air Force level exercise held from the 10th to 21st of December 2018 at the Air Force Station Jodhpur. The first instance of this exercise was conducted in 2014. The joint exercise emphasizes strengthening the cooperative relationship between the two countries and their armed forces.
