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First Post
2 days ago
- General
- First Post
History Today: When India adopted the Tricolour as its national flag
The Tricolour was adopted to be the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947. The flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921 and initially consisted of red and green bands instead of saffron, white and green colours that are visible today read more The Indian national flag is a symbol of the country's freedom from 200 years of British oppression. Representational image The Indian national flag is a sign of the country's freedom from British rule. Fluttering high, especially on government buildings, the Tricolour invokes feelings of pride and nationalism in the hearts of Indians. But did you know that it was adopted just weeks before independence? The Constituent Assembly adopted the tricolour as the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 2011, Norway experienced one of the deadliest attacks in its modern history when Anders Behring Breivik carried out a two-part assault that claimed 77 lives. Here is all that happened on this day. India adopted Tricolour as its national flag The Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the Tricolour as the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947, just weeks before gaining independence. This decision marked a defining step in India's journey to sovereignty. The flag, initially designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921, had evolved through several alterations over the years as various designs were proposed and used by different factions of the Indian independence movement. The initial design featured red and green bands (symbolising Hindus and Muslims respectively) with the spinning wheel in the centre. On Gandhi's suggestion, a white stripe was later added to represent all other communities and peace. This 'Swaraj Flag' or 'Gandhi Flag' gained unofficial acceptance and was used during various Indian National Congress sessions. The flag consists of saffron, white and green colours along with the Ashoka Chakra. File image/PTI However, the need for a flag that represented all of India without any communal interpretations became paramount as independence approached. An ad-hoc committee, headed by Dr Rajendra Prasad, was tasked with finalising the design. On July 22, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the resolution in the Constituent Assembly that cemented the design. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This flag consisted of saffron (symbolising courage and sacrifice) at the top, white (representing peace, truth and purity in the middle) and dark green (showing fertility and prosperity) at the bottom. The Ashoka Chakra in the middle, derived from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka, symbolises continuous progress. The adoption of the flag was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a proclamation of identity. As Jawaharlal Nehru said in his speech during the flag's adoption, 'This flag is not only of freedom for ourselves, but a symbol of freedom to all people.' Deadliest shooting incident in Norway Norway experienced its deadliest attack since World War II, carried out by far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik on this day in 2011. The two-part attack claimed the lives of 77 people and injured hundreds more. The first attack took place at approximately 3:25 pm, when Breivik detonated a powerful car bomb in the government quarter in central Oslo. The blast, placed near the office of then-Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, killed eight people and caused significant damage to government buildings, shattering windows and creating widespread chaos. Many public offices were less occupied than usual due to the summer holiday, which likely prevented an even higher casualty count. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Andres Behring Breivik gestured as he arrived during his trial in court in Oslo, Norway. File image/AP Roughly an hour and a half later, Breivik arrived at the island of Utoya disguised as a police officer. The island was hosting the annual summer camp of the Workers' Youth League (AUF), the youth wing of Norway's ruling Labour Party. For over an hour, armed with an automatic rifle and a pistol, Breivik systematically hunted down and shot the hundreds of mostly teenage attendees. He lured some victims closer by pretending to be a rescuer, resulting in a horrifying massacre that killed 69 people, many of whom were shot repeatedly or drowned trying to escape into the cold water. Breivik was arrested on the island without resistance. During his trial in 2012, he showed no remorse and described his actions as 'cruel but necessary' to fight what he believed was the Islamisation of Europe and the Labour Party's role in promoting multiculturalism. He was found sane and guilty and sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum under Norwegian law, with the possibility of extension. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year On this day in 1992, Colombian drug trafficker Pablo Escobar escaped from police custody. American aviator Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world on this day in 1933. In 1812, the duke of Wellington defeated '40,000 Frenchmen in 40 minutes' at Salamanca, Spain.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: When Biden became first president in 60 years to drop out of re-election bid
After a disastrous debate and questions being raised about his age, Joe Biden announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the 2024 presidential election on July 21 last year. He later announced that then-Vice President Kamala Harris would be the Democratic candidate replacing him read more Former President Joe Biden announced that he would not be running for a second term. File image/AP Former US President Joe Biden made history when he announced that he would not be running for a second term on July 21, 2024. The announcement was a result of his disastrous performance at the presidential debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1861, the first Battle of Bull Run was fought. This was the first major land battle of the American Civil War. Here are some of the events that took place on this day across the world. Biden ended his reelection bid On July 21, 2024, then- President Joe Biden officially announced the end of his bid for re-election in the 2024 United States presidential election. This pivotal decision came after growing concerns within his own Democratic Party regarding his age and a widely criticised performance in a presidential debate against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in June 2024. At 81 years old, Biden faced mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, many of whom publicly urged him to step aside to ensure the party had the strongest possible candidate for the November election. His withdrawal, coming less than four months before Election Day, marked a historic moment in modern US political history. This was the first time an incumbent president had ended a re-election campaign before Election Day since Lyndon B Johnson in 1968. US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump speaking during the presidential debate in 2024 along with former President and Democrat candidate Joe Biden. File image/Reuters Immediately following his announcement, President Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor for the Democratic nomination. Harris quickly launched her own presidential campaign that same day and rapidly garnered enough delegate support to replace Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Biden's decision, while jarring to some, was framed as being in the 'best interest of my party and the country' to allow him to focus solely on his duties as president for the remainder of his term. This event fundamentally reshaped the 2024 presidential race, setting the stage for a new dynamic in the general election. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The First Battle of Bull Run was fought The first major land battle of the American Civil War, the First Battle of Bull Run, was fought near Manassas, Virginia, on this day in 1861. It holds significant historical importance as the first major land battle of the American Civil War. Nearly 18,000 Union and 18,000 Confederate troops, largely unseasoned volunteers, clashed near Bull Run Creek in Virginia. Both Union and Confederate forces were largely composed of inexperienced volunteers, many of whom had signed up for only 90 days of service. This reflected the widespread belief that the war would be short. The Union forces, commanded by Brigadier General Irvin McDowell, marched from Washington DC. His aim - striking a decisive blow against the Confederate army led by Brigadier General PGT Beauregard, hoping to open the way to the Confederate capital in Richmond and quickly end the conflict. A painting of the first 'Battle of Bull Run', fought during the American Civil War. Wikimedia Commons The morning of July 21 began with Union crossings of Bull Run and assaults on Matthews Hill. Though Union forces initially pushed back Confederates, they encountered stiff resistance atop nearby Henry House Hill. There, Confederate Brigadier General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson made his legendary stand, inspiring his troops and earning his enduring nickname. By late afternoon, a coordinated Confederate counterattack led by Beauregard, Jackson, Early and cavalry under JEB Stuart overwhelmed the fatigued Union troops. Panic ensued, turning a retreat into a chaotic rout. Muddy roads and fleeing spectators hindered orderly withdrawal toward Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The result was a Confederate victory that shattered illusions of a short war. It exposed weaknesses in training, leadership and coordination on both sides. In its aftermath, McDowell was replaced by General George B McClellan and northern resolve hardened for a protracted conflict. The battlefield near Manassas would witness further carnage in the Second Battle of Bull Run two years later. This Day, This Year On this day in 2011, the US space shuttle program came to an end after 135 missions. The final book in the Harry Potter series was released. The world's lowest recorded temperature, i.e. 128.6 degrees F (-89.2 degrees C), was measured at Vostok Station, Antarctica.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
History Today: When man landed on the Moon for the first time
American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to step on the Moon on July 20, 1969. When the lunar module 'Eagle' touched down, Armstrong sent the now-famous radio message, 'The Eagle has landed' read more Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Jr poses for a photograph beside the US flag on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. File image/AP 'That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind' - These were the first words of American astronaut Neil Armstrong when he first stepped on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969. Stepping off the lunar module Eagle, Armstrong became the first human to walk on the surface of the moon. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 2012, a gunman opened fire during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Colorado's Aurora killing 12 people. Many consider it to be the deadliest mass shootings in modern US history at the time. Here is all that happened on this day. Apollo 11 landed on the moon Nearly 240,000 miles away from Earth, history was scripted when the Apollo 11 spacecraft landed successfully on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969. American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to step on the surface of Earth's biggest natural satellite. Armstrong was accompanied by Buzz Aldrin who walked the surface with him while Michael Collins remained in orbit aboard the Command Module, Columbia. The journey began four days earlier on July 16, when the mighty Saturn V rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins. After a three-day journey, Apollo 11 entered lunar orbit. On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin undocked the Eagle from the command module 'Columbia,' piloted by Collins, and began their descent. At 20:17 UTC, Armstrong radioed back the now-famous words, 'The Eagle has landed.' Nearly seven hours later, he stepped out and declared, 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.' Nasa Astronaut Edwin E Aldrin Jr stands on the lunar surface after the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969. File image/AP For over two hours, they explored the landing site, collected 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) of lunar samples, planted the American flag, and set up scientific experiments. The landing was not without its tense moments. Alarms sounded in the lunar module, indicating computer overload and Armstrong had to manually pilot the craft to avoid a boulder-strewn crater, landing with only about 30 seconds of fuel remaining. The Moon landing marked the triumphant culmination of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It demonstrated America's technological superiority and fulfilled President John F Kennedy's 1961 promise to land a man on the Moon before the decade's end. Broadcast live on television, an estimated 600 million people around the world watched in awe. The mission not only advanced scientific understanding but also inspired generations to dream beyond Earth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mass shooting took place in Colorado's Aurora On this day in 2012, the city of Aurora, Colorado, became the scene of a horrific mass shooting inside a Century 16 movie theater. During a midnight screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises,' 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes opened fire on the unsuspecting audience, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. Dressed in tactical gear and a gas mask, Holmes first set off tear gas grenades before unleashing a barrage of gunfire with multiple firearms, including an AR-15 rifle, a shotgun and handguns. The chaos and terror that ensued were unimaginable, with many moviegoers initially mistaking the attack for part of the film's special effects or a publicity stunt. A family portrait of shooting victim Gordon Cowden is seen behind a cross at a memorial site for victims behind the theater where a gunman opened fire on moviegoers in Aurora, Colorado, July 24, 2012. File image/Reuters Police apprehended Holmes outside the theater minutes later. He offered no resistance and told officers he was 'The Joker,' referencing the Batman villain. His trial began in 2015, and despite pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, he was convicted on all 165 counts and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The shooting sparked national mourning and reignited urgent debates around gun control, mental health, and public safety. Then- President Barack Obama visited Aurora shortly after the attack, meeting with victims and families and offering condolences on behalf of the nation. Memorials were held across the US as Americans grappled with yet another senseless act of violence. The city of Aurora later opened a permanent memorial garden to honour the victims and promote healing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year On this day in 1976, The Viking 1 lander touched down at Chryse Planitia on Mars. In 1944, German military leaders attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler in the July Plot. The Siege of Pleven began in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78 on this day in 1877. With inputs from agencies
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First Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: When Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' was published for the first time
The autobiographical manifesto of Germany's Adolf Hitler was published for the first time on July 18, 1925. During its first year, the book sold 9,473 copies, while as many as 12 million copies were sold by the end of World War II read more Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf on display at the Institute for Contemporary History in Munich. File image/AP Adolf Hitler was a mysterious man with his own beliefs. Even now, his way of life and his beliefs intrigue people across the world. So, if you want to know about him, the best way is to read his autobiographical manifesto 'Mein Kampf', published on July 18, 1925. Written during his imprisonment at Landsberg Prison, the book combined Hitler's personal history, political ideology and vision for Germany's future. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1976, Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci made history at the Montreal Summer Olympics by scoring the first-ever perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics. This event revolutionised the sport. Here is all that happened on this day. Mein Kampf was published The first volume of Adolf Hitler's infamous autobiographical manifesto, Mein Kampf (My Struggle) was published on July 18, 1925. He largely dictated the book while imprisoned in Landsberg Prison, serving a sentence for his role in the failed Beer Hall Putsch of 1923. The second volume followed in 1926. Mein Kampf laid out Hitler's core ideological tenets, including his virulent antisemitism, his concept of 'Lebensraum' (living space) for the German people in Eastern Europe, his disdain for parliamentary democracy, and his vision for a racially 'pure' Germany. It served as a chilling blueprint for the Nazi Party's agenda and the atrocities that would later unfold under his regime. The book 'Mein Kampf' is displayed behind bars at the Warmuseum Overloon in Overloon, Netherlands. File image/Reuters Initially, Mein Kampf had modest sales, but after Hitler's rise to power in 1933, it was heavily promoted and distributed widely across Nazi Germany. It became mandatory reading in schools and a common wedding gift, with over 12 million copies sold or distributed by the end of World War II. The book's publication marked the beginning of the mainstreaming of Nazi ideology, filled with dangerous propaganda that would later fuel the Holocaust, World War II, and the deaths of millions. Its anti-Semitic and ultranationalist rhetoric directly shaped Nazi policies and Hitler's totalitarian regime. After the war, the book was banned in several countries. In Germany, public printing and sale were prohibited for decades. When the copyright expired in 2015, a heavily annotated version was published by the Institute for Contemporary History in Munich, sparking fresh debate on how to confront hate speech and historical responsibility. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nadia scored a perfect 10 in the Olympics Gymnastics The world watched in wonder when the first perfect 10 was achieved by Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci on July 18, 1976, at the Montreal Olympic Games. Scoring a perfect score was so unheard of at the time that even the scoreboard was famously unprepared for such an achievement, flashing '1.00' because it could only display three digits. Nadia's performance marked a technical and artistic peak in gymnastics, combining impeccable form, daring difficulty and calm under pressure. But this was just the beginning. Over the course of the 1976 Games, she earned seven perfect 10s and won three gold medals in the individual all-around, uneven bars and balance beam categories, along with a silver and a bronze. She became the youngest Olympic gymnastics all-around champion in history at that time. Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci etched history on July 18, 1976, after scoring a perfect 10 during the Olympic Gymnastic sport. File image Her success transformed the global perception of gymnastics. Previously dominated by older athletes, the sport began to shift toward younger, more agile competitors. Nadia's composure, grace, and innovation inspired a generation of gymnasts and elevated the standard of excellence worldwide. Back home in Romania, Comaneci became a national hero, celebrated for both her athletic brilliance and the pride she brought to her country during the Cold War era. Internationally, she became a global icon of perfection, with her name forever etched in Olympic history. This Day, That Year On this day in 1944, Allied forces captured the French town of Saint-Lô, a vital communications centre, during World War II. French General Ferdinand Foch launched a counterstrike that forced the Germans into a hasty retreat during the Second Battle of the Marne on this day in 1918.
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First Post
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
History Today: When Disneyland, the ‘happiest place on Earth, opened for the first time 70 years ago
Walt Disney opened the first Disneyland in California's Anaheim on July 17, 1955. The park tried to bridge the gap between typical amusement parks and a more immersive and story-driven experience read more Disneyland was Walt Disney's dream project through which he wanted to change the way traditional amusement parks were enjoyed. Representational image/Reuters Today, most of us dream of visiting Disneyland and enjoying ourselves with our loved ones. From fun rides to life-size Disney theme characters, the place is designed in a way that you can enjoy a whole day there. It all began when the first Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, revolving around the themes of fantasy and futurism. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. The Boeing 777 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. Here is all that happened on this day. First Disneyland opened Walt Disney always dreamt of opening a 'magic kingdom' where children and parents could enjoy themselves and genuinely have fun together. To fulfil this dream, he opened the gates of the first Disneyland to the public in California's Anaheim on July 17, 1955. Built on 160 acres of former orange groves, the $17 million theme park was an unprecedented venture which sought to bridge the gap between typical amusement parks and a more immersive, story-driven experience. Actor Ronald Reagan, Art Linkletter and Bob Cummings hosted the opening ceremony, broadcast live on television. Though the event was meant to be a joyful celebration, the day was famously plagued by mishaps. Counterfeit tickets led to overcrowding, plumbing problems caused drinking fountains to run dry and high temperatures softened the freshly laid asphalt. Despite the rocky start, Walt Disney remained hopeful, calling it only the 'beginning' of what he envisioned would be a magical destination that would continue to grow. In this file image from July 17, 1955, Governor Goodwin J Knight (left), Walt Disney (right), and Virginia Knight, wife of the governor take a ride in an antique-styled automobile at Disneyland near Anaheim, California at the premiere opening. File image/AP Disneyland was originally divided into five themed lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. It featured attractions such as the Jungle Cruise, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the Mark Twain Riverboat, many of which are still in operation today. Walt Disney's vision was for Disneyland to never be completed and the park has evolved over the decades with the addition of New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Mickey's Toontown, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and more. It has welcomed hundreds of millions of visitors from around the globe and remains one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More than just a theme park, Disneyland has become a cultural landmark, symbolising imagination, innovation, and childhood wonder. As Walt Disney once said during the park's dedication: 'Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.' MH17 shot down by over Ukraine It was on July 17, 2014, that Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17), en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew on board. The Boeing 777 was struck by a Russian-made Buk surface-to-air missile launched from territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists. Most of the passengers were from the Netherlands, with others from Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia and several other countries. The downing of the civilian aircraft occurred amid intense fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed rebels in the Donetsk region, a conflict that had escalated following Russia's annexation of Crimea earlier that year. Lawyers attend the judges' inspection of the reconstruction of the MH17 wreckage. File image/Reuters Despite overwhelming evidence, Russia has repeatedly denied responsibility, offering conflicting narratives and promoting conspiracy theories. In contrast, the European Union, the United States and other Western nations have blamed Moscow for supplying the missiles and fueling the conflict. In 2022, a Dutch court convicted three men - two Russians and one Ukrainian - in absentia for their role in the attack, sentencing them to life imprisonment. Families of the victims continue to seek justice and accountability through international courts, including proceedings at the European Court of Human Rights and the International Civil Aviation Organization. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year The United Nations completed the statute establishing the International Criminal Court on this day in 1998. In 1945, Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill and Harry S Truman met at the Potsdam Conference, the last Allied summit conference of World War II. In, 1918, Former Russian tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by Bolsheviks.
