AUGUST 4 WORLD HISTORICAL EVENTS

Exploring the Impactful World-Historical Happenings on August 4th: Past and Present

1. U.S. Coast Guard Day: Honoring Maritime Protectors on August 4th

The U.S. Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. The Revenue Cutter Service (RCS) was a predecessor to the United States Coast Guard. It was founded in 1790 by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and was responsible for enforcing customs and navigation laws, as well as preventing smuggling and piracy. The RCS was also responsible for search and rescue, marine safety, and environmental protection.  On August 4th, we celebrate U.S. Coast Guard Day to honor the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women.

2. Rana Udai Singh II: Founder of Udaipur and King of Mewar Born on 4 August 1522

On this day, 4 August 1522, Rana Udai Singh II was born, a significant ruler of Mewar. He is renowned for founding Udaipur, a captivating city in Rajasthan, India. He was the fourth child of Rana Sanga and Rani Karnavati. He is the father of Maharana Pratap a renowned Rajput warrior and a king of Mewar, Rajasthan India. His vision and efforts shaped the creation of Udaipur, leaving a lasting mark on its cultural heritage and architecture of India.

3. Mark Duggan Shooting: England Roits August 2011

Mark Duggan was shot dead by police on August 4, 2011, in Tottenham, north London. He was 29 years old. The shooting sparked the England Riots of 2011, a series of civil disturbances that took place in England from 6 to 10 August 2011, becoming the most significant upheaval the UK had witnessed in a generation. Apart from London other major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Nottingham also experienced widespread fires and acts of violence that shook England during this period. The immediate cause of the social unrest was deep social and economic inequality, police brutality, and the role of social media in spreading violence.

4. LA Fitness Shooting: A Deadly Rampage in Collier Township, Pennsylvania

On August 4, 2009, a gunman named George Sodini stormed into an LA Fitness health club in Collier Township, Pennsylvania, and opened fire with a handgun. He killed four women and wounded two others before taking his own life. George Sodini was a 48-year-old computer analyst who had been fired from his job a few months before the attack. He had a history of mental illness and had been prescribed medication for depression. He also had a blog in which he expressed hatred for women and talked about his plans to commit a mass shooting. Sodini entered the health club around 8 p.m. and headed to the aerobics room where a dance class was in session. He placed a gym bag on the floor and pulled out a 9mm handgun. He then started shooting at the women in the room, killing four of them: Heidi Overmier, Jody Crouse, Maria Ferrari, and Elizabeth Gannon. He also injured two other women, but they managed to survive. Sodini then shot himself in the head and died at the scene. The Collier Township shooting known as LA Fitness shooting was a horrific act of violence that raised concerns about the issue of gun violence in the United States and the need for better mental health care.

5. August Revolution: A Watershed Moment in Burkina Faso's History

The August Revolution was a coup d'état that took place in the Republic of Upper Volta (Upper Volta renamed Burkina Faso in 1984) on August 4, 1983. The coup was led by a group of young military officers, including Thomas Sankara, who became the new president of Upper Volta. The August Revolution marked the end of the country's long history of military rule and the beginning of a new era of social and political reform. His government begins a series of progressive reforms including nationalization of key industries, land reforms, mass vaccinations, infrastructure improvements, improving women's rights, and anti-desertification projects. His government focuses on anti-imperialism and rejects foreign aid. 

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country, a former French Colony which gained independence as Upper Volta in 1960. Burkina Faso means "Land of Honest Men".

6. Firozeshah Mehta: The Lion of Bombay's Impactful Role in Indian Politics and Social Reform

Firozeshah Mehta, a prominent Indian personality, emerged as a noteworthy politician, accomplished lawyer, and dedicated social reformer, born on August 4, 1845, in Bombay.  He is known as the Father of Bombay Municipality. In 1882, Mehta was elected to the Bombay Municipal Corporation. He quickly became a leading figure in the Corporation, and he was instrumental in drafting the new  Bombay Municipal Constitution Charter which gave the Corporation more power and autonomy, and more representative of the city's population. His charter showed that Indians were capable of self-government. He was known as the Lion of Bombay because of his fiery speeches and his passionate advocacy for social reform and Indian independence. He was a leading figure in the Indian National Congress (presided as its president in 1890) and the Bombay Municipal Corporation. He campaigned for the abolition of child marriage, the improvement of women's rights, and the reform of the Hindu caste system. He was also a supporter of education and social welfare. He was also a founder of the Prarthana Samaj, a Hindu reform movement. Mehta was a brilliant lawyer and a skilled politician-a member of the Bombay Legislative Council in 1893.

7. Kishore Kumar: The Legendary Playback Singer and Actor

Kishore Kumar was born on August 4, 1929, in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India. He was an actor and director, but he was best remembered for his legendary voice as a playback singer. He gave voice to several generations of leading men including Dilip Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Dev Anand, Shashi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, and more. His real name was Abhas Kumar Ganguly. His incredible contribution to Indian Cinema - as a composer of 120 songs, playback singer of 2678 songs and acted in 88 films and directed 12 films, and received 8 Filmfare awards. He is regarded as the best male playback singer in the Indian Music Industry. He passed away on 13 October 1987 in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest.

8. Commemorating the Death Anniversary of Kashi Prasad Jaiswal:

Kashi Prasad Jaiswal, a renowned Indian historian and lawyer. He was born on 27 November 1881 and died on 4 August 1937. He was a pioneer in the field of Indian Ancient History and made many contributions to the study of Indian culture, politics, and society. He also played a key role in the preservation and restoration of historical monuments and sites, such as Nalanda University. He wrote several books and articles on various aspects of Indian history, such as Hindu Polity, History of India, 150 A.D. to 350 A.D., and Manu and Yajnavalkya.  He was also a patriot and a social reformer who advocated for the rights and dignity of the Indian people. He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Benares Hindu University and Patna University for his achievements. He was also invited to speak at the Royal Asiatic Society of London in 1931, where he impressed the audience with his knowledge and insights.

9. Nandini Satpathy Death Anniversary: Remembering the Odisha Politician

Nandini Satpathy, a former Chief Minister of Odisha and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress passed away on this day in 2014. She was a pioneer for women's rights and social justice, and her legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

10. Barack Obama: The First African-American President of the United States

Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is the 44th and first African-American president of the United States. He served two terms in office, from 2009 to 2017. As president, Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage to millions of Americans. He also ended the Iraq War and authorized the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. He then served in the Illinois State Senate from 1997 to 2004. In 2004, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He ran for president in 2008 and defeated Republican nominee John McCain. Obama left office in 2017 with high approval ratings. He has since written a memoir, "A Promised Land," and founded the Obama Foundation, which works to inspire and empower young people.

12. George Washington: One of the Most Famous Masons in History

George Washington, the first president of the United States, became a Master Mason on 4 August 1753. This was the highest rank in Freemasonry, a fraternal organization that promotes moral and ethical values. Washington's membership in Freemasonry was significant, as it helped to shape his character and values. He often drew on the principles of Freemasonry in his public life, and he is considered to be one of the most famous Masons in history.

13. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Birth Anniversary: Celebration of Her Life & Legacy 

Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, better known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, was born on August 4, 1900. She was the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a beloved figure in the United Kingdom and around the world, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.

The Queen Mother was known for her grace, charm, and sense of humor. She was also a dedicated public servant, and she worked tirelessly for a variety of charities and causes. She was the patron of over 300 organizations, and she was particularly passionate about supporting the armed forces, veterans, and the elderly. The Queen Mother died on March 30, 2002, at the age of 101. 

14. 1956 - APSARA - the country's first nuclear research reactor, started

APSARA achieved criticality on August 4, 1956, and was the first research reactor in Asia to achieve criticality. It was a pool-type reactor of 1 MW power with highly enriched uranium as fuel (4.5 kg) in the form of plates. Light water was used as both moderator and coolant.

15. Anglo-Dutch Capture of The Rock Of Gibraltar in 1704

On August 4, 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession, a combined Anglo-Dutch fleet under the command of Admiral George Rooke captured Gibraltar from Spain after a brief siege. The strategic location of the Rock of Gibraltar made it an important naval base, and it subsequently became a British overseas territory and a symbol of British naval power.

16. Phoenix Spacecraft Discovers Water Ice on Mars

The U.S. space probe Phoenix was launched on August 4, 2007, and it landed on Mars on May 25, 2008. Among its most important discoveries was the existence of water ice beneath the planet's surface. This discovery was significant because it suggests that Mars may have once been habitable, and it could also provide a source of water for future human exploration.

In addition to the above, the other noteworthy events of 4 August World Events are compiled below:

• On 4 August 1830, plans for the city of Chicago were laid out.
• On 4 August 1916, the United States reached an agreement with Denmark to purchase the Danish Virgin Islands for $25 million.
• On 4 August 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed a measure establishing the Department of Energy.
• On 4 August 1987, the Federal Communications Commission voted 4-0 to abolish the Fairness Doctrine, which required radio and television stations to present balanced coverage of controversial issues. On 4 August 2009, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il pardoned American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee for entering the country illegally and ordered their release during a surprise visit by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. 
• On 4 August 2012, Michael Phelps won the 18th Olympic gold medal of his career as the United States won the medley relay at the London Games. 
• On 4  August 1859, Knut Hamsun, a Norwegian writer, and Nobel Prize Laureate was born.
• On 4 August 1875, Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author, died.
• On 4 August 1956, India’s first nuclear research reactor was commissioned in Apsara.
• On 4 August 1961, Barack Obama, an American politician, and Nobel Prize Laureate, was born.
• On 4 August 1967, The world’s longest Nagarjuna Sagar Dam was constructed.
• On 4 August 1944 Anne Frank is captured: One of the most well-known figures of the 20th century and a victim of the Holocaust, 14-year-old Frank and her family were captured and arrested by the Germans from their hiding place in Amsterdam.
• On 4 August 1914 Britain declared war on Germany considered as began the First World War. Britain declared war on Germany after Germany refused to accept its ultimatum of getting out of Belgium.
• On 4 August 1892 Abby and Andrew Borden are murdered. The bloody murders of the two Fall River, Massachusetts residents in their own house gained media and public attention in the United States because their daughter Lizzie Borden was accused of the crime.
• On 4 August 1967, the US conducted a nuclear test in Nevada.
• On 4 August 1977, Edgar Adrian, a prominent British, and Nobel Prize Laureate, died.
• On 4 August 2003, Frederick Chapman Robbins, an American pediatrician, and Nobel Prize Laureate, died.
• On 4 August 2004, NASA named the Altix supercomputer KC as ‘Kalpana Chawla’.
• On 4 August 2007, NASA launched an American spacecraft named Phoenix Mars Lander to explore Mars.
• On 4 August 2008, The Government Of India, conferred Navratna status to the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).

Today's 4 August 2023 top world news headlines

The top world news headlines for August 4, 2023:

• Ukrainian naval drones attack the Russian warship Moskva in the Black Sea.
• China's economy contracts by 0.4% in the second quarter, as COVID-19 lockdowns weigh.
• US Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson faces the second day of questioning.
• UN climate change report warns of 'unprecedented' heatwaves, droughts and floods.
• Sri Lanka declares a state of emergency as the economic crisis deepens.

1. Ukraine-Russia War: Ukrainian Naval Drones Strike Russian Flagship in Black Sea
Two Ukrainian naval drones reportedly attacked the Russian warship Moskva in the Black Sea on August 3, 2023, causing significant damage. The Moskva is the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The attack is a major blow to the Russian navy and could have a significant impact on the course of the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has not yet confirmed that it was responsible for the attack, but the United States has said that it is "highly likely" that the Ukrainians were behind the strike. The attack is a major escalation of the conflict and could lead to further retaliation from Russia.

2. China's Economy Faces Challenges as Lockdowns Persist
China's economy contracted by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2023, the first contraction in two years. The contraction was caused by a number of factors, including the COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai and other cities. The lockdown disrupted economic activity and led to a decline in consumer spending. The Chinese government has taken steps to try to revive the economy, but it is too early to say whether these measures will be successful. The slowdown in China's economy is a sign of the challenges that the global economy is facing.

3. Ketanji Brown Jackson's Confirmation Hearing: A Historic Moment for Diversity and Inclusion on the Supreme Court
Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Biden's nominee to the Supreme Court, faced a second day of questioning on August 3, 2023. The confirmation hearing is expected to last for four days. Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court, and her confirmation would be a historic moment.

4. IPCC Report: Climate Change "Now or Never" to Avoid Worst Effects
A new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned of "unprecedented" heatwaves, droughts, and floods in the coming years. The report says that the world is already experiencing the effects of climate change and that these effects are only going to get worse.

5. Sri Lanka declares a state of emergency as the economic crisis deepens.
Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency as the country's economic crisis deepens. The crisis has been caused by a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising oil prices. The state of emergency gives the government sweeping powers to control the economy and to crack down on protests. The crisis has led to widespread protests in Sri Lanka, and the government has been accused of mishandling the economy. The state of emergency is a sign of the seriousness of the crisis in Sri Lanka, and it is a reminder of the challenges that many countries are facing around the world.