OCTOBER 8 WORLD EVENTS

 

1. Battle of Angamos: 8th October 1879

Introduction:

The Battle of Angamos was a decisive naval battle of the War of the Pacific that took place on October 8, 1879, at Punta Angamos, off the coast of Peru. The battle resulted in the capture of the Peruvian ironclad warship Huáscar by the Chilean Navy, giving Chile uncontested control of the Pacific coast of Peru and allowing the Chilean Army to invade Peru.

Background: The War of the Pacific was a conflict between Chile and the allied forces of Peru and Bolivia from 1879 to 1883. The war was fought over territorial disputes and access to natural resources. The Chilean Navy was much stronger than the Peruvian and Bolivian navies, which played a decisive role in the Chilean victory.

The Aftermath of the Battle of Angamos: The Battle of Angamos was a decisive victory for Chile and gave the Chilean Navy uncontested control of the Pacific coast of Peru and allowed the Chilean Army to invade Peru. The battle is considered one of the most important naval battles in Latin American history.

2. World Octopus Day 8th October: What You Need to Know:

What is World Octopus Day?

World Octopus Day is an annual event celebrated on October 8th to raise awareness about octopuses and the importance of their conservation in marine habitats. Octopuses are highly sensitive and adaptable creatures that play an important role in marine ecosystems.

Why are octopuses important? In marine ecosystems, Octopuses play the role of predators and help to check the populations of lower marine animals, such as crabs, shrimp, and fish in balance. Octopuses are also scavengers, and they help to clean up the ocean floor. They are a popular food source in many cultures and are also used in the medical field.

Threats to octopuses: Octopuses are facing a number of threats, including overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. Overfishing: Octopuses are often caught as bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. This is a major threat to octopuses, as it is estimated that millions of octopuses are caught accidentally each year. Habitat loss: Coastal development and pollution are destroying the habitats of octopuses. Octopuses need healthy coral reefs and other rocky habitats to live and breed. Climate change: Climate change is causing ocean acidification and warming, which can stress and kill octopuses. Ocean acidification makes it difficult for octopuses to produce shells, and warming can cause octopuses to overheat.

3. Alvin C. York Day: Celebrating a World War I, US Hero:

Introduction:

Alvin C. York Day is annually celebrated on 8th of the October to pay tribute to a US soldier Alvin C. York for his brave actions against German forces in World War I. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the US. Alvin C. York Day is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of American soldiers who have fought for their country.

Alvin C. York's heroic actions: On October 8, 1918, York and his platoon were ambushed by a German machine gun nest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. York's platoon was quickly overwhelmed, and York was forced to act alone. He killed at least 25 German soldiers and captured 132 prisoners, single-handedly turning the tide of the battle.

4. Croatian Parliament Day: Celebrating Croatia's Independence and Democracy

What is Croatian Parliament Day?

Croatian Parliament Day is celebrated annually on October 8th to remember this date in 1991 when the Croatian Parliament unanimously passed the Decision to Break All-State and Legal Ties from the erstwhile Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) and became an independent nation.

5. Russia Launches Missile Strikes on Civilian Targets in Ukraine After Attack on Kerch Bridge

Kerch Bridge Explosion:

On October 8, 2022, a powerful explosion damaged the Kerch Bridge, which connects Crimea to Russia. The explosion caused a fire and the collapse of two spans of the bridge. The explosion is believed to be the work of Ukrainian forces. 

Significance of Kerch Bridge:

Kerch Bridge was a symbol of Russian control over Crimea, annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The Kerch Bridge is a key supply route for Russian forces in Crimea. and its damage could make it more difficult for Russia to sustain its military operations in Crimea. 

Aftermath of Kerch Bridge Explosion: The next day, Russia responded to the attack by launching dozens of missiles at civilian targets in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv. The missile strikes killed at least 19 people and injured dozens more. The attacks are a war crime, and they show that Russia is willing to target civilians in retaliation for attacks on its military infrastructure.

6. The Beginning of Commercial Radio in the UK: LBC launched on October 8, 1973:

What is commercial radio? Commercial radio is radio broadcasting that is funded by advertising revenue. It is in contrast to public radio, which is funded by government grants or listener donations. Why was commercial radio introduced in the UK? Commercial radio was introduced in the UK in response to the growing popularity of pirate radio stations. Pirate radio stations were illegally broadcasting in the UK since the early 1960s, and they were very popular with young listeners. The government decided to introduce commercial radio in order to compete with the pirate radio stations and to provide listeners with a wider choice of radio programming. What was the first commercial radio station in the UK? LBC (London Broadcasting Company) was the first commercial radio station to launch in the UK. It began broadcasting on VHF and medium wave on October 8, 1973. What impact has commercial radio had on British radio? The introduction of commercial radio in the UK was a major development in the history of British radio. It marked the end of the BBC's monopoly on radio broadcasting and it gave listeners a wider choice of radio programming. Commercial radio has also played a significant role in promoting British music and culture.

7. 1952 Harrow and Wealdstone Rail Crash: The Deadliest Peacetime Rail Disaster in British History:

Harrow and Wealdstone rail crash:

On October 8, 1952, morning time, a Perth to Euston express train overshot a signal and crashed into the rear of a local train that was standing at the platform at Harrow and Wealdstone station in London. The impact forced the local train forward into a third train, which was waiting on the adjacent line. The force of the collision was so great that several carriages were derailed. The wreckage was strewn across the tracks and the platform, and there were fires in several of the carriages. It killed 112 people and injured 340 others.

8. Indian Air Force Day: 91st Birth Anniversary of Indian Air Force.

Indian Air Force Day: Indian Air Force Day is celebrated annually on October 8th to commemorate the formation of the Indian Air Force in 1932. The Indian Air Force is also known as Bharathiya Vayu Sena which is one of the three major units of the Indian defence dedicated to the aerial protection of India. Indian Air Force played a crucial and decisive role in the war with China and Pakistan, especially in the liberation of Bangladesh. The 91st Air Force Day will be celebrated in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. This year's Air Force Day motto is Nabham Sparsham Deeptham which means touch the sky with glory.

9. 1990 Temple Mount killings: A Turning Point in the First Intifada.

Introduction:

Israeli policemen killed 17 Palestinians and wounded over 100 near the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem on October 8, 1990. The incident, known as the Temple Mount killings or Al Aqsa Massacre, is considered to be one of the turning points in the First Intifada.

Background to the Temple Mount killings

The First Intifada was a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began in 1987. The uprising was fueled by Palestinian anger over Israeli land confiscations, economic hardship, and human rights abuses.

The Temple Mount is a site that is sacred to both Jews and Muslims. It is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is home to the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

On October 8, 1990, a group of Jewish extremists announced plans to lay the cornerstone for a new temple on the Temple Mount. The Israeli government had banned the ceremony, but the group of Jewish extremists attempted to go ahead with it anyway.