History Today: Why French heroine Joan of Arc was burned at the stake

On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc, the young peasant girl who helped lead France to victory, was burned at the stake after being convicted of heresy. Her bravery and leadership were key in shifting the course of the Hundred Years’ War in France’s favour and preventing the English from taking full control. Also on this day in 1826, the first Hindi newspaper, ‘Udant Martand’, was launched in India. May 30 is now celebrated annually as Hindi Journalism Day

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