Important Events From This day in History – 28th December

Today in History

• 2007 Nepal abolishes monarchy

  The Nepalese parliament approved an amendment to the country’s constitution that declared the country a federal republic. On May 28, 2008, the transition was completed. The Kingdom of Nepal, founded in 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah, lasted for over 200 years. Nepal is the only country in the world where Hinduism is the official religion.

• 1972 Kim il Sung becomes first president of North Korea

  Kim Il-sung became North Korea’s first and only president after the constitution was amended. He was elected to the position by members of North Korea’s parliament, known as the Supreme People’s Assembly. In 1998, the position was abolished, and Kim II-sung was elected Eternal President of Korea.

• 1968 Israel raid on Beirut Airport

  The Israeli Defense Forces conducted a special operation on Beirut Airport, Operation Gift. The raid was carried out in response to the attack on El Al Flight 253, flying from Tel Aviv to New York. During a layover in Athens, Greece, two Palestinians opened fire on passengers and crew, killing one. In response, Israel destroyed several passenger and cargo planes parked at Beirut International Airport. During the raid, no one was killed.

• 1885 Indian National Congress founded

  The party is one of India’s two major political parties. Theosophical Society members founded the party, which became a major player in India’s independence movement against the British. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister after independence, was a member of the INC.

• 1836 South Australia becomes a British colony

  The British Parliament established the central southern state of Australia as a province under the South Australia Act in 1834. In the state, the day was observed as Proclamation Day, which was later turned into an extra holiday after Christmas Day.