Today in History
2011 Day of Seven Billion
On this day, the world’s official population surpassed 7 billion. It was designated as the Day of the Seven Billion by the United Nations Population Fund.
1999 EgyptAir Flight 990 crash
EgyptAir Flight 990 crashed off the Eastern coast of the US, killing all 217 people aboard.
1992 Catholic church regrets its handling of Galileo Galilee’s case
Then, in the 17th century, Pope John Paul II acknowledged the Catholic Church’s errors in dealing with Galileo Galilei.
1984 Indira Gandhi assassinated
India’s first female prime minister, Indira Gandhi was murdered by two of her bodyguards. Her death sparked riots in India, particularly in New Delhi, where thousands of Sikhs were killed.
1978 South Yemen adopts constitution
The constitution of the short-lived People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, also known as South Yemen, was adopted. South Yemen merged with North Yemen in 1990 to form what is now known as Yemen.
Births On This Day, October 31
1961 Peter Jackson
New Zealand actor, director, screenwriter, producer
1918 Ian Stevenson
American biochemist
1892 Alexander Alekhine
Russian chess player
1887 Chiang Kai-shek
Chinese military leader, politician, President of the Republic of China
1875 Vallabhbhai Patel
Indian activist, politician, 1st Deputy Prime Minister of India
Deaths On This Day, October 31
2006 P. W. Botha
South African politician, 1st State President of South Africa
1993 Federico Fellini
Italian director
1984 Indira Gandhi
Indian politician, 3rd Prime Minister of India
1926 Harry Houdini
Hungarian/American magician, actor
1916 Charles Taze Russell
American minister
