This day in history: 24 june

Napoleon Invades Russia (1812)
On June 24, 1812, French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte launched his massive and ultimately disastrous invasion of Russia, leading his Grand Army of approximately 600,000 troops across the Niemen River from Poland into Russian territory. This marked the beginning of one of the most significant military campaigns in European history, which would end in catastrophic losses for the French.
Berlin Blockade Begins (1948)
On June 24, 1948, the Soviet Union initiated the Berlin Blockade, cutting off all land and rail access to West Berlin in response to currency reforms in West Germany. This action triggered the Berlin Airlift, during which Western Allies supplied West Berlin by air for nearly a year, marking a critical early confrontation of the Cold War.
First Masonic Grand Lodge Established (1717)
The world’s first Masonic Grand Lodge was established in London on June 24, 1717. Freemasonry would go on to become a significant fraternal organization throughout Europe and beyond.
Edward I’s Welsh Campaign (1277)
On June 24, 1277, King Edward I of England began his first campaign against the Welsh, following a dispute over homage with Llewelyn ap Gruffydd. This marked a key moment in the English conquest of Wales.

Battle of Carabobo (1821)
On June 24, 1821, the Battle of Carabobo took place in present-day Venezuela. This decisive battle led by Simón Bolívar resulted in the independence of Venezuela from Spanish rule, marking a turning point in South America’s wars of independence.
First Widely Reported UFO Sighting (1947)
On June 24, 1947, pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing a group of unidentified flying objects near Mount Rainier, Washington. This became the first widely reported UFO sighting in the United States and sparked the modern era of UFO interest and investigation.
UpStairs Lounge Arson Attack (1973)
On June 24, 1973, the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans, Louisiana, was targeted in an arson attack that killed 32 people. It was the deadliest attack on a gay club in U.S. history until the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.
Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 Crash (1975)
On June 24, 1975, Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 crashed on approach to New York’s JFK Airport due to severe wind shear, killing 113 of the 124 people on board. This tragedy led to significant research into wind shear and aviation safety.
NFL Renamed (1922)
On June 24, 1922, the American Professional Football Association officially changed its name to the National Football League (NFL), shaping the future of American sports.

On June 24, 1961, India launched its first indigenous HF 24 supersonic fighter aircraft, marking a milestone in the nation’s aviation and defense capabilities.
On June 24, 1966, an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York crashed into Mont Blanc, Switzerland, killing 117 people.
On June 24, 1990, India successfully test-fired its first third-generation anti-tank missile, ‘NAG,’ a significant advancement in military technology.
In June 2024, Pakistan launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a major nationwide counter-terrorism operation beginning on June 22, to curb militant violence, especially against the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This operation has heightened tensions with Afghanistan.
The 18th Indian general elections concluded in June 2024, resulting in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failing to secure a majority and forming a coalition government instead.
On the Korean Peninsula, June 2024 saw renewed military tensions: South Korea resumed loudspeaker broadcasts and live-fire exercises near the border, while North Korea conducted a hypersonic missile test on June 26, following a new defense pact with Russia and the deployment of a US aircraft carrier for trilateral drills.

2002: Tanzania Train Disaster
On June 24, 2002, Africa’s worst train disaster occurred near Msagali, Tanzania. A passenger train carrying about 1,200 people lost its brakes and rolled back down Igandu hill, resulting in the deaths of 281 people.
2024: Political and Security Developments
In June 2024, several significant events unfolded across Africa:
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Attacks by the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) escalated in North Kivu, leading to a spike in civilian deaths.
Burkina Faso: Heavy military losses in clashes with Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) raised suspicions of a potential coup, with over 400 fatalities in the deadliest battle since August 2021.
Kenya: Widespread anti-tax protests against the 2024 Finance Bill culminated in violent demonstrations on June 25, with at least 13 people killed when police clashed with protestors who stormed parliament.
Sierra Leone: The presidential election was held on June 24, 2023, resulting in the re-election of President Julius Bio.
1960s: Pan-African Solidarity
From June 15–24, 1960, the Second Conference of Independent African States was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, calling for sanctions against South Africa’s apartheid regime.