Milestones, Moments, and Remarkable Lives
February 24 is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 310 days remaining in the year (311 in a leap year).
Every date carries a story. Some days witness revolutions. Others mark scientific breakthroughs, cultural shifts, or the birth of extraordinary individuals who reshape our world. February 24 is one such powerful day in history.
Let’s explore what makes this date significant across nations and generations.
🌍 Observances on February 24
Several national and international observances fall on this day:
- Central Excise Day (India)
- Foundation Day of Kerala Agricultural University
- World Spa Day
- World Bartender Day
- International SCN2A Awareness Day
- Twin Peaks Day
- National Trading Card Day
- Flag Day (Mexico)
- Independence Day (Estonia)
- Sweden Finns Day
- National Engineers Day (Iran)
- National Tortilla Chip Day (USA)
- National Artists Day (Thailand)
- Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Day (USA)
These observances highlight everything from governance and agriculture to arts, engineering, and cultural identity.
🌐 Major Historical Events on February 24
1387 February 24 – Assassination of Charles III
King Charles III of Naples and Hungary was assassinated in Buda, altering the political direction of Central Europe.
1582 February 24 – Birth of the Gregorian Calendar
Under Pope Gregory XIII, Dr. Aloysius Lilius corrected flaws in the Julian calendar and laid the foundation for the Gregorian calendar, which much of the world still uses today.
1739 February 24 – Battle of Karnal
The Persian ruler Nadir Shah defeated Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. This battle significantly weakened the Mughal Empire and reshaped Indian political history.
1786 February 24 – Cornwallis Becomes Governor General
Charles Cornwallis assumed office as Governor-General of India, introducing major administrative and revenue reforms.
1826 February 24 – Treaty of Yandabo
The First Anglo-Burmese War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Yandabo.
1839 February 24 – Steam Shovel Patent
William Otis patented the steam shovel, revolutionizing construction and infrastructure development.
1848 February 24 – French Monarchy Ends
King Louis Philippe of France abdicated during the French Revolution of 1848.
1868 February 24 – First U.S. Presidential Impeachment
Andrew Johnson became the first U.S. President to be impeached by the House of Representatives. He was later acquitted by the Senate.
1914 February 24 – Inauguration of Pamban Bridge
The iconic Pamban Bridge, later known as Indira Gandhi Bridge, was inaugurated. It remains an engineering marvel connecting mainland India to Rameswaram.
1918 – Estonia Declares Independence
Estonia declared independence from Russia. Today, February 24 is celebrated as Estonia’s Independence Day.
1920 – Formation of the Nazi Party
The Nazi Party was officially formed in Germany, shaping one of the darkest chapters in modern history.
1938 – First Nylon Product
The nylon bristle toothbrush became the first commercial product made from nylon.
1971 – Establishment of Kerala Agricultural University
Kerala Agricultural University was officially established under Act 33 of 1971, strengthening agricultural research and education in the state.
1986 – Mary Roy Case Verdict
A landmark Supreme Court judgment ensured equal inheritance rights for Christian women in Kerala.
2010 – Sachin Tendulkar’s Historic Double Century
Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer in One Day International history to score a double century.
2018 – Aruna Budda Reddy Wins Bronze
Aruna Budda Reddy became the first Indian gymnast to win a World Cup medal.
Read more articles on Today In History
🎂 Notable Birthdays on February 24
Talat Mahmood (1924-1998)
A legendary playback singer and ghazal artist, Talat Mahmood lent his velvety voice to countless classics. He even sang in Malayalam for the film Dweep.
Ashwathy Sreekanth (Born 1986)
A well-known radio presenter, television host, and writer from Kerala, she rose to fame through comedy television shows.
T.C. Narendran (1944-2013)
A distinguished entomologist from Kerala who discovered over 1,000 new species and authored more than 390 research papers.
J. Jayalalithaa (1948-2016)
Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and General Secretary of AIADMK. Popularly known as “Amma,” she transitioned from film stardom to political leadership.
Steve Jobs (1955-2011)
Co-founder and former CEO of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs revolutionized personal computing, smartphones, and digital entertainment. He also founded NeXT and Pixar.
Ibn Battuta (1304-1375)
The Moroccan traveler whose journeys spanned across Africa, Asia, and Europe. His travel records remain invaluable historical resources.
Arcangela Tarabotti (1604-1652)
An early feminist writer from Venice who challenged forced monastic life and patriarchal structures.
Kattakkayam Cherian Mappila (1859-1936)
A renowned Malayalam poet known as “Christian Kalidasa.”
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak (Born 1942)
Literary theorist and postcolonial scholar known for the influential essay “Can the Subaltern Speak?”
Pooja Bhatt (Born 1972)
Indian actress, director, and producer associated with Vishesh Films.
🌷 Remembering Those Who Passed on February 24
Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986)
A classical dancer who revived Bharatanatyam and brought it into mainstream cultural respectability.
Sridevi (1963-2018)
India’s first female superstar, who acted in over 300 films across multiple languages.
Anant Pai (1929-2011)
Creator of Amar Chitra Katha, shaping the way Indian mythology reached young readers.
Henry Cavendish (1731-1810)
The British scientist who identified hydrogen and determined Earth’s density.
Why February 24 Matters
February 24 is a powerful reminder of how history unfolds through:
- Political change
- Scientific discovery
- Cultural evolution
- Social justice movements
- Sporting excellence
- Creative brilliance
From calendar reforms to independence movements, from royal abdications to technological revolutions, this date reflects humanity’s complex journey.
Every day in history is layered. Some stories inspire. Some caution. Some transform society forever.
And February 24 holds all of that within it.