Last Updated: October 24, 2026
Today in History – October 24 holds exceptional significance in both Indian and world history. From the official founding of the United Nations after World War II to the historic Wall Street Crash of 1929, and from India’s first underground metro service to the establishment of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, this date marks monumental shifts across geopolitics, economics, science, and culture.
This article covers:
- Major historical events on October 24
- Famous personalities born on October 24
- National and international observances
- Important current affairs and competitive exam facts
Table of Contents
🌟 Top Highlights of October 24
- Establishment of the United Nations (1945): The UN Charter officially took effect, founding the international organization dedicated to maintaining global peace and security.
- Wall Street Crash – ‘Black Thursday’ (1929): The stock market crash at the New York Stock Exchange triggered the decade-long Great Depression.
- Independence of Zambia (1964): Northern Rhodesia gained independence from British colonial rule, officially taking the name Republic of Zambia.
- Raising Day of ITBP (1962): The Indo-Tibetan Border Police was established to guard India’s high-altitude northern borders following the Sino-Indian Conflict.
🗓️ Important Historical Events on October 24
1929 – Wall Street Collapse on ‘Black Thursday’
Panic selling swept through the New York Stock Exchange as a record 12.9 million shares were traded in a single day. Known as ‘Black Thursday’, this collapse marked the onset of the Great Depression, causing worldwide financial destabilization.
1945 – Official Formation of the United Nations
Following the ratification of the UN Charter by the five permanent members of the Security Council(China, France, the Soviet Union, the UK, and the US) and a majority of other signatories, the United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, replacing the ineffective League of Nations. The organization was created to promote peace, security, development, and international cooperation.
1962 – Establishment of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
In the wake of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, India instituted the ITBP as a specialized mountain-trained Central Armed Police Force tasked with safeguarding the 3,488 km India-China (Tibet) border stretching from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
1964 – Zambia Gains Independence
The British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia achieved full sovereignty on October 24, transforming into the Republic of Zambia. Kenneth Kaunda took office as the nation’s inaugural President.
1984 – India’s First Underground Metro Railway Opens in Kolkata
India entered a new era of urban transit as the Kolkata Metro inaugurated its first commercial run between Esplanade and Bhowanipore (now Netaji Bhavan). It marked India’s first underground rapid transit system.
2003 – Final Commercial Flight of the Concorde
The iconic supersonic passenger airliner Concorde completed its last commercial flight from New York to London, marking the conclusion of supersonic commercial aviation in the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Other Major Events
- 1795: The Third Partition of Poland completely dissolved the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, dividing its territory among Prussia, Russia, and Austria.
- 1947: Declaration of the provisional government of Azad Kashmir amidst the Kashmir conflict following Indian independence.
- 1995: A total solar eclipse occurred over India, providing critical scientific data for astrophysicists nationwide.
🎂 Famous Birthdays on October 24
| Year | Personality | Domain / Notable Achievement |
| 1775 | Bahadur Shah Zafar | Last Mughal Emperor, leader of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| 1914 | Lakshmi Sahgal | Freedom fighter, Commander of the All-Women Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army (INA) |
| 1966 | Nadiya (Nadia Moidu) | Prominent South Indian film actress |
| 1967 | Ian Bishop | Former West Indies international fast bowler and commentator |
| 1980 | Kaushiki Chakraborty | Indian classical vocal musician (Patiala Gharana) |
| 1980 | Laila | Popular South Indian film actress |
🕯️ Notable Death Anniversaries on October 24
- 1944 – Louis Renault: French industrial pioneer and co-founder of Renault automobiles.
- 1985 – László Bíró: Inventor of the modern ballpoint pen (Hungarian-Argentine engineer).
- 1991 – Ismat Chughtai: Landmark Urdu progressive writer and pioneer of feminist literature.
- 2010 – Cherukuri Lenin: National archery coach and international sportsman.
- 2017 – Girija Devi: Classical vocalist (Senia & Benares Gharana), Padma Vibhushan recipient.
📢 National & International Days Observed on October 24
- United Nations Day: Established in 1948 by the UN General Assembly to mark the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter on October 24, 1945. To promote global peace, international security, human rights, and social progress. A vital day for multilateral diplomacy and reinforcing international cooperation worldwide.
- World Polio Day: Established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, developer of the first successful polio vaccine. To raise awareness for polio eradication and highlight global vaccination campaigns. India was certified Polio-Free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, showing the power of national eradication programs.
- World Development Information Day: Instituted by the UN General Assembly in 1972, coinciding with UN Day. To draw public attention to international development problems and the necessity of strengthening cooperation. Focuses on leveraging technology, information, and education to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Raising Day: Established on October 24, 1962, following the Indo-China war. To honor the bravery, dedication, and border security duties of ITBP personnel stationed in high-altitude Himalayan regions. Recognizes one of India’s primary border guard organizations operating under harsh climate conditions.
- Zambia Independence Day: Marks Zambia’s official independence from British colonial rule on October 24, 1964. Celebrates national sovereignty, political freedom, and African liberation struggles.
💡Did You Know?
- Stationery History: László Bíró patented the ballpoint pen. In Argentina, ‘Inventors’ Day’ is celebrated on his birthday (September 29), and ballpoint pens are widely called biros.
- Double Celebration: Zambia gained its independence on October 24, 1964, the exact same calendar date as United Nations Day.
- Pioneering Transit: Kolkata Metro, launched on October 24, 1984, was the 5th underground transit network built in Asia and the first in South Asia.