Last Updated: September 24, 2026
Today in History – September 24 is a red-letter day in both Indian and global history, marked by key political accords, scientific breakthroughs, and iconic sporting achievements. From the signing of the historic Poona Pact during India’s freedom struggle to ISRO’s orbital insertion of Mangalyaan around Mars, this calendar date holds immense significance. This comprehensive daily chronicle provides verified historical facts, birth and death anniversaries, observances, and competitive exam notes for aspirants and history enthusiasts.
This article covers:
- Major historical events on September 24
- Famous personalities born on September 24
- National and international observances
- Important current affairs and competitive exam facts
Table of Contents
🌟 Top Highlights of September 24
- Historic Accord (1932): The historic Poona Pact was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune.
- Birth of Arati Saha (1940): Birth of Arati Saha, the first Asian woman to swim across the English Channel.
- ICC T20 World Cup Victory (2007): India won the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by defeating Pakistan in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Mars Orbiter Mission Success (2014): India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) successfully entered the Martian orbit in its very first attempt.
🗓️ Important Historical Events on September 24
1932 – Signing of the Historic Poona Pact
The Poona Pact was signed between Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi (represented by Madan Mohan Malaviya and other leaders while Gandhi was fasting at Yerwada Jail). The accord nullified the separate electorates for Depressed Classes proposed under the British ‘Communal Award’ and instead increased the reserved seats for them within the general electorate.
1948 – Honda Motor Company Founded
Japanese industrialist Soichiro Honda established Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Itaya-cho, Hamamatsu, Japan. Starting as a producer of small auxiliary bicycle engines, the company grew into the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and a major global automobile manufacturer.
1973 – Unilateral Declaration of Independence by Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau declared its independence from Portuguese colonial rule unilaterally. Led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), this marked a pivotal moment in West African decolonization.
2007 – India Wins Inaugural ICC T20 World Cup
Led by MS Dhoni, the Indian national cricket team defeated rival Pakistan by 5 runs in a thrilling final at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. This historic victory reshaped modern cricket dynamics and paved the way for the creation of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
2014 – ISRO’s Mangalyaan Enters Mars Orbit
India’s Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully inserted its Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, into Mars orbit. India became the first nation in the world to achieve this feat on its maiden attempt and the first Asian country to reach Martian orbit.
Other Major Events
- 1789: The Judiciary Act of 1789 was signed into law, establishing the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal judiciary structure.
- 1946: Cathay Pacific Airways was founded in Hong Kong by Roy Farrell and Sydney de Kantzow.
🎂 Famous Birthdays on September 24
| Year | Personality | Domain / Notable Achievement |
| 1501 | Gerolamo Cardano | Renowned Italian polymath and mathematician; pioneer in probability theory and complex numbers. |
| 1861 | Madam Bhikaiji Cama | Indian freedom fighter who unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag on foreign soil (Stuttgart, 1907). |
| 1902 | Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini | Iranian political and religious leader; founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the 1979 Revolution. |
| 1921 | Dhulipala Seetharama Sastri | Distinguished Telugu theater and film actor, acclaimed for his role as ‘Shakuni’ in classical cinema. |
| 1940 | Arati Saha | Legendary Indian long-distance swimmer; first Asian woman to swim across the English Channel (Padma Shri recipient). |
| 1950 | Mohinder Amarnath | Former Indian cricketer, Man of the Match in both the semi-final and final of the 1983 Cricket World Cup. |
| 1972 | Srinu Vaitla | Successful Telugu film director known for blockbuster comedy-entertainers like Dookudu, Dhee and Anandam. |
🕯️ Notable Death Anniversaries on September 24
- 1975 – Alaparthi Chakrapani: Multilingual writer, co-founder of Vijaya Vauhini Studios, and founding editor of the famous children’s magazine Chandamama.
- 2004 – Dr. Raja Ramanna: Eminent Indian nuclear physicist who played a key role in India’s first nuclear test (‘Operation Smiling Buddha’) at Pokhran in 1974.
📢 National & International Days Observed on September 24
- World Maritime Day: Organized annually by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the last Thursday of September. It highlights maritime safety, environmental protection, and the importance of global shipping.
- National Service Scheme (NSS) Day – India: Launched on September 24, 1969, by the Union Ministry of Education during the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi, NSS Day promotes community service, national integration, and selfless youth leadership across Indian academic institutions.
- National Punctuation Day (USA): Celebrated annually on September 24 in the United States to promote the correct usage of punctuation marks, grammar, and clear written communication.
💡Did You Know?
- Cost-Effective Space Mission: ISRO’s Mangalyaan cost approximately $74 million, making it significantly cheaper than the Hollywood space film Gravity ($100 million).
- First Flag Abroad: Madam Bhikaiji Cama unfurled the ‘Saptarishi Flag’ at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907, featuring the words Vande Mataram.
- Pioneer Female Athlete: Arati Saha became the first Indian female sportsperson to be awarded the Padma Shri in 1960 after crossing the English Channel in 1959.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When was the Poona Pact signed and between whom?
Ans: The Poona Pact was signed on September 24, 1932, between Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi (represented by key Indian leaders) to resolve electoral representation issues for Depressed Classes.
Q2: On which date did ISRO’s Mangalyaan reach the orbit of Mars?
Ans: ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) successfully entered Martian orbit on September 24, 2014.
Q3: Who was the first Asian woman to swim across the English Channel?
Ans: Arati Saha, born on September 24, 1940, achieved this feat in September 1959.
Q4: What is the significance of September 24 in Indian sports history?
Ans: On September 24, 2007, India won the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Johannesburg by defeating Pakistan.
Q5: When was the National Service Scheme (NSS) officially established in India?
Ans: NSS was launched on September 24, 1969, to coincide with Mahatma Gandhi’s centenary celebrations.
Q6: Which famous Indian nuclear physicist passed away on September 24, 2004?
Ans: Dr. Raja Ramanna, a key architect of India’s 1974 nuclear test (Operation Smiling Buddha).
