In 2020, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs made a pivotal decision to remove cannabis from the list of the most dangerous drugs under the international drug control treaty, signaling a significant shift in global drug policy.
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December
December 2
Armed Forces Day in Cuba: History and Celebrations
Armed Forces Day in Cuba, celebrated annually on December 2, holds great historical significance for the Cuban people. This day commemorates the founding of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and honors the sacrifices made by military personnel throughout the island's storied history...
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: Awareness and Action Against Modern Slavery
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed annually on December 2, is a significant occasion established by the United Nations. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to eradicate all forms of slavery and human trafficking that continue to plague our societies today...
Lao National Day: Independence and Unity Celebration
Lao National Day, celebrated annually on December 2nd, marks the historic event of Laos gaining independence from French colonial rule in 1953. This significant day is not just a national holiday; it is a time for the people of Laos to come together to celebrate their rich culture, heritage, and the hard-won freedoms that define their nation...
National Day in the United Arab Emirates: A Celebration of Unity and Heritage
The National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a significant occasion celebrated annually on December 2nd. This day marks the unification of the seven emirates, which occurred in 1971, when Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah came together to form a single nation...
Events
In 2016, a tragic fire claimed the lives of thirty-six individuals at an Oakland, California, warehouse that had been transformed into an artist collective. This incident highlighted the importance of fire safety regulations in repurposed buildings.
In the 2015 San Bernardino attack, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik carried out a tragic mass shooting at the Inland Regional Center, resulting in 14 fatalities and 22 injuries. This devastating incident in San Bernardino, California, marked one of the deadliest attacks in the U.S. and raised significant concerns about security and gun violence.
In 2001, Enron Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, marking one of the most significant corporate collapses in U.S. history. The scandal surrounding Enron's financial dealings reshaped regulations within the corporate and financial sectors.
In 1999, the United Kingdom transferred political authority to the Northern Ireland Executive, marking a significant milestone in the peace process established by the Good Friday Agreement. This historic devolution of power aimed to promote stability and governance in Northern Ireland.
In 1993, the Space Shuttle program reached a significant milestone with STS-61. NASA launched the Space Shuttle Endeavour on a groundbreaking mission to repair and enhance the Hubble Space Telescope, advancing astronomical discoveries and innovation.
In 1993, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was fatally shot by police in Medellín, marking the end of his notorious reign in the drug trade.
In 1992, the Space Shuttle Discovery was launched on STS-53, serving the United States Department of Defense. This historic mission showcased NASA's commitment to supporting defense initiatives through space exploration.
In 1991, Canada and Poland emerged as the pioneering nations to officially recognize Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union, marking a significant milestone in the country's history and international relations.
On December 2, 1990, the Space Shuttle Columbia was launched on mission STS-35, transporting the advanced ASTRO-1 spacelab observatory into orbit for groundbreaking astronomical research.
Births
2004 – Ilia Malinin, American competitive figure skater
1998 – Juice Wrld, American rapper, singer and songwriter (d. 2019)
1998 – Anna Kalinskaya, Russian tennis player
1997 – De'Andre Hunter, American basketball player
1995 – Uladzislau Hancharou, Belarusian trampolinist
1994 – Elias Lindholm, Swedish ice hockey player
1994 – Zach Cunningham, American football player
1993 – Kostas Stafylidis, Greek footballer
1992 – Gary Sánchez, Dominican baseball player
1992 – Sim Bhullar, Canadian basketball player
Deaths
2020 – Pat Patterson, American wrestler (b. 1941)
2015 – George T. Sakato, American soldier, Medal of Honor recipient (b. 1921)
2015 – Sandy Berger, American lawyer and politician, 19th United States National Security Advisor (b. 1945)
2014 – Don Laws, American figure skater and coach (b. 1929)
2014 – Bobby Keys, American saxophonist (b. 1943)
2014 – Jean Béliveau, Canadian ice hockey player (b. 1931)
2014 – A. R. Antulay, Indian lawyer and politician, 8th Chief Minister of Maharashtra (b. 1929)
2013 – Marcelo Déda, Brazilian lawyer and politician (b. 1960)
2013 – Jean-Claude Beton, Algerian-French engineer and businessman, founded Orangina (b. 1925)
2013 – William Allain, American soldier and politician, 58th Governor of Mississippi (b. 1928)