January 5

In 2022, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Prime Minister Asqar Mamin and declared a state of emergency in response to the widespread unrest in Kazakhstan.

In 2014, the GSAT-14 communication satellite was successfully launched aboard the GSLV MK.II D5, marking a significant milestone as the first successful flight of an Indian cryogenic engine. Discover how this achievement advanced India’s space capabilities and set the stage for future satellite launches.

In 2005, astronomers at Palomar Observatory discovered the dwarf planet Eris, which subsequently led the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to establish a formal definition of the term "planet" for the first time. This significant finding reshaped our understanding of celestial bodies in our solar system.

In 1993, the MV Braer oil tanker ran aground off the coast of the Shetland Islands, resulting in a significant environmental disaster as it spilled 84,700 tons of crude oil into the surrounding waters. This incident remains one of the most notable maritime oil spills in history.

In 1991, shortly after the eruption of violence in Mogadishu, the United States Embassy in Somalia was evacuated by helicopter airlift. This marked a significant moment during the Somali Civil War, highlighting the escalating conflict and its impact on international diplomatic missions.

In 1991, Georgian troops advanced into Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia, marking the beginning of the 1991–92 South Ossetia War. This conflict was pivotal in shaping the region's political landscape and continues to influence relations in the area today.

In a tragic event during The Troubles in 1976, gunmen targeted a minibus in Kingsmill, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, resulting in the deaths of ten Protestant civilians. This attack was allegedly in retaliation for recent Loyalist violence against Catholic civilians, including the killing of six Catholics just the night before. This incident highlights the intense sectarian strife that plagued Northern Ireland during this tumultuous period in history.

In 1976, the Khmer Rouge officially announced the ratification of the new Constitution of Democratic Kampuchea, marking a pivotal moment in the country's history. Discover the significance of this event and its impact on Cambodia's political landscape.

In 1975, the Tasman Bridge in Tasmania, Australia, was tragically struck by the bulk ore carrier Lake Illawarra, resulting in the deaths of twelve individuals. This incident remains a significant event in Tasmania's maritime history.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon officially announced the groundbreaking Space Shuttle program, marking a pivotal moment in space exploration history. Discover how this program paved the way for future missions and advanced our understanding of the cosmos.