In History, Today on December 24

In India, thousands of people participated in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, which sparked uproar across the country over concerns of religious discrimination and the integrity of secular citizenship norms.

A tsunami triggered by an undersea landslide caused by the eruption of Anak Krakatoa struck the Sunda Strait in Indonesia, resulting in over 400 deaths and widespread destruction.

Sony Pictures released 'The Interview' online after initially canceling its release due to threats from hackers. The film's release followed a cyberattack attributed to North Korea.

A suicide bombing in the city of Mansoura, Egypt, targeted a police headquarters, killing at least 16 people and injuring over 100. The attack was later claimed by the militant group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis.

A Russian-built Soyuz spacecraft successfully delivered a three-member crew to the International Space Station, continuing international cooperation in space exploration.

The United Nations Security Council voted to lift sanctions on Iraq, which had been in place since the Gulf War, as a recognition of the country's progress in rebuilding and stabilizing.

The Lord's Resistance Army, a rebel group in Uganda, launched a series of attacks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians over the Christmas period.

A powerful earthquake struck near the Macquarie Islands in the Southern Ocean, registering a magnitude of 8.1, but it did not generate a significant tsunami.

The United States announced the capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who had been hiding in a hole near his hometown of Tikrit.

Air France Flight 8969 is hijacked by the Armed Islamic Group in Algiers, Algeria.

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, marking the beginning of a decade-long conflict. This invasion led to widespread international condemnation and was a significant event in the Cold War era.

Apollo 8, the first manned mission to orbit the Moon, transmitted a live television broadcast from lunar orbit. The crew read from the Book of Genesis and showed images of the Earth and Moon, marking a significant moment in space exploration.

Libya gained independence from Italy, becoming the United Kingdom of Libya under King Idris. This marked the first time Libya was united as a single independent country.

Hong Kong surrendered to Japan during World War II after 18 days of fierce fighting.

Albania was declared a republic, ending the monarchy. This significant political change came after a period of instability and foreign intervention, marking a shift in Albania's governance structure.

The Christmas Truce occurred during World War I, when soldiers on the Western Front unofficially ceased hostilities to celebrate Christmas. This truce involved soldiers from both sides exchanging greetings and gifts, and even playing football together.

Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Aida" premiered at the Khedivial Opera House in Cairo, Egypt, organized by Isma'il Pasha, Khedive of Egypt and Sudan. The opera was commissioned to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal and has become one of the most performed works in the operatic repertoire.

The Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, by a group of Confederate veterans. The organization became known for its violent actions against African Americans and other minority groups during the Reconstruction era and beyond.

The Treaty of Ghent was signed, ending the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. The treaty restored relations between the two nations to status quo ante bellum, meaning no territorial gains were made by either side.

The Treaty of Lunéville was signed in preliminary form on December 24, 1800, marking the end of hostilities between France and Austria in the context of the French Revolutionary Wars. These negotiations laid the groundwork for the formal treaty signed in February 1801, further solidifying Napoleon Bonaparte’s power in Europe.

Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, was discovered by Captain James Cook. It is the largest coral atoll in the world and was named for the day of its discovery.

Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, famous for establishing a sea route from Europe to India, died in Cochin, present-day Kochi, India.

Pope Boniface VIII succeeded Pope Celestine V, who had abdicated earlier in the month. Boniface VIII's papacy was marked by significant conflicts with secular rulers, particularly King Philip IV of France.

Zengi, the atabeg of Mosul, captured the city of Edessa from the Crusaders, marking the first major victory of Muslim forces over the Crusader states. This event is a significant precursor to the Second Crusade.

Pope John IV was consecrated as the Bishop of Rome, succeeding Pope Severinus.

The Hagia Sophia in Constantinople was consecrated for the second time after being rebuilt by Emperor Justinian I following its destruction in the Nika riots.