1998⚡ Event
Euro Exchange Rates Frozen
The European Exchange Rate Mechanism froze the exchange rates of the legacy currencies in the eurozone, establishing the value of the euro.
economicspolitics
This Week in History: Week 53
December 30 – December 31
Over 30 historical moments took place during these 7 days of the calendar year. Explore our curated digest of the most world-changing events, iconic births, and notable deaths.
Explore the Full Daily Timelines
Major Events (December 30 – December 31)(10)
1999⚡ Event
Putin Becomes Acting President
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin became acting president upon President Boris Yeltsin's unexpected resignation.
politics
1999⚡ Event
Panama Assumes Control of Canal Zone
In accordance with the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, Panama assumed full control of the Panama Canal Zone from the United States.
lawpolitics
2004⚡ Event
Taipei 101 opens
Taipei 101 in Taiwan opened to the public as the world's tallest building.
technology
2006⚡ Event
MV Senopati Nusantara sinks
The Indonesian ferry MV Senopati Nusantara sank in the Java Sea during a storm, killing at least 400 people.
disasterexploration
2006⚡ Event
ETA bombing at Madrid–Barajas Airport
Basque nationalist group ETA detonated a van bomb at Madrid–Barajas Airport in Spain, ending a nine-month ceasefire.
politicswar
2006⚡ Event
War in Somalia
Transitional Federal Government forces attacked the last stronghold of the Islamic Courts Union in Jilib.
war
2009⚡ Event
Pipeline rupture in Shaanxi, China
A rupture of the Lanzhou–Zhengzhou–Changsha pipeline in Shaanxi, China, caused approximately 150,000 liters of diesel oil to flow down the Wei River.
disastertechnology
2009⚡ Event
Pro-government rallies in Iran
Pro-government counter-demonstrators held rallies in several Iranian cities in response to recent anti-government protests on the holy day of Ashura.
politics
2013⚡ Event
Attacks in Kinshasa
Supporters of Congolese religious leader Paul-Joseph Mukungubila carried out a series of attacks on television studios, the airport, and a military base in Kinshasa.
politicsreligion
Famous Birthdays This Week(10)
Notable Deaths This Week(10)
2022🕊️ Death
Barbara Walters
Barbara Walters was an American journalist, television personality, and author, known for her pioneering work in broadcast journalism.
entertainment
2022🕊️ Death
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI, a German cardinal and theologian, has died. He served as Pope from 2005 to 2013.
religion
2022🕊️ Death
Barry Lane
English golfer Barry Lane has passed away. He was known for his career in professional golf.
sports
2023🕊️ Death
Bryan Ansell
Bryan Ansell was a British designer known for his work in role-playing and wargames.
entertainment
2023🕊️ Death
Tom Wilkinson
Tom Wilkinson was an English actor who appeared in numerous acclaimed films and television shows.
entertainment
2023🕊️ Death
Aki Yashiro
Aki Yashiro was a Japanese singer known for her enka music.
musicentertainment
2023🕊️ Death
Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough, a NASCAR Cup Series champion three times, passed away. He was also the founder of Cale Yarborough Motorsports.
sports
2024🕊️ Death
Arnold Rüütel
Estonian politician and 3rd President of Estonia Arnold Rüütel died.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia was a Bangladeshi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
politics
Trending Topics This Week
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