- International Monument and Historical Site Day. Established, 1983, by the UNESCO's ICOMOS Assembly. First celebrated, 1984.
- 1819. Franz von SUPPE (d. 1895) was born 185 years ago this day. Austrian composer and orchestra conductor, he stood at the cradle of the celebrated Viennese operetta.
- 1906. An appalling earthquake destroyed San Francisco, California, 98 years ago this day.
- 1946. Established in 1919, the League of Nation finished its last, self-liquidation session 58 years ago this day.
- 1949. Ireland proclaimed independence 55 years ago this day.
- 1951. Spokesmen of France, Italy, West Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands signed an agreement to establish the European Coal and Steel Community, ECSC-a first stride to the European Communities, 53 years ago this day.
- 1955. Albert EINSTEIN (b. 1879) died 49 years ago this day. Renowned theoretical physicist, Nobel Prize winner for 1921, he formulated the theory of relativity and was among the founders of the quantum theory and statistical physics.
- 1961. The Convention on Diplomatic Relations was approved by a United Nations conference in Vienna 43 years ago this day. It came as basic international legal instrument on the status and functions of diplomatic legations.
- 1989. The world's first International Information Forum took start in London 15 years ago this day. Lasting into May 12, it was convened on a Vienna CSCE conference resolution, and was a first-ever international event to make an all-round discussion of information circulation and access. The conference included debates on how to improve journalists' work conditions.
RUSSIA
- Russian Martial Glory Day. Commemorates the Battle on the Ice, 1242, when Russian troops, led by Prince Alexander Nevsky, routed Teutonic knights on the ice-clad Lake Chud.
- 1849. Victor KANDINSKY (d. 1899) was born 155 years ago this day. Renowned psychiatrist, he was Russia's first medical researcher to substantiate the category of psychopathy. Kandinsky came up with a classification of mental disorders, and spoke for therapeutic labour in psychosis treatment.
- 1849. Carlo ROSSI (b. 1775) died 155 years ago this day. Celebrated architect and town planner, he worked in St. Petersburg, where he designed the Michael Palace, now Russian Museum, the Palace Square with edifices surrounding it and a giant granite arch of the General Military Staff, and an exquisite street named after him.
- 1865. The Provisional Press Regulations, Russia's first press law, were adopted 139 years ago this day, during the reign of Alexander II.
- 1944. The IL 10 attack aircraft made its maiden flight 60 years ago this day. Vladimir Kokkinaki, one of the foremost Soviet test pilots, was flying the pioneer craft.
- The Russian Orthodox Church commemorates the removal of the relics of St. Job (?-1607), Russia's first patriarch, enthroned in 1589.
