World's Biggest Bomb Goes Off
On October 30, 1961, the world's biggest bomb in history, Tsar Bomba, a Soviet thermonuclear bomb, was detonated in a test over Novaya Zemlya island in the Arctic Ocean. This colossal explosion remains the most powerful human-made blast ever recorded.
Designed to demonstrate Soviet nuclear prowess during the Cold War, the bomb yielded an estimated 50 megatons of TNT-over 3,000 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The explosion generated a mushroom cloud reaching 60 kilometres high and a shockwave that circled the Earth three times.
Reps Speaker Patricia Etteh Resigns Over Corruption
Also on this day in 2007, Patricia Etteh resigned as the Speaker of the federal House of Representatives over alleged corruption. Etteh, Nigeria's first female Speaker, faced intense scrutiny after being accused of approving a ₦628 million budget for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy, sparking national outrage.
Amid mounting pressures from lawmakers and civil society, she resigned from her post. Her resignation was significant as it shows the power of the pressure from civil society groups in Nigeria and stands as an example of what is expected of other public office holders who are found wanting over corruption, however many of them sit tight in their positions.
Other key events on this day
1. Quebec Referendum voted to remain part of Canada - 1995
2. Uganda troops attacked Tanzania - 1978
3. The worst U.S. rail accident in 14 years occurred and 45 people died in Chicago - 1972
4. Christopher Columbus discovered island of Dominica - 1493
5. Muhammad Ali won the Rumble in the Jungle - 1974
6. Argentine soccer star, Diego Maradona announced his retirement from football on his 37th birthday - 1997
7. Benito Mussolini formed government in Italy - 1922
8. Operation Hiram: Israelis took control of Galilee - 1948
9. Argentina and Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi won his record 8th Ballon D'or award - 2023.
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