This Week in History (June 21–27): Kapil Dev lifts India's first World Cup, Japan adopts Yen, and more
Mankind has existed for hundreds of thousands of years, but some moments have left a bigger mark than others. In this series, we look back at key defi…
1/7June 21 | On this day in 1893, the world’s first Ferris wheel made its debut at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Designed by American engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the giant rotating wheel stood over 80 metres tall and was built as the US’ answer to Paris’ Eiffel Tower. The attraction became one of the fair’s biggest successes and inspired Ferris wheels that are now a key attraction in amusement parks and city skylines around the world. (Image: Canva)
2/7June 22 | On this day in 1955, Lady and the Tramp was released in US theatres. The Walt Disney classic, which tells the story of a pampered cocker spaniel and a stray mutt, became one of the studio’s most beloved animated films. It is perhaps best remembered for its iconic spaghetti dinner scene, which remains one of the most recognisable moments in animation history. (Image: Reuters)
3/7June 23 | On this day in 2016, voters in the UK backed Brexit in a historic referendum, choosing to leave the European Union. The result triggered years of political upheaval, reshaped Britain’s relationship with Europe, and remains one of the most consequential political decisions of the 21st century. (Image: Reuters)
4/7June 24 | On this day in 1948, Western powers launched the Berlin Airlift in response to the Soviet blockade of West Berlin. For nearly a year, aircraft delivered food, fuel, and essential supplies to millions of residents, turning the operation into an early symbol of Western resolve during the Cold War. Pictured above is the Airlift Monument in Berlin, Germany. (Image: Reuters)
5/7June 25 | On this day in 1983, India defeated the West Indies to win its first Cricket World Cup. Led by captain Kapil Dev, whose iconic running catch to dismiss Viv Richards turned the tide of the match, the Indian team successfully defended a modest total of 183 at Lord’s to secure a historic victory. The triumph transformed cricket in India and helped lay the foundations for the country’s rise as the sport’s commercial and cultural powerhouse.(Image: Reuters)
6/7June 26 | On this day in 1945, representatives from 50 countries signed the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, formally establishing the framework for the post-war international order. The UN would go on to become the world’s largest multilateral organisation.
7/7June 27 | On this day in 1871, Japanese yen was formally adopted as Japan’s official currency under the New Currency Act during the Meiji Restoration. The move replaced a complex system of feudal-era currencies and helped modernise Japan’s economy as the country rapidly industrialised. Today, the yen remains one of the world’s most traded and influential currencies. (Image: Canva)