- By Anshika Verma
- Thu, 23 Oct 2025 02:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
What Happened Today in History: October 23 marks some of the special moments in the history of India. In 42 BC, Brutus was defeated at the Second Battle of Philippi and after losing the battle he committed suicide. This day also commemorates the birth of Kittur Chennamma, who was popularly known as fearless Indian queen and freedom fighter, and a massive explosion at a plastics factory in Pasadena, Texas.
1. 1850 – First National Women's Rights Convention Begins:
In the year 1850, the first National Women's Rights Convention was established in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was a two-day meeting in which more than 1,000 delegates from 11 states participated. This event was organised by the anti-slavery activists and calls for equality for women in various sections such as education, ownership and property.
2. 42 BC – Brutus Dies by Suicide:
Marcus Junius Brutus was one of the main conspirators behind Julius Caesar's assassination, took his own life after his defeat at the Second Battle of Philippi. After losing the battle, he committed suicide.
3. 1958 – Boris Pasternak wins Nobel Prize for Doctor Zhivago:
Boris Pasternak who was a Russian author received the Nobel Prize for Literature for his inspiring novel Doctor Zhivago. This novel is banned in the Soviet Union, and this book becomes a symbol of artistic freedom.
4. 1941 – Disney Releases Dumbo:
On this day, Disney releases Dumbo which is a story of a circus elephant that is mocked by the people for his big ears. With the help of a mouse, Dumbo learns he can use his ears to fly which entertain people. The movie was supposed to be TIME Magazine's ‘Mammal of the Year’.
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5. 1989 – Gas Leak Kills 23 in Pasadena, Texas:
In 1989, a massive explosion at a plastics factory in Pasadena, Texas took place resulting in the death of the 23 workers. As per the reports, the blasts were caused by an ethylene leak at a Phillips 66 chemical plant.
6. 1998 – Doctor Barnett Slepian was killed:
Doctor Barnett Slepian was shot dead in his home in Amherst, New York on this date. The shooter, an anti-abortion radical, fires through the kitchen window. The attack was the part of a series of sniper shootings.
7. 2002 – Armed Chechens Take Theatre Hostages in Moscow:
Around 40 to 50 Chechen militants gathered at a Moscow theatre. Around 800 people were taken hostage as the rebels demanded Russia withdraw from Chechnya. After 3 days, Russian forces ended the siege using chemical gas, resulting in the death of the many hostages.