From the books of history - 21 October special

What Happened

1296: Alauddin Khalji Ascends the Throne: Alauddin Khalji officially took over the throne of Delhi after assassinating his uncle and predecessor, Jalaluddin Khalji. 1943: Proclamation of Azad Hind: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose proclaimed the establishment of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India) in Singapore. It operated as a government-in-exile with its own currency, civil code, and military arm—the Indian National Army (INA). 1954: India-France Agreement Signed: An agreement was signed transferring French colonial settlements in India (including Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam) to the Republic of India. 1951: First General Elections Begin: India initiated its historic first-ever Lok Sabha election process following independence, marking a massive milestone for democratic governance. 1945: French Women Gain Suffrage: For the first time in French history, women voted in a national election. 1879: Edison's Incandescent Light Bulb: Thomas Edison successfully tested his first practical electric light bulb utilizing a carbonized filament in Menlo Park, New Jersey, which remained lit for over 13 hours.