From the books of history - 24 August special

What Happened

2006: Pluto Loses Planet Status. The International Astronomical Union officially reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet, one of the most debated decisions in modern astronomy. 1608: First English Representative Lands in India. William Hawkins, representing the English East India Company, arrived at Surat, marking the beginning of England's formal diplomatic engagement with the Mughal Empire. 1814: British Burn the White House. During the War of 1812, British forces entered Washington, D.C. and set fire to the White House and other government buildings. 1991: Ukraine Declares Independence. Following the failed coup against Mikhail Gorbachev, Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union, a major step toward the USSR's collapse.