On this day — January 2

killing 5 and injuring 18.

collecting samples that are returned to Earth.

The Sri Lanka Navy kill 35–100 civilians on the Jaffna Lagoon.

Turkey, killing 16 people.

the "Yorkshire Ripper", is arrested in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, paramilitary forces opened fire on peaceful protesting workers in Multan, Pakistan; it is known as 1978 massacre at Multan Colony Textile Mills.

resulting in coastal flooding around the southern North Sea coasts, affecting countries from Ireland to Yugoslavia and causing at least 82 deaths and US$1.3 billion in damage.

a bomb blast at Samastipur, Bihar, India, fatally wounds Lalit Narayan Mishra, Minister of Railways.

past movie actor and future President of the United States, is sworn in as Governor of California.

at the Battle of Ap Bac.

is launched by the Soviet Union.

his deputy, José Ramón Guizado, takes power, but is quickly deposed after his involvement in Cantera's death is discovered.