Poland Prime Minister resigns following espionage allegations

On January 24, 1996, Jozef Oleksy, the Prime Minister of Poland, resigned after he was accused of spying for the Soviet Union. Former KGB officer Andrzej Milczanowski alleged that Oleksy had passed him classified information while serving as the Polish Minister of Internal Affairs.

A military investigation was closed in April of 1996 for lack of evidence.

THIS DAY @ LAW

India constitution ratified

On January 26, 1950, India ratified its constitution, formally making the new country a republic. On the same day, Rajendra Prasad was inaugurated as the republic's first president. The anniversary is celebrated today as Republic Day in India.

Tennessee became first state to ban alcohol sales

On January 26, 1838, Tennessee became the first US state to pass a law prohibiting the general sale of alcohol; fines paid by lawbreakers were put towards the support of public schools. Read more about the history of Prohibition.