On this day in history - July 31

What Happened On This Day – July 31

• 1998 The British government bans landmines

  The move came after the public pressurized the parliament to pass the Landmines Act.

• 1992 Thai Airways International Flight 311 crashes while approaching Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal.

  All 113 people onboard were killed in the crash.

• 1991 US and USSR sign Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

  The treaty, also known as START I, limited the number of nuclear weapons and missiles the signatories could deploy. It came into force in December 1994, and expired 15 years later in 2009.

• 1981 First female president of the US National Bar Association is appointed

  Arnette R. Hubbard became the first woman to preside over the US National Bar Association, the country's largest group of association of African-American lawyers and judges.

• 1917 Third Battle of Ypres begins

  Also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, the battle was part of World War I and took place between July 31 and November 6 for control of the Belgian city of Ypres.