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On this day in history - January 26

What Happened On This Day – January 26

  • 2001 A massive earthquake hits Gujarat, India

    About 20,000 people died and over 160,000 people were injured.

  • 1998 In a TV statement, Bill Clinton denies having had “sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky”

    On August 17, 1998, Clinton admitted to having had an “improper physical relationship” with Monica Lewinsky.

  • 1950 India becomes a republic

    The Constitution of India came into effect that day.

  • 1905 The world's largest diamond is found in South Africa

    The Cullinan Diamond weighed 3106.75 carats (621.35 g or 1.37 lb) and has an estimated value of 2 billion USD.

  • 1788 The first Europeans settle in Australia

    The first elements of the British “First Fleet” had arrived in Sydney Harbour on January 18.

Illustration of stork, signifying birth

Births On This Day,
January 26

  • 1961 Wayne Gretzky

    Canadian ice hockey player, coach

  • 1958 Ellen DeGeneres

    American comedian, actress, talk show host

  • 1955 Eddie Van Halen

    Dutch/American guitarist, songwriter, producer

  • 1925 Paul Newman

    American actor, director, race car driver, businessman, co-founded Newman's Own

  • 1918 Nicolae Ceaușescu

    Romanian politician, 11th President of Romania

Illustration of tombstone, signifying death

Deaths On This Day,
January 26

  • 1992 José Ferrer

    Puerto Rican actor

  • 1979 Nelson Rockefeller

    American politician, 41st Vice President of the United States

  • 1962 Lucky Luciano

    Italian/American mobster

  • 1952 Khorloogiin Choibalsan

    Mongolian military officer, ruler

  • 1948 John Lomax

    American musicologist