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.
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
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