Today in History
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2001 A massive earthquake hits Gujarat, India
About 20,000 people died and over 160,000 people were injured.
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1998 In a TV statement, Bill Clinton denies having had “sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky”
Clinton admitted to having a “improper physical relationship” with Monica Lewinsky on August 17, 1998.
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1950 India becomes a republic
The Constitution of India came into effect that day.
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1905 The world’s largest diamond is found in South Africa
The Cullinan Diamond is estimated to be worth $2 billion USD and weighs 3106.75 carats (621.35 g or 1.37 lb).
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1788 The first Europeans settle in Australia
On January 18, the first elements of the British “First Fleet” arrived in Sydney Harbour.
Births On This Day, January 26
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1961 Wayne Gretzky
Canadian ice hockey player, coach
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1958 Ellen DeGeneres
American comedian, actress, talk show host
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1955 Eddie Van Halen
Dutch/American guitarist, songwriter, producer
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1925 Paul Newman
American actor, director, race car driver, businessman, co-founded Newman’s Own
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1918 Nicolae Ceaușescu
Romanian politician, 11th President of Romania
Deaths On This Day, January 26
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1992 José Ferrer
Puerto Rican actor
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1979 Nelson Rockefeller
American politician, 41st Vice President of the United States
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1962 Lucky Luciano
Italian/American mobster
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1952 Khorloogiin Choibalsan
Mongolian military officer, ruler
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1948 John Lomax
American musicologist
