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.
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
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
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