Today in History

• 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.