Osun Defender History Corner: January 26 In Focus

Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.

January 26, 1788

The First Fleet from Britain arrived in Port Jackson, Australia, marking the foundation of Sydney.

January 26, 1837

Michigan became the 26th state of the United States.

January 26, 1926

The first demonstration of the television by John Logie Baird in London.

January 26, 1950

India officially became a republic with its first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

January 26, 1965

Hindi became the official language of India.

January 26, 1979

The Dukes of Hazzard, a popular American TV show, premiered on CBS.

January 26, 1998

President Bill Clinton denied having an affair with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

January 26, 2001

An earthquake in Gujarat, India, resulted in the death of thousands and significant damage.

January 26, 2005

The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner, made its first commercial flight.

January 26, 2009

Icelandic government officials resigned due to public protests over the country’s financial crisis.

January 26, 2010

Avatar became the first film to gross over $2 billion worldwide.

January 26, 2011

The uprising in Egypt began, leading to the eventual resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.

January 26, 2015

The Islamic State (ISIS) released a video showing the beheading of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto.

January 26, 2018

A Taliban-claimed attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulted in numerous casualties.

January 26, 2019

The United States recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela.

January 26, 2020

The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Australia.

January 26, 2021

The Indian Republic Day parade took place amid COVID-19 restrictions.

January 26, 2022

The Winter Olympics opened in Beijing, China.

January 26, 2023

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope was launched, promising new insights into the universe.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on January 26. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.