Good Morning! It’s Sunday, January 26, 2025. I am Dom Einhorn, your lead curator, and here are your insights into what makes this day in history relevant today. First time reading? Join our community of intellectually curious readers who explore the history behind every day. [Sign up here]

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Today in History

Marquee Event of the Day

> January 26, 1950: India becomes a republic, achieving full independence from Great Britain.

Why this matters: On this day, India officially becomes a republic, marking the culmination of its journey to full independence from British rule. This historic milestone solidified India’s sovereignty by enacting its Constitution, which established a democratic framework reflecting the will of its people. The event underscored the triumph of a nonviolent freedom struggle led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, and it set a precedent for post-colonial nations transitioning to self-governance. India's emergence as the world's largest democracy not only redefined its national identity but also became a beacon of hope for other nations striving for independence, demonstrating the enduring power of unity and self-determination.

Find out how much you know about India with this special quiz.

Notable Events

• January 26, 2020 - Basketball legend Kobe Bryant tragically dies in a helicopter crash.

• January 26, 1784 - Benjamin Franklin voices dissatisfaction with the eagle as America’s national symbol.

• January 26, 1961 - President Kennedy appoints the first female presidential physician.

In partnership with Masters of Trivia 
Knowledge Gamified

Masters of Trivia is gearing up to launch its utility token soon. Register for a FREE player account now so as not to miss out!

A recent New York Weekly article featured Dom Einhorn’s attempt to “Revolutionize Quizzing and Hyper-Targeted Advertising.” For transparency, Intelligent Games is the parent company of both the KRONIKL newsletter and Masters of Trivia, the quiz platform linked to many topics featured in this newsletter. An excerpt of the article reads:

Einhorn points to the company’s slogan to explain the value of Masters of Trivia’s platform. “Our slogan is ‘Knowledge Gamified’ and not ‘Gamified Knowledge’ for a good reason,” he explains. “We aim to educate and inform first and foremost, but we also know that most people need to be deeply engaged in the learning process. Hence, we added a heavy dose of entertainment and incentives to the mix.”

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Echoes in Time

Here are two events from January 26 that continue to resonate in the present day.

1. Event: January 26, 1905 - The 3,106-carat "Cullinan," the largest diamond ever discovered, was unearthed during an inspection at the Premier Mine in South Africa.

Lasting Significance: The 1905 discovery of the Cullinan diamond, the largest ever found, showcased South Africa’s immense natural wealth and solidified its role in the global diamond trade. While the Cullinan became a symbol of imperial power, later cut into the British Crown Jewels, it also highlighted the exploitative legacy of diamond mining in Africa. This industry has brought economic opportunities but also challenges, including environmental harm, labor exploitation, and ongoing calls for equitable resource management across the continent.

2. Event:  January 26, 1788 - First European settlement in Australia.

Lasting Significance: On this date, the first European settlement in Australia was established at Port Jackson, marking the start of British colonization. This event shaped modern Australia but brought lasting disruption and displacement to Indigenous peoples, making the date both a national milestone and a source of reflection and controversy.

In the Spotlight

Birthdays, Passings & Milestones
Highlighting the influential figures who were born or died on this day, along with their legacies.

• January 26, 1918 - Birth of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the communist leader of Romania from 1965 to 1989, known for his authoritarian rule and eventual overthrow during the Romanian Revolution.

• January 26, 1962 - Lucky Luciano, once the most influential figure in American organized crime during the early 1930s and deported to Italy in 1946, dies at age 65.

• January 26, 2005 - Condoleezza Rice becomes the first Black woman sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State.

Science & Discovery

Brought to you by TopRanked, the Affiliate Marketing Directory.

• January 26, 1697 - Isaac Newton receives Jean Bernoulli's 6 month time-limit problem, and solves it before going to bed that same night.

• January 26, 1887 - Construction of the Eiffel Tower begins in Paris, France.

• January 26, 1949 - The 200-inch Hale Telescope is first used at Palomar Observatory in California.

• January 26, 1962 - U.S. launches Ranger 3, which missed the Moon by 22,000 miles (37,000 km).

Today in Finance

Brought to you by Born2Invest.
Curated reads and interesting tidbits from the world of finance.

• January 26, 1989 - AT&T reports its first loss in 103 years, totaling $1.67 billion for 1988.

• January 26, 1989 - Madison Square Garden announces 2-year $100m renovation plan.

• January 26, 1991 - The NY Lotto awards $90 million to nine winners with the numbers 5, 15, 30, 35, 46, and 50.

• January 26, 2019 - The Chew Valley Hoard, consisting of 2,528 silver coins from the Norman conquest, was discovered near Bath (UK), valued at £4.3 million ($5.6 million), making it England's most valuable treasure find.

Today in Sports

Brought to you by The Hunslet Wolves, a new UK-based rugby franchise coached by the former defensive head coach of the French National Team, David Ellis.

• January 26, 1871 - The Rugby Football Union is established during a meeting of 21 clubs at London's Pall Mall Restaurant.

• January 26, 1961 - Wayne Gretzky, nicknamed "The Great One," is born. Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time.

• January 26, 1986 - The Chicago Bears defeat the New England Patriots 46-10 in New Orleans, setting a Super Bowl scoring record and claiming their first championship since 1963.

• January 26, 1980 - At President Jimmy Carter's request, the U.S. Olympic Committee votes to urge the IOC to cancel or relocate the Moscow Olympics in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

In the Arts Today

• January 26, 1925 - Paul Newman is born. An iconic actor and philanthropist, Newman is celebrated for his roles in classic films and his charitable ventures.

• January 26, 1958 - American comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres, celebrated for her quirky observational humor, is born.

• January 26, 1980 - 175,000 people gather in Rio de Janeiro to hear Frank Sinatra perform.

The Rest of the Story

• January 26, 2001 - A massive earthquake strikes near Bhuj, Gujarat, India, killing more than 20,000 people and causing extensive damage.

• January 26, 1837 - Michigan becomes the 26th U.S. state admitted to the union.

• January 26, 1970 - U.S. Navy Lt. Everett Alvarez Jr., one of the longest-held POWs in American history, marks his 2,000th day in captivity after being shot down over North Vietnam in August 1964.

Quote of the Day

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Why KRONIKL? Inspired by the timeless concept of chronicles, KRONIKL is dedicated to bringing you the most intriguing, thought-provoking stories from this date. Culture, science, politics, and more — all condensed for a quick, insightful read that connects your present with our past.

*Disclosure: Masters of Trivia is a quiz platform founded by Dom Einhorn and owned by Intelligent Games LLC—the same company that brings you the KRONIKL newsletter.