Last Updated: July 24, 2026
Today in History – July 24 stands as a monumental date in the global calendar, marked by stellar sporting milestones, groundbreaking technical shifts, and the legacies of extraordinary pioneers. From India’s historic silver medal at the World Athletics Championships to the observance of vital fiscal and engineering milestones, this day highlights achievements that continue to influence contemporary society, politics, and culture. Notably, National Income Tax Day and National Thermal Engineers Day add further significance to July 24.
This article covers:
- Major historical events on July 24
- Famous personalities born on July 24
- National and international observances
- Important current affairs and competitive exam facts
Table of Contents
🌟 Top Highlights of July 24
- A Milestone in Indian Sports History: In 2022, athlete Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships, creating a historic achievement for India.
- Remembering the Architect of Modern Irrigation in Andhra: Sir Arthur Cotton, whose engineering works transformed the Godavari and Krishna deltas into fertile agricultural regions, is remembered on his death anniversary today.
- Death Anniversary of Mahakavi Gurram Jashuva: The revolutionary Telugu poet and social reformer Gurram Jashuva passed away on this day.
- National Observance: Observation of Income Tax Day (Aaykar Diwas) in India under the aegis of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), celebrating over 160 years of structured taxation in the country.
🗓️ Important Historical Events on July 24
1935 – Introduction of Greeting Telegram Service
A significant milestone in the history of communication was achieved when the greeting telegram service was introduced in the United States. The service enabled people to send special messages and greetings during festivals and important occasions.
2022 – Neeraj Chopra Wins Historic Silver Medal
Indian star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships held in Oregon, USA, with a throw of 88.13 meters. He became the first Indian male athlete to achieve this remarkable feat in the championship’s history.
Other Major Events
- 1880: The world’s first commercial hydroelectric power station began distribution operations in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- 1911: American explorer and historian Hiram Bingham introduced the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru to the wider world.
- 1969: Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins safely returned to Earth after their historic Moon mission.
🎂 Famous Birthdays on July 24
| Year | Personality | Domain / Notable Achievement |
| 1927 | Utpala Satyanarayanacharya | Eminent Telugu poet, writer, and central Sahitya Akademi Award winner. |
| 1928 | Keshubhai Patel | Senior BJP leader and former two-time Chief Minister of Gujarat. |
| 1936 | Modali Nagabhushana Sharma | Renowned actor, director, playwright, critic, researcher, and academician. |
| 1953 | Srividya | Veteran Indian film actress and classical singer who ruled South Indian cinema. |
| 1975 | Vijay Antony | Multitalented music composer, playback singer, actor, and film producer |
| 1976 | Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR) | Prominent Telangana politician, Member of Legislative Assembly (Sircilla), and former minister. |
🕯️ Notable Death Anniversaries on July 24
- 1862 – Martin Van Buren: The eighth President of the United States of America passed away.
- 1899 – Sir Arthur Cotton: Legendary British military general and irrigation specialist who designed the Dowleswaram Barrage across the Godavari River, helping transform Andhra’s agricultural landscape.
- 1970 – K. V. Ranga Reddy: Freedom fighter, first-generation political leader of Andhra Pradesh, and former Deputy Chief Minister. Ranga Reddy district was later named in his honor.
- 1971 – Gurram Jashuva: Revolutionary Telugu poet, social reformer, and author of the celebrated literary work Gabbilam.
📌 Other Demises: Violin maestro Dwaram Bhavanarayana Rao (2000), eminent Telugu literary critic and linguist Chekuri Rama Rao (2014), Telugu writer and translator Nirmalananda (2018), and noted children’s author Reddy Raghavaiah (2022) also passed away on this day.
📢 National & International Days Observed on July 24
- Income Tax Day (India): Commemorated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to mark the introduction of income tax in India by Sir James Wilson on July 24, 1860.
- National Thermal Engineers Day: Celebrated to honor the contribution of thermal engineers and emphasize the importance of heat management in electronics and aerospace industries.
- Cousins Day: Celebrated internationally to strengthen family bonds and cherish relationships among cousins.
💡Did You Know?
- Origin of Indian Income Tax: The income tax system in India was actually introduced as a temporary measure in 1860 to recover the heavy financial losses suffered by the British Crown during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- The Savior of Delta Regions: Sir Arthur Cotton is fondly remembered as the “Apara Bhagiratha” by locals in coastal Andhra Pradesh because his engineering masterstroke saved millions from devastating famines by channeling river water effectively.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was the distance recorded by Neeraj Chopra to win silver at the 2022 World Athletics Championships?
Ans: Neeraj Chopra clinched the historic silver medal with a powerful javelin throw of 88.13 meters.
Q2: Who is the author of the famous Telugu literary work Gabbilam?
Q3: Why is National Income Tax Day observed in India on July 24?
Ans: Income Tax was introduced in India for the very first time on July 24, 1860, by Sir James Wilson. To mark this historical event, July 24 is celebrated annually as Income Tax Day.
Q4: What is the full name of KTR?
Ans: Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao.
Q5: Which district in Telangana is named after the veteran politician K.V. Rangareddy?
Ans: The Ranga Reddy district in Telangana is named in honor of K.V. Rangareddy, who served as a freedom fighter and the first Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Q6: Which legendary Telugu poet known as ‘Navayuga Kavichakravarti’ passed away on July 24?
Ans: The revolutionary progressive poet and social reformer Gurram Joshua passed away on July 24, 1971.
Q7: Who is known as the father of irrigation automation in the delta regions of Andhra Pradesh, whose death anniversary is on July 24?
Ans: British General and engineer Sir Arthur Cotton, who passed away on July 24, 1899, is revered as the father of modern irrigation in these delta regions.