Last Updated: July 28, 2026
Today in History – July 28 is a historically significant day across the world. It marks the official beginning of World War I, one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. The day is also remembered for the swearing-in of Charan Singh as the Prime Minister of India and is observed globally through important awareness days related to public health and nature conservation.
This article covers:
- Major historical events on July 28
- Famous personalities born on July 28
- National and international observances
- Important current affairs and competitive exam facts
Table of Contents
🌟 Top Highlights of July 28
- Outbreak of World War I: In 1914, July 28 marked the official beginning of the First World War, a conflict that reshaped global geography.
- A New Prime Minister: In 1979, Chaudhary Charan Singh assumed office as the 5th Prime Minister of India (6th by term of office).
- Famous Birthdays: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, renowned filmmaker Krishnavamsi, and actor Dhanush were all born on this day.
- Death of DNA Pioneer: Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. Francis Crick, who co-discovered the DNA double helix structure, passed away on this day in 2004.
- Global Health & Environment: The day marks the simultaneous observance of World Hepatitis Day and World Nature Conservation Day globally.
🗓️ Important Historical Events on July 28
1914 – Beginning of World War I
One month after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, effectively initiating World War I, which lasted until 1918.
1979 – Charan Singh Sworn in as the Prime Minister of India
Following the resignation of Morarji Desai, champion of farmers Chaudhary Charan Singh assumed office as the fifth Prime Minister of India, leading a coalition government.
2007 – Mudigonda Police Firing Incident
During an Andhra Pradesh-wide strike led by left-wing parties demanding land for the poor, a tragic police firing occurred at Mudigonda in Khammam district, resulting in seven deaths and causing a nationwide political uproar.
🎂 Famous Birthdays on July 28
| Year | Personality | Domain / Notable Achievement |
| 1909 | Kasu Brahmananda Reddy | Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and veteran Indian National Congress leader. |
| 1962 | Krishnavamsi | Acclaimed Telugu film director known for films such as Sindhooram and Murari |
| 1972 | Ayesha Jhulka | Popular Indian actress who starred across Hindi, Odia, Kannada, and Telugu cinema. |
| 1978 | Jacob Oram | Former New Zealand’s legendary all-rounder cricketer |
| 1983 | Dhanush (Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja) | National Award-winning Tamil and Telugu actor, singer and filmmaker (former son-in-law of Superstar Rajinikanth) |
🕯️ Notable Death Anniversaries on July 28
- 1972 – Charu Majumdar: The key founder and leader of the Naxalbari communist movement, who died while in police custody.
- 2004 – Francis Crick: Nobel Prize-winning scientist who, along with James Watson, discovered the DNA double helix structure that unlocked the genetic code of living organisms.
- 2016 – Mahasweta Devi: Celebrated novelist, social activist, Ramon Magsaysay Award and Jnanpith Award recipient (India’s highest literary honour) who dedicated her life to the rights of tribal communities.
- 2019 – Sudini Jaipal Reddy: Former Union Minister, five-time Lok Sabha MP, and recipient of the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1998, remembered for his integrity and democratic values.
- 2020 – Raavi Kondala Rao: Veteran Telugu actor, writer, journalist, producer, and director who made remarkable contributions to Telugu cinema and literature.
📌 Other Demises: In 1976, prominent communist leader Tarimela Nagi Reddy and progressive writer, drama critic, and scholar Srinivasa Chakravarti passed away. In 2009, noted actress and former Miss India Leela Naidu also passed away.
📢 National & International Days Observed on July 28
- World Hepatitis Day: Instituted to honor Dr. Baruch Blumberg (born July 28), who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed its vaccine. This day aims to raise global awareness about hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
- World Nature Conservation Day: Dedicated to raising awareness about protecting natural resources (like air, water, forests etc.) and preserving ecological balance for future generations.
- Peru Independence Day: Peru gained independence from Spanish rule on July 28, 1821. Every year, the country celebrates its National Day with grand patriotic ceremonies and cultural festivities.
- National Milk Chocolate Day: Celebrated every year on July 28, this day honors one of the world’s most beloved sweet treats. In 1875, Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter, with assistance from Henri Nestlé, created the world’s first solid milk chocolate bar. People celebrate the occasion by enjoying and sharing creamy milk chocolates.
💡Did You Know?
- A Century of Reflection: Exactly 100 years after the outbreak of World War I, special international commemorative events and peace conferences were held worldwide to reflect on the lessons of the Great War.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which major global conflict officially started on July 28, 1914?
Ans: World War I officially began on this day when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
Q2: Who was sworn in as the 5th Prime Minister of India on July 28, 1979?
Ans: Chaudhary Charan Singh took the oath as India’s fifth Prime Minister.
Q3: What is the significance of celebrating World Hepatitis Day on July 28?
Ans: It marks the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the Hepatitis B virus.
Q4: Which scientist co-discovered the structure of DNA?
Ans: Francis Crick, along with James Watson, co-discovered the DNA double helix structure.
Q5: In which year did the Mudigonda police firing incident occur?
Ans: The incident took place in 2007.
Q6: What environmental awareness day is observed globally on July 28?
Ans: World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated to focus on preserving ecosystems and natural resources.