Last Updated: July 21, 2026
Today in History – July 21 is a date that has witnessed several remarkable milestones in human history. From the election of the world’s very first female prime minister, and recording the lowest temperature ever measured on Earth in the icy continent of Antarctica to remembering the achievements of the fifth human to walk on the Moon, this day holds a special place in history. It is also significant for its contributions to literature, arts, science, and global culture.
This article covers:
- Major historical events on July 21
- Famous personalities born on July 21
- National and international observances
- Important current affairs and competitive exam facts
Table of Contents
🌟 Top Highlights of July 21
- First Female Prime Minister: In 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike was elected Prime Minister of Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka), creating history as the world’s first female head of government.
- Coldest Spot on Earth: In 1983, the lowest natural temperature ever recorded on Earth was documented at Antarctica’s Vostok Station.
- Birth of a Literary Giant: Nobel Laureate Ernest Hemingway, one of the most influential American novelists of the 20th century, was born on this day in 1899.
- Remembering Space Pioneers: Alan Shepard, the first American in space and the fifth human to walk on the Moon, passed away on this day in 1998.
- End of the Harry Potter Era: The final novel of J.K. Rowling’s magical book series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was globally released on July 21, 2007.
🗓️ Important Historical Events on July 21
1960 – World’s First Female Prime Minister Elected
Sirimavo Bandaranaike created history by being elected as the Prime Minister of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). She became the first woman in modern political history to head a democratic government.
1983 – Record Low Temperature Recorded
The world’s lowest natural temperature was recorded at Vostok Station in Antarctica. On this day, the temperature dropped to −89.2°C (−128.6°F), setting a major milestone in meteorological history.
1988 – Ariane-3 Rocket Launch
The Ariane-3 rocket successfully launched two communication satellites into space. One of these satellites belonged to India (INSAT-1C), making it an important milestone for the country’s space communications sector.
1990 – The Wall Concert in Berlin
Following the historic tearing down of the Berlin Wall, a massive rock concert was held in East Berlin. Over 150,000 people gathered to celebrate freedom and reunification in a festival-like atmosphere.
2007 – Release of Final Harry Potter Book
J.K. Rowling’s legendary fantasy series came to an end with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, breaking pre-order records and captivating millions of readers worldwide overnight.
🎂 Famous Birthdays on July 21
| Year | Personality | Domain / Notable Achievement |
| 1899 | Ernest Hemingway | World-famous American novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature recipient. |
| 1923 | Ponangi Srirama Apparao | Acclaimed dramatist, educator, translator of Natyashastra, and Sahitya Akademi Award winner. |
| 1936 | J. Bapureddy | Former IAS officer, renowned Telugu poet and writer |
| 1940 | Shankar Sinh Vaghela | Prominent Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Gujarat. |
| 1947 | Chetan Chauhan | Well-known former Indian cricketer who served as a dependable opening batsman. |
| 1960 | Amar Singh Chamkila | Legendary Punjabi singer, songwriter, musician, and highly influential music director. |
📌 Other Notable Personalities: Well-known journalist and poet Pasunuru Sridhar Babu was born in 1969. Additionally, contemporary Telugu film actor Varun Sandesh and multilingual actress-model Madhushalini both celebrate their birthdays on this day, having been born in 1989.
🕯️ Notable Death Anniversaries on July 21
- 1998 – Alan Shepard: The first American astronaut to travel into space and the commander of the Apollo-14 mission. He famously became the fifth person to walk on the surface of the Moon.
- 2001 – Shivaji Ganesan: One of the most legendary and revered actors of South Indian cinema, known by his title Nadigar Thilagam (Pride of Actors). Widely celebrated for his versatile acting in Tamil movies.
- 2009 – Gangubai Hangal: Eminent Hindustani classical vocalist belonging to the Kirana gharana, honored with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
- 2023 – Mahabhashyam Chittaranjan: Acclaimed writer of Lalitha Geethalu (light music), music director, and composer who shaped music programming at Akashvani (All India Radio).
📌 Other Demises: Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns passed away in 1796. Prominent Abstract Expressionist painter Arshile Gorky died in 1948. Bernard Spooner, who played a key role in the development of bulletproof jackets in America, died in 1957. Telugu linguistic scholar and writer Gidugu Rajeswara Rao died in 2013.
📢 National & International Days Observed on July 21
- Belgian National Day: On July 21, 1831, King Leopold I officially took the constitutional oath as the first King of Belgium. The nation celebrates this historic occasion every year as Belgian National Day.
- National Junk Food Day (United States): Observed annually on July 21, this fun occasion is celebrated by junk food lovers around the world. It also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the effects of excessive junk food consumption on health.
💡Did You Know?
- Instant Ice: At the record low temperature of -89.2°C recorded at Vostok Station, boiling water thrown into the air flashes into ice crystals before it even hits the frozen ground!
- Moon Golfing: During the Apollo-14 mission, astronaut Alan Shepard smuggled a modified six-iron golf club head onto the Moon, swinging at two golf balls to test aerodynamics in low gravity.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who was the world’s first female Prime Minister?
Ans: Sirimavo Bandaranaike. She assumed office as Prime Minister of Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) on July 21, 1960.
Q2: Where and when was the lowest temperature on Earth recorded?
Ans: The lowest temperature on Earth (-89.2°C) was recorded on July 21, 1983, at the Vostok Station in Antarctica.
Q3: Which country did Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway belong to?
Ans: The United States of America.
Q4: What is the title of the final book in the Harry Potter series, and when was it released?
Ans: The final book is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which was globally released on July 21, 2007.
Q5: Why is Belgian National Day celebrated on July 21?
Ans: It commemorates the accession and inauguration of King Leopold I as the first King of Belgium on July 21, 1831.
Q6: Who was America’s first astronaut who also walked on the Moon as the fifth man?
Ans: Alan Shepard.