Last Updated: September 27, 2026
Today in History – September 27 is a landmark date in both Indian and world history. It marks significant global political pacts, space exploration milestones, the passing of social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and key national and international observances. This comprehensive reference article is curated for general readers and competitive exam aspirants (UPSC, APPSC, TSPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways).
This article covers:
- Major historical events on September 27
- Famous personalities born on September 27
- National and international observances
- Important current affairs and competitive exam facts
Table of Contents
🌟 Top Highlights of September 27
- Mexican Independence (1821): Mexico officially gained independence from Spanish colonial rule following the end of the Mexican War of Independence.
- Demise of Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1833): Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the “Father of the Indian Renaissance,” passed away in Bristol, England.
- Signing of the Tripartite Pact (1940): The Tripartite Pact was signed in Berlin by Germany, Italy, and Japan, establishing the Axis Powers of World War II.
- China’s First Spacewalk (2008): Taikonaut Zhai Zhigang executed China’s first spacewalk during the Shenzhou 7 mission.
- UN Observance: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially initiated the annual observance of World Tourism Day.
🗓️ Important Historical Events on September 27
1821 – Mexico Achieves Independence from Spain
The Army of the Three Guarantees entered Mexico City, successfully bringing an end to the eleven-year-long Mexican War of Independence against Spanish rule. The Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire was signed the following day. This event marked a major contraction of the Spanish Empire in the Americas.
1940 – Signing of the Tripartite Pact
Representatives of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and the Empire of Japan met in Berlin to sign the Tripartite Pact, forming a military alliance known as the Axis Powers. The pact primarily aimed to deter the United States from entering World War II.
1996 – Taliban Captures Kabul
Taliban forces captured Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul, establishing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Immediately upon taking control, they executed former Afghan President Mohammad Najibullah, initiating a harsh era of fundamentalist rule.
2008 – China Performs Its First Spacewalk
Astronaut Zhai Zhigang floated outside the Shenzhou 7 spacecraft for approximately 20 minutes. This milestone made China the third country, after the Soviet Union and the United States, to independently demonstrate extravehicular activity (EVA) capability.
Other Major Events
- 1590: Pope Urban VII died of malaria just 13 days after his election, making his pontificate the shortest in Vatican history.
- 1905: Albert Einstein submitted his paper “Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy-Content?”, introducing the famous mass-energy equivalence equation (E=mc^2).
- 1922: King Constantine I of Greece abdicated the throne following military unrest after the Greco-Turkish War, succeeded by King George II.
- 1937: The Bali Tiger became extinct as the last known specimen was hunted and killed on the Indonesian island of Bali.
🎂 Famous Birthdays on September 27
| Year | Personality | Domain / Notable Achievement |
| 1722 | Samuel Adams | American statesman, Founding Father of the United States, and political philosopher. |
| 1898 | Kunduri Iswara Dattu | Eminent Indian journalist, freedom fighter, and Editor-in-Chief of The Leader. |
| 1907 | Bhagat Singh | Legendary Indian revolutionary freedom fighter who popularized “Inquilab Zindabad”. |
| 1915 | Konda Laxman Bapuji | Anti-Nizam activist, veteran Telangana freedom fighter, and former State Minister. |
| 1953 | Mata Amritanandamayi | Globally revered Indian spiritual leader and international humanitarian (“Amma”). |
| 1981 | Brendon McCullum | Former New Zealand cricket captain and international wicketkeeper-batter. |
🕯️ Notable Death Anniversaries on September 27
- 1833 – Raja Ram Mohan Roy: “Father of the Indian Renaissance” and founder of the Brahmo Samaj. Key force behind the abolition of Sati, promoter of modern Western education, and pioneer of women’s rights in India.
- 1972 – Gogineni Bharati Devi: Veteran Indian freedom fighter and social worker. Actively led women’s empowerment initiatives and agrarian movements alongside her husband, N.G. Ranga.
- 1996 – Mohammad Najibullah: Former President of Afghanistan. His execution during the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul marked a turning point in Afghan geopolitical history.
- 1997 – Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao: Gandhian leader and former Andhra Pradesh State Minister. Organized the World Telugu Conference and spearheaded massive relief operations during the 1977 Diviseema cyclone.
- 2001 – Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy: Two-time Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and former Union Cabinet Minister. Prominent Congress stalwart who led significant irrigation and infrastructure projects in Andhra Pradesh.
📢 National & International Days Observed on September 27
- World Tourism Day: Observed annually on September 27. The date commemorates the adoption of the UNWTO’s (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) Statutes in 1970 and highlights tourism’s role in economic development, cultural understanding, and sustainable growth.
- National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (US): Created by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) in the United States. To raise awareness about HIV/AIDS testing, prevention, and treatment among gay and bisexual men.
💡Did You Know?
- A 20-Minute Spacewalk: Chinese astronaut Zhai Zhigang wore the $4.4 million Feitian spacesuit during his 20-minute spacewalk in 2008.
- Shortest Papal Reign: Pope Urban VII holds the record for the shortest papal reign in Catholic history, passing away from malaria just 13 days after his selection.
- Resting Place in England: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was buried at Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol, England, where his mausoleum stands today.
- Mass-Energy Equivalence: Albert Einstein’s famous formula E=mc^2 was introduced in a paper submitted on September 27, 1905, changing modern physics forever.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: On which date is World Tourism Day observed globally?
Ans: World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27 under the auspices of UNWTO.
Q2: When and where did Raja Ram Mohan Roy pass away?
Ans: Raja Ram Mohan Roy died on September 27, 1833, in Bristol, England.
Q3: Who was the first Chinese astronaut to perform a spacewalk?
Ans: Zhai Zhigang performed China’s first spacewalk during the Shenzhou 7 mission on September 27, 2008.
Q4: Which three nations signed the Tripartite Pact on September 27, 1940?
Ans: Germany, Italy, and Japan signed the pact to establish the Axis Powers.
Q5: Why is Raja Ram Mohan Roy known as the “Father of the Indian Renaissance”?
Ans: He pioneered modern social reform movements in India, fighting against Sati, caste discrimination, and advocating modern education and women’s rights.
Q6: What fundamental scientific paper was submitted by Albert Einstein on September 27, 1905?
Ans: The paper introducing the mass-energy equivalence equation (E=mc^2).
Q7: Which former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh passed away on September 27, 2001?
Ans: Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy.
Q8: What is the main objective of World Tourism Day?
Ans: To raise international awareness about the socio-economic, cultural, and political contributions of tourism.
Q9: What does the acronym UNWTO stand for?
Ans: United Nations World Tourism Organization.