January 31: What Happened on This Day in History
January 31st marks the 31st day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 334 days (335 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 31st in history, famous birthdays on January 31st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 31.
What happened on January 31?
Here's what happened on January 31st in history:
- 2022: The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to address escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Russia had amassed approximately 100,000 troops near Ukraine's border, denying invasion plans while demanding NATO halt its eastward expansion. The United States Senate was preparing potential sanctions, and the United Kingdom also threatened punitive measures against Russia.
- 2019: The European Parliament officially recognized Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela, signaling support for his challenge to Nicolás Maduro's government. source: bbc.com
- 2007: On January 31, 2007, Lord Levy, a key figure in the cash for peerages scandal, was arrested by police. The investigation focused on allegations that loans were used to fund political donations in exchange for peerages. source: theguardian.com
- 2005: On January 31, 2005, a riot erupted at the Camp Bucca Theatre Internment Facility near Umm Qasr, Iraq, following a routine search for contraband. The unrest quickly spread to multiple compounds, leading to detainees throwing rocks and fashioning weapons. In response, US guards employed non-lethal force, and after approximately 45 minutes, lethal force was used to quell the violence, resulting in the deaths of four detainees and injuries to six others. source: aljazeera.com
- 2001: On January 31, 2001, a near-miss incident involving Japan Airlines occurred, raising concerns about air traffic safety. The incident involved two aircraft coming dangerously close to colliding during takeoff and landing procedures. source: reuters.com
- 1980: On January 31, 1980, a group of indigenous peasants and activists occupied the Spanish Embassy in Guatemala City to protest government repression. Guatemalan security forces stormed the embassy, leading to a fire that resulted in the deaths of 37 people, including embassy staff and former Guatemalan officials. The incident, known as the Spanish Embassy Massacre, significantly impacted the Guatemalan Civil War and led to Spain severing diplomatic relations with Guatemala. source: bbc.com
- 1979: On January 31, 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping signed a cultural agreement in Washington, D.C., aiming to strengthen cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two nations. This agreement was part of a series of accords signed during Deng's visit to the United States, following the normalization of diplomatic relations on January 1, 1979. source: fmprc.gov.cn
- 1974: On January 31, 1974, a U.S. civilian was released from detention in China, marking a significant diplomatic moment during a period of thawing relations between the two countries. This event highlighted ongoing negotiations and the complexities of U.S.-China relations. source: state.gov
- 1972: On January 31, 1972, Aretha Franklin delivered a moving rendition of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" at Mahalia Jackson's funeral in Chicago. The service, held at the Arie Crown Theater, was attended by thousands, including notable figures like Coretta Scott King and Mayor Richard J. Daley. source: rallypoint.com
- 1971: The Apollo 14 mission was launched on January 31, 1971, marking the third successful manned mission to land on the Moon. Astronauts Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, and Stuart Roosa were part of this historic mission, which focused on scientific exploration of the lunar surface. source: nasa.gov
What famous birthdays are on January 31?
On January 31st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Justin Timberlake]()
Justin Timberlake (1981)Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. He rose to fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC and later achieved global success as a solo artist, known for hits like 'Cry Me a River' and 'SexyBack.' Timberlake has won multiple Grammy Awards and established himself as a prominent figure in both music and film. [bio]
![Jackie Robinson]()
Jackie Robinson (1919)Jackie Robinson was an American professional baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in the modern MLB. [bio]
![Kerry Washington]()
Kerry Washington (1977)Kerry Washington is an acclaimed American actress, director, and producer, best known for her leading role as Olivia Pope in the television drama series 'Scandal.' She has received numerous accolades for her performances in film and television, and is recognized as a trailblazer for African American women in Hollywood. [bio]
![Carol Channing]()
Carol Channing (1921)Carol Channing was an American actress, singer, and comedian best known for her starring role in Broadway's 'Hello, Dolly!' and her distinctive voice and comedic timing. Her career spanned over seven decades in theater, film, and television. [bio]
![Jonathan Banks]()
Jonathan Banks (1947)Jonathan Banks is an American actor best known for his roles in television dramas such as 'Breaking Bad' and its spin-off 'Better Call Saul,' where he portrays Mike Ehrmantraut. He has had a prolific career in film and television, often noted for his gruff demeanor and distinctive presence. [bio]
![Ernie Banks]()
Ernie Banks (1931)Ernie Banks was an American professional baseball player and Hall of Famer, best known for his long career with the Chicago Cubs and for his infectious enthusiasm, often cited by his saying 'Let's play two!' He is regarded as one of the greatest power-hitting shortstops in MLB history. [bio]
![Portia de Rossi]()
Portia de Rossi (1973)Portia de Rossi is an Australian-American actress, model, and philanthropist, best known for her television roles in 'Ally McBeal,' 'Arrested Development,' and 'Scandal.' [bio]
![Preity Zinta]()
Preity Zinta (1975)Preity Zinta is an acclaimed Indian film actress and entrepreneur, known primarily for her work in Hindi cinema. She gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with performances in several critically and commercially successful films. Apart from acting, Zinta is also a television presenter, writer, and co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab cricket team in the Indian Premier … [bio]
![Minnie Driver]()
Minnie Driver (1970)Minnie Driver is a British-American actress and singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the mid-1990s and is best known for her roles in films such as 'Good Will Hunting' and 'Circle of Friends'. She has also had a successful career in television and music. [bio]
![Daniela Bianchi]()
Daniela Bianchi (1942)Daniela Bianchi is an Italian actress best known for her role as Tatiana Romanova in the 1963 James Bond film 'From Russia with Love.' She appeared in several films in the 1960s before retiring from acting. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on January 31?
On January 31st the following celebrities died:
![Molly Ivins]()
Molly Ivins (2007)Molly Ivins was a renowned American newspaper columnist, author, political commentator, and humorist, celebrated for her sharp wit and liberal perspective. She was widely recognized for her insightful journalism and advocacy for civil rights. [bio]
![Lizabeth Scott]()
Lizabeth Scott (2015)Lizabeth Scott was an American actress and singer, renowned for her roles in film noir during the 1940s and 1950s. She often portrayed strong, mysterious women in films and became one of the most recognizable figures in the genre. [bio]
![Moira Shearer]()
Moira Shearer (2006)Moira Shearer was a celebrated Scottish ballet dancer and actress, best known for her role as Vicky Page in the classic film 'The Red Shoes' (1948). Renowned for her striking red hair and dazzling stage presence, she became one of the most iconic ballerinas-turned-actresses of the twentieth century. [bio]
![Christopher Jones]()
Christopher Jones (2014)Christopher Jones was an American actor best known for his roles in films during the 1960s and early 1970s, including 'Wild in the Streets' and 'Ryan's Daughter.' His career was marked by a sudden rise to fame, a turbulent personal life, and an early retirement from acting. [bio]
![Florence Bates]()
![Udo Lattek]()
Udo Lattek (2015)Legendary German football manager who coached Bayern Munich and the German national team, winning multiple European and domestic titles.
![Gabby Gabreski]()
Gabby Gabreski (2002)Francis 'Gabby' Gabreski was a renowned American fighter pilot and World War II hero, credited with being one of the top American fighter...
![Richard von Weizsäcker]()
Richard von Weizsäcker (2015)German politician who served as the 6th President of Germany from 1984 to 1994, known for his significant role in German reunification and...
![Ernesto Miranda]()
Ernesto Miranda (1976)Landmark legal figure whose Supreme Court case established the Miranda rights, protecting criminal suspects' constitutional rights during...
![Terry Wogan]()
Terry Wogan (2016)Terry Wogan was a beloved Irish radio and television broadcaster who became a national icon in the UK and Ireland, known for his witty and...
What day of the year is January 31?
January 31st marks the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 334 days remaining until the end of the year (or 335 days in case of leap years).
January 31st is the 31st day of the month of January.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 31?
The zodiac sign associated with January 31st is Aquarius according to the Western Zodiac.
