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It has been an interesting and eventful year in 2008 which has mostly been dominated by negative events like terrorism &  economic downturn. Here are some important events that marked the year 2008 -

• Financial crisis triggered by the US sub-prime mortgage meltdown engulfs economies. Stock markets plummet, banks fail and business takes a hit globally. Many governments intervene with bailout and stimulus packages to contain the slowdown.
• Barack Obama elected first African-American president as racial barrier falls.
• Drug violence in Mexico peaked during the year leaving 5400 dead.
• In Cuba, an ailing Fidel Castro hands over power to his brother Raul after nearly 50 years in power.
• In Colombia, former Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, held captive for over 6 years by rebels, freed along with 14 other hostages.
• In Kenya, postal election violence leave more than 1000 people dead.
• In Democratic Republic of Congo, refugee crisis worsens as fighting escalates between rebels and government forces.
• In Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe sworn in as President for a sixth term after an election marred by controversy.
• In South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe chosen as President after Thabo Mbeki steps down.
• In Russia, Putin’s chosen successor, Dmitry Medvedev, elected President and Putin becomes Prime Minister.
• In Georgia, Russian military offensive to evict Georgian forces from break-away region of South Ossetia.
• Kosovo declare independence.
• Large Hadron Collider experiments begin to unravel mysteries of the universe at Swiss-French border.
• Crisis flares up as over 300 are killed as Israel strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza strip.
• US President George Bush ducks shows thrown at him by a journalist during a visit to Iraq.
• Somalian pirates held shipping to ransom. Attack reached a record high.
• In Afghanistan, violence continues as tool rises.
• President Pervez Musharraf steps down to avoid impeachment as Asif Ali Zardari takes over.
• In Nepal, Monarchy is abolished and Prachanda, the communist revolutionary leader becomes the first Prime Minister of the republic of Nepal.
• In Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck crowned as new king.
• Earthquake in Sichuan province, China leaves over 80,000 dead.
• OlympicGames held in Beijing with the host nation winning maximum number of gold medals. Michael Phelps wins a record eight gold medals.
• Taro Aso replaces Yasuo Fukuda as Prime Minister of Japan.
• Cyclone Nargis causes widespread devastation claiming over 100,000 lives in Myanmar.
• Landslide victory for Sheikh Hasina led alliance in parliamentary pools in Bangladesh.
• Mumbai terror attacks leave oabout 164 people dead and over 300 injured in India.
• Mohamed Nasheed takes over as President of Maldives ending 30-year reign of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.