2023 has certainly been a unique year, hasn't it? With 365 days, like any other year, each
passing day feels longer than the last. Perhaps it's just a personal perception or maybe
it's the overwhelming sociopolitical turmoil and chaos that has gripped us.
January
Indian Wrestlers Fight for Justice
Indian wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, initiated a protest at
Delhi's Jantar Mantar, accusing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan of sexual
exploitation and intimidation, demanding his resignation. An oversight committee, led
by Mary Kom, was formed to investigate the allegations, with a four-week timeline. Top
wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat,
were detained by Delhi police when attempting to march towards the new Parliament
building's inauguration by PM Modi. Although released later, FIRs were filed against
them under multiple IPC sections. The police's actions drew condemnation from the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United World Wrestling (UWW). WFI
scheduled elections for December 21, leading to the election of Brij Bhushan's loyalist
and aide, Sanjay Singh, as the new WFI chief. However, the Sports Ministry suspended
the newly-elected body, citing its apparent control by former office-bearers.
February
The Darfur genocide
The Darfur genocide is the ongoing systematic killing of ethnic Darfuri people in
western Sudan. It is considered the first genocide of the 21st century. The UN says more
than 9,000 people have been killed and 5.6 million displaced in the past seven months.
The RSF now holds four of the five Sudanese army bases in the Darfur region and took
control of Nyala and Zalingei in October.
February
Devastating Earthquake In Turkey
Turkey was devastated by earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. An
area of about 350,000 square kilometres was affected across Turkey and
neighbouring Syria. According to estimates, about 14 million people were
affected and nearly 60,000 deaths were reported.
April
India defeats China in Population
Bring out the fireworks! Bring out the thalis! Bring out your old and young and celebrate
because India has defeated China after many decades in one very crucial thing, that is
population. According to the UN, India became the world's most populated country in
2023, with a population of over 1.43 billion people. India is genuinely an emerging
superpower but Chinese advances and a growing economy are a threat unless India's
demographic profile could lead to a demographic dividend, which is an economic
growth boost from a higher proportion of people of working age. However, this is not
guaranteed and would require the right government policies, such as investments
in human capital. China has taken control over portions of the Indian border in
Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh and India responded by banning Tik-Tok. An extra tidbit
dear reader is that Uttar Pradesh is India's most populated state, with a population
density that is more than double the national average.
May
Violence in Manipur
Ethnic violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo
communities. The violence has killed over 180 people and displaced thousands. The
unofficial numbers could be much higher. The violence was rooted in animosity between
the state's mainly Hindu Meitei majority and the predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo. It
was also motivated by the state government's efforts to extend benefits and jobs once
exclusively reserved for Kukis to Meiteis. Manipur violence reported rapes, burnings,
and decapitations. Some have called the violence a state of civil war as the two largest
groups battle over land and influence. Tensions boiled over when Kukis began
protesting against demands from the Meiteis to be given official tribal status, which the
Kukis argued would strengthen their already strong influence on government and
society, allowing them to buy land or settle in predominantly Kuki areas. According to
The Wire, characteristic of its modus operandi across the country, the BJP is once again
exacerbating the age-old ethnic tensions between communities for its political gain. The
role of the BJP lies in using force and coercion to entrench its foothold in the state.
May
India Gets a New Parliament Building
India built a new Parliament building. Located right next to the old one, the new
building was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
June
Disaster in Odisha
An electronic signaling error in Odisha resulted in a train collision that claimed
the lives of 296 individuals and left 1,175 others injured leading to India's
biggest rail tragedy.
August
Chandrayaan-3
Chandrayaan-3 lander accomplished a historic feat by touching down on the
moon's south pole. This milestone positioned India as the first country to achieve a successful landing on the moon's south pole and the fourth overall, following
the United States, China, and Russia in this remarkable endeavor.
September
India Hosts G20 Summit
Delhi decked up in its finest as India played host to leaders from across the world
during the G20 summit on September 9-10. The big takeaway for India was the
agreement on an economic corridor linking India, Gulf countries and Europe.
October
Israel-Palestine-Hamas
The conflict between Israel and Palestine, spanning seven decades, has been marked by
multiple wars, including those in 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021. The most recent conflict,
starting on October 7, 2023, involved Hamas militants launching attacks that resulted in
1,200 Israeli casualties and over 240 hostages. Israel responded with intense airstrikes.
Rooted in the 1917 Balfour Declaration, the conflict has claimed over 19,000 Palestinian
lives, including 100 journalists and 135 UNRWA aid workers, with more than 8,000
children killed in Gaza since October 7. Amid Israel's efforts to position itself as the
victim and defender, social media support, shifted the narrative in favour of Palestine.
Although unable to entirely halt the violence, this support made a significant impact. A
majority of the U.N.'s member states, 153 out of 193, voted for a cease-fire in the Israel-
Hamas war during a United Nations General Assembly emergency session. Notably, the
United States voted against it, and the United Kingdom abstained.
October & November
ICC World Cup in India
The ICC ODI World Cup took centre stage in India in 2023, as the country hosted the
tournament across 10 stadiums for six weeks. This major sporting event became a
global phenomenon, dominating internet trends and ranking as the second most
Googled sporting event of 2023 in India. The final match between India and Australia,
despite being the most Googled, ended in a heartbreaking defeat for India after a 10-
match winning streak. The BARC report highlighted the massive TV viewership, with
518 million viewers and 422 billion minutes of watch time. The tournament, held from
October 5 to November 19, 2023, not only set viewership and digital records but also
witnessed the Women's T20 World Cup breaking records with 192 million global
viewing hours, marking a 44% increase from the previous year.
November
Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse And Bold Rescue Operations
41 construction workers were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in
Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. What followed was a long-drawn and
challenging rescue operation in the Himalayan region. Eventually, they were
safely rescued after 16 days of captivity.
December
Parliament Security Breach
Shocking scenes played out inside Lok Sabha when two intruders deployed
coloured smoke canisters and jumped from desk to desk. They were soon
overpowered and put under arrest, as were two of their associates, who used
coloured smoke outside.
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