Top stories of 2008

India witnessed many rise and falls in the year 2008. While some important events brought cheers to the millions of Indians, some others sent them into grief and despair. We have listed 8 events of 2008 that we consider most important.

1. Landmark Indo-US nuclear deal  

It was a deal that almost brought about the collapse of Manmohan Singh and the UPA government after the Left decided to withdraw support. A bilateral agreement on nuclear cooperation between the US and India was signed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and USPresident George W. Bush in 2008. The Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement will address the country’s energy needs by enabling it to access civil nuclear cooperation from the US and other countries.

2. Stock Market Crash in India

The year 2008 brought bad luck for the investors, as the global meltdown took its toll on Indian stock market. The BSE Sensex, which had touched 22k mark, fell down over the past few months to trade below 9k and then recovered in December to touch 10k mark again.

3. Sachin Tendulkar becomes highest run getter in Test Cricket

 Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar created history in the Mohali test against Australia, when he surpassed Brian Lara’s 11,953 runs to become the highest run-getter in test cricket. Sachin Tendulkar achieved this milestone in his 152nd test match.

4. Chandrayaan I - India’s first-ever Lunar Mission

On October 22, 2008, India made history by sending its first-ever lunar mission to moon. As the Chandrayaan I took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, India became the sixth country in the world to send a space mission to moon. Later, the Chandrayaan MIP landed on the surface of the moon with Indian tri-colour painted on its four sides. The Chandrayaan MIP also sent pictures of the moon’s surface.

 5.Abhinav Bindra wins Olympic gold  

2008 was truly a memorable year for Indian sport. Shooter Abhinav Bindra scripted history by winning India its first individual Olympic gold medal. Bindra totalled 700.5 points to win the men’s 10m air rifle title on August 11. The gold wasn’t, however, Abhinav’s only achievement in Beijing. The Indian, who was out of action with a career-threatening spinal injury since 2006, actually proved that the country had the capability to produce champions in Olympic sports other than hockey. 

6. Rs. 1 lakh Tata Nano - People’s Car launched

 One of the India’s largest car makers, Tata Motors had brought revolution in the car industry, by launching the Tata Nano - People’s Car. The Rs. 1 lakh Tata Nano is all set to fulfill the dreams of millions who could not afford to buy a car because of high prices. The Tata Nano was scheduled to hit the market in October 2008. However, it could not because of constant opposition from Trinamool Chief Mamata Banerjee in Singur. The Tatas later moved the Nano project out of Singur, West Bengal and embraced Narendra Modi’s Gujarat. The Tata Nano may be available in the market in early 2009.

7. Barack Obama scripts history  

Barack Obama won, but the real victor was America. The planet’s best-loved and often-reviled nation upheld the noble ideals of its founding by electing a mixed-race African-American as its 44th president, redeeming itself in the eyes of the world and its own people. On November 4, 2008, Obama, son of a Kenyan, rode on the American hunger for change and an ongoing demographic makeover to win a stirring election against the all-American war hero John McCain. 

 

8. Mumbai Terror Attacks - 26/11

 Although the year 2008 witnessed many terror attacks in the country, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks shook the nation and led to a massive outrage. 10 terrorists backed by Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Toiba, attacked CST, Nariman House, Hotel Trident Oberoi and Hotel Taj in Mumbai. They held the city to ransom for 60 hours.

Letter to Prime minister.

I am a typical mouse from Mumbai. In the local train compartment which has capacity of 100 persons, I travel with 500 more mouse. Mouse at least squeak but we don't even do that.

Today I heard your speech. In which you said 'NO BODY WOULD BE SPARED'. I would like to remind you that fourteen years has passed since serial bomb blast in Mumbai took place. Dawood was the main conspirator. Till today he is not caught. All our bolywood actors, our builders, our Gutka king meets him but your Government can not catch him. Reason is simple; all your ministers are hand in glove with him. If any attempt is made to catch him everybody will be exposed. Your statement 'NOBODY WOULD BE SPARED' is nothing but a cruel joke on this unfortunate people of India.

Enough is enough. As such after seeing terrorist attack carried out by about a dozen young boys I realize that if same thing continues days are not away when terrorist will attack by air, destroy our nuclear reactor and there will be one more Hiroshima.

We the people are left with only one mantra. Womb to Bomb to Tomb. You promised Mumbaikar Shanghai what you have given us is Jalianwala Baug.

Today only your home minister resigned. What took you so long to kick out this joker? Only reason was that he was loyal to Gandhi family. Loyalty to Gandhi family is more important than blood of innocent people, isn't it?

I am born and bought up in Mumbai for last fifty eight years. Believe me corruption in Maharashtra is worse than that in Bihar. Look at all the politician, Sharad Pawar, Chagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, Bal Thackray , Gopinath Munde, Raj Thackray, Vilasrao Deshmukh all are rolling in money. Vilasrao Deshmukh is one of the worst Chief minister I have seen. His only business is to increase the FSI every other day, make money and send it to Delhi so Congress can fight next election. Now the clown has found new way and will increase FSI for fisherman so they can build concrete house right on sea shore. Next time terrorist can comfortably live in those house , enjoy the beauty of sea and then attack the Mumbai at their will.

Recently I had to purchase house in Mumbai. I met about two dozen builders. Everybody wanted about 30% in black. A common person like me knows this and with all your intelligent agency & CBI you and your finance minister are not aware of it. Where all the black money goes? To the underworld isn't it? Our politicians take help of these goondas to vacate people by force. I myself was victim of it. If you have time please come to me, I will tell you everything.

If this has been land of fools, idiots then I would not have ever cared to write you this letter. Just see the tragedy, on one side we are reaching moon, people are so intelligent and on other side you politician has converted nectar into deadly poison. I am everything Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Schedule caste, OBC, Muslim OBC, Christian Schedule caste, Creamy Schedule caste only what I am not is INDIAN. You politician have raped every part of mother India by your policy of divide and rule.

Take example of former president Abdul Kalam. Such a intelligent person, such a fine human being. You politician didn't even spare him. Your party along with opposition joined the hands, because politician feels they are supreme and there is no place for good person.

Dear Mr Prime minister you are one of the most intelligent person, most learned person. Just wake up, be a real SARDAR. First and foremost expose all selfish politician. Ask Swiss bank to give name of all Indian account holder. Give reins of CBI to independent agency. Let them find wolf among us There will be political upheaval but that will better than dance of death which we are witnessing every day. Just give us ambient where we can work honestly and without fear. Let there be rule of law. Everything else will be taken care of.