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The year 2008 was memorable for a multitude of reasons. So, we decided to get on the task of listing down the top 10 events of the year. We hope these events were as memorable for you as they for us. And if it’s not the case, cast your mind back and try to remember your own top 10.

Election of Barrack Hussein Obama as the First African-American President
Inevitably, the election of the man that every child in Africa knows as the ‘God Father’. Doubtlessly, he has encouraged a sense of hope within young people throughout the world and proven that with determination and tenacity attitudes can be changed. Is it any wonder then that Time magazine hailed him “Man of The Year” and he features in our very own little rundown of the year? The road the White House wasn’t easy, but he fought off his critics and triumphed amid a wave of controversy and tough political opponents. For many, his election into the White House was the event of the year.

Political Unrest in Africa-A never ending struggle
Though the tide of change has swept through America, there comes a new problem in Africa: Political Strife, unrest and corruption. Hundreds of people have been killed across various parts of Africa, all through Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Congo, Sudan and Somalia. These nations which were already hit by most of the problems mentioned above now face a new trouble; the menace of despotic, corrupt governments.

Harmful effects of excessive use of resources
As the year goes by, we seem to lose one more year of life. It’s not just us; the Earth has lost one year of its life too. The excessive use of resources such as petrol and octane has caused over heating and pollution level to rise again this year. Due to this over heating, icebergs are melting and causing the water level to rise. Deforestation is left unmentioned by the international press, yet is responsible for the decimation of plant and animal species upon which life as a whole is dependent. The fact of our interconnectedness is something that both civilians and governments must grasp if we are to tackle ecological destruction.

Global Economic Crisis – Credit Crunch Leaves a Bitter Taste
2008 was a significant year for international business as an economic recession was suggested by analysts. The financial world had gorged itself and everyone else now has to pay the price. People looked on in horror as the symptoms appeared: high oil prices, which led to drastic high food prices and global inflation; a substantial credit crisis leading to the drastic bankruptcy of large and well established investment banks as well as commercial banks in various, diverse nations around the world; increased unemployment; and signs of contemporaneous economic downturns in major economies of the world, a recession. In December, it was said that the world’s largest economy, the United States, had been in recession since December 2007.

Mumbai Blasts- terrorism in the name of Jihad
For the residents of Mumbai the final few months have been gloomy to say the least: first the financial crisis, then the Mumbai attacks which tore through the famous Taj Hotel, the Oberoi hotel, a Jewish community center and the train station. The country and indeed, the whole world was sickened by what happened. Yet, in India this incident has been taken as an eye opener. People now feel that the ministers who they elected to be the leaders and protectors of their country are not so efficient after all.

Bush’s last year: A time to reflect
By American President George W Bush, 2008 will be remembered because this was his last year in power. For millions of the world’s citizens it will raise just one perplexing question: How could it take a journalist 8 years to throw a shoe Dubya? Well, as they say “it comes late, but comes in time”. It has been a memorable 8 years for Bush. And yet, amidst all the criticism, he has done some good, hasn’t he?

First Olympic of the 21st century- China shows its might and power
2008 was a grand year for China. The 2008 Olympics was special in many ways: a grand opening, records broken (37 at the last count) and the fact that this was the first Olympics of the 21st century. From Usain Bolt, Stepanie Rice, and Micheal Phelps to Rafael Nadal – all showed their capability to the world! This was an amazing experience which not only the athletes will remember, but also the millions who watched throughout the world.

Politics in Asia
From the change in power in Thailand to the Maoist win in Nepal, all was memorable. The situation today is still mixed, with hostilities in parts of Asia such as the continuing tensions over Kashmir and between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China. There are also moves towards greater co-operation and communication within the region with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) a notable example.

India launches its first Missile: Another powerhouse in the making?
2008 was a memorable year for India, not just because of the Mumbai attacks, but also for its launch of a missile. In 2008, Asian nations have taken the lead in exploring the moon: Japan and China both sent up spacecraft last year and India’s Chandrayaan-1 will join them in orbit around the moon for a two-year mission designed to map the lunar surface. With talented young engineers, India certainly seems to be a future powerhouse.

Facebook- Avalanche of friends?
Social network fatigue has set in as people are getting tired of getting yet another invitation from so-called friends to join yet another social network. And, in the wake of Facebook’s fumbled social ads initiative, it has become even more apparent there’s no obvious way to pitch products on these sites without turning off members. Social features have snuck into all kinds of Web services, from search to news. Despite this, it appears this has yet to deter the millions of people of all ages who are continuing to use the sites everyday.

Well, there it is, just a few of the events which made up 365 days in the history of our little corner of the universe. What then, could the next 12 months bring us?