A recap of five most significant world events in 2023

The year 2023 saw events that shook the world and some that just gently rattled it. While it began with the war in Ukraine dragging into another year, at the end of it was another one raging in West Asia. The “Coup Belt” in the continent of Africa became active again with military takeovers in two countries. The year 2023 is when India was literally over the moon. And we’ve witnessed record-shattering impacts of climate change. Here’s a list of the most significant events of the year 2023: 1. Israel-Hamas War The year kicked off with a seismic event as Israel found itself under an unprecedented attack on 7 October, 2023. Hamas, based in the Gaza Strip, launched a multifaceted assault involving land, sea and air forces. The consequences were devastating, with around 1,200 Israelis losing their lives and hundreds held hostage, including soldiers, civilians and foreign nationals. What ensued was a brutal retaliation from Israel, vowing to eliminate Hamas. The conflict escalated, resulting in over 18,000 Palestinian casualties and mass displacement. Israel claimed to have targeted Hamas command centres, terror tunnels and eliminated key leaders. The war, which drew international attention and divided opinions globally, showcased the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. 2. US support for Ukraine: Running out of funds? Simultaneously, halfway across the globe, the conflict in Ukraine continued to unfold. Over 600 days into the war, US found itself grappling with a funding crisis for supporting Ukraine. The White House urged Congress to pass a bill providing additional aid, emphasising the urgency of the situation. However, political complexities and scepticism from some quarters hindered swift action. Despite the challenges, Ukraine demonstrated resilience, countering Russian advances with strong resistance. By October, significant shifts occurred on the battlefield with Ukraine claiming strategic gains. The war’s dynamics remained fluid leaving the world on edge about the future of the conflict. 3. Africa’s crisis of coups In another corner of the globe, the African continent witnessed a concerning trend - a resurgence of military takeovers. Dubbed the “Coup Belt”, West and Central Africa experienced two coups in 2023. Niger saw its military overthrow a pro-Western regime, defying international calls for a return to democracy. Shortly after, oil-rich Gabon faced a similar fate as the Republican Guard seized power amid contested elections. These coups raised alarms about the stability of African nations with growing discontent toward civilian-led governments. The continent, grappling with issues like poverty, inequality and corruption faced an uncertain future as military takeovers became more frequent.

4. India’s historic moon landing Shifting focus to the realm of space exploration, India made history with its Chandrayaan-3 mission. The lunar mission successfully landed on the uncharted surface of the moon’s south pole, marking India as the first country to achieve such a feat. The mission, involving the lander Vikram and rover Pragyaan, collected crucial data during its 10-day stay on the lunar surface. India’s space agency, ISRO, celebrated the success as a stepping stone toward its ambitious goal of a manned moon mission by 2040. The Chandrayaan-3 mission captured the imagination of millions globally and underscored India’s prowess in space exploration. 5. Heat records shattered: A climate crisis unfolds Amid these geopolitical and space-centric events, the spectre of climate change cast a long shadow over 2023. The world experienced record-breaking temperatures, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. The World Meteorological Organisation declared 2023 the warmest year on record, continuing a troubling trend from the past nine years. At the COP28 Summit in Dubai, governments grappled with the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels. Despite fierce opposition from OPEC members, a deal was reached to guide the world toward a more sustainable energy future. However, experts warned that the El Nino phenomenon, which emerged in 2023, could intensify the heat in the coming year. The year 2023 unfolded as a tapestry of global events each weaving its narrative into the complex fabric of our world. From conflicts that tested the resilience of nations to historic achievements in space and the pressing challenge of climate change, these events will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the years to come. As we step into 2024, the echoes of 2023 linger, urging humanity to confront its challenges and embrace a shared responsibility for a better future. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.