32 events from nervous noughties

 

 

Terror's shadow

When a bomb blast rocked Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar in the late 90s, it was considered an aberration. After all the violence unleashed by Kashmiri separatists had never spilled over to mainland India. But the subsequent attacks on Parliament and Red Fort that culminated in the 26/11 attack on Mumbai, exposed a new face of terror in the country. The use of modern equipment and sophisticated weapons changed the way they worked. These attacks had the footprints of Pakistan, but the constant denial by them made the investigations into the modus operandi rather difficult for India.

Pakistan, on its part, kept on manupulating and placating world powers as it had been successfully doing for several decades. Brothers at war

Tussles in business houses are not unusual but when the battle is between the two most powerful business tycoons, the story is different. The high-profile spat between the Ambani brothers has unnerved investors and also raised concerns about their influence on the people of the country. But for the media and the public, it is a battle worth watching. In the past, the fight between their father, Dhirubhai Ambani, and Nusli Wadia had acquired the proportions of a legend. But their ongoing strife has left even the government of India shaken. It does not help either of the two brothers as they have shown an inclination towards political parties that are at loggerheads. The war has also severely dented the prospects of the energy sector in the country. 9/11 terrorist attack

Supporters of the American worldview call it an attack on the free world. America’s detractors label it as “chicken come to roost”. Whatever, the incident changed global polity forever. As planes crashed into the twin towers and the Pentagon headquarters, people all over the world watched in horror and scattered applause. While Uncle Sam marched on to punish whoever he thought ‘God’ held responsible, the common man of the world’s greatest power understood that they too were vulnerable. Neo-cons and born- again patriots started formulating strategy to up their ante; on the other hand, the liberal segment started serious retrospection on the American foreign policy that brought war to their doors. And as US took on al-Qaeda, the domino effect was seen in every possible corner of the world. Resurgence of Big B

It was from the pulpit of an award ceremony that a down and out ex-superstar had asked Yash Chopra for a “job”. Millions saw it on their TV sets. The humiliation of India’s biggest superstar of yesteryears was complete. Luckily, Chopra offered him Mohabbatein and it clicked for him. The rise and fall of Amitabh is a story in itself. In the 90s, when the tastes of Indian audiences changed and he kept on playing a stereotypical hero, something went amiss. A series of flops and the debacle of his production company ABCL brought him to penury. His growing distance from 10 Janpath also affected him. And then came Kaun Banega Crorepati that was marked as his comeback. However, he is often criticised for his proximity to Amar Singh, but Amitabh knows how to handle the relationship with the man who helped him out of the crisis.

South Asian writers

The decade saw the emergence of Indian and Pakistani writers on the world literary scene. Subcontinental storytellers writing in English are now visible everywhere. Salman Rushdie was once a lone ranger in these climes, but today he has ample company. Not a single year goes by without a writer of Indian, Pakistani or Bnagladeshi origin finding a mention in the Man Booker shortlist. The names that attracted attention were Hari Kunzru, Arvind Adiga, Kiran Desai, Amitabh Kumar and Jhumpa Lahiri from India, where as Bapsi Sidhwa, Mohammad Hanif, Daniyal Mueenuddin and Mohsin Hamid from Pakistani, made their country proud. Detractors, however, maintain that most of these books were written keeping western readers and the Man Booker in mind and that these works lacked the depth of true literature. Putin power

In the beginning of the century, none would have imagined that an ex-KGB sleuth with Greek God-like physique and menacing looks would turn a political and military non-entity into a major world power. Putin’s eight years as President has not only revived Russia’s mighty Armed Forces, but its national pride as well—a pride that had been battered by Boris Yeltsin’s drunken days. Time and again, the Russian government has done a thinly veiled comparison of the Nazi aggression with NATO's eastward expansion. And it has smartly used its energy resources in stopping NATO’s advances into its sphere of influence. Kremlin's propaganda theme for whipping up Russia’s resurgent nationalism has at least assured that nobody takes the eastern Lion for granted anymore. The move by Obama to withdraw its missile defence is the latest example.

Massacre in Nepal

Nepal’s palace carnage in 2001 — when Crown Prince Dipendra supposedly shot 10 of his own kin, including his father, King Birendra Shah, prior to shooting himself — has for the most part receded into background in this strife-torn land. It was a crime of fervour. The official inquiry into the case has now been closed, pinning the blame solely on Dipendra. But most Nepalis did not accept the succession of Birendra’s brother, Gyanendra, to the throne and frowned upon his son too. Nepal has grappled with political upheavals since. Desperate Invasions

It was extremely shocking for the world that had for so long invested morally in Non-Aligned Movement to understand the Bush’s doctrine of either-you-are-with-us-or-against-us. As Uncle Sam first marched into Afghanistan and later in Iraq, most of the world’s statesmen were caught off the guard. While Taliban was universally despised, Saddam Hussain was sort of an iconic figure of resistance. Naturally, the fall of Baghdad had different reaction to that of Kabul. As sycophants allied nations jumped to eat the spoils of war, developing world started to fathom the meaning of “Global War on Terror”. The Blitzkrieg although won battles for US, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan still continues. As overstretched US army finds difficult to hold grounds in Iraq and Afghanistan, the threat of second Vietnam looms large over America. Different Strokes

Different people have different takes on the emergence of Twenty20 cricket. Some call it ‘pornography of cricket’ and others call it the ‘saviour of the game’. Whatever the point of view may be, there is no doubt that T20 has redefined the entertainment aspect of the game. As football and other international sports consumed less time that cricket, there was a need for a trimmer version of the game to suit the taste of the audiences from developed countries. With Indian Premier League (IPL), BCCI also tried to do a football with cricket and also succeeded in changing the format of the game. However, IPL and Twenty20 international games have a clash of interest and will definitely lead to either of them getting subdued. On the other hand, according to purists, this version of the game will lead to the death of genuine class and technique that have defined the game until now. Democratic Act

Government run white-elephant schemes had limited success in the past, however, this time, UPA's biggest scheme, NREGS was an instant hit, as it promised a minimum of 100 days of employment. In fact, it also won General election for the UPA. But according to both Desi and foreign economists, it is going to severely alter the immigration pattern in the country. RTI, on the other hand can be safely termed as the biggest triumph for democracy. The law not only made Official Secret Acts redundant, it will certainly make babus more accountable to the people.

And justice for all...

The impact and veracity of 24-hours news channel can be debated, but its role in bringing high-profile culprits to justice is really commendable. After all who would have believed that the likes of Manu Sharma and Vikas Yadav would ever be convicted. The manner in which the news is regularly played and the way media follows each development, there is a little option for the rich and famous to interfere with the justice process. The conviction in these and similar cases also reflected how civil rights groups and media were working in tandem. Mayawati wins UP

What had been started by Kanshi Ram on bicycle was culminated by Mayawati on Ambassador Car. It was not that she had not been a CM in the past, but the win in 2007 Assembly elections was overwhelming and without anybody’s help or support. Once again, exit poll predictions were proven wrong and BSP won with a huge majority, the first one, since 1991. Mayawati was successful in attracting support from all the groups of society, including Brahmins, Muslims and OBCs besides her core Dalit vote bank. The election slogan Haathi Nahin, Ganesh Hain, Brahma, Vishnu Mahesh Hain. In fact, it seemed to have struck a cordial cord with the common man. As Brahmins earned plum positions and portfolios. Kanshi Ram’s war cry of Tilak, Tarazu Aur Talwar, Inko Maro Joote Char seemed far-fetched and did not attracted the masses. Rise of China

It did not come as a surprise that China has increased its influence several times in the last decade. As the power of the US wanes, China is fast preparing itself to step-in whatever space the former sheds. Its smart use of financial leverage to prop up its diplomacy has rattled the highs and mighty. It was not for nothing that the US president had to publicly assure China, when the latter asked about the security of its investment. Later when Obama visited China, he was virtually put in gag order. That US is taking one humiliation after another is evident how China has shaped its policies. However, the physical manifestation of its influence was showcased during the Olympics. Also, the manner it which it came out almost unscathed from the meltdown has made even its worst detractors sit and listen. Gay Verdict

Although homosexuality has been nearly as old as the Indian culture itself, Indians, by and large, have always been wary of homosexuals. In a milestone verdict, the Delhi high court scrapped segments of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code, a colonial era commandment that outlawed homosexuality – and definitely whatever thing apart from the heterosexual vaginal intercourse – in India. The anti-gay decree was rarely used, yet, for decades, the police and occasionally society at large, used the act as a justification to hound homosexuals incapable to seek out any defence or justice from the law. More significantly, the decision may at length pave the means to come out of the closet, and eventually to provide them with legal parity. However, religious groups in India have resisted the verdict invoking a nebulous notion of “Indian culture”.

End of LTTE?

With the death of LTTE chief V Prabhakaran and the decimation of most of its headship, Sri Lanka declared victory in Jaffna. The existence of the LTTE as an organisation that was a “virtual” government in northern Sri Lanka, has come to an end. It made several cardinal mistakes, including the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, expulsion of Commander Karuna and persecution of Moors. By mulishly focussing on ‘all or nothing’ strategy, the it lost everything. It also failed to gauge the global position post 9/11. Sri Lankan diplomacy was adroit and successful in shielding its own pig-headedness and vilified the LTTE. As Sri Lanka built its armed muscle with Chinese and Pakistani aid, the LTTE had to go back to its underground days to stay to battle another day. Instead, it opted for head-on defiance. Obama’s election

Whenever America finds itself in moral dilemma, it tries to absolve itself in whatever ways. As it ceded ground and reputation in the last decade, it tried to amend by selecting a Black as its president. Obama’s election as America’s president is no less than a fairy tale. In fact, for many, the excitement of the 2008 presidential election was about witnessing a moment that people would one day read about in history books. And that is what happened. A campaign that was as bitter as conservatives could have made finally saw Obama, a political novice of sorts, outflanking an ex-First Lady, a war veteran and a gun-wielding female governor. However, on the other hand, despite Obama’s election, little has changed among the fundamentals of the racial order and neither has there been any substantial shift in US’s big-brother policies. Troops withdrawal

On May 24, 2000, Israel completed the withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 425. The then Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, had earlier pledged during the election campaign about the withdrawal. In March 1978, Israel launched Operation Litani, taking control of southern Lebanon illegally. Immediately following the start of Israel’s aggression, the U.N. Security Council passed two resolutions. Resolution 425 called for Israel’s withdrawal from all Lebanese territory and Resolution 426 established the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. As usual, Israel did not comply with the UN decision and stayed. And as if that was not enough, it stood in agreement as militias massacred hundreds of refugees in Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. However, the persistent attacks by Hezbollah fighters for close to two decades let to the troop’s withdrawal in 2002.

Euro Launched

Euro was officially adopted as the common currency of European Union by the 16 of the 27 Member States of the Union making it the second largest reserve currency and the second most traded currency in the world after the US dollar. As of today, with more than €751 billion in flow, the euro is the money with the highest combined value of cash in circulation globally. It has also helped propel the Eurozone as the second largest economy in the world. What has worked in favour of Euro is the fact that it is inversely correlated to the US Dollar, which makes it the best bet at hand in case the Dollar falls. This is precisely why, during the meltdown several other European nations also started trading in Euro. Economic manifestation of the European political aspirations, it has succeeded in eroding the monopoly of Dollar.

Mission Moon

One of the most ambitious efforts by the developing nations to scale the moon was the Chandrayaan mission, launched by the Indian Space Research Organization. Its goal was to expand ISRO’s capabilities and to help resolve long standing questions about the moon's history. Chandrayaan-1 had deployed a powerful suite of instruments to map the lunar surface and search for the presence of radioactive isotopes. It also helped ISRO’s ground support, communications, and data reception and interpretation systems, and also increased India’s technical and scientific capabilities. However its star sensors failed in July, 2009. Decline of BJP

The meteorical rise of BJP can only be matched by its splendid decline in fortune. The decline started with the 2004 General elections, only intensified in the subsequent polls. There are several reasons behind its fall down were redundant ideology, arrogance and internal strife to name a few. In fact, the party faces organisational and existential crises. It did not help it at all that its MPs and leaders were embroiled into many controversies, including taking cash on camera, cash-against-question and Sex Cds. The image of the “Party with a difference” was popped like virginity. However, the trouble is that it has got too much branded with Hindutva, which is no more tempting to a large section of Hindus. Leave alone returning to power, they are finding it difficult to keep their house in order. Pakistan

Seldom in the world history has there been a nation as eventful as Pakistan of Noughties. The early years of Musharraf and the strengthening of Pakistan economy came to a grinding post 9/11. What has happened since then only reflects the snake-pit that it has turned into. The way it handles and hoodwinks world major powers is a scene to watch. However, on the domestic front, the country has slowly slipped into abyss. The lawyers’ movement, assassination of Benazir Bhutto, return of Nawaz Sharif and the rise of Pakistani Taliban, one after another, has turned the country into a free for all. Meanwhile, its relation with most of its neighbours is estranged. Even the return of democracy is largely meaningless for its people because of its multiplicity of authorities. Tsunami Terror

The tremor that triggered tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 is estimated to have let loose the force of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. Massive forces that had been buttressing deep inside the earth’s crust for thousands of years were out all of a sudden on December 26., It gave a free rein to a sequence of killer waves that sped crosswise the Indian Ocean at the pace of a jet aircraft. By the end of the fateful day, more than 150,000 people were dead or misplaced and millions more were on the streets in 11 countries, making it possibly the most destructive tsunami in record. George Bush elected

The year 2000 Presidential elections in the US was certainly the most dramatic one. No one would have believed that Republicans would return after a successful stint of Bill Clinton. An election marred by deceit and forgery ended in a courtroom. The uncounted Florida votes propelled Junior Bush to the White House leaving a stunned world witness the abortion of democratic process in a country that champions its cause. The election also saw Fox network, which acts as a mouthpiece for the Republicans, outsmart NBC & CBS who were forced to prematurely announce the election of Bush as the President. Such was his impact that the ‘what ifs’ of that elections is still debated. Meltdown

The worldwide economic meltdown shattered many economies and wiped out trillions of dollars. It not only rendered millions out of work, but also turned embodiments of capitalism into die-hard socialists. As big financial powers, the US went kaput, the dominoes effect ripped every country that had assets. It will be safe to say that the meltdown put the global growth back by many years. UBS and now Dubai world, the beacons of capitalism fell one after another leaving many developing nations high and dry. However, India being a domestic consumption-and-investment-driven market was not affected much. The crisis, however, made severe dent into American power. Gujarat Riots

Many people express surprise why the mild mannered Gujaratis participated in one of the worst pogroms in an independent India. But it should be mentioned here that Gujarat’s socio-cultural milieu has diverse strains and its simplification as one homogenous entity could be misleading. The riot that started as retaliation to the burning of Hindus in Sabarmati Express at Godhra station, soon engulfed almost entire urban Gujarat leading to massive loss of life and wealth. The participation of administration in the riot and the planned way in which Muslims were targeted left little to imagination. Equally disturbing was the manner in which attempts to subservience justice were made. The only bright spot was the aggressive media coverage that led to identification and arrest of several culprits and made it difficult for the Modi government to put their people off the hook.

WORLD IS FLAT

Thomas Freidman may take credit for the branding; but the fact is that convergence and information technology have been the real stars of the decade. Terms, inventions and innovations like Outsourcing, Facebook, Google, Twitter and the like have indeed made the world much smaller, and flatter. Alas, if only the information technology and telecom revolutions could have made the world much more tolerant and peaceful. Powerful Dhoni

Emergence of Dhoni is in essence of Moufassil Indian on the Indian cricket scene. For long, Cricket remained as a gentlemen’s game that was primarily led by elites or boys from big cities. Sourav Ganguly changed it forever. As talent started flowing from Ranchis and Bareillys of India, the cricket changed forever. Dhoni represented the raw aggression of India. Gone were the days, when Indian cricketers would take it from anyone and everyone. Dhoni’s ‘Team India’ retaliates, and retaliates hard. On the personal front, his detractors say that he is a lucky man with little talent. And it is also true that he has just carried on what Ganguly had built. But he is winning matches and that is what average Indian wants.

Soccer world cup

There is something about football that makes it the most loved game in the world. Its lovers insist that although Olympics are the most sacrosanct sporting event, even it can not match the passion that is put in FIFA World Cup. Therefore, it was a breakthrough of the sort in 2002, FIFA World Cup came to Asia and was jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0 in the final. But who cared about the result. The event helped provide the much needed catalyst to the game in Asia. Since then, several Asian players have cut into prestigious European Leagues and have helped broadened the fan-following. Nuclear deal

The US Congress on October 1, 2008, gave absolute endorsement to an accord facilitating nuclear collaboration between the US and India. The agreement is seen as a defining moment in US-India associations and brings in a fresh aspect to worldwide non-proliferation efforts. The agreement lifts a more than 30 years old US cessation on nuclear trade with India by allowing US to offer aid to India’s civilian nuclear regime. However, opposition parties in India maintained that the country’s sovereignty and reputation have been sold out. On the other hand, several US politicians are of the belief that a gaping fissure has been knocked into the NPT command and it essentially overturns more than 50 years of US non-proliferation labours undermining efforts to thwart Iran and North Korea from obtaining nuclear weapons, and potentially adds to a nuclear arms race in the continent. Return of Dynasty

The champions of democracy have always frowned upon the role political dynasties play in the polity. However, they are here to stay and the world needs to make peace with them. The emergence of Rahul Gandhi and Bilawal Zardari on the political scenes of India and Pakistan have come at a time when other countries in Asia too have shown similar trends. The dominance of Begum Khalida Zia and Sheikh Hasina Wajed in Bangladeshi politics, emergence of Megawati Sukarnoputri in Indonesia, and continued the two George Bushes in United States, Laurent and Joseph Kabila in Congo, are other examples worth mentioning.

People's Car

Over the past few years, Tata had been building a hype for a car that would cost a mere 100,000 rupees and bring automotive transportation to the mainstream Indian population. It had been nicknamed the “People’s Car.” However, the car ran into rough weather even before the factory was set up. The land row in Bengal and the rising price delayed it by many months, but was launched at promised price of Rs 1 Lakh. It sold the dream of Indian Volkswagen that will reach to every household. Environment groups expressed concerns over the number of vehicles on roads and combined emission. Victorious Congress

Hearing the arrogant arguments of LK Adavni on the eve of the counting day of 2004 Parliamentary Elections, it seemed he was in no doubt that NDA was coming back to power. By 11:30 next morning, the Ram brigade was finding no place to hide. As Pramod Mahajan (God rest his soul) conceded defeat, the Congress Office saw huge crowds. The stunned BJP took months to register the defeat. The election analysis revealed the tactical voting that Muslims had again shifted towards the Congress. The subsequent elections in May 2009 dispelled apprehensions regarding Congress’ dominance on the political scene.