A year ago, when 2014 began, I had an inkling that this would be a happening year. Apart from personal reasons, there were general scheduled events that we all knew would make a big impact on our lives. But little did I know about many other things that were in the store for India and the world. So as I pause and rewind my brain for the year that is about to end, here are my top 10 (in decreasing order of importance) events that mattered most. The list is from an Indian perspective, but many major international events are also included, for they have had a universal impact.
- Narendra Modi
Well, this is the least contested one for the top event of 2014. A thumping mandate for the Modi led BJP campaign meant that the economy could now be brought back on track. And he hasn’t disappointed on the enormous expectations that people had from him. Industry is booming with confidence ever since the election results, and that has been further exemplified through the Make-in-India campaign. Apart from the economy, he has marvellously changed the discourse on sanitation, from a government led one to a participative one that would help change people’s behaviour. He is projecting India’s image in the world not only through domestic restructuring, but also through a bold and clear cut foreign policy. From neighbouring SAARC countries to Japan, US and Australia, the PM has centred his foreign policy on the ‘India First’ principle, and has received tremendous goodwill from Indians all over the world. His magic has continued unabated, as the election results in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand show. His (and BJP’s) rise has meant decimation of Congress and AAP, but the people are not complaining.
- Russia’s (or rather Putin’s) show of strength; China’s continued rise and American reluctance
Just as Rome was not built in a day, global politics does not change in some months. The underlying factors may have been working for long, but 2014 saw a clear manifestation of the first crack in the unipolar world order. Ukraine was the theatre where this change was ushered in for the world to see. Europe and US’ reluctance to stand up aggressively to Putin was indicative of the latter’s growing power. China, another big power in the waiting, and was seen expanding its sphere of influence aggressively. New Silk Route, Maritime Silk Route, BCIM, China-Pak Economic corridor, FTAAP, AIIB, NDB and continuing tensions in SCS were the continuing reminders of China’s rise as the Asian superpower. American response to these changes was devoid of the erstwhile boldness, prompting China and Russia to dream big. This major geopolitical shift will have immense consequences for an ambitious India, and therefore this justifies as the 2nd top event of 2014.
- ISIS
2014 witnessed the coming on stage of a brutal and archaic organization, called as ISIS, ISIL or simply the IS. It shook the conscience of the world through its head-cutting and inhuman pictures, and warned us of the never ending menace of terrorism. It was different from other terror organizations, for it captured the minds of many Muslims around the world, and thus globalized terrorism in a way never seen before. India was shocked when it discovered that ISIS’ twitter handler was an Indian, and operating from India itself. US’ meek response was another cause of worry. Continuing to this day, countries across the world will have to face this threat that took shape in the year 2014.
- Climate change
Experts have been calling 2014 as the warmest year in the last one century. Events like Polar vortex, drought in California, winter flooding in England, Jammu and Kashmir floods, extreme heat in Australia in early 2014 and accelerating ice melt in polar regions were some examples of how extreme weather affected different regions of the world. The IPCC also released its 5th Assessment report this year, warning the world that the dreaded 2 degree rise in temperature was going to be a reality. Historic deals were signed by China and US, which put pressure on India as well. Although the world might not have done enough, but climate change has now become a major discussing matter in international meetings. The 2015 Paris conference is eagerly awaited for it will define the way for collective action on this front. Climate change thus was a big factor in 2014, and may well continue to climb this ladder in the coming years.
- Philae
The ESA (European Space Agency) made history in 2014 by landing a probe named ‘Philae’ on the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, after a decade long journey inside the Rosetta spacecraft. A first in the history of mankind, this was an enormous leap in our scientific history. Apart from the challenge of reaching and landing on the comet, it will help uncover the darkest secrets of the universe, like the origin and evolution of the solar system and whether comets could have brought water and organic molecules to Earth in its initial days.
- ISRO’s achievements
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) was a major scientific leap for India, that put Indian orbiter in the Martian orbit and that too at extremely low costs. The news made headlines globally, and showcased the technological capabilities of Indian scientists. The successful testing of cryogenic engine was another feat that ISRO achieved after a long waiting period. IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) continued on its planned path, and 3 (out of 7) satellites were put in place this year. 2 failed spacecraft missions in the US further enhanced the reputation ISRO’s missions. Overall, ISRO gained public appreciation for its dedicated efforts in the space arena, and in turn boosting India’s soft power.
- Aviation disasters
MH370, MH17 and the very recent QZ8501 disasters, all in 2014, were probably the biggest shocks ever for the aviation industry. While QZ8501 has been found, MH370 went down as an unsolved and shocking mystery. MH17 was because of an external fault, but no less saddening an event. The effect these 3 major (and many other small) incidents would have on the global aviation sector is enormous. Safety standards have been brought into the focus again, and India has added responsibility to fix its safety standards. Another disaster could permanently shift the public trust in airplanes, and flying may become an unexpected challenge of the 21st century.
- Ebola
This haemorrhagic fever that started from West African nations, threatened the world’s health systems, and put countries like India on their toes. That there is no cure for it yet, is a big challenge. Health workers from US, Spain were among the dead, and therefore the increased hype around it. It would have been a nightmare for India, had it reached our territory. The battle isn’t over yet, and it points to the threats emanating from the globalization of health threats, especially for India, which has an abysmal health infrastructure.
- Kailash Satyarthi
A tireless child rights advocate from India not only won the Nobel Peace Prize 2014, but also put the domestic media to shame for ignoring his efforts till now. His organization, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, has not only created awareness against child labour, but has also rescued children from employment in hazardous industries, and given them new lives. He has battled physical violence during his efforts-which include a broken leg, head, back and shoulder, and also lost 2 colleagues who were killed during the efforts. This makes his work all the more noble and proves his dedication to the cause, despite all dangers. He also organized Global March against Child Labour, to raise international consciousness against the menace. His work and the deserving recognition has put an Indian in global limelight that every India would be proud to own.
- E-commerce
Flipkart, Snapdeal, Jabong, Amazon and many other e-commerce ventures made most of the rising power of Indian middle class in the year 2014. The big fund raised by Flipkart, and Amazon the very next day, proved that e-commerce is going to be the next big thing in India. Global investors had their eyes fixed on this virtual space in India, and will continue to be so in the near future. Although it brings challenges for the brick and mortar retail model, this trend is not going to be reversed easily. More and more start-ups came up in this sector in 2014, were good for the economy on an overall.
GRAY BUBBLES 