Major Events of 2009: Key Historical Moments You Need to Know

Every year brings its own set of pivotal moments that leave a lasting mark on history. From political shifts and technological advancements to cultural breakthroughs, these events shape the world and influence the future. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll explore the most significant occurrences from 2009, highlighting key moments that continue to impact our lives today.

Major Events of 2009 - Historical Moments That Defined the Year | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan U.S. Military Control in Iraq Transitions: For the first time since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that overthrew Saddam Hussein, the U.S. military in Iraq is now under Iraqi control, marking a significant milestone in Iraq's sovereignty.
02 Jan Sri Lankan Military Captures Kilinochchi from Tamil Tigers: In a significant military operation, Sri Lanka's armed forces seized control of Kilinochchi, the de facto capital of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), marking a crucial turning point in the long-running Sri Lankan Civil War.
03 Jan Bitcoin Genesis Block Created: Satoshi Nakamoto establishes the first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, marking the inception of the revolutionary decentralized digital currency and payment system.
04 Jan Suicide Bombing at Shia Shrine near Baghdad: A tragic suicide bombing at a Shia shrine outside Baghdad resulted in at least 40 fatalities and 72 injuries, highlighting the sectarian tensions and ongoing violence in Iraq.
05 Jan Obama Nominates Leon Panetta as CIA Director: President-elect Barack Obama nominated Leon Panetta to serve as the next Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a strategic appointment during the transition to the new administration.
06 Jan Israeli Artillery Strike Near UN School in Gaza: A tragic incident occurred when Israeli artillery struck near a United Nations School in Gaza City, resulting in at least 40 civilian casualties during the ongoing conflict.
07 Jan Satyam Accounting Scandal Exposed: In a landmark corporate fraud revelation, Satyam Computer Services founder and chairman Ramalinga Raju publicly confesses to systematic financial manipulation, including inflating company revenues and fabricating approximately US$1 billion in non-existent cash balances.
08 Jan US Congress Confirms Barack Obama as President-elect: The United States Congress officially certified the results of the 2008 presidential election, confirming Barack Obama as the President-elect, a historic moment in American political history.
09 Jan Gaza Strip Conflict Continues: Israel and Hamas disregarded the UN Security Council's request for a ceasefire, escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip.
10 Jan David Bowie's Death: Legendary British musician David Bowie passed away in New York City, marking the end of an extraordinary artistic career. Known for his transformative musical style, innovative personas, and significant cultural impact, Bowie was a pioneering figure who transcended traditional boundaries of music, performance, and fashion.
11 Jan Conflict in Gaza City Suburb: Intense fighting erupted in Sheikh Ajleen, a suburb of Gaza City, involving the Israeli Defense Forces, Hamas militants, and Islamic Jihad, further highlighting the ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip.
12 Jan Urban Warfare in Gaza Strip: Israeli Defense Forces intensified their military operation in Gaza City, engaging in urban warfare with Hamas militants. This escalation was part of the broader Israel-Gaza conflict, resulting in significant civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns.
13 Jan Bitcoin Network Creation: The Bitcoin network was created when the first block of the digital currency was mined by an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, marking the beginning of a revolutionary cryptocurrency.
14 Jan Gaza Conflict Casualties Reach Significant Milestone: The Israel-Gaza conflict escalates with Palestinian deaths reaching 1,000 and injuries approaching 5,000 since Israel launched its military campaign on December 27, 2008. Israeli casualties stand at 13, highlighting the disproportionate human cost of the conflict.
15 Jan Miracle on the Hudson: US Airways Flight 1549 Emergency Landing: US Airways Flight 1549, an Airbus A320, successfully ditched in the Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both engines shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. All 155 passengers and crew members were safely rescued in an extraordinary emergency landing, which became known as the 'Miracle on the Hudson'.
16 Jan Bank of America Government Bailout: The U.S. government provided a critical financial rescue to Bank of America, including a $20 billion direct bailout and guarantees of nearly $100 billion against potential losses from toxic assets during the financial crisis.
17 Jan North Korea Claims Plutonium Weaponization: North Korea announced that it has 'weaponized' 30.8 kilograms of plutonium, which it claims is sufficient to produce four to five nuclear warheads.
18 Jan We Are One Inaugural Concert: A historic concert held at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., preceding Barack Obama's presidential inauguration. The event attracted an estimated 400,000 attendees and featured performances by numerous high-profile artists including Beyoncé, U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder.
19 Jan Barack Obama Becomes First African American President: Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, marking a historic moment as the first African American to hold the highest office in the nation.
20 Jan Barack Obama's Historic Presidential Inauguration: Barack Obama is inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States, making history as the first African-American to hold this prestigious office. His inauguration symbolizes a significant milestone in American civil rights and political representation.
21 Jan Barack Obama's Historic Presidential Inauguration: Barack Obama is inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States, becoming the nation's first African-American president. He delivers an inaugural address that includes subtle criticisms of the Bush administration and emphasizes the importance of civil liberties and international cooperation.
22 Jan Obama Orders Guantanamo Bay Closure: U.S. President Barack Obama signed an executive order to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, though congressional opposition would ultimately prevent its implementation.
23 Jan Obama Orders Guantanamo Bay Prison Closure: President Barack Obama signed an executive order mandating the closure of the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba within one year, marking a significant shift in US detention and human rights policy.
24 Jan United Kingdom Enters Economic Recession: The UK officially entered a recession as its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined by 1.5% in the final quarter of 2008. Simultaneously, unemployment rose by 131,000, reaching 1.92 million, representing 6.1% of the workforce.
25 Jan Sri Lankan Army Captures Tamil Tiger Stronghold: Sri Lankan troops successfully captured Mullaitivu, the last major stronghold of the Tamil Tiger rebels, marking a significant turning point in the long-running Sri Lankan Civil War.
26 Jan First International Criminal Court Trial: The inaugural trial at the International Criminal Court begins, with Thomas Lubanga, former Union of Congolese Patriots leader, facing charges of recruiting child soldiers and orchestrating war crimes involving killing, pillaging, and rape.
27 Jan Iran's Nuclear Capability Prediction: The International Institute for Strategic Studies predicted that Iran would have sufficient enriched uranium to create a single nuclear weapon by the end of 2009, raising international concerns about nuclear proliferation.
28 Jan Obama's Economic Stimulus Package Passes House: The US House of Representatives voted 244 to 181 in favor of President Barack Obama's US$819 billion economic stimulus package, a critical measure to address the ongoing financial crisis.
29 Jan Rod Blagojevich Removed from Illinois Governorship: Governor Rod Blagojevich was removed from office following his conviction on multiple corruption charges, including attempting to solicit personal benefits in exchange for appointing a replacement for then-president-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat.
30 Jan Michael Steele Becomes First African-American RNC Chairman: Michael S. Steele made history by becoming the first African-American chairman of the U.S. Republican National Committee, marking a milestone in political representation.
31 Jan Tragic Oil Spillage in Kenya: A devastating oil spillage ignition in Molo, Kenya results in at least 113 fatalities and over 200 injuries, compounding the recent tragedy of a massive fire at a Nairobi supermarket that killed 25 people.
01 Feb Zimbabwe's Extreme Currency Hyperinflation: Zimbabwe implements a radical currency reform, dropping twelve zeroes from its currency, making Z$1 trillion equal to a new Z$1. The country experiences an astronomical inflation rate of approximately 5 billion-trillion percent.
02 Feb ICC to Investigate Potential Israeli War Crimes: The International Criminal Court announced its intention to investigate potential war crimes allegedly committed by Israel during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, a significant diplomatic and legal development.
03 Feb California Government Financial Crisis: California's government declared bankruptcy and began issuing IOUs for non-mandatory expenditures, highlighting the severe economic challenges facing the state during the recession.
04 Feb Global Economic Recession of Late 2000s: The late 2000s recession was a severe global economic downturn affecting multiple countries and industries, characterized by significant job losses, financial market instability, and widespread economic challenges.
05 Feb Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates: In response to the global financial crisis, the Bank of England dramatically reduces interest rates to a historic low of 1 percent, signaling aggressive monetary policy to stimulate economic recovery.
06 Feb Late 2000s Global Economic Recession: The global financial crisis of the late 2000s continued to severely impact economies worldwide, with significant job losses, financial instability, and economic downturn across multiple countries.
07 Feb Black Saturday Bushfires in Victoria, Australia: The deadliest bushfires in Australian history devastated southeastern Australia, killing 173 people, injuring 500 more, and leaving 7,500 homeless. The fires almost completely destroyed several towns including Marysville, Kinglake, and Strathewen, marking the worst natural disaster in the country's modern history.
08 Feb Victoria Bushfire Tragedy: Victoria, Australia, suffered a devastating bushfire that claimed at least 108 lives and destroyed 775 homes, compounding the earlier reported national disaster.
09 Feb Victoria Bushfires Tragedy: A devastating bushfire in Victoria, Australia, resulted in a catastrophic loss of life and property, with at least 130 people killed and approximately 750 homes destroyed, marking one of the deadliest bushfire events in the country's history.
10 Feb First Confirmed Satellite Collision in Space: The communication satellites Iridium 33 (US) and Kosmos 2251 (Russian) collided in low Earth orbit, marking the first known direct satellite collision in space history. The incident created a massive debris field posing risks to future space missions.
11 Feb American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Compromise: The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives reach a critical compromise on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a key legislative response to the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
12 Feb Pope's Statement on Holocaust Denial: Pope Benedict XVI strongly condemned Holocaust denial, describing any attempt to deny the Holocaust as a blatant and inexcusable act of historical revisionism.
13 Feb US Economic Stimulus Package Approved: The U.S. House of Representatives approves a $787 billion economic stimulus package, consisting of 64% spending and 36% tax cuts, with a vote of 246-183.
14 Feb Israel's Stance on Hamas Negotiations: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declares that Israel will not negotiate a long-term ceasefire with Hamas until the release of prisoner-of-war Gilad Shalit, underscoring the complex diplomatic tensions.
15 Feb Venezuela Constitutional Referendum Approves Presidential Term Limit Removal: A constitutional referendum was approved by 54% of Venezuelan voters, eliminating term limits for elected offices, including the presidency. This significant political change would allow Hugo Chávez to potentially remain in power indefinitely.
16 Feb Global Financial Crisis Impact: The late 2000s global recession continues to severely impact economies worldwide, with significant economic contractions and job losses across multiple countries.
17 Feb Obama Signs American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in Denver, Colorado, a significant economic stimulus package aimed at addressing the ongoing financial crisis.
18 Feb General Motors Massive Job Reduction: General Motors announced plans to reduce its workforce by 47,000 jobs in 2009, reflecting the severe economic challenges facing the automotive industry during the global financial crisis.
19 Feb Obama Meets Harper in Ottawa: U.S. President Barack Obama met with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa, marking Obama's first foreign trip and discussing bilateral relations.
20 Feb Netanyahu Chosen to Form Israeli Government: Israeli President Shimon Peres selected Benjamin Netanyahu, Chairman of the Likud party, to form the next government, signaling a potential shift in Israeli political leadership.
21 Feb Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan: A tragic incident occurred in Guzara, Herat, Afghanistan, where 13 people were killed by the International Security Assistance Force, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the region.
22 Feb 81st Academy Awards: The Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles celebrated cinematic achievements, with 'Slumdog Millionaire' winning Best Picture, marking a significant moment in international film recognition.
23 Feb Victoria Bushfires Tragedy: Devastating bushfires in Victoria, Australia, claimed 210 lives and continued to threaten the town of Belgrave, representing one of the country's worst natural disasters.
24 Feb After failing to reach Earth's orbit, NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory crashes into the Pacific Ocean near Antarctica.
25 Feb Japan's Exports Plummet During Global Financial Crisis: Japan experienced a dramatic 45.7% decline in exports during January 2009, reflecting the severe economic impact of the global financial crisis.
26 Feb US Budget Reveals Record Deficit: The 2009/10 US budget is US$3.6 trillion, with an unprecedented US$1.75 trillion deficit representing 12.3% of the economy - the largest increase since 1945. The budget includes US$634 trillion for healthcare reform, US$200 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and US$250 billion to bail out US banks.
27 Feb Obama Announces Iraq War Troop Withdrawal: President Barack Obama declares a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by August 2010, marking a significant shift in American military strategy.
28 Feb Mugabe Maintains Land Redistribution Policy: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the controversial land redistribution policy, which involved transferring agricultural lands from white farmers to black farmers, a policy that had significant economic and social implications for Zimbabwe.
01 Mar Breakthrough in Stem Cell Research: Canada's Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute announced a groundbreaking method for creating embryonic-like stem cell lines, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches for spinal-cord injuries and Parkinson's disease.
02 Mar Dow Jones Industrial Average Drops Below 7,000: The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted below 7,000 points for the first time since May 1997, dropping 299.64 points or 4.24 percent to close at 6,763.29. This milestone signaled the deepening severity of the late 2000s financial crisis.
03 Mar Terrorist Attack on Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Lahore: A coordinated terrorist attack targeted a bus carrying the Sri Lankan national cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan. Twelve gunmen ambushed the team near Gaddafi Stadium, resulting in eight fatalities and multiple injuries. The attack led to the immediate abandonment of the scheduled Test match and significantly impacted international cricket tours to Pakistan.
04 Mar ICC Arrest Warrant for Sudan's President: The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an unprecedented arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, charging him with war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region. This marks the first time a sitting head of state has been indicted by the ICC since its establishment in 2002.
05 Mar Bank of England Launches Quantitative Easing: The Bank of England announces a significant economic intervention by creating 75 billion pounds (US$106 billion) of new money to revive lending and stimulate the economy. Chancellor Alistair Darling authorizes the potential expansion of this measure up to 150 billion pounds. Simultaneously, the central bank reduces lending interest rates from 1% to a historic low of 0.5 percent.
06 Mar Tragic Car Accident Claims Zimbabwe PM's Wife: Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, is seriously injured in a car accident south of Harare, which tragically kills his wife Susan. The incident occurs during a politically tumultuous period in Zimbabwe's history.
07 Mar NASA Launches Kepler Space Telescope: NASA successfully launched the unmanned Kepler telescope from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission's primary objective was to orbit the Sun and search for Earth-like planets that could potentially host life, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
08 Mar Obama Assesses Afghanistan War Progress: U.S. President Barack Obama candidly stated that troops in Operation Enduring Freedom were "not winning" the war in Afghanistan, signaling potential strategic reconsideration.
09 Mar US-China Maritime Tension: The United States government reported that five Chinese ships harassed the USNS Impeccable in the South China Sea, escalating maritime tensions between the two global powers.
10 Mar Suicide Attack in Baghdad: A devastating suicide attack in Baghdad, Iraq, claimed the lives of 33 people, highlighting the ongoing security challenges and sectarian tensions in the region.
11 Mar Winnenden School Shooting: A tragic school shooting in Winnenden, Germany, resulted in the death of 16 people and injury of 11 others. The shooter, Tim Kretschmer, a recent graduate, killed multiple victims before taking his own life. This devastating incident prompted Germany to implement stricter weapons control regulations.
12 Mar Bernie Madoff Pleads Guilty to Massive Financial Fraud: Financier Bernie Madoff pleaded guilty to orchestrating one of the largest and most devastating Ponzi schemes in Wall Street's history, defrauding investors of billions of dollars.
13 Mar UN Human Rights Commissioner Accuses Sri Lanka of War Crimes: Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, publicly accused both Sri Lanka's Armed Forces and the Tamil Tigers of committing war crimes during the ongoing conflict.
14 Mar Russia Considers Strategic Bomber Deployment: Russia's Air Force suggested the potential strategic positioning of bombers in Cuba or Venezuela, indicating potential geopolitical tensions.
15 Mar Space Shuttle Discovery Launches ISS Mission: NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery launched from Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-119, carrying the S6 truss segment to the International Space Station.
16 Mar Josef Fritzl Pleads Guilty to Horrific Crimes: Josef Fritzl, an Austrian man, pleaded guilty to multiple serious criminal charges including rape, incest, and grievous bodily harm. His case shocked the world with its extreme nature of prolonged abuse and imprisonment of his own daughter.
17 Mar Madagascar Political Coup: A significant political upheaval occurred in Madagascar when President Marc Ravalomanana was overthrown in a military-backed coup following a month of intense protests in Antananarivo. The military subsequently appointed opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as the new president, dramatically altering the country's political landscape.
18 Mar US Federal Reserve Purchases Treasury Bonds: In an unprecedented move since the 1960s, the US Federal Reserve announces it will purchase up to US$300 Billion of Treasury bonds, simultaneously expanding its existing securities and debt purchase program to US$1.45 trillion.
19 Mar US House Votes on Executive Compensation Tax: In response to the financial crisis, the United States House of Representatives voted to impose a 90% tax on executive compensation for companies receiving aid under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signaling a strong governmental stance on financial accountability.
20 Mar Discovery of Subatomic Particle Y(4140): Scientists at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory made a significant breakthrough by discovering a new subatomic particle designated as Y(4140), contributing to our understanding of particle physics.
21 Mar Oakland Police Shooting Tragedy: Four police officers were killed while confronting an armed convict named Lovelle Mixon in Oakland, California, in a devastating incident of line-of-duty violence.
22 Mar India-Pakistan Border Tensions: Gunfire exchange occurred at the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, underscoring the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
23 Mar US Treasury Announces Bond Purchase Plan: The United States Treasury Department revealed plans to purchase high-yield bonds from banks, a strategic move aimed at stabilizing the financial sector during the 2009 economic crisis.
24 Mar Mass Grave of Irish Immigrants Discovered: Immaculata University uncovered a significant historical find: a mass grave containing the remains of 57 Irish immigrants in East Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania, shedding light on the challenging immigrant experience.
25 Mar North Korea Missile Preparation: North Korea prepares a Taepodong-2 ballistic missile for potential launch between April 4th and 8th, raising international tensions and security concerns.
26 Mar Obama Announces New Afghanistan Strategy: United States President Barack Obama unveiled a comprehensive new military strategy for operations in North-West Pakistan and Afghanistan, signaling a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and military engagement in the region.
27 Mar UK Economic Contraction: The United Kingdom's economy contracted by 1.6% in the fourth quarter of 2008, reflecting the early stages of the global financial crisis.
28 Mar Obama Launches Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate: President Obama announced the creation of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, signaling a commitment to international cooperation on environmental challenges.
29 Mar Rick Wagoner Resigns from General Motors: Rick Wagoner, Chairman and CEO of General Motors, stepped down amid the company's financial crisis and ongoing restructuring efforts during the global economic downturn.
30 Mar Obama Orders GM CEO Rick Wagoner to Resign: In a significant move during the 2008-2009 financial crisis, US President Barack Obama directly intervened in General Motors' leadership, compelling CEO Rick Wagoner to step down as part of the government's restructuring efforts for the struggling automotive giant.
31 Mar Migrant Boat Disaster: A devastating maritime tragedy resulted in the death of at least 200 illegal migrants attempting to travel from North Africa to Europe, highlighting the perilous Mediterranean migration crisis.
01 Apr Benjamin Netanyahu Becomes Israeli Prime Minister: Israel's parliament swears in Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister and approves the new coalition cabinet with a 69-45 vote.
02 Apr G20 Summit Announces Global Economic Stimulus: During the G20 summit in London, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced a coordinated international effort to inject US$1 trillion into the global economy to mitigate the ongoing financial crisis.
03 Apr Iowa Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: The Supreme Court of Iowa made a landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming one of the early states to recognize marriage equality. This ruling was a significant milestone in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement in the United States.
04 Apr L'Aquila Earthquake: A devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes near L'Aquila, Italy, resulting in at least 253 fatalities and significant destruction.
05 Apr Obama's Nuclear Disarmament Plan: President Barack Obama announced a comprehensive plan aimed at ending nuclear warfare, demonstrating a significant diplomatic initiative towards global nuclear disarmament and peace.
06 Apr Devastating L'Aquila Earthquake in Italy: A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes central Italy, causing widespread destruction in 26 cities and towns. The disaster results in 281 fatalities, 1,500 injuries, and leaves approximately 17,000 people homeless. Estimated property damage amounts to US$4 billion.
07 Apr L'Aquila Earthquake in Italy: A devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck central Italy, specifically the region of Abruzzo near the city of L'Aquila, causing massive destruction. At least 253 people were killed, thousands were injured, and many were left homeless. The earthquake caused significant damage to historic buildings and infrastructure, making it one of the most severe seismic events in Italy in recent years.
08 Apr Somali Pirates Hijack Maersk Alabama: Somali pirates seized the Danish container ship MV Maersk Alabama in the Indian Ocean, marking a significant maritime security incident that would later inspire the Hollywood film 'Captain Phillips'.
09 Apr CIA Decommissions Black Sites: The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency announced the decommissioning of its controversial black sites worldwide, marking a significant shift in intelligence and detention practices.
10 Apr Deadly Suicide Bombing in Mosul, Iraq: A suicide bomb in Mosul, Iraq killed 5 U.S. soldiers and 2 Iraqis, marking the deadliest attack against the American military in Iraq in 13 months.
11 Apr French Navy Rescues Hostages from Somali Pirates: The French Navy successfully rescues four hostages and neutralizes two Somali pirates during a maritime intervention on the hijacked yacht Tanit in the Gulf of Aden.
12 Apr U.S. Navy Rescues Captain Richard Phillips from Somali Pirates: In a dramatic maritime rescue operation, the U.S. Navy successfully freed Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, killing three pirates and capturing a fourth, ending a tense hostage situation aboard the Maersk Alabama.
13 Apr The United Nations Security Council condemned North Korea's launch Kwangmyongsong-2.
14 Apr L'Aquila Earthquake in Italy: A devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near L'Aquila, Italy, resulting in at least 253 fatalities. The earthquake caused significant destruction and became a major humanitarian crisis.
15 Apr US Consumer Prices Decline Year-on-Year: The US Consumer Price Index recorded its first year-on-year decline in consumer prices since 1955, indicating significant economic deflationary pressures during the global financial crisis.
16 Apr General Growth Properties Bankruptcy: General Growth Properties, a major U.S. real estate company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This landmark event represented the largest real estate bankruptcy in American history. The Chicago-based company, with 55 years of operation, reported total assets of US$29.56 Billion and total debts of $27.29 Billion. Its stock price dramatically collapsed from a 2007 high of US$67 to just 60 cents, symbolizing the severe economic downturn during the global financial crisis.
17 Apr Obama's Energy Partnership Call: At the Summit of the Americas, President Obama proposed a 'new partnership on energy' aimed at strengthening the Americas' energy security, highlighting international collaborative approaches to energy challenges.
18 Apr Dutch Commandos Rescue Yemeni Hostages: The Netherlands' Korps Commandotroepen successfully rescued 20 Yemeni hostages held by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, demonstrating international maritime intervention capabilities.
19 Apr Obama Administration's Stance on CIA Interrogation Techniques: United States President Barack Obama announced that CIA personnel who employed enhanced interrogation techniques during terrorist suspect investigations would not face criminal prosecution, marking a significant policy decision regarding controversial interrogation methods.
20 Apr Remembering Columbine High School Massacre: The United States commemorates the 10th anniversary of the tragic Columbine High School shooting perpetrated by Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris in 1999.
21 Apr Cyber Espionage Against U.S. Joint Strike Fighter Program: The Wall Street Journal reported a significant cybersecurity breach, revealing that unidentified cyber-spies had successfully hacked into the sensitive U.S. Joint Strike Fighter Program, potentially compromising critical defense technology.
22 Apr North Korea's Controversial Rocket Launch: North Korea launched the Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2 rocket, which passed over mainland Japan. This provocative action immediately drew reactions from the United Nations Security Council and participants of the Six-party talks, escalating international tensions.
23 Apr Oldest Known Object in Universe Observed: Astronomers observed the gamma radiation burst GRB090423 for 10 seconds, marking the detection of the oldest and closest known object in the universe, providing unprecedented insights into cosmic origins.
24 Apr WHO Warns of Swine Flu Spread: The World Health Organization expressed serious concern about the rapid international spread of influenza originating from Mexico and the United States, confirming international cases and potential fatalities. This marked the early stages of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
25 Apr Swine Flu Global Health Emergency: The World Health Organization declares the emerging H1N1 influenza outbreak in Mexico and the United States a 'public health emergency of international concern'. The novel virus, a unique combination of bird, swine, and human influenza strains, has caused approximately 80 deaths and infected over 1,000 people across Mexico since its first detection in March.
26 Apr Severe Swine Flu Outbreak in Mexico: Mexico reported a devastating swine flu outbreak, with over 103 confirmed deaths. In response, the government implemented stringent public health measures, including banning large gatherings and closing schools, churches, and stadiums to mitigate virus transmission.
27 Apr United States Declares Swine Flu Public Health Emergency: The United States government declared a 'public health emergency' following the confirmation of twenty swine flu cases nationwide, with eight cases identified in New York City.
28 Apr South Korea Achieves First Transgenic Fluorescent Dog Cloning: Scientists in South Korea successfully cloned the first transgenic, fluorescent dog, marking a significant breakthrough in genetic engineering and biotechnology research.
29 Apr WHO Raises Pandemic Alert Level: The World Health Organization elevated its Pandemic Alert Level from four to five in response to the emerging swine flu outbreak, signaling increased global health risks.
30 Apr Global H1N1 Pandemic Alert Raised: The World Health Organization escalates the global pandemic alert for H1N1 flu virus from Level 4 to Level 5. Approximately 300 schools in the USA are closed. Mexico reports 176 deaths, and President Felipe Calderon orders a five-day work suspension to prevent further virus spread.
01 May Air France Flight 447 Disappears Over Atlantic: Tragedy struck as Air France Flight 447, carrying 228 people from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, vanished over the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of all passengers and crew.
02 May UN Calls for Halt to Palestinian Evictions: The United Nations issued a directive to Israel demanding a stop to the eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem, highlighting ongoing territorial tensions.
03 May Iraq Maintains US Troop Withdrawal Deadline: Iraq confirmed that it would not extend the withdrawal deadline for United States Armed Forces, signaling a firm commitment to the planned military drawdown and national sovereignty.
04 May Mass Shooting at Wedding in Mardin Province: A tragic incident occurred in Mardin Province where at least eight gunmen attacked a wedding celebration, resulting in the deaths of 44 people in a shocking act of violence.
05 May Deadly Wedding Party Attack in Turkey: A horrific terrorist attack occurred in south-eastern Turkey, where masked assailants armed with automatic rifles and grenades launched a brutal assault on a wedding celebration, resulting in the tragic deaths of 44 innocent people.
06 May Maine Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: Maine becomes the fifth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage when Governor John Baldacci signs the bill into law, citing constitutional rights as his motivation.
07 May U.S. Bank Capital Reserves Crisis: The U.S. Federal Reserve reported that ten of the largest 19 banks lacked adequate capital reserves during the economic downturn, mandating a total capital raise of US$75 billion by the end of 2010. Bank of America was identified as the most vulnerable, requiring US$34 billion in additional capital.
08 May Fannie Mae Reports Massive Financial Loss: Fannie Mae, a critical player in the US housing market, reported a staggering $23.2 billion quarterly loss and requested an additional $19 billion in government support, reflecting the ongoing financial crisis.
09 May Jacob Zuma Becomes President of South Africa: Jacob Zuma was elected as the President of South Africa, marking a significant political transition in the country's post-apartheid era. Zuma succeeded Thabo Mbeki and represented the African National Congress (ANC) party.
10 May The H1N1 influenza virus kills a third of the US citizens and spreads to Australia, Japan and other countries.
11 May NASA Atlantis Space Shuttle Launches to Repair Hubble Space Telescope: The NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a critical mission to service and repair the Hubble Space Telescope, a pivotal moment in space exploration and astronomical research.
12 May Nazi Collaborator John Demjanjuk Begins Trial: John Demjanjuk, a suspected Nazi death-camp officer, arrived in Munich, Germany, to stand trial for alleged war crimes committed during World War II, representing a significant moment in post-Holocaust legal proceedings.
13 May European Commission Imposes Record Fine on Intel: The European Commission levied a historic antitrust fine of 1.06 billion euros (US$1.45 billion) against Intel after an eight-year investigation, ordering the company to halt anti-competitive practices targeting Advanced Micro Devices.
14 May Zhao Ziyang's Secret Memoirs Published: The secret memoirs of Zhao Ziyang, former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, detailing his perspective on the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, were published.
15 May Eurozone Economic Contraction: The Eurozone's 16 national economies experienced a significant economic contraction of 2.5% in the first quarter of 2009, reflecting the global financial crisis's widespread impact.
16 May Sri Lanka Declares Victory Over Tamil Tigers: President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced the military defeat of the Tamil Tigers, marking a significant turning point in Sri Lanka's long-running civil conflict.
17 May Lithuania Elects First Female President: Dalia Grybauskaite made history by becoming Lithuania's first female president, winning a decisive victory with 68 percent of the votes, signaling a significant milestone for gender representation in Lithuanian politics.
18 May Sri Lankan Civil War Ends: Sri Lanka's army decisively defeats the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), unifying the country after 25 years of conflict. Rebel leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is killed at age 54, marking a significant turning point. The prolonged civil war resulted in an estimated 70,000 casualties, representing a tragic chapter in Sri Lankan history.
19 May Death of LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran: Velupillai Prabhakaran, the notorious leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), was found dead in northeast Sri Lanka, marking a significant turning point in the long-running Sri Lankan Civil War.
20 May Catholic Church Abuse Report: Ireland's Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse concluded that the Roman Catholic Church and Department of Education were aware of systemic sexual abuse in boys' institutions, revealing a profound institutional failure.
21 May US Provides Nuclear Energy Framework to UAE: The United States established a comprehensive framework for providing nuclear energy technology and support to the United Arab Emirates, signaling a significant diplomatic and technological collaboration.
22 May India's New Government Formation: Dr. Manmohan Singh was sworn in as Prime Minister of India, marking the continuation of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in a significant democratic transition.
23 May Death of Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun: Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun (2002-2008) dies at age 62 after falling from Ponghwa Mountain near Bongha village. His death is suspected to be a suicide, occurring during an ongoing investigation into alleged bribery during his presidential term.
24 May Space Shuttle Atlantis Hubble Mission Completion: NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully completes its final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope and lands at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
25 May Hubble Space Telescope Final Servicing Mission: NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully completed the final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, extending the orbital observatory's operational capabilities and scientific potential.
26 May Trial of Aung San Suu Kyi: The trial of prominent pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi took place, drawing international attention to political repression in Burma and generating calls for her immediate release.
27 May North Korea Abandons Korean War Truce: North Korea officially abandoned the truce that ended the Korean War, declaring South Korea's participation in a US-led maritime nuclear weapons inspection initiative as a 'declaration of war', escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
28 May Korean Peninsula Tensions: Following North Korea's abandonment of the 1953 Korean War armistice, the United States and South Korea simultaneously elevated their military alert statuses.
29 May UN Conference on Disarmament: The Conference on Disarmament adopts its 2009 Programme of Work, establishing a Working Group to negotiate a treaty banning nuclear weapons.
30 May North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile: Despite potential international sanctions from the UN Security Council, North Korea proceeded to launch its sixth ballistic weapon, escalating regional tensions.
31 May Death of Last Titanic Survivor: Millvina Dean, the last known survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster, passed away in Southampton, England at the age of 97. She was just nine weeks old when the ship sank in 1912, making her the youngest passenger to survive the historic maritime tragedy.
01 Jun Air France Flight 447 Tragedy: Air France Airbus A330-300 flight AF447 from Rio, Brazil, to Paris, France, crashes in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 650 kilometers off Brazil's coast. The catastrophic incident results in the death of all 228 people on board, marking the worst loss of life in Air France's history. The aircraft mysteriously disappeared during a transatlantic flight, and it took nearly two years to locate and recover the wreckage from the ocean floor.
02 Jun Air France Flight 447 Wreckage Confirmed: Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim officially confirmed that debris discovered in the Atlantic Ocean near Fernando de Noronha archipelago is confirmed to be from the ill-fated Air France Flight 447, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding the aircraft's tragic disappearance.
03 Jun New Hampshire Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: New Hampshire became the sixth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, with Governor John Lynch signing legislation that would take effect in January 2010. The law included protections for religious organizations.
04 Jun Obama's Cairo Speech to the Muslim World: President Barack Obama delivers a landmark address in Cairo, Egypt, aimed at improving relations and understanding between the United States and the Muslim world, marking a significant diplomatic moment.
05 Jun Tragic Daycare Fire in Mexico: A devastating fire swept through the ABC Daycare centre in Hermosillo, northern Mexico, resulting in the tragic deaths of 41 children. The fast-moving blaze highlighted critical safety concerns in childcare facilities.
06 Jun Air France Flight 447 Debris Discovery: First physical evidence of the missing Air France Flight 447 is found in the Atlantic Ocean, with two bodies and passenger luggage recovered, providing initial insights into the tragic crash.
07 Jun Roger Federer Wins First French Open Title: Tennis legend Roger Federer achieved a significant milestone by defeating Robin Söderling in straight sets (6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4) to win his first French Open tennis tournament in Paris, completing his Grand Slam collection.
08 Jun Apple Unveils iPhone 3GS: At the Worldwide Developers Conference 2009, Apple Inc. introduced the iPhone 3GS, the third generation of its revolutionary smartphone, further advancing mobile technology and user experience.
09 Jun Shell Settles Nigerian Environmentalist Execution Case: Royal Dutch Shell agreed to pay $15.5 million in a settlement related to its alleged complicity in the 1995 execution of Nigerian environmentalists, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, acknowledging historical corporate human rights violations.
10 Jun UN Response to North Korean Tests: In response to recent missile and nuclear tests conducted by North Korea, the United Nations Security Council and Japan collaborated to draft a resolution addressing the international security concerns.
11 Jun Air France Flight 447 Tragedy: Air France Flight 447, traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, tragically crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of all 228 passengers and crew on board. This devastating incident prompted international investigation and significant aviation safety reviews.
12 Jun Iranian Presidential Election Results: Official results of the Iranian presidential election show Mahmoud Ahmadinejad winning re-election with 62.6 percent of the votes, a result that would soon spark widespread controversy.
13 Jun Iranian Presidential Election Protests: Following the controversial re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, supporters of defeated candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi launch widespread protests, alleging electoral fraud and challenging the legitimacy of the election results.
14 Jun Iran Post-Election Protests: Iranian authorities reported approximately 170 arrests in connection with street riots and protests following the controversial presidential election.
15 Jun Iranian Presidential Election Protests: On June 15, 2009, significant political unrest erupted in Iran following the controversial presidential election. Presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi called for the annulment of election results, alleging electoral fraud. Thousands of protesters defied government bans and rallied in Tehran, leading to violent clashes with police that resulted in at least one death and numerous injuries. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered an investigation into the electoral allegations.
16 Jun Iranian Presidential Election Protests: Widespread protests and unrest erupted in Iran following the controversial presidential election, with significant political tensions and violent confrontations between demonstrators and government forces.
17 Jun Iranian Election Protests Escalate: Mir-Hossein Mousavi calls for a day of mourning and rallies following multiple deaths during protests challenging the presidential election results, marking a critical moment in Iran's political unrest.
18 Jun 2009 Iranian Election Protests: Mass protests erupted in Iran following the disputed presidential election, with supporters of Mir-Hossein Mousavi challenging the official results and organizing rallies to remember those killed during the demonstrations.
19 Jun Iranian Election Protests: Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian Supreme Leader, issued a stern warning against further protests following the controversial presidential election. Ali Khamenei claimed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won the election with 24 million votes, a declaration that sparked significant domestic and international controversy.
20 Jun Neda Agha-Soltan: Symbol of Iranian Protests: Neda Agha-Soltan, an Iranian student, was fatally shot during post-election protests. Her death, captured on video, quickly became an international symbol of civil unrest and government oppression in Iran.
21 Jun Iranian Election Protests Escalate: Widespread protests erupt across Iran following the controversial presidential election, with significant civil unrest and allegations of electoral fraud. State television reports at least ten people killed during demonstrations, highlighting the intense political tension.
22 Jun 2009 Iranian Election Protests: Widespread protests erupted in Iran following the controversial presidential election, with significant civil unrest and government crackdowns challenging the election's legitimacy.
23 Jun 2009 Iranian Election Protests: Widespread protests erupted in Iran following the controversial presidential election, challenging the official results and sparking significant political unrest. The protests represented a critical moment of potential political transformation in Iran.
24 Jun Iranian Election Controversy: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared the recent presidential election results as valid, despite widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud, which led to significant civil unrest.
25 Jun Michael Jackson Dies: Legendary American performer Michael Jackson, dubbed the 'King of Pop', died in Los Angeles from cardiac arrest at age 50. Known for iconic hits like 'Beat It' and 'Billie Jean', he won 13 Grammy Awards and sold over 750 million albums worldwide.
26 Jun Baghdad Market Bombing: A devastating terrorist attack struck a Baghdad marketplace, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. The bombing highlighted the ongoing security challenges and sectarian violence in Iraq during this period.
27 Jun NATO and Russia Restore Military Relations: After a 10-month suspension following the 2008 war with Georgia, NATO and Russia agreed to re-establish military relations, potentially signaling a diplomatic thaw.
28 Jun Honduran Constitutional Crisis of 2009: A military coup in Honduras ousted democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya, sparking a significant political crisis. The military forcibly removed Zelaya from power, claiming he had violated the constitution by attempting to hold a referendum to potentially extend his presidential term.
29 Jun Bernard Madoff Sentenced for Massive Investment Fraud: Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison for orchestrating the largest and most brazen investment fraud in Wall Street's history, characterized by the judge as 'extraordinarily evil'. His Ponzi scheme devastated thousands of investors and is considered one of the most significant financial crimes of the 21st century.
30 Jun US Troop Withdrawal from Iraqi Cities: A significant milestone in the Iraq War occurred as US troops formally transferred security responsibilities to new Iraqi forces, withdrawing from towns and cities. Approximately 131,000 US troops remained in the country, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict.
01 Jul Death of Karl Malden: Renowned Hollywood actor Karl Malden, known for roles in films like 'How the West Was Won' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire', passed away at his Los Angeles home at age 97. He also served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1989-1992.
02 Jul India Decriminalizes Homosexuality: The High Court of New Delhi overturns a 148-year-old colonial law that criminalized homosexual intercourse, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
03 Jul Nazi War Crimes Trial Proceeds: John Demjanjuk is cleared to stand trial for allegedly aiding in the deaths of 29,000 Jews at the Treblinka extermination camps during World War II, continuing the pursuit of justice for Holocaust atrocities.
04 Jul Serena Williams Wins Wimbledon: Serena Williams defeated her sister Venus Williams in a commanding straight-sets victory (7-6, 7-3, 6-2) to claim her third Wimbledon singles title, further solidifying her dominance in women's tennis.
05 Jul Roger Federer Wins Historic Wimbledon Final: Roger Federer defeats Andy Roddick in an epic Wimbledon men's tennis final, winning a thrilling five-set match 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 to secure his record 15th Grand Slam championship.
06 Jul US-Russia Nuclear Arms Reduction Agreement: U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reached a significant diplomatic milestone by agreeing to reduce nuclear warheads and cooperate on military actions in Afghanistan, signaling improved international relations.
07 Jul Michael Jackson Memorial Service: A historic public memorial service was held for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The event was one of the most recognizable and widely-watched funerals in modern entertainment history, featuring performances by renowned artists and attracting a global audience.
08 Jul Urumqi Riots Erupt in Xinjiang, China: Violent ethnic tensions erupted in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang province, leading to significant unrest and international concern about China's treatment of Uyghur minorities.
09 Jul US Drone Strike in Afghanistan: A United States drone strike targeted Taliban militants, resulting in the elimination of 50 combatants. This operation demonstrated the ongoing military engagement in the region and the US's strategic use of aerial technology in counterterrorism efforts.
10 Jul Urumqi Riots: Violent ethnic tensions erupted in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, involving conflicts between Uyghur Muslims and Han Chinese. The riots resulted in significant casualties and social unrest, prompting government intervention and subsequent compensation for victims' families.
11 Jul Urumqi Riots Death Toll Rises: The death toll from recent ethnic riots in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, escalated to 184, underscoring the severe tensions and violence in the region.
12 Jul CIA Intelligence Program Controversy: Former Vice President Dick Cheney was accused by CIA Director Leon Panetta of deliberately concealing an intelligence program from the United States Congress, raising significant questions about executive oversight and transparency in national security operations.
13 Jul Sotomayor Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings Begin: U.S. Senate confirmation hearings commenced for Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama's nominee to the Supreme Court, marking a significant moment in judicial history.
14 Jul Urumqi Riots: Violent ethnic tensions erupted in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, involving Uyghur Muslims and Han Chinese, resulting in significant social and political unrest. The riots highlighted deep-seated ethnic conflicts in the region.
15 Jul First Earth-like Exoplanet Discovery: Astronomers made a groundbreaking discovery of Kepler-16b, the first confirmed Earth-like exoplanet, expanding humanity's understanding of potential habitable worlds beyond our solar system. This discovery significantly advanced the field of astronomical research and planetary exploration.
16 Jul UN Imposes Sanctions on North Korea: The United Nations Security Council Committee implements additional sanctions against North Korea, escalating international pressure on the country's nuclear program.
17 Jul Death of Walter Cronkite: Walter Cronkite, the legendary CBS News anchor widely known as 'the most trusted man in America', passed away in New York at the age of 92. Cronkite was a pioneering broadcast journalist who significantly shaped television news reporting during the mid-20th century.
18 Jul China Confirms Casualties in Urumqi Riot: The Chinese government officially acknowledged killing 12 rioters during civil unrest in Urumqi, Xinjiang, revealing the violent nature of the conflict and tensions in the region.
19 Jul Black Spot Discovered on Jupiter: A massive black spot, approximately the size of Earth, was observed on Jupiter following the crash of an unknown celestial object, sparking scientific interest and speculation about planetary impacts.
20 Jul 40th Anniversary of Moon Landing: The world commemorated the 40th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission, celebrating humanity's first manned lunar landing when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon's surface on July 20, 1969.
21 Jul Jupiter Impact Event Observed by NASA: NASA scientists confirmed a significant impact event on Jupiter, marking the first such observation since the historic Shoemaker-Levy 9 collision in July 1994. This astronomical event provided rare insights into planetary dynamics and impact phenomena in our solar system.
22 Jul Obama's Healthcare Reform Press Conference: President Barack Obama held a comprehensive news conference in the White House's East Room, discussing the critical need for health insurance reform. He emphasized the economic strategy and shared personal stories highlighting the urgency of healthcare transformation.
23 Jul Operation Bid Rig: Major Corruption Probe: The FBI conducted a massive investigation called Operation Bid Rig, arresting 30 officials and rabbis in New Jersey for international money laundering and public corruption, highlighting significant legal enforcement efforts.
24 Jul Major Corruption Arrests in New Jersey: FBI and IRS agents conducted a significant operation, arresting 44 individuals including five Rabbis, two New Jersey State legislators, and three mayors in a widespread corruption investigation.
25 Jul Global Protests Supporting Iranian Demonstrators: Following the disputed Iranian presidential election, coordinated protests were organized in 80 cities worldwide, demonstrating international solidarity with Iranian protesters and drawing global attention to the political unrest in Iran.
26 Jul India Launches First Nuclear Submarine: India successfully launched the INS Arihant, its first indigenous nuclear submarine, marking a significant milestone in the country's naval and strategic capabilities.
27 Jul First U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue: The United States and China initiate their first Strategic and Economic Dialogue, marking a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at improving bilateral relations and addressing global economic challenges.
28 Jul U.S.-China Strategic Dialogue: The United States and China continue their first Strategic and Economic Dialogue, discussing critical bilateral issues.
29 Jul IMF Economic Support Initiative: The International Monetary Fund commits to taking 'unprecedented' measures to support poor countries during the global economic downturn, demonstrating international financial solidarity.
30 Jul White House Racial Profiling Mediation: U.S. President Barack Obama orchestrated a landmark meeting at the White House between Sgt. James Crowley and Professor Henry Louis Gates to address and potentially resolve a racially charged dispute about profiling, symbolizing efforts to promote dialogue and understanding.
31 Jul Baghdad Mosque Bombings: Six coordinated bomb explosions targeted mosques in Baghdad, resulting in at least 29 fatalities and over 130 injuries, highlighting the ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq.
01 Aug Death of Corazon Aquino: Corazon Aquino, a pivotal figure in Philippine democracy and the first female president of the Philippines, passed away at age 76 after battling colon cancer. Her funeral and memorial service were planned for August 5, marking the end of a significant political era.
02 Aug Sectarian Violence in Northern Nigeria: Sectarian violence in Northern Nigeria escalates dramatically, resulting in 700 lives lost, underscoring the deep-rooted religious and ethnic tensions in the region.
03 Aug Bolivia Recognizes Indigenous Self-Governance: Bolivia made history by becoming the first country in South America to officially recognize and grant self-governance rights to its indigenous populations, marking a significant milestone in indigenous political representation and autonomy.
04 Aug North Korea Pardons American Journalists: Kim Jong-il, North Korean leader, pardons two American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who were imprisoned for illegal entry after a diplomatic intervention by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The journalists were initially sentenced to 12 years in prison but were released following Clinton's high-profile visit to Pyongyang.
05 Aug Funeral of Corazon Aquino: The funeral of Corazon Aquino, the first female President of the Philippines and a key figure in the country's democratic restoration, was held, marking the end of an era for Philippine politics.
06 Aug 64th Anniversary of Hiroshima/Nagasaki Atomic Bombings: Japan commemorated the 64th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, reflecting on the devastating impact of nuclear warfare and renewing calls for global nuclear disarmament. Memorial services were held to honor victims and promote peace.
07 Aug Deadly Mosque Bombings in Iraq: A tragic terrorist attack killed at least 36 people in bomb attacks targeting a Shia mosque near Mosul and pilgrims at Shreikhan Village. The attack occurred during a significant religious celebration commemorating the birth of Muhammad al-Mahdi in Karbala.
08 Aug Noordin Mohammed Top Killed in Java: Noordin Mohammed Top, a notorious terrorist and one of Southeast Asia's most wanted suspects, was allegedly killed during a 16-hour siege at a house in Java, Indonesia. His death was a significant blow to terrorist networks in the region.
09 Aug Typhoon Morakot Evacuation: As Typhoon Morakot approaches southeastern China, a massive evacuation of one million people is initiated to ensure public safety.
10 Aug Sectarian Violence in Iraq: Ongoing sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shiites resulted in devastating bombings, killing 48 people and injuring 231 in Iraq.
11 Aug Aung San Suu Kyi Sentenced: A Burmese court found Aung San Suu Kyi guilty of violating her detention terms and sentenced her to an additional 18 months of house arrest, further restricting the pro-democracy leader's freedom.
12 Aug Rwandan Genocide Fugitive Arrested: Gregoire Ndahimana, a Rwandan fugitive accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious charges, was arrested in a joint Rwandan and Congolese military operation.
13 Aug European Economic Recovery Signs: French and German economies show signs of recovery, pushing the Eurozone towards potential economic recovery in the second quarter, indicating a possible emergence from the global recession.
14 Aug Deadly Gaza Gun Battle: A fierce gun battle in Gaza resulted in at least 13 fatalities and 85 injuries, underscoring the ongoing volatility in the region.
15 Aug Suicide Bombing in Kabul: A devastating suicide bombing near NATO Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulted in at least seven fatalities and over 100 injuries.
16 Aug Usain Bolt Sets 100m World Record in Berlin: At the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt achieved a historic milestone by setting a new world record in the 100m dash, completing the sprint in an extraordinary time of 9.58 seconds. This performance solidified Bolt's reputation as the fastest human in recorded history and marked a significant moment in track and field athletics.
17 Aug Catastrophic Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam Accident: A major industrial disaster occurred at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam in Khakassia, Russia, resulting in 75 fatalities and a complete shutdown of the hydroelectric power station. The accident caused widespread power failures in the local region, highlighting significant infrastructure vulnerabilities.
18 Aug Death of Kim Dae-jung, Former South Korean President: Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung passed away at age 85 in Seoul, after a significant political career marked by his advocacy for democracy and human rights. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his efforts towards peaceful relations with North Korea.
19 Aug Baghdad Bombings: A devastating series of coordinated bomb attacks struck near government ministries and strategic targets in Baghdad, Iraq, resulting in massive casualties and widespread destruction. The attacks highlighted the ongoing sectarian violence and instability in the region during this period.
20 Aug Lockerbie Bomber Released on Compassionate Grounds: Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, convicted of the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing that killed 270 people, was controversially released by the Scottish government due to terminal prostate cancer. He was subsequently allowed to return to his native Libya, sparking international diplomatic tensions.
21 Aug Obama Condemns Lockerbie Bomber's Release: U.S. President Barack Obama expresses strong condemnation regarding the return of Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi, the Lockerbie bomber, to Libya.
22 Aug North and South Korea Resume Diplomatic Talks: In a significant diplomatic development, officials from North Korea and South Korea met for talks for the first time in over two years, potentially signaling a thaw in their long-standing tensions.
23 Aug Baltic Way 20th Anniversary Protest: Tens of thousands of people from the Baltic countries commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 'Baltic Way', a historic human chain where two million people joined together to peacefully protest against Soviet Union control, symbolizing their desire for independence.
24 Aug Michael Jackson Death Cause Revealed: According to preliminary Los Angeles County coroner's court documents, Michael Jackson died from an overdose of the anesthetic Propofol, shedding light on the circumstances of the pop icon's sudden death.
25 Aug Death of Senator Edward Kennedy: U.S. Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy, brother of assassinated President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy, passed away from brain cancer in Massachusetts at the age of 77. He was a prominent political figure who served in the U.S. Senate for nearly 47 years and was known as the 'Lion of the Senate'.
26 Aug Death of Senator Ted Kennedy: U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, the last surviving Kennedy brother, passes away at age 77 after battling brain cancer. His death marks the end of an era in American political history, concluding the legacy of one of the most influential political families in the United States.
27 Aug Pakistan Border Checkpoint Suicide Attack: A suicide bomber killed at least 18 border officers at a Pakistani security checkpoint responsible for NATO supply convoy routes to Afghanistan.
28 Aug Michael Jackson Death Ruled Homicide: The Los Angeles County coroner officially ruled Michael Jackson's death a homicide caused by acute propofol intoxication, bringing closure to the pop icon's mysterious death.
29 Aug Horrific Mass Murder in Georgia, USA: A shocking and tragic incident resulted in seven fatalities and two injuries, representing one of the most severe criminal cases in Georgia's recent history, as reported by CBS News.
30 Aug Japan's Historic Political Shift: Japan's Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) wins a landslide general election, defeating the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) by securing 308 seats out of 480 in the House of Representatives. This momentous election effectively ends the LDP's nearly five-decade-long political dominance, with Yukio Hatoyama set to become the new Prime Minister.
31 Aug Disney Acquires Marvel Entertainment: The Walt Disney Company announces a landmark acquisition of Marvel Entertainment for US$4 billion, a strategic move that would transform the entertainment and superhero franchise landscape.
01 Sep World War II 70th Anniversary Commemoration: European leaders pay tribute to the victims of World War II at solemn ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the conflict's outbreak, remembering the immense human cost of the global war.
02 Sep Michael Jackson Death Certificate Amendment: Michael Jackson's death certificate was officially amended to reflect homicide by 'injection of another', adding a significant legal dimension to the pop star's controversial death investigation.
03 Sep Michael Jackson's Private Funeral: Pop icon Michael Jackson was laid to rest in a private service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, marking the end of a legendary musical career.
04 Sep US Soldier Sentenced for War Crimes in Iraq: Steven Dale Green, a former US soldier, receives life imprisonment without parole for the 2006 gang rape and murder of an Iraqi girl and her family in Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad.
05 Sep Lockerbie Bomber Release Controversy: British Justice Secretary Jack Straw revealed in an interview that the release of the Lockerbie bomber was influenced by trade negotiations with Libya and strategic oil interests, sparking significant international debate.
06 Sep SuperFerry 9 Maritime Disaster in Philippines: The ro-ro ferry SuperFerry 9 sank off the Zamboanga Peninsula in the Philippines, with 971 persons aboard. Remarkably, 961 people were rescued, while tragically 10 lives were lost. This incident highlighted maritime safety challenges in the region.
07 Sep Israel Approves New West Bank Settlements: The Israeli government officially approved construction of new settlements in the contested West Bank region, a move likely to further complicate Israeli-Palestinian territorial negotiations.
08 Sep Death of Aage Bohr, Danish Physicist: Aage Bohr, a renowned Danish physicist and Nobel Prize laureate, passed away. He was a significant contributor to nuclear physics and followed in the footsteps of his famous father, Niels Bohr.
09 Sep Joe Wilson's Controversial Outburst: During President Barack Obama's health care speech before Congress, US Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) dramatically interrupted the address by shouting "You lie!", creating a major political controversy and breaching congressional decorum.
10 Sep British Government Apologizes to Alan Turing: Prime Minister Gordon Brown officially apologized for the shameful treatment of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician and World War II code-breaker who was chemically castrated for being homosexual. This apology acknowledged the historical injustice against Turing, who played a crucial role in breaking Nazi encryption during the war but was later persecuted for his sexual orientation.
11 Sep Former Taiwanese President Sentenced for Corruption: Chen Shui-bian and his wife Wu Shu-chen were found guilty of corruption and sentenced to life imprisonment, representing a major legal and political scandal in Taiwan.
12 Sep Norman Borlaug, Nobel Laureate, Dies: Norman Borlaug, renowned American agronomist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, known for his groundbreaking work in agricultural science that saved millions from starvation, passed away.
13 Sep German Election Debate: Merkel and Steinmeier Appear Together: Two weeks before the election, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her political opponent Frank-Walter Steinmeier participated in a televised debate, showcasing the democratic process.
14 Sep Patrick Swayze Dies of Pancreatic Cancer: Patrick Swayze, a beloved American actor known for iconic roles in 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Ghost', passed away at the age of 57 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His remarkable career and personal strength during his illness made him a respected figure in Hollywood.
15 Sep Bernanke Signals End of Economic Recession: Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke announced that the worst U.S. economic recession since the 1930s was likely over, while cautioning that economic growth might not be robust enough to quickly reduce unemployment.
16 Sep UN Goldstone Report on Gaza Conflict: A United Nations fact-finding mission led by Judge Richard Goldstone accused Israel of war crimes and potentially crimes against humanity during its Gaza offensive, reporting over 1,400 Palestinian deaths, with more than half being civilians.
17 Sep Suicide Attack on AMISOM Compound in Somalia: A devastating suicide attack targeted the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) compound, resulting in nine peacekeepers killed, including the Deputy Force Commander, and at least thirty personnel wounded.
18 Sep Ahmadinejad's Holocaust Denial: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sparked international controversy by calling the Holocaust a "myth" and describing Israel's existence as an "insult to human dignity" during a Quds Day rally in Tehran.
19 Sep Sarkozy Pressures Czech Republic on Lisbon Treaty: French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned the Czech Republic of potential 'consequences' if President Vaclav Klaus refuses to sign the Lisbon Treaty.
20 Sep War Crimes Transfer: Ndahimana to Face ICTR Trial: The Democratic Republic of Congo transferred Gregoire Ndahimana to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to be prosecuted for the 1994 massacre of at least 2,000 Rwandan Tutsis during the genocide.
21 Sep Typhoon Ketsana Devastates Southeast Asia: Typhoon Ketsana caused widespread destruction across multiple Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, resulting in approximately 700 fatalities.
22 Sep Obama Pushes for Middle East Peace Process: U.S. President Barack Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, calling for the resumption of Middle East peace negotiations.
23 Sep Massive Dust Storm in Australia: An unprecedented dust storm swept through major Australian cities including Canberra, Sydney, and Brisbane, causing significant disruption to the New South Wales aviation system. This was considered the worst dust storm in at least 70 years.
24 Sep UN Security Council Nuclear Non-Proliferation Resolution: The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1887, a landmark decision aimed at stopping nuclear weapons proliferation. World leaders demonstrated a unified commitment to global nuclear disarmament and preventing the spread of nuclear technologies.
25 Sep G-20 Pittsburgh Summit Reshapes Global Economic Governance: World leaders at the G-20 Pittsburgh summit announced a significant shift in global economic management, with the G-20 replacing the G-8 as the primary forum for international economic cooperation. This decision was a direct response to the 2008 global financial crisis, aiming to create a more inclusive and representative economic governance structure.
26 Sep Typhoon Ketsana Devastates Philippines: Typhoon Ketsana struck the Philippines, causing catastrophic damage with 246 deaths and nearly US$100 million in economic losses. The disaster resulted in the worst flooding in 40 years, leaving approximately 300,000 people homeless and destroying over 3,000 houses.
27 Sep German Federal Election: The Christian Democrats and Liberals win the German federal election, with Angela Merkel poised to continue as Chancellor. The Social Democrats concede defeat, signaling a continuation of the existing political coalition.
28 Sep Guinea Military Massacre at Protest Rally: On September 28, 2009, the Guinean military brutally attacked a peaceful protest rally, resulting in the deaths of at least 157 demonstrators and wounding hundreds more. The attack was led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara's military junta at the Stade du 28 Septembre.
29 Sep 2009 Samoa Earthquake and Tsunami: Two large earthquakes struck midway between Samoa and American Samoa, triggering a devastating tsunami that killed at least 192 people and caused significant damage to the islands. The earthquake was of magnitude 8.3, with waves reaching up to 4.5 meters high, destroying entire villages and causing widespread destruction.
30 Sep Devastating Padang Earthquake in Indonesia: A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Padang, Indonesia, a densely populated city of 900,000 inhabitants, causing massive destruction. The earthquake killed over 1,000 people, toppled numerous buildings, and trapped thousands under debris, creating a humanitarian crisis.
01 Oct China Celebrates 60th Anniversary of People's Republic: Beijing hosts massive celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event showcases China's economic and political transformation since 1949, featuring military parades and cultural performances.
02 Oct Rio de Janeiro Wins 2016 Olympic Games: The International Olympic Committee selected Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the host for the 2016 Olympic Games, defeating Madrid, Spain. Chicago and Tokyo were eliminated in earlier rounds of voting.
03 Oct Treaty of Lisbon Referendum: Ireland holds a second referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon, a significant European Union reform treaty designed to enhance the EU's institutional framework and decision-making processes.
04 Oct PASOK Wins Greek General Election: The Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) secured a decisive victory in the Greek general election, defeating the New Democracy party with 44% of the vote compared to their opponent's 33.5%.
05 Oct 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine: Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider, and Jack W. Szostak were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase, advancing our understanding of cellular aging and cancer research.
06 Oct Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded for Optical Communication and CCD Sensor: Charles K. Kao and Willard S. Boyle were awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics for groundbreaking achievements in optical communication transmission and the invention of the charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, a revolutionary imaging semiconductor circuit that transformed digital photography and telecommunications.
07 Oct Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded for Ribosome Research: Venkatraman Ramakrishnan and Thomas A. Steitz were awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking studies on the structure and function of ribosomes, providing critical insights into cellular protein synthesis mechanisms.
08 Oct Taliban Attack on Indian Embassy in Kabul: A devastating terrorist attack by the Taliban targeted the Indian Embassy in Kabul, resulting in at least 17 fatalities and 83 injuries, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan.
09 Oct Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize: U.S. President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," a surprising and controversial decision early in his presidency.
10 Oct Turkey and Armenia Normalize Relations: Turkey and Armenia signed a historic accord to normalize diplomatic relations, addressing long-standing tensions stemming from the Armenian Genocide during the Ottoman Empire. This diplomatic breakthrough aimed to heal historical wounds and establish peaceful bilateral relations after nearly a century of hostility.
11 Oct INLA Announces End of Violence: The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) officially declared an end to violent activities in Northern Ireland, marking a significant step towards peace.
12 Oct Nobel Prize in Economics Awarded: Oliver Williamson and Elinor Ostrom were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics, recognizing their groundbreaking contributions to economic governance and institutional analysis.
13 Oct US Senate Advances Healthcare Reform: The United States Senate Finance Committee approved a major healthcare reform bill, a critical step in the Obama administration's efforts to overhaul the American healthcare system.
14 Oct Iraq War Casualties Report: The Iraqi government releases a sobering report revealing that over 85,000 Iraqis were killed violently between 2004 and 2008. This figure notably excludes deaths in the initial months of the 2003 war and casualties from non-violent causes, highlighting the significant human cost of the conflict.
15 Oct Controversy Over Obama's Nobel Peace Prize: Initially, three of five Norwegian Nobel Committee members opposed awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama in 2009, sparking debate about the premature nature of the award.
16 Oct UN Human Rights Council Endorses Goldstone Report on Gaza War: The United Nations Human Rights Council endorsed the Goldstone Report, which accused both Israel and Hamas of potential war crimes during the Gaza conflict, marking a significant moment in international human rights investigation.
17 Oct Pakistan Army Launches Taliban Offensive: The Pakistan Army deployed 30,000 troops to South Waziristan to conduct a major offensive against the Taliban and their allies, escalating military operations in the region.
18 Oct Deadly Suicide Bombing in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan Province: A devastating suicide bombing occurred in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province, bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, killing 42 people, including 15 members of the Revolutionary Guards, with six senior commanders among the casualties. This attack was the deadliest since the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). The Sunni rebel group Jundollah claimed responsibility, while Iran accused the United States and United Kingdom of supporting terrorism by backing the group.
19 Oct UN Investigators Challenge Afghan Election Results: United Nations-backed electoral fraud investigators invalidated approximately one-third of President Hamid Karzai's votes, necessitating a runoff in the Afghan presidential election and raising significant questions about the electoral process's integrity.
20 Oct US Supreme Court to Rule on Guantanamo Prisoner Release: The Supreme Court of the United States agreed to deliberate on whether federal courts have the authority to release prisoners held at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, a significant legal and human rights decision.
21 Oct IAEA Proposes Nuclear Draft Agreement: The International Atomic Energy Agency proposed a draft agreement with Iran and three other world powers to address international concerns about Tehran's nuclear program.
22 Oct China's Economic Growth Accelerates: China's economy experienced robust growth, expanding by 8.9% in the third quarter compared to the previous year, marking the fastest economic pace in one year.
23 Oct UK Economy Continues Contraction: The United Kingdom's GDP contracted by 0.4% between July and September, marking six consecutive quarters of economic decline - the first such sustained contraction since record-keeping began in 1955.
24 Oct The International Day of Climate Action was held worldwide to prelude the United Nations Climate Change Conference of 2009. It featured over 5,400 actions to raise awareness of 350ppm as the safest level of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere and to call for global warming mitigation before it reaches a climatological tipping.
25 Oct Baghdad Double Suicide Bombing: A devastating double suicide car bomb attack in Baghdad, Iraq, targeted the ministry of justice and a provincial government office near the heavily fortified Green Zone, resulting in at least 155 fatalities and over 520 injuries. This was the deadliest terrorist attack in Iraq in two years, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
26 Oct Karadzic Boycotts War Crimes Trial: Radovan Karadzic, the Bosnian Serb leader, refuses to attend his own trial at the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague.
27 Oct Austrian University Student Protests for Free Education: Austrian universities experienced widespread grassroots occupations, with significant student movements in Vienna, Graz, and Linz, ultimately leading to advocacy for free education for all students.
28 Oct Peshawar Market Bombing: A devastating car bomb exploded in a crowded market in Peshawar, Pakistan, causing massive casualties. The terrorist attack killed 120 people and injured at least 200, marking one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the region during 2009.
29 Oct US Economy Emerges from Recession: The United States officially exited recession in the third quarter of 2009, with the economy experiencing a growth rate of 3.5%, signaling economic recovery after the global financial crisis.
30 Oct Healthcare Reform Bill Unveiled: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced a comprehensive healthcare reform bill featuring a public insurance option and a new tax on wealthy Americans to fund the initiative, marking a significant moment in U.S. healthcare policy.
31 Oct Death of Qian Xuesen, Renowned Chinese Scientist: Qian Xuesen, a pioneering Chinese scientist known for his significant contributions to aerospace engineering and rocket science, passed away. Often called the 'Father of Chinese Rocketry', Xuesen played a crucial role in developing China's space and missile programs.
01 Nov Abdullah Abdullah Withdraws from Afghan Presidential Run-off: Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah withdrew from the run-off election against incumbent Hamid Karzai, citing concerns about the independence of Azizullah Lodin, the head of the Independent Election Commission. This decision significantly impacted the electoral process in Afghanistan.
02 Nov Radovan Karadzic War Crimes Trial: Radovan Karadzic, former leader of Bosnian Serbs, was set to attend his war crimes trial after previously boycotting sessions. This event represents an important moment in international judicial proceedings for war crimes.
03 Nov Radovan Karadzic War Crimes Trial Begins: Radovan Karadzic, former leader of Bosnian Serbs, attends his first war crimes trial after previously boycotting court proceedings.
04 Nov Iranian Protests Mark U.S. Embassy Overthrow Anniversary: Iranian protesters commemorated the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Embassy overthrow in Tehran, with significant clashes occurring between security forces and anti-government demonstrators. These protests reflected the ongoing political tensions in Iran.
05 Nov Fort Hood Mass Shooting: U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan perpetrated a devastating terrorist attack at Fort Hood, Texas, murdering 13 military personnel and wounding 32 others in the deadliest mass shooting at a U.S. military installation. The incident shocked the nation and raised significant concerns about radicalization within the military.
06 Nov Fort Hood Shooting Tragedy: A major in the US Army conducted a devastating mass shooting at Fort Hood military base in Texas, killing thirteen soldiers and injuring thirty others. This shocking incident raised serious questions about mental health and security within military installations.
07 Nov German Federal Election 2009: The 2009 German federal election was held, determining the composition of the Bundestag and the future leadership of Germany.
08 Nov US House Passes Landmark Healthcare Reform: The United States House of Representatives passes the highly controversial Healthcare Reform Act with a narrow vote of 220-215, a pivotal moment in US healthcare policy.
09 Nov 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the last Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and Polish ex-President Lech Walesa walked through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
10 Nov Naval Skirmish Between North and South Korea: A tense maritime confrontation occurred in the Yellow Sea when a North Korean patrol vessel entered South Korean territorial waters, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that damaged vessels on both sides. This was the first such incident in seven years, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations.
11 Nov DC Sniper John Allen Muhammad Executed: John Allen Muhammad was executed by lethal injection at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia, for his role in the 2002 sniper shootings that killed 10 people and terrorized the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
12 Nov Fort Hood Shooting Charges: Major Nidal Malik Hasan of the United States Army was formally charged with 13 counts of murder related to the devastating Fort Hood shooting, a tragic incident that shocked the military and national community.
13 Nov NASA Discovers Water on the Moon: NASA scientists announced a groundbreaking discovery after conducting an experiment to find water on the Moon. By intentionally crashing a rocket into a lunar crater, they successfully revealed the presence of ice and water vapor in the debris field, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.
14 Nov Peshawar Bombing: A bomb explosion in Peshawar, Pakistan, killed at least 11 people and injured 24 others, underscoring ongoing security challenges in the region.
15 Nov Obama Meets Burmese Military Government: U.S. President Barack Obama became the first American President to meet Burma's military government, demanding the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.
16 Nov IAEA Concerns over Iran's Nuclear Site: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed significant concerns after Iran's delayed declaration of a second nuclear site, escalating international tensions.
17 Nov Obama's First China Visit: U.S. President Barack Obama continues his inaugural visit to China, meeting with Premier Wen Jiabao and President Hu Jintao to discuss bilateral relations and global issues.
18 Nov Iraq Election Law Controversy: Vice President Tariq al Hashimimi vetoes a portion of Iraq's election law, potentially jeopardizing the planned January 2010 elections and creating political uncertainty.
19 Nov European Union Leadership Changes: European Union leaders select Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy as the first permanent European Council President and Baroness Catherine Ashton from the UK as High Representative, marking a significant moment in EU governance structure.
20 Nov CERN Restarts Large Hadron Collider: The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) successfully restarted the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator in Geneva, Switzerland, after a 14-month shutdown that began on September 19, 2008. This marked a significant milestone in scientific research and particle physics exploration.
21 Nov Obama's Approval Rating Declines: A Gallup poll reveals that President Barack Obama's job approval rating has fallen below 50 percent, indicating growing public dissatisfaction.
22 Nov US Senate Advances Healthcare Reform Debate: The United States Senate voted to proceed with debate on the healthcare reform bill, with discussions scheduled to begin on November 30, 2009. This marked a significant procedural step in the landmark healthcare legislation.
23 Nov Maguindanao Massacre: A horrific mass killing occurred in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Philippines, where 57 citizens and journalists were brutally murdered by gunmen while en route to register voters. This event is considered the worst attack on journalists in recorded history, highlighting the extreme political violence in the region.
24 Nov Maguindanao Massacre in Philippines: Following the bloodiest election-related massacre in Philippine history, which claimed at least 40 lives, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao, highlighting the region's political volatility.
25 Nov Maguindanao Massacre: A significant political violence incident in the Philippines where multiple individuals were killed in a targeted attack. The Philippine police identified a political ally of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the prime suspect. The National Police took full control of Maguindanao province to prevent further escalation of violence.
26 Nov Dublin Catholic Church Abuse Scandal: The Murphy Report, commissioned by the Irish government, revealed that the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Dublin had systematically covered up widespread child abuse by priests until the mid-1990s.
27 Nov IAEA Condemns Iran's Nuclear Program: The International Atomic Energy Agency adopted a resolution with a 25-3 vote, officially condemning Iran's secret uranium enrichment facility. This marked a significant diplomatic moment in the ongoing international tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions.
28 Nov Russia Investigates Nevsky Express Bombing: Russia's Prosecutor General initiated criminal proceedings into the previous day's Nevsky Express bombing, which claimed at least 26 lives, signaling a serious investigation into the terrorist incident.
29 Nov Lakewood Police Officer Murders: Maurice Clemmons committed a horrific mass shooting, killing four police officers inside a coffee shop in Lakewood, Washington, in a shocking act of violence against law enforcement.
30 Nov Nazi War Criminal John Demjanjuk Charged: John Demjanjuk was brought to Munich to face war crimes charges for his alleged role in the murder of 27,000 Jews during the Holocaust, representing a continued pursuit of justice for Nazi-era atrocities.
01 Dec Treaty of Lisbon Enters into Force: The Treaty of Lisbon officially entered into force in the European Union, fundamentally restructuring the EU's institutional and legal framework. This landmark treaty aimed to enhance the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the European Union's operations.
02 Dec Tiger Woods Infidelity Scandal Emerges: Jaimee Grubbs, a cocktail bar waitress, provided evidence to reporters about her involvement with Tiger Woods, marking the beginning of a major public scandal that would significantly impact the golfer's personal and professional life.
03 Dec Commemorating Bhopal Industrial Disaster: Indian activists marked the 25th anniversary of the Bhopal industrial disaster, which resulted in 3,787 deaths, remembering one of the world's worst industrial accidents and its long-lasting environmental and human impact.
04 Dec NATO Troop Surge in Afghanistan: NATO announced that 25 member countries would provide an additional 7,000 troops for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, complementing the previously announced 30,000 US troops and 500 British troops.
05 Dec Amanda Knox Murder Conviction: An Italian jury convicts American student Amanda Knox of murdering her former roommate, Meredith Kercher, sentencing Knox to 26 years and her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito to 25 years in prison, concluding a high-profile international criminal case.
06 Dec Archaeological Evidence of Neolithic Cannibalism Discovered: Archaeologists uncovered compelling evidence of mass cannibalism during the Neolithic period at a 7,000-year-old burial site in Germany, providing unprecedented insights into prehistoric human behavior and social practices.
07 Dec UN Climate Change Summit COP15: The United Nations convenes the COP15 climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, bringing together world leaders and delegates from 192 countries to negotiate a critical global climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, with discussions running until December 19.
08 Dec Baghdad Car Bombings: A devastating series of five car bombings struck the center of Baghdad, Iraq, killing at least 127 people and wounding 448 others. The coordinated attacks highlighted the ongoing instability and violence in the region during this period.
09 Dec Amanda Knox Murder Trial Verdict: An Italian jury convicted American student Amanda Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher in 2007. Knox received a 26-year sentence, while Sollecito was sentenced to 25 years, in a high-profile international legal case.
10 Dec Barack Obama Receives Nobel Peace Prize: President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in a significant international diplomatic moment. The ceremony recognized Obama's early efforts towards international diplomacy and hope for global peace, despite criticism about the award's timing so early in his presidency.
11 Dec Pope Addresses Irish Clergy Abuse Scandal: Pope Benedict XVI issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Irish people's outrage over widespread sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Dublin, as revealed by the Murphy Report.
12 Dec CIA Terminates Blackwater Drone Contract: The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency cancelled its contract with Xe Services LLC (formerly Blackwater) for drone operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, signaling a shift in military contractor policies.
13 Dec Tony Blair's Iraq War Admission: In a candid interview, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted he would have proceeded with the Iraq War even knowing there were no weapons of mass destruction, revealing the complex motivations behind the controversial military intervention.
14 Dec Abu Dhabi Bailout for Dubai World: Abu Dhabi provided a US$10 billion financial bailout to Dubai World, helping to stabilize the emirate's financial situation during a critical economic period.
15 Dec UN Climate Change Negotiations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Danish hosts urged countries to compromise and salvage an international agreement aimed at mitigating dangerous climate change and global warming.
16 Dec Ben Bernanke Named Time's Person of the Year: Ben Bernanke, Chair of the US Federal Reserve, was honored by Time magazine as Person of the Year for his critical role in rescuing the global economy during the Great Recession. His strategic interventions and monetary policies were credited with preventing a more severe economic collapse.
17 Dec Drone Video Feed Interception: Iraqi militants reportedly intercepted live video feeds from U.S. MQ-1 Predator drones, potentially compromising military operational security and intelligence gathering capabilities.
18 Dec Auschwitz Sign Theft: The infamous 'Arbeit macht frei' sign was stolen from the Auschwitz concentration camp, a shocking act targeting a symbol of Holocaust remembrance.
19 Dec NASA Discovers Liquid on Titan: NASA made a groundbreaking discovery by capturing the first-ever photograph of liquid outside Earth - sunlight reflecting on a lake on Titan, Saturn's largest moon, marking a significant milestone in planetary exploration.
20 Dec Saudi Airstrikes in Yemen: Shiite sources reported that Saudi air strikes in northern Yemen resulted in 54 deaths, including women and children.
21 Dec Auschwitz 'Arbeit Macht Frei' Sign Recovered: Polish police arrested five men and recovered the infamous 'Arbeit macht frei' sign that hung above the Auschwitz Nazi death camp, a powerful symbol of the Holocaust and Nazi atrocities.
22 Dec Escalating Conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo: The conflict in Dungu (Dongo), Equateur Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, intensified with 100 people killed and approximately 115,000 people forced to flee their homes by December 10th.
23 Dec Liu Xiaobo Trial for Subversion: Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo was put on trial for subversion, a significant moment in China's human rights discourse.
24 Dec US Senate Passes Historic Healthcare Reform Bill: In a pivotal vote of 60-39, the United States Senate approved a comprehensive healthcare bill that would extend insurance coverage to approximately 30 million additional Americans, marking a significant milestone in healthcare reform efforts.
25 Dec Attempted Terrorist Attack on Northwest Airlines Flight 253: Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian national, attempted to detonate an explosive device aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit. The terrorist tried to ignite powder and liquid explosives as the plane prepared to land. Passengers and crew successfully subdued Abdulmutallab, and the plane landed safely without casualties.
26 Dec Commemorating the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: Countries around the Indian Ocean marked the fifth anniversary of the devastating 2004 tsunami and earthquake, which claimed approximately 250,000 lives. The commemoration serves as a solemn reminder of one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history.
27 Dec Iranian Election Protests on Day of Ashura: On the Day of Ashura in Tehran, Iran, government security forces violently suppressed demonstrations by firing upon protesters, marking a significant escalation of the post-election unrest.
28 Dec First Legal Gay Marriage in Latin America: Two Argentine men made history by becoming the first gay couple to legally marry in a civil ceremony in Latin America, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
29 Dec Sudan Referendum on South Sudan Independence: The Sudanese parliament approved legislation to hold a referendum on South Sudan's potential independence, a critical step in the country's political process and potential territorial division.
30 Dec CIA Base Attack in Afghanistan: A devastating suicide bomber attack at Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost Province, Afghanistan, killed nine people, including seven CIA agents. This attack was a significant blow to U.S. intelligence operations in the region.
31 Dec Serbia Sues Croatia for Genocide: The Government of Serbia initiated legal proceedings against Croatia at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide. This action reflects the ongoing tensions and unresolved historical conflicts from the Balkan Wars of the 1990s.

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