Major Events of 2015: 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 2015, highlighting key moments that continue to impact our lives today.

Major Events of 2015 - Historical Moments That Defined the Year | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan Palestine Joins International Criminal Court: The Palestine Authority signs a treaty to become a member of the International Criminal Court, a significant diplomatic move in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
02 Jan U.S. Sanctions Against North Korea: In response to North Korea's alleged involvement in the Sony hacking attack, the United States imposed additional sanctions targeting the North Korean Special Operation Force and 10 government officials, escalating tensions in international relations.
03 Jan Baga Massacre by Boko Haram: Boko Haram militants systematically destroyed the entire town of Baga in north-east Nigeria's Borno State, committing a devastating massacre that resulted in approximately 2,000 civilian deaths. This brutal attack represents one of the most significant and horrific acts of violence by the terrorist group in its ongoing insurgency.
04 Jan Boston Marathon Bombing Trial Jury Selection Begins: Jury selection commenced for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's trial in Boston, with 1,200 potential jurors. Candidates must be willing to potentially impose the death penalty if Tsarnaev is convicted.
05 Jan SpaceX Achieves First Rocket Stage Landing: SpaceX successfully landed the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, a groundbreaking moment in reusable rocket technology that would revolutionize space exploration and significantly reduce launch costs.
06 Jan Cuba-US Relations Thaw: Cuba released political prisoners as part of a historic agreement with the United States, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in relations between the two countries.
07 Jan Charlie Hebdo Terrorist Attack: On January 7, 2015, a horrific terrorist attack occurred at the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical magazine known for its controversial cartoons. Masked gunmen stormed the building, executing 12 people, including journalists and police officers, in a brutal assault linked to the magazine's previous satirical depictions of the Prophet Mohammad.
08 Jan Charlie Hebdo Shooting: On January 7-8, 2015, the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack occurred in Paris, with Hamyd Mourad identified as one of the suspects. During this period, three mosques in France were also attacked by unknown assailants who fired guns and threw grenades.
09 Jan Charlie Hebdo Terrorist Attack Conclusion: French security forces shot and killed two al-Qaida-linked brothers suspected of carrying out the rampage at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The brothers were cornered in Dammartin-en-Goële, and a hostage situation at a nearby printing facility was resolved with the suspects' deaths. This incident occurred concurrently with another hostage situation at a Jewish market in Paris, where four hostages were killed and two police officers were injured.
10 Jan Child Suicide Bomber in Maiduguri, Nigeria: A deeply disturbing incident involved a female suicide bomber, reportedly around 10 years old, who killed herself and 19 others at a market in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria. The event highlighted the tragic exploitation of children in terrorist activities.
11 Jan Charlie Hebdo Terrorist Attack: Two masked gunmen stormed the office of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical weekly magazine in Paris, killing 12 people, including the paper's top editor, Stephane Charbonnier, several cartoonists, and two police officers. Five others were critically injured.
12 Jan Ohio State Wins College Football National Championship: Ohio State University's football team defeated Oregon 42-20 in the College Football Playoff National Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, claiming the national title.
13 Jan Charlie Hebdo Terrorist Attack in Paris: Armed terrorists attacked the offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris, killing 12 people and injuring 11 in a shocking act of violence targeting freedom of expression.
14 Jan Charlie Hebdo Publishes Counterpoint Edition: In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack, Charlie Hebdo magazine released a defiant edition, symbolizing resilience and freedom of expression.
15 Jan Swiss National Bank Abandons Euro Exchange Rate Cap: The Swiss National Bank unexpectedly abandoned the cap on the Swiss franc's value relative to the euro, causing significant turmoil in international financial markets. This sudden policy shift led to dramatic currency fluctuations and economic uncertainty.
16 Jan Supreme Court to Hear Same-Sex Marriage Case: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consolidate and hear appellate rulings on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, with oral arguments scheduled for April and a potential ruling by June.
17 Jan Ukrainian Crisis: Donetsk Airport Conflict Escalates: Tensions rise between the Ukrainian Army and pro-Russian rebels over control of Donetsk International Airport, marking another critical moment in the ongoing conflict.
18 Jan Pope Francis's Massive Holy Mass in Manila: Pope Francis conducted a historic Holy Mass in Manila, drawing the largest papal gathering since the 1995 World Youth Day Mass. His homily powerfully addressed issues of poverty, corruption, and the importance of family, particularly children.
19 Jan NASA Dawn Mission to Ceres: NASA released new images from the Dawn spacecraft as it approached Ceres, the largest object in the Asteroid Belt, preparing to enter orbit on March 6.
20 Jan President Obama Delivers State of the Union Address: President Barack Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address to the United States Congress, outlining his vision for the country and highlighting national achievements and future goals.
21 Jan Houthi Rebels Seize Yemen's Presidential Palace: Houthi rebels dramatically seized Yemen's presidential palace in Sanaa, effectively staging a coup against President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The United Nations Security Council condemned the violent takeover, which destabilized the U.S.-backed government and key counterterrorism ally.
22 Jan European Central Bank's Massive Monetary Stimulus: The European Central Bank announced an unprecedented monetary stimulus program, committing to print and inject over one trillion euros into the European economy in an aggressive attempt to combat economic stagnation and stimulate growth.
23 Jan Death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia: King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia passed away at age 90, ending his reign as the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques. He was immediately succeeded by his half-brother Salman Al Saud, with Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud elected as Crown Prince.
24 Jan Rocket Attack in Mariupol, Ukraine: A devastating rocket attack on an open-air market in Mariupol, Ukraine, resulted in at least 27 fatalities and over 90 injuries. Pro-Russian rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko announced an offensive against the city, escalating tensions in the ongoing Donbass conflict.
25 Jan Mamasapano Clash in Philippines: A significant and deadly clash occurred in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Philippines, resulting in the deaths of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters, and 5 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. This violent incident severely threatened ongoing peace negotiations in the region.
26 Jan Kurdish Forces Recapture Kobanî from ISIL: A significant turning point in the Syrian Civil War occurred when the People's Protection Units (YPG) successfully recaptured the strategic city of Kobanî from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), marking a crucial moment in the conflict against terrorist forces.
27 Jan 70th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation: A commemorative ceremony was held on January 27, 2015, marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi German concentration and extermination camp. The event included an on-site ceremony and an online stream featuring a documentary about the Holocaust.
28 Jan Groundbreaking Astronomical Discovery: Researchers from the University of Rochester and University of Leiden published a landmark discovery in the Astrophysical Journal: J1407b, the first known non-stellar object with a super ring system, potentially a massive exoplanet or brown dwarf.
29 Jan Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Accident Declaration: Malaysia officially declares Flight 370 lost over the Indian Ocean as an accident, enabling families of victims to seek compensation despite the lack of conclusive evidence.
30 Jan Greek Debt Crisis Negotiations: In a significant diplomatic move, Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis met with Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem, declaring Greece's intention to renegotiate its international debt and bypass traditional lending institutions.
31 Jan Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict: During the 2014-15 Russian military intervention into Ukraine, separatists backed by Russia and Ukraine engage in peace talks while fighting continues across eastern Ukraine.
01 Feb Super Bowl XLIX: New England Patriots Defeat Seattle Seahawks: In an exciting American football championship, the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady received his third Super Bowl MVP award, joining an elite group of quarterbacks including Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana.
02 Feb Ongoing Conflict in Donbass: Intense artillery shelling in Donetsk resulted in at least one civilian death and five Ukrainian Army soldiers killed during heavy fighting, highlighting the continued tensions in the region.
03 Feb ISIS Execution of Jordanian Pilot: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) posted graphic photos of Muath Al Kasasbeh, a Jordanian Air Force pilot, being burned alive. Jordan claimed the pictures were approximately one month old, sparking international outrage.
04 Feb Ukraine Military Headquarters Attack: Armed conflict in Ukraine escalated with missile strikes on the military headquarters in Kramatorsk, resulting in 15 deaths and 60 injuries, further demonstrating the ongoing tensions in the region.
05 Feb Tunisia Forms Unity Government: Tunisia established a unity government led by Habib Essid, representing a significant political milestone. The government includes ministers from secular and moderate Islamist parties, with 166 out of 217 lawmakers supporting the coalition.
06 Feb Canada Legalizes Assisted Suicide: Canada's Supreme Court overturned the ban on assisted suicide, allowing doctors to help mentally competent patients with serious and incurable conditions end their lives, marking a significant legal and ethical milestone.
07 Feb Donbass Peace Negotiations: French and Russian leaders collaborate on a peace plan for Ukraine, to be presented to President Petro Poroshenko, aiming to de-escalate tensions in the ongoing Donbass conflict.
08 Feb Deadly Football Clashes in Cairo: A tragic incident occurred in Cairo, Egypt, where 22 people were killed during clashes between Zamalek SC football supporters and police. In response, Egyptian authorities indefinitely suspended football league matches.
09 Feb Greek Prime Minister's Austerity Plan: The Greek prime minister outlined a comprehensive plan to dismantle the existing austerity program, signaling potential significant economic policy shifts.
10 Feb Creation of Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center: The Obama Administration established a new federal agency designed to serve as a critical fusion center between government agencies and the private sector, aimed at combating sophisticated cyber attacks and enhancing national cybersecurity infrastructure.
11 Feb Obama Seeks ISIS Authorization: President Obama formally requested congressional authorization for a three-year campaign against ISIS, proposing a strategy that includes airstrikes and limited ground troop deployment.
12 Feb Ashton Carter Confirmed as US Secretary of Defense: The US Senate confirms Ashton Carter as the 25th Secretary of Defense, a critical leadership position in the United States military and national security apparatus.
13 Feb Boko Haram Attacks Chad, Triggering Regional Military Response: Thirty Boko Haram militants crossed Lake Chad on four motorboats and attacked Ngouboua village in Chad. This aggression prompted Chad to join a military alliance with Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon to combat the terrorist group.
14 Feb Ukraine-Russia Conflict Escalation: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko warned of an imminent threat to the ceasefire in the Donbass region, accusing Russia of significantly increasing its military offensive. He ordered all Ukrainian forces to cease fire after midnight in a live television interview, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the conflict.
15 Feb Islamic State Execution of Coptic Christians: The Islamic State released a video purporting to show the execution of 21 Coptic Christians kidnapped in Sirte, Libya. In response, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced a seven-day mourning period and called for a high-level security meeting.
16 Feb Egypt Retaliates Against ISIS After Coptic Christian Execution: In response to the execution of 21 Coptic Christians, Egypt conducted bombing raids targeting Islamic State positions in Derna, Libya, escalating military actions against ISIS in the region.
17 Feb Escalating Tensions in Donbass: The ongoing conflict in Donbass intensified as the Ukrainian President's office called for NATO and EU condemnation of Russian-backed rebels in Debaltseve. Rebel officials disputed the town's inclusion in the ceasefire agreement, signaling continued military tensions.
18 Feb Obama Seeks Authorization Against ISIS: President Obama formally requests congressional authorization for a three-year campaign against ISIS, proposing airstrikes and limited ground troop deployment.
19 Feb Venezuelan Opposition Leader Arrested: On the anniversary of Leopoldo Lopez's arrest, Venezuelan authorities detained Antonio Ledezma, the Opposition Mayor of Caracas. President Nicolas Maduro accused him of planning a coup with U.S. support, which the United States has denied.
20 Feb Eurozone and Greece Bailout Agreement: The Eurozone authorities and the Greek government reached a tentative agreement on extending bailout terms, potentially averting a financial crisis and providing temporary economic stability.
21 Feb Western Powers Consider Sanctions Against Russia: The United States and United Kingdom discussed potential new sanctions against Russia for violating the ceasefire in the Donbass region of Ukraine. Simultaneously, a prisoner exchange was completed between the Ukrainian Army and rebel separatists.
22 Feb Ukraine Conflict and Kharkiv Explosion: Pro-Russian rebels began removing heavy weapons from eastern Ukraine's front lines as part of a ceasefire agreement. Simultaneously, an explosion at a pro-Ukraine march in Kharkiv killed three people and injured over ten others.
23 Feb Donbass Conflict: Ukrainian Army Challenges Ceasefire: On February 23, 2015, tensions escalated in the Donbass region of Ukraine as the Ukrainian Army reported continued attacks by rebel forces, preventing the withdrawal of heavy weapons despite an established ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed the potential for war while simultaneously refusing diplomatic meetings with French and German representatives to discuss the conflict.
24 Feb Yemen's President Resigns: President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi resigned after fleeing from the Houthis, marking a critical moment in the ongoing Yemeni Crisis and signaling further political instability in the region.
25 Feb Roman Polanski Court Hearing in Krakow: Film director Roman Polanski testified in a closed-media court hearing in Krakow, Poland, regarding an American extradition request related to a 1977 child sex crimes conviction. The hearing was subsequently postponed to April.
26 Feb FCC Establishes Net Neutrality Rules: The U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted to classify internet service providers as public utilities, establishing comprehensive net neutrality rules. Additionally, the FCC moved to override state laws in North Carolina and Tennessee that restricted municipal broadband providers' expansion.
27 Feb Assassination of Boris Nemtsov: Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov was assassinated in Moscow while walking with his girlfriend. The high-profile murder occurred near the Kremlin, shocking the international political community and raising significant questions about political dissent in Russia.
28 Feb ISIS Executes Egyptian Coptic Christians: ISIS militants brutally beheaded 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians kidnapped from Sirte, prompting a swift military response from Egypt with airstrikes targeting the militant stronghold in Derna, eastern Libya.
01 Mar NASA ISS Spacewalk Preparation: NASA astronauts completed the third of three spacewalks at the International Space Station, focusing on critical cabling rerouting. These preparations were essential for accommodating the anticipated arrival of the first commercial spacecraft capable of transporting astronauts in 2017, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and commercial spaceflight.
02 Mar Iraq and Iran Launch Major Campaign Against ISIS in Tikrit: A significant military operation was launched against ISIS in Tikrit, involving approximately 20,000 Iranian-backed Shiite militias, 3,000 Iraqi troops, and a small number of Sunni fighters. Led by Iranian military advisers, the campaign successfully drove ISIS out of the city, marking a symbolic and strategic victory without U.S.-led coalition support.
03 Mar Netanyahu Addresses U.S. Congress on Iran Nuclear Program: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a controversial speech to a joint meeting of the United States Congress, discussing concerns about the Iranian nuclear program.
04 Mar Groundbreaking Hominin Fossil Discovery: Scientists reported finding a 2.8-million-year-old jawbone (the "Ledi jaw") that potentially bridges the evolutionary gap between the 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus (Lucy) and 2.35-million-year-old Homo habilis. This discovery represents the oldest known human remains, predating previous findings by approximately 400,000 years.
05 Mar ISIS Destroys Ancient Iraqi Cities: Islamic State militants systematically destroyed the ancient archaeological sites of Nimrud, Hatra, and Dur-Sharrukin in Iraq, causing irreparable damage to world cultural heritage.
06 Mar Apple Joins Dow Jones Industrial Average: S&P Dow Jones Indices announced Apple Inc.'s inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average index, replacing AT&T, signaling the tech company's growing market significance.
07 Mar ISIL Destruction of Hatra: Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) continued its systematic destruction of ancient cultural heritage sites, decimating the historic city of Hatra, following their earlier destruction of Nimrud.
08 Mar 50th Anniversary of Selma to Montgomery Marches: President Obama and the First Family commemorated the 50th anniversary of the historic Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama. Original civil rights activists, including Congressman John Lewis who was brutally beaten during the 'Bloody Sunday' march, were present to honor this pivotal moment in American civil rights history.
09 Mar Solar Impulse 2 Begins Global Flight: The solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse 2 commences its historic circumnavigation of the Earth.
10 Mar Wikimedia Foundation NSA Lawsuit: The Wikimedia Foundation, along with eight other organizations, filed a significant lawsuit against the National Security Agency in Maryland, challenging the agency's mass surveillance program and defending digital privacy rights.
11 Mar Boris Nemtsov Assassination Investigation: The Kremlin's Rights Council alleged that Zaur Danaev, a former Chechen officer, confessed to involvement in Boris Nemtsov's assassination under torture, raising serious concerns about human rights and judicial processes.
12 Mar Shooting of Police Officers in Ferguson: Two police officers were shot by an unknown gunman in front of the Ferguson police headquarters in Missouri, escalating tensions in a city already experiencing significant racial and law enforcement controversies.
13 Mar Salty Ocean Discovered on Ganymede: NASA scientists using the Hubble Space Telescope discover a salty ocean beneath Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, providing new insights into potential extraterrestrial environments.
14 Mar Robert Durst Murder Investigation: The Los Angeles Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Robert Durst in connection with the murder of Susan Berman, following revelations in the HBO documentary 'The Jinx'. Durst was subsequently arrested in New Orleans.
15 Mar Cyclone Devastation in Vanuatu: Vanuatu's government declared a state of emergency in Shefa Province, including the capital Port Vila, following a catastrophic Category 5 storm that caused widespread destruction.
16 Mar Putin Orders Troops to Readiness Amid NATO Tensions: Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed troops to be fully prepared for snap military drills, citing increased NATO exercises as a potential geopolitical provocation.
17 Mar Netanyahu Wins Israeli Legislative Election: In a surprising turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud Party win the legislative election, securing 30 out of 120 seats despite polls suggesting he was trailing.
18 Mar Scientific Breakthrough: Evidence of Liquid Water on Mars: On March 18, 2015, scientists made a remarkable discovery of evidence suggesting the presence of liquid water on Mars. This finding significantly contributed to new theories about the planet's geological history and raised exciting possibilities regarding potential past or present microbial life.
19 Mar Terrorist Attack at Tunisian National Bardo Museum: A devastating terrorist attack at Tunisia's National Bardo Museum resulted in the deaths of 19 people, including 17 foreign tourists and two Tunisians. The Tunisian President vowed a 'merciless war against terrorism' following the incident, with security forces ultimately neutralizing the two gunmen.
20 Mar Supermoon Total Solar Eclipse: On March 20, 2015, a rare astronomical event occurred with a supermoon total solar eclipse visible in the Faroe Islands and Svalbard (Norway), and a partial solar eclipse in Europe, northern and eastern Asia, and northern and western Africa. The eclipse started at 07:41 UT and ended at 11:50 UT, coinciding with the March Equinox for 2015.
21 Mar Deadly Mosque Bombings in Yemen: Suicide bombers launched coordinated attacks on mosques in Yemen, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 130 people, demonstrating the ongoing sectarian and political violence in the region.
22 Mar Yemeni Crisis Escalates: The United Nations Security Council convened in Geneva to address the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Yemen. Simultaneously, the United States withdrew all its personnel from the country. In a significant development, Shia Houthi rebels captured Ta'izz, a strategically crucial city.
23 Mar Death of Lee Kuan Yew: Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father and first prime minister, passed away at age 91 after a prolonged illness. His death marked the end of an era for a leader who transformed Singapore from a colonial outpost to a global economic powerhouse.
24 Mar Germanwings Flight 9525 Crash: On March 24, 2015, Germanwings Flight 9525, an Airbus A320, deliberately crashed into the French Alps by its co-pilot, resulting in the tragic death of all 150 people on board. The incident shocked the aviation world and raised serious questions about pilot mental health screening and cockpit security protocols.
25 Mar Yemen Political Crisis and Gulf Intervention: Amid the 2014-15 Yemeni coup d'état, President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi fled Yemen by boat after Houthi rebels captured Aden. Simultaneously, the Gulf Cooperation Council declared intervention, with Saudi Arabia launching airstrikes against Houthi forces and installations.
26 Mar Germanwings Flight 9525 Investigation: French authorities presented compelling evidence suggesting that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately crashed the Germanwings passenger aircraft, revealing a shocking and tragic incident of intentional aviation disaster.
27 Mar Germanwings Flight 9525 Investigation: Investigators searching the home of Andreas Lubitz discovered a torn physician's note revealing he was deemed unfit for work on the day of the fatal crash. In response to the incident, Lufthansa and other German airlines announced plans to implement a mandatory two-person cockpit policy, following current U.S. aviation safety guidelines.
28 Mar Germanwings Flight 9525 Tragedy: Andreas Lubitz, the co-pilot of Germanwings Flight 9525, revealed to his former girlfriend his intention to do something that would make him infamous. A mourning religious service was held in Digne-les-Bains, France, near the crash site, commemorating the victims of the deliberate plane crash.
29 Mar Arab League Joint Military Force Proposal: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced that Arab League members have provisionally agreed to form a joint military force to address regional security threats.
30 Mar Yemen Crisis Escalation: The ongoing Yemen Crisis intensified on March 30, 2015, with multiple significant developments. The People's Republic of China evacuated its citizens due to deteriorating security conditions. In a devastating military intervention, Saudi-led airstrikes struck a refugee camp near a military base in the northern Harad District, killing 21 people. Simultaneously, Houthi militants made strategic gains in Aden, the last stronghold of President Hadi's government.
31 Mar Germanwings Flight 9525 Revelations: Lufthansa officially admitted knowing about Andreas Lubitz's mental health problems prior to the catastrophic crash. Media outlets claimed to possess a passenger's cell phone video capturing the plane's final moments, adding complexity to the investigation.
01 Apr California Implements Mandatory Water Restrictions During Historic Drought: California Governor Jerry Brown announced unprecedented mandatory water restrictions in response to the state's most severe drought on record. This landmark decision signaled a critical environmental management strategy to address water scarcity and climate change impacts.
02 Apr Garissa University College Terrorist Attack: Terrorist gunmen affiliated with Al-Shabaab attacked Garissa University College in Kenya, resulting in a devastating massacre that killed at least 148 people and wounded 79 others. The attack targeted students during early morning hours, representing one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Kenya's recent history.
03 Apr Germanwings Flight 9525 Intentional Crash Revelation: Shocking evidence from the flight data recorder revealed that the Germanwings Flight 9525 was deliberately accelerated before crashing into the French Alps, suggesting a premeditated act of pilot-induced destruction.
04 Apr Garissa University College Terrorist Attack: Shabab militants conducted a horrific terrorist attack on Garissa University College in northeast Kenya. During a daylong siege, the militants separated Muslims and non-Muslims, deliberately targeting and killing over 140 non-Muslim students. The attack ended when security officials neutralized the four gunmen and freed surviving hostages.
05 Apr Large Hadron Collider Reactivated at CERN: After a comprehensive two-year conversion and upgrade process, the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland was successfully restarted, promising new opportunities for groundbreaking particle physics research and potential scientific discoveries.
06 Apr Bali Nine Execution Appeal Rejected: An Indonesian court upheld the rejection of clemency for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, two key members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling group, maintaining their death penalty sentences for a 2005 heroin smuggling plot.
07 Apr Walter Scott Shooting: Police Brutality Case: A North Charleston police officer was charged with murder after video footage revealed he shot an unarmed suspect who was attempting to flee on foot during a routine traffic stop. This incident became a significant case in the ongoing national dialogue about police use of force and racial profiling.
08 Apr Boston Marathon Bombing Trial Verdict: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was found guilty on all charges related to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the terrorist attack.
09 Apr Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Convicted of Boston Marathon Bombing: A jury found Dzhokhar Tsarnaev guilty on all 30 counts related to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, a significant moment in the prosecution of domestic terrorism.
10 Apr Hillary Clinton Announces 2016 Presidential Campaign: Multiple sources reported that Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, would announce her candidacy for the 2016 United States Presidential Election.
11 Apr Historic US-Cuba Leadership Meeting: At the Summit of the Americas in Panama, U.S. President Barack Obama met with Cuban President Raul Castro, marking the first direct interaction between leaders of both countries since the Cuban Revolution. This meeting symbolized potential diplomatic thawing between the long-estranged nations.
12 Apr Saudi-Led Coalition Continues Airstrikes in Yemen: The Saudi-led coalition escalated military operations in Yemen, conducting continuous airstrikes against Houthi rebels. The conflict, which began in March, saw Houthi rebels capturing Yemen's capital Sana'a and forcing President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile in Saudi Arabia.
13 Apr Blackwater Baghdad Shootings Sentencing: A Blackwater security guard is sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2007 killing of 14 civilians in Baghdad, marking a significant legal accountability for private military contractors' actions during the Iraq War.
14 Apr Mediterranean Migrant Shipwreck: A tragic maritime disaster occurred in the Mediterranean Sea, with approximately 400 migrants losing their lives in a boat accident between Libya and Italy, highlighting the ongoing refugee crisis.
15 Apr Netanyahu Demands Recognition in Iran Nuclear Deal: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that any final nuclear agreement with Iran must include explicit recognition of Israel's right to exist.
16 Apr Tragic Mediterranean Migrant Boat Incident: A devastating maritime tragedy occurred when a migrant boat between Libya and Italy sank, resulting in over 40 deaths. In a separate, shocking incident, 15 Muslim migrants were arrested for allegedly throwing 12 Christian migrants overboard.
17 Apr ISIS Suicide Attack on U.S. Consulate in Erbil: A suicide car bombing at the U.S. consulate in Erbil, Iraq's Kurdish Region, resulted in three fatalities and 14 injuries. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
18 Apr Mediterranean Sea Migration Tragedy: A boat carrying migrants from Libya to Italy collided in the Mediterranean Sea, with hundreds believed to have died. Only twenty-eight people were rescued.
19 Apr Tragic Mediterranean Migrant Shipwreck: A devastating maritime disaster occurred when a boat carrying approximately 850 migrants shipwrecked between Italian and Libyan waters, with only 27 survivors rescued, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis of Mediterranean migration.
20 Apr Mohammed Morsi Conviction: The Cairo Criminal Court convicted former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi for illegal detentions and violent responses to protests. Morsi and other Muslim Brotherhood defendants were sentenced to 20 years in prison, marking a significant moment in Egypt's post-Arab Spring political landscape.
21 Apr DOJ Launches Investigation into Freddie Gray's Death: The United States Department of Justice initiated a federal investigation into the death of Freddie Gray, who died while in police custody in Baltimore, Maryland, highlighting ongoing concerns about police conduct and racial justice.
22 Apr Syrian Government Airstrikes Against ISIS: Syrian government forces conducted airstrikes on Islamic State-controlled areas, resulting in 32 confirmed fatalities. At least 21 people were killed in the Dayr Hafir region, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
23 Apr Loretta Lynch Confirmed as US Attorney General: Loretta Lynch was confirmed by the United States Senate as the first African American woman to serve as Attorney General, succeeding Eric Holder and marking a significant milestone in US judicial leadership.
24 Apr Armenia Commemorates Armenian Genocide Centennial: Armenia marked the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, remembering the systematic extermination of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I, a pivotal moment in historical recognition of this tragic event.
25 Apr Nepal Earthquake Devastates Region: A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Nearly 9,100 people were killed, with significant damage to infrastructure and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historical Dharahara tower. The earthquake's impact extended to neighboring countries like India, Bangladesh, and Tibet.
26 Apr Nepal Earthquake Aftermath: Continuing rescue and recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake in Nepal, with over 2,200 confirmed deaths. A strong 6.7 magnitude aftershock struck Nepal and northern India, causing additional avalanches in the Himalayas. Rescue helicopters evacuated seriously injured climbers from Mount Everest.
27 Apr April 2015 Nepal Earthquake: A devastating earthquake struck Nepal, causing massive loss of life and widespread destruction. Over 3,700 people were killed, with thousands left homeless. Experts feared the death toll could potentially rise to 5,000, highlighting the catastrophic nature of the natural disaster.
28 Apr Nepal Earthquake Devastation: The April 2015 Nepal earthquake continues to cause massive destruction, with the official death toll exceeding 5,000. The United Nations estimates 1.4 million people urgently need emergency food assistance. In a particularly tragic development, at least 250 people are reported missing following a mudslide in Ghodatabela, a remote village near the earthquake's epicenter.
29 Apr Nepal Earthquake Aftermath: In the wake of the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, the first food aid arrived as the death toll rose to 6,100. Casualties were reported across multiple regions: over 6,000 in Nepal, 19 on Mount Everest, 25 in China, and 4 in Bangladesh. The crisis led to thousands of people fleeing Kathmandu due to uncertainty over food supplies.
30 Apr Survivor Found in Nepal Earthquake Rubble: Five days after the devastating April 2015 Nepal earthquake, a teenager was miraculously pulled alive from the rubble of a guesthouse on the outskirts of Kathmandu, offering a glimmer of hope amidst widespread destruction.
01 May Freddie Gray Death Investigation: In a landmark case, Maryland State Attorney Marilyn Mosby ruled Freddie Gray's death a homicide. Six Baltimore Police Department officers were taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder, involuntary killing, and misconduct, sparking nationwide discussions about police accountability and racial justice.
02 May Nepal Earthquake Aftermath: The devastating April 2015 Nepal earthquake resulted in 7,040 confirmed fatalities and 14,025 injuries. Thousands remain missing, and Nepalese authorities have abandoned hope of finding additional survivors among the earthquake's rubble.
03 May Nepal Earthquake Aftermath: Following the devastating April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Kathmandu International Airport was closed to large relief aircraft due to runway strain. The death toll had risen to 7,000 and was expected to increase further, highlighting the massive humanitarian crisis.
04 May Mediterranean Migration Crisis Intensifies: A tragic report revealed that 10 people died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, with 5,800 migrants rescued by authorities. The incident highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis of people smuggling and dangerous migration routes.
05 May Alberta's Historic Political Shift: In a landmark election, Rachel Notley's New Democratic Party won a majority in Alberta's Legislative Assembly, ending the Progressive Conservative Party's 40-year political dominance.
06 May Germanwings Flight 9525 Investigation Reveals Copilot's Premeditation: French investigators confirmed that Andreas Lubitz was responsible for the Germanwings Flight 9525 murder-suicide tragedy. Evidence suggested he had previously practiced rapid descent, indicating premeditated intent to crash the aircraft.
07 May UK General Election: Conservative Victory: The United Kingdom held its general election, with the Conservative Party securing a narrow majority in the House of Commons. Notably, the Scottish National Party dominated Scotland, significantly reducing the Scottish Labour Party's representation.
08 May UK General Election: Conservative Victory: The Conservative Party, led by David Cameron, won a surprising majority in the 2015 UK general election, enabling them to form a government without coalition partners. The Scottish National Party dramatically swept nearly all Scottish seats, signaling significant political shifts.
09 May Liberia Declared Ebola-Free: The World Health Organization officially declared an end to the Ebola virus outbreak in Liberia after weeks of zero reported cases, signaling a major milestone in the fight against the epidemic.
10 May Nepal Earthquake Death Toll Rises: The April 2015 Nepal earthquake's death toll reached 8,000. Rescue efforts were significantly hampered by avalanches in mountainous regions.
11 May David Cameron Forms New UK Cabinet: British Prime Minister David Cameron announced the formation of a new Cabinet composed entirely of Conservative Party members following the party's election victory.
12 May Massive Nepal Earthquake: A devastating earthquake struck Nepal, killing 218 people and injuring more than 3,500, causing widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis in the region.
13 May Philadelphia Train Derailment: A catastrophic train accident resulted in seven fatalities and over 200 injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest the train was traveling at 100 mph in a curve with a 50 mph speed limit, potentially indicating operator error or mechanical failure.
14 May White House Meets with Gulf Cooperation Council: President Barack Obama hosted the Gulf Cooperation Council at the White House, with the proposed Iranian nuclear agreement being a critical topic of discussion. The meeting underscored the complex geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
15 May Boston Marathon Bomber Sentenced: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (corrected spelling) was sentenced for his involvement in the Boston Marathon Bombings, a terrorist attack that shocked the United States and led to significant discussions about domestic terrorism and public safety.
16 May Sinai Insurgency Violence: Gunmen targeted and shot three Egyptian judges on the Sinai Peninsula, seemingly in retaliation for Mohamed Morsi's death sentence, highlighting the ongoing political and sectarian tensions in the region.
17 May Islamic State Captures Ramadi, Iraq: After government forces retreated, the Islamic State militant group successfully took control of Ramadi, a significant city in Iraq, marking another strategic territorial gain for the extremist organization.
18 May ISIS Captures Ramadi: Islamic State militants captured the strategically important city of Ramadi in Iraq's Anbar Governorate, resulting in 500 reported deaths and causing approximately 8,000 people to flee.
19 May Germanwings Flight 9525 Victims Identified: French prosecutors announced that all passengers from the tragic Germanwings plane crash in southern France had been identified, allowing families to begin the process of mourning and closure.
20 May Oldest Known Tools Discovered in Kenya: Archaeologists Sonia Harmand and Jason Lewis from Stony Brook University discovered the oldest known stone tools near Lake Turkana, Kenya, providing unprecedented insights into early human technological development.
21 May Freddie Gray Case: Police Officers Indicted: A grand jury in Baltimore indicted six police officers in connection with the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. All six officers face reckless endangerment charges, marking a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about police accountability and racial justice.
22 May Ireland Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage via Public Referendum: The Republic of Ireland made history by becoming the first nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage through a national public referendum. This landmark decision represented a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting a profound social and cultural shift in a traditionally conservative Catholic country.
23 May Ireland Approves Same-Sex Marriage via Referendum: The Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage through a national referendum, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights.
24 May Taliban Attack in Afghanistan: In a brutal assault on Afghan security forces, Taliban militants attacked checkpoints in Helmand Province, resulting in the death of at least ten Afghan police officers, further highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.
25 May Islamic State Captures Ramadi: The Islamic State's capture of Ramadi, an Iraqi city, triggered a mass exodus, with nearly 55,000 people fleeing the area to escape the militant group's control.
26 May US Court Blocks Obama's Immigration Executive Action: The US Appeals Court ruled against President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration, preventing its implementation while legal challenges from Texas and 25 other states are ongoing, highlighting the complex political landscape of immigration policy.
27 May FIFA Corruption Arrests: Six high-ranking FIFA officials were detained in Switzerland on corruption allegations dating back to the 1990s. Notable arrests included Jeffrey Webb, Jack Warner, and others like Eugenio Figueredo and Jose Maria Marin, signaling a major crackdown on corruption in international football.
28 May 2015 Texas-Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak: A devastating tornado outbreak in Texas and Oklahoma resulted in 21 confirmed deaths, with 11 people still missing. The disaster extended into northern Mexico, where an additional 14 people were killed, highlighting the severe meteorological event's widespread impact.
29 May US Removes Cuba from Terrorism List: The United States officially removed Cuba from its State Sponsors of Terrorism List, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough and a key step in normalizing relations between the two countries after decades of tension.
30 May Mediterranean Migration Crisis: The Italian Coast Guard reported a devastating migrant crisis, with 17 people losing their lives and 4,200 individuals rescued from the Mediterranean Sea. International rescue efforts involved ships from multiple European countries, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian challenge of illegal migration from Africa to Europe.
31 May Nepal Earthquake Aftermath: Following the devastating April 2015 earthquake that destroyed over 25,000 classrooms and claimed more than 8,000 lives, Nepal has begun the process of educational recovery by reopening thousands of schools, demonstrating resilience in the face of catastrophic destruction.
01 Jun USA Freedom Act and Patriot Act Expiration: Due to Congressional inaction, parts of the Patriot Act expired at 12:01 a.m., temporarily halting the National Security Agency's surveillance of telephone records and sparking a significant debate about privacy and national security.
02 Jun USA Freedom Act Passes: The US Senate voted 67-32 to pass the USA Freedom Act, ending the NSA's bulk collection of phone records. The responsibility shifts to phone companies, who can only provide data with a FISA court warrant. The law also reinstated key Patriot Act provisions.
03 Jun FIFA Corruption Scandal: Chuck Blazer's Confession: Chuck Blazer, a former high-ranking FIFA official, publicly admitted to accepting bribes related to the bidding processes for the 1998 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, further exposing systemic corruption within international soccer's governing body.
04 Jun Greece Debt Crisis Escalation: Syriza party officials reject a last-minute offer from Greece's creditors, bringing the country closer to a potential financial default.
05 Jun Clinton Correctional Facility Prison Break: Convicted killers Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, sparking a massive manhunt and highlighting significant security vulnerabilities in the prison system.
06 Jun Horse racing: The Epsom Derby, the 236th edition of the race, was held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in England. Golden Horn was won by Frankie Dettori and Jack Hobbs came second. (BBC), (The Telegraph). The 2015 Belmont Stakes takes place at Belmont Park. American Pharoah becomes the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years.
07 Jun 41st G7 Summit in Germany: World leaders convene at the G7 Summit in Bavaria, with primary discussions focused on the critical Greek debt crisis and ongoing tensions in Ukraine, signaling complex global economic and geopolitical challenges.
08 Jun Zivotofsky v. Kerry Supreme Court Decision: The United States Supreme Court issued a landmark 6-3 ruling against a congressional law that would have allowed individuals born in Jerusalem to list Israel as their birthplace. The court affirmed the President's exclusive constitutional authority in recognizing foreign sovereignty, reinforcing executive power in diplomatic matters.
09 Jun FIFA Corruption Investigation Continues: Swiss police escalated their investigation into FIFA corruption allegations by seizing computer records, marking a significant development in the international soccer governing body's ongoing scandal.
10 Jun Vatican Addresses Sexual Abuse Cases: Pope Francis approved a new system empowering the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to investigate and decide on cases of clerical abuse of office related to the abuse of minors.
11 Jun Tamir Rice Case: Officer Charged with Murder: A Cleveland court found probable cause to charge Timothy Loehmann, a Cleveland Police Department officer, with murder in connection with the shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, a case that sparked national discussions about police use of force and racial bias.
12 Jun US Drone Strike Kills Al-Qaeda Leader: Al-Qaeda's second-in-command, Nasser al-Wuhayshi, who was Osama Bin Laden's former private secretary, was killed in a targeted US air strike in Yemen, representing a significant blow to the terrorist organization.
13 Jun Syrian Refugee Crisis: Approximately 13,000 Syrian refugees fled to Turkey after Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units surrounded the ISIL-held town of Suluk, demonstrating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
14 Jun Syrian Civil War: Kurdish Advance Against ISIS: Kurdish fighters made significant territorial gains near Tell Abyad, a strategic border town between Syria and Iraq, causing thousands of civilians to flee as the conflict with Islamic State intensified.
15 Jun Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Commemoration: Global commemorations marked the 800th anniversary of King John's sealing of the Magna Carta, a foundational document in the development of constitutional law and human rights.
16 Jun Donald Trump Announces Presidential Campaign: American businessman Donald Trump officially announced his campaign to run for President of the United States in the 2016 election, launching his bid at Trump Tower in New York City.
17 Jun Charleston Church Shooting: A tragic mass shooting occurred at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine African American worshippers were killed by a white supremacist gunman, sparking national conversations about racism and gun violence.
18 Jun Charleston Church Shooting Arrest: Dylann Roof, the suspected perpetrator of a racially motivated mass shooting, was apprehended at a traffic stop. He was accused of shooting nine people, including a South Carolina state senator. Despite having a prior criminal record for drug possession, Roof had legally purchased the firearm after passing background checks.
19 Jun Charleston Church Massacre: A tragic mass shooting at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old white supremacist, killed nine African American worshippers during a bible study meeting. Roof was arrested in Shelby, North Carolina, and reportedly confessed to the racially motivated hate crime, stating he was there to 'shoot black people'.
20 Jun Deadly Heat Wave in Pakistan: A severe heat wave struck southern Pakistan, resulting in approximately 2,000 deaths due to dehydration and heat stroke, underscoring the devastating impact of extreme weather conditions.
21 Jun Greece Debt Negotiations: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras proposed new reforms, signaling potential progress in the country's critical debt negotiations, which were crucial to preventing a potential economic collapse.
22 Jun Confederate Flag Controversy After Charleston Shooting: In the wake of the Charleston church shooting, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley called for the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the State House grounds. Walmart also announced it would cease selling Confederate-themed merchandise, marking a significant moment in the national dialogue about racial symbols.
23 Jun Kurdish Forces Advance Against ISIL in Syria: During the Syrian Civil War, Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) captured Brigade 93 military base and entered Ayn Issa, strategically penetrating the first defense line of ISIL north of its de facto capital, al-Raqqah.
24 Jun Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Death Sentence: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was formally sentenced to death in a federal court for his role in the Boston Marathon bombing. He confirmed his guilt and apologized to the victims.
25 Jun Supreme Court Upholds Obamacare: In King v. Burwell, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed key elements of the Affordable Care Act with a 6-3 vote, including healthcare policy subsidies and employer mandates.
26 Jun Bloody Friday: Global Terrorist Attacks: A series of coordinated and uncoordinated terrorist attacks occurred across multiple countries, resulting in approximately 750 casualties. These attacks targeted locations in France, Tunisia, Somalia, Kuwait, and Syria, demonstrating the widespread reach of terrorist organizations.
27 Jun Confederate Flag Removal by Bree Newsome: Civil rights activist Bree Newsome performed an act of civil disobedience by scaling the South Carolina state flag pole and removing the Confederate flag, symbolizing a powerful statement against racial oppression.
28 Jun Greek Debt Crisis Escalates: The European Central Bank limits lending to Greek banks, intensifying the financial crisis. Greece announces bank closures, ATM withdrawal restrictions, and plans a referendum on the Euro currency.
29 Jun Egyptian State Prosecutor Assassinated: Hisham Barakat, Egypt's State Prosecutor, was killed in a bomb attack in Cairo, marking a significant political assassination that could have major implications for Egypt's judicial and political landscape.
30 Jun Greek Debt Crisis Escalation: The European Union's Greek bailout program concluded with Greece failing to make a payment to the International Monetary Fund. This marked a critical moment in the ongoing Greek debt crisis, signaling potential economic instability and future negotiations.
01 Jul IMF Unprecedented Greek Default: In a historic moment, Greece became the first advanced economy in the International Monetary Fund's 71-year history to default on a payment, potentially disrupting future international financial rescue mechanisms.
02 Jul BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Settlement: BP agreed to pay a massive $18.7 billion settlement to the United States government and five Gulf Coast states for damages resulting from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. The settlement includes a $5.5 billion civil penalty under the Clean Water Act, marking one of the largest environmental settlements in history.
03 Jul Boko Haram Massacre in Nigeria: Nearly 170 people were killed in Boko Haram massacres in northeastern Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing insurgency's brutal impact.
04 Jul Chile Wins First Copa América Title: Chile claims its first international football championship by defeating Argentina in the 2015 Copa América Final, winning 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a tense 0-0 draw.
05 Jul Greek Referendum on Austerity Measures: Greek voters overwhelmingly reject the latest austerity proposal by the European Union, International Monetary Fund, and European Central Bank, with 61.3 percent voting 'no'.
06 Jul Yanis Varoufakis Resigns as Greek Finance Minister: Despite the victory of the 'no vote' which aligned with his views, Yanis Varoufakis resigned from his position as Greek Finance Minister, signaling significant political turbulence in Greece during the debt crisis.
07 Jul Greek Debt Crisis Intensifies: The Eurozone faces a critical moment as Greek banks approach bankruptcy, with strict withdrawal limits of 60 euros per day and urgent meetings to discuss potential solutions to the mounting debt crisis.
08 Jul Chinese Stock Market Collapse: The Shanghai stock market experienced a dramatic 30% decline over three weeks, with over 1,400 companies (more than half) halting trading to prevent further financial losses, signaling a significant economic crisis.
09 Jul Philippines Challenges China's South China Sea Claims: The Philippines requested the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague to invalidate China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, with observers from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam attending the hearing.
10 Jul Confederate Battle Flag Removed from South Carolina State House: After 54 years of display, the Confederate Battle Flag was taken down from the South Carolina State House grounds, a symbolic response to the Charleston church shooting and ongoing racial tensions.
11 Jul El Chapo's Dramatic Prison Escape: Mexican drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán dramatically escapes from the maximum-security Altiplano prison, utilizing a sophisticated 1.5 km underground tunnel leading from his cell to a nearby house. This marks his second high-profile prison break, demonstrating his extraordinary ability to evade capture.
12 Jul Colombia Peace Process: The Colombian government and FARC rebels announced their intention to reach a ceasefire, marking a significant step towards potentially ending the 50-year-long armed conflict.
13 Jul Sandra Bland Death Controversy: Sandra Bland was found dead in Waller County jail, Texas, after being arrested for a traffic offense. Her family disputed the official suicide ruling, sparking significant public debate about police conduct and racial justice.
14 Jul New Horizons Spacecraft Pluto Flyby: NASA's New Horizons spacecraft completed a historic flyby of Pluto, providing unprecedented scientific data and high-resolution images of the dwarf planet and its five satellites. This mission marked the first time humanity explored the outermost known planet in our solar system, revealing detailed information about Pluto's diameter, surface characteristics, and surrounding moons.
15 Jul Obama Defends Iran Nuclear Agreement: U.S. President Barack Obama publicly defended the nuclear agreement between Iran and Western nations, which removes economic sanctions in exchange for Iran reducing its nuclear research and capabilities, potentially reshaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.
16 Jul First Close-Up Images of Pluto: NASA's New Horizons space probe successfully captured and transmitted the first detailed, close-up images of the dwarf planet Pluto, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and planetary science.
17 Jul 2015 Khan Bani Saad Massacre: During Eid celebrations following Ramadan, a devastating car bombing in Khan Bani Saad City killed over 100 people, predominantly Shias. The Islamic State (ISIL) claimed responsibility for this horrific terrorist attack.
18 Jul Islamic State (ISIL) Multiple Incidents: Islamic State (ISIL) was involved in multiple international incidents: Allegations of using poison gas in northern Syria, arrest of 431 suspects in Saudi Arabia with IS links, and kidnapping of three African Christians in Libya.
19 Jul India-Pakistan Border Dispute Escalation: Tensions continue between India and Pakistan as the Pakistan Foreign Office files an official report with India, alleging a series of 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' in the disputed Kashmir region, highlighting ongoing geopolitical friction.
20 Jul US-Cuba Diplomatic Relations Restored: The United States and Cuba officially resumed full diplomatic relations after 54 years of hostility, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough. The Cuban flag was raised at its mission in Washington D.C., symbolizing the restoration of embassy status for both nations.
21 Jul Sandra Bland Death Investigation Launched: Authorities in Waller County, Texas, announced an investigation into the death of Sandra Bland, an activist who died while in police custody, amid growing concerns about police conduct and racial justice.
22 Jul Charleston Church Shooting Indictment: Dylann Roof was indicted on multiple federal offenses, including hate crimes, for the murders of nine people in Charleston, South Carolina, in a racially motivated attack.
23 Jul NASA Discovers Kepler-452b: Earth's Potential Cousin: NASA announced the groundbreaking discovery of Kepler-452b, an exoplanet located in the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. This planet is considered the first near-Earth sized world found orbiting in a region that could potentially support life, marking a significant milestone in astronomical research.
24 Jul Greece Seeks IMF Bailout: In the ongoing Greek government-debt crisis, Greece formally requested a new bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This move underscores the country's continued financial challenges and its efforts to stabilize its economic situation through international financial assistance.
25 Jul Saudi-Led Yemen Intervention Ceasefire: The Saudi-led military alliance announced a five-day humanitarian ceasefire in the Yemen conflict, scheduled to begin just before midnight on Sunday, July 25, 2015. This temporary pause in hostilities aimed to provide relief to the war-torn country.
26 Jul Tensions at Al-Aqsa Mosque: Violent clashes erupted between Israeli riot police and Palestinian youth at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Tisha B'Av celebrations, with Muslims attacking Jews using rocks and firecrackers.
27 Jul Chinese Stock Market Experiences Massive Single-Day Decline: The Shanghai Composite Index suffered a dramatic 8.5% drop, representing the largest single-day decline since 2007, signaling significant economic turbulence in the Chinese financial markets.
28 Jul Obama Addresses African Union: President Barack Obama became the first American president to address the African Union, urging improved economic ties and criticizing the lack of democratic governance across the continent.
29 Jul Groundbreaking Pediatric Double Hand Transplant: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia made medical history by performing the first double-hand transplant on an 8-year-old patient named Zion Harvey, marking a significant milestone in pediatric surgical techniques.
30 Jul Russia Blocks MH17 Tribunal Resolution: Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution to establish an international criminal tribunal investigating the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 crash, preventing potential international legal proceedings.
31 Jul West Bank Arson Attack: A horrific hate crime occurred when suspected Jewish settlers set fire to a West Bank house, killing a Palestinian toddler. The attack provoked widespread anger and condemnation from both Palestinian and Israeli communities.
01 Aug Digital Release of Emperor Hirohito's Surrender Speech: A digital version of Emperor Hirohito's historic speech declaring Japan's unconditional surrender became available, preserving a pivotal moment in World War II history for future generations.
02 Aug Boko Haram: Nigerian Army soldiers save 178 people, including 101 children, from Boko Haram camps.
03 Aug Deadly Monsoon Floods in India: Catastrophic monsoon rains caused devastating floods in India, resulting in over 100 fatalities and forcing tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in emergency camps.
04 Aug Cyclone Komen Devastates India: Torrential rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Komen resulted in at least 178 fatalities across India, marking a significant natural disaster with substantial human impact.
05 Aug Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Texas Voter ID Law: A federal appeals panel ruled that Texas's 2011 voter ID law discriminates against Black and Hispanic voters, violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The court ordered a lower court to re-evaluate the law's potential discriminatory intent.
06 Aug Hiroshima Atomic Bombing 70th Anniversary: People worldwide commemorated the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, reflecting on the devastating impact of nuclear warfare during World War II.
07 Aug Kabul Truck Bombing: During the Afghanistan War (2001-present), a devastating truck bomb exploded in Kabul, killing at least 15 people and injuring 400 more. Simultaneously, a bombing at the Kabul police academy resulted in at least 20 deaths, with the Taliban claiming responsibility.
08 Aug Typhoon Soudelor Strikes Taiwan and China: Typhoon Soudelor caused significant damage in Taiwan, killing at least four people and leaving 64 others missing. The typhoon then hit mainland China's Fujian province, leading to the evacuation of 250,000 people from Zhejiang and Fujian provinces.
09 Aug Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Anniversary: Japan commemorates the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki during World War II, remembering the devastating impact of nuclear warfare.
10 Aug ISIL Bombing in Baquba, Iraq: The Islamic State in Iraq & the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for a devastating bombing in Baquba, central Iraq, which killed at least 30 people and injured 40 others.
11 Aug Greece Reaches Crucial Bailout Agreement: After marathon overnight negotiations, Greece and its international lenders successfully reached a multi-billion-euro bailout agreement. The deal potentially secures a three-year, $95 billion financial rescue package, with the first disbursement expected to help Greece meet an imminent major debt payment. The announcement immediately boosted Greek banking stocks by 6 percent.
12 Aug Tianjin Industrial Explosions: A catastrophic series of massive explosions occurred in the port city of Tianjin, China, killing 173 people and injuring nearly 800 more. The industrial accident caused significant destruction and raised serious questions about industrial safety protocols.
13 Aug Baghdad Market Truck Bombing: A devastating truck bombing occurred in Baghdad, Iraq, resulting in the deaths of at least 76 people and injuring 212 others. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for this terrorist attack, which targeted a crowded market area.
14 Aug U.S. Reopens Embassy in Cuba: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry officially reopened the American Embassy in Havana, marking the first time in 54 years. Eight members of Congress were present to support this historic policy change, symbolizing a significant thaw in U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations.
15 Aug Tianjin Explosions: A catastrophic industrial accident in Tianjin, China, resulted in massive explosions that killed at least 85 people, with Chinese state media later reporting the death toll had risen to 104. The incident prompted extensive evacuations and raised serious questions about industrial safety.
16 Aug Tianjin Explosions Tragedy: The devastating Tianjin industrial explosions resulted in 112 deaths, with 95 people still missing, including 85 firefighters. This catastrophic event raised significant questions about industrial safety and emergency response protocols.
17 Aug Bangkok Erawan Shrine Bombing: A devastating terrorist bombing occurred at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, killing at least 19 people and injuring 123 others. The attack targeted a popular tourist location, causing significant loss of life and raising serious security concerns in the region.
18 Aug Turkey's Political Uncertainty: Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu returned his mandate to form a coalition government to the President, indicating a high likelihood of new elections and signaling significant political instability in Turkey.
19 Aug Greece Receives Third EU Bailout: The German Bundestag approved a third bailout package for Greece, signaling continued European financial support during the country's prolonged economic crisis and demonstrating the European Union's commitment to economic stability.
20 Aug Record Global Temperatures: NOAA reported July 2015 as the hottest global month since records began in 1880, with temperatures 1.46 degrees F above the 20th-century average.
21 Aug Germany Eases Asylum Regulations: Germany made significant changes to its asylum policy by suspending Dublin Regulations, effectively making it easier for Syrian refugees to claim asylum. This decision was a crucial moment in the European Refugee Crisis.
22 Aug Tianjin Explosions Investigated: The State Council of the People's Republic of China orders a comprehensive investigation into the devastating Tianjin industrial explosions, with the death toll rising to 121 people. This catastrophic incident highlighted significant industrial safety concerns in China.
23 Aug Al-Qaeda Militants Occupy Aden, Yemen: Al-Qaeda militants seized control of strategic parts of Aden, a key port city in southern Yemen, raising their flag over government buildings. This event highlights the ongoing instability and complex conflict in the region.
24 Aug 2015 Global Stock Market Crash: A significant global stock market downturn occurred due to fears about China's economic health. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 1000 points at Wall Street's opening, ultimately closing 3.6% lower. The economic turbulence also impacted global currencies, with the South African rand falling to an all-time low against the US dollar.
25 Aug Korea Border Tension De-escalation: North and South Korea agreed to cease propaganda broadcasts and stop war preparations, reducing tensions along their shared border.
26 Aug James Holmes Sentenced for Aurora Cinema Shooting: James Eagan Holmes was sentenced to 12 consecutive life sentences and 3,318 years in prison for the murders of 12 people and injury of 70 others during the 2012 shooting at the Century cinema in Aurora, Colorado.
27 Aug European Migrant Crisis Tragedy: A devastating maritime incident occurred off the coast of Zuwarah, Libya, where two migrant boats collided. Hundreds of migrants are believed to have perished. Simultaneously, Austrian police discovered up to 50 dead refugees in a truck, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis.
28 Aug India-Pakistan Border Conflict in Kashmir: Intense cross-border gunfire between Indian and Pakistani border guards in the disputed Kashmir region led to nine civilian casualties and 63 injuries, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
29 Aug UN Addresses European Migration Crisis: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a comprehensive political response to the European migration crisis. The situation was underscored by the rising death toll, with 171 people confirmed dead in a recent Mediterranean Sea vessel sinking.
30 Aug Destruction of Temple of Bel in Palmyra: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) destroyed the historic Temple of Bel in Palmyra, Syria, a significant act of cultural heritage destruction during the Syrian conflict.
31 Aug Violent Protests in Kiev, Ukraine: During the implementation of the Minsk II agreement, violent clashes erupted outside Kiev's parliament building. Protesters armed with petrol bombs and firecrackers confronted riot police, resulting in one national guardsman's death and approximately 100 injuries.
01 Sep Hungary Closes Budapest Station to Migrants: Hungarian authorities closed Budapest Keleti railway station to prevent hundreds of migrants from boarding trains to other European capitals, highlighting the ongoing European migrant crisis.
02 Sep Iran Nuclear Deal Congressional Vote: President Barack Obama secured sufficient Senate support to potentially veto a congressional disapproval vote on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran nuclear agreement).
03 Sep Syrian Refugee Crisis - Tragic Beach Discovery: A heartbreaking incident during the European migrant crisis occurred when bodies of Syrian refugees, including a three-year-old boy, were found on a Turkish beach. The poignant images of the young child's body went viral, sparking global outrage and drawing unprecedented international attention to the humanitarian crisis.
04 Sep Russia Confirms Military Support for Assad Regime: Russian President Vladimir Putin officially confirmed Russia's military assistance in the Syrian Civil War, providing support to the Bashar al-Assad regime. This includes heavy weapons, tanks, aircraft, logistical support, and military training for the Syrian Army.
05 Sep Migrant Crisis: Arrival in Austria: Approximately 6,500 migrants, predominantly from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, arrived in Vienna after traveling through Hungary. Austria and Germany temporarily modified their asylum system rules, allowing these migrants to either register in Austria or proceed to Germany.
06 Sep Pope Francis Calls for Refugee Support: During the European migrant crisis, Pope Francis made a compassionate plea for Catholics in Europe to host refugees fleeing war and hunger. He personally committed the Vatican to accepting two refugee families in its churches.
07 Sep UK Parliament Approves Brexit Referendum Bill: The House of Commons passes legislation to conduct a referendum on the United Kingdom's continued membership in the European Union, setting the stage for the historic Brexit vote.
08 Sep Turkey-PKK Conflict Escalates: Turkey launched bombing raids on PKK locations in northern Iraq following a previous bombing in Hakkari Province that killed at least 16 soldiers. In a separate incident, 14 Turkish police officers were killed in a PKK bombing near the Armenian border.
09 Sep Queen Elizabeth II Becomes Longest-Reigning British Monarch: On September 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II officially became the longest-reigning monarch in United Kingdom history, surpassing the record of 63 years and seven months previously held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
10 Sep U.S. Senate Blocks Vote Against Iran Nuclear Deal: U.S. Senate Democrats successfully blocked a Republican-led attempt to thwart the nuclear deal with Iran, delivering a major political victory to President Barack Obama. Senate Republicans failed to gather sufficient votes to end the Democratic filibuster on the resolution of disapproval.
11 Sep Cross-Strait Military Exercises: The People's Liberation Army of China conducted three days of live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait. Simultaneously, Taiwan held military exercises simulating defense against potential submarine attacks near Kinmen, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.
12 Sep Jeremy Corbyn Elected Labour Party Leader: In a significant political shift, Jeremy Corbyn was elected as the leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, defeating candidates Liz Kendall, Andy Burnham, and Yvette Cooper. Tom Watson was simultaneously elected as the party's deputy leader.
13 Sep Medical Breakthrough: 3D-Printed Sternum Implant: Salamanca University Hospital in Spain achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by successfully implanting a 3D-printed artificial titanium sternum and rib section for a patient with multiple cancerous tumors, marking a significant advancement in personalized medical technology.
14 Sep First Direct Detection of Gravitational Waves: The first direct observation of gravitational waves was made by the LIGO and Virgo scientific collaborations, confirming a major prediction of Einstein's general theory of relativity. This groundbreaking discovery opened a new era of gravitational wave astronomy, allowing scientists to observe cosmic events previously undetectable.
15 Sep Hungary Declares Emergency During Migration Crisis: Hungary declared an emergency in two southeastern regions and implemented stricter laws to prevent asylum-seekers from entering the country, highlighting the intense challenges of the European migration crisis.
16 Sep 8.3 Magnitude Earthquake in Chile: A powerful 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Chilean city of Illapel, causing significant destruction. The earthquake resulted in 15 fatalities, at least 34 injuries, six people missing, and extensive damage. One additional fatality was reported in Argentina.
17 Sep European Migrant Crisis Escalation: A significant moment in the European migrant crisis, with 7,000 migrants arriving in Croatia. The Croatian President placed the army on alert. Simultaneously, the European Parliament approved a landmark plan to relocate 120,000 asylum seekers across the European Union, marking a critical diplomatic and humanitarian response.
18 Sep Russia's Military Intervention in Syria: Russia deployed its first fighter jets to Syria, marking a significant escalation in the Syrian Civil War. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry agreed to military-to-military talks with Russia. Simultaneously, Syrian Air Force raids on Palmyra killed at least 26 people.
19 Sep Saudi-Led Coalition Bombs Yemen's Capital: In the ongoing Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, military forces bombarded residential areas and government buildings in Sana'a, killing approximately 30 people, including civilians. Rescue operations were ongoing to search for potential victims buried in the rubble.
20 Sep Boko Haram Terrorist Attack in Maiduguri: Three devastating explosions in the Nigerian city of Maiduguri resulted in at least 80 fatalities and 150 injuries, demonstrating Boko Haram's continued terrorist threat.
21 Sep Russian Military Operations in Syria: Russia launched a significant military operation in Syria, attacking the al-Shaar neighborhood in eastern Aleppo with surface-to-surface rockets. The attack on a busy public market killed more than 30 civilians. U.S. officials also reported Russia's first drone surveillance missions over Syria.
22 Sep Chinese President Xi Jinping's U.S. State Visit: Chinese President Xi Jinping commenced his first official visit to the United States, beginning with meetings with technology company representatives in Seattle, Washington.
23 Sep EU Migrant Relocation Plan: European Union ministers approved a mandatory plan to distribute 120,000 migrants arriving in Greece and Italy across member nations over the next two years, addressing the ongoing migration crisis.
24 Sep Pope Francis Addresses U.S. Congress: Pope Francis made history as the first pontiff to address a Joint Session of the United States Congress. In his groundbreaking speech, he discussed critical global issues including abortion, family values, climate change, immigration, and ethical business practices, emphasizing social justice and humanitarian concerns.
25 Sep 2015 Hajj Stampede Tragedy: King Salman of Saudi Arabia orders an official inquiry into the devastating Hajj stampede near Mecca, which resulted in over 700 deaths and 800 injuries, prompting international concern.
26 Sep 2015 Hajj Stampede Tragedy: A devastating stampede near Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage results in 769 fatalities and 934 injuries, marking one of the deadliest incidents in Hajj history.
27 Sep France Begins Syria Airstrikes: As part of Operation Chammal during the Syrian Civil War, France conducted its first airstrikes against Islamic State, destroying a training camp in eastern Syria. Previously, France was only authorized to conduct airstrikes in Iraq.
28 Sep Catalonian Parliamentary Elections: Separatist parties won a clear majority (72 of 135 seats) in Catalonia's parliamentary elections, with a record 78% voter turnout. The winners plan to attempt unilateral independence within 18 months, despite Spain's constitutional prohibition. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vowed to oppose the separatist movement.
29 Sep Taliban Captures Kunduz: The Taliban seized control of Kunduz, a major northern Afghanistan city, marking the first major city capture by the group in over a decade.
30 Sep Russia Launches Airstrikes in Syria: Russia initiates military intervention in Syria by launching airstrikes against anti-government targets near Homs, following a request from President Bashar al-Assad. A U.S. official noted that ISIS did not have a significant presence in the targeted area.
01 Oct Umpqua Community College Mass Shooting: A tragic mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, claimed nine lives and injured seven others. The shooter, 26-year-old Chris Harper-Mercer, committed suicide when confronted by police. The incident reignited national discussions about gun violence and mental health.
02 Oct U.S. Airstrike Hits Doctors Without Borders Hospital: A U.S. military airstrike hit a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, resulting in 22 fatalities, including 12 hospital staff members and 7 patients, causing international condemnation.
03 Oct Kunduz Hospital Airstrike: A U.S. military airstrike hit a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, resulting in the tragic death of 42 people and 33 missing. The incident raised significant international concern about civilian casualties in military operations.
04 Oct Kunduz Hospital Airstrike Tragedy: A devastating airstrike on a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, resulted in at least 10 deaths and 12 staff casualties. The organization publicly asserted that a war crime had been committed and evacuated all personnel from the hospital and city.
05 Oct Russian Warplane Violates Turkish Airspace: A Russian military aircraft violated Turkish airspace near the Syrian border, escalating tensions in the region. The Turkish Air Force intercepted the plane with two F-16 fighter jets, and Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's ambassador to protest the airspace violation, warning of potential consequences.
06 Oct El Cambray Dos Landslide Tragedy: A devastating landslide in Guatemala resulted in 152 confirmed deaths, with over 300 people still missing. Search crews discovered entire families buried alive, and Guatemala's National Disaster Reduction Commission declared the area uninhabitable.
07 Oct WHO Declares End of Ebola Epidemic: The World Health Organization announced no new Ebola cases since the epidemic's start in March 2014, signaling a significant milestone in global health efforts.
08 Oct NATO Increases Readiness in Response to Russian Activities: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced an increase of the high-readiness force by 40,000 troops and plans to send ground troops to Turkey in response to Russian military activities in Syria.
09 Oct Mina Stampede: Deadliest Hajj Disaster: The 2015 Mina stampede resulted in 1,453 fatalities, making it the most deadly disaster in Hajj history. The tragic event occurred during the annual Muslim pilgrimage, causing significant loss of life and international shock.
10 Oct Ankara Bombings: Twin bomb blasts in the Turkish capital Ankara killed 109 people and injured over 500 during a peaceful demonstration against the conflict between Turkey's militant Kurdish PKK. This tragic event was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Turkey's modern history.
11 Oct NATO Helicopter Crash in Kabul: A NATO-led coalition helicopter crashed in Kabul, killing five personnel and injuring five more. The unusual incident reportedly involved a collision with a monitoring balloon during landing.
12 Oct 2015 Ankara Bombings: Deadly Terror Attack in Turkey: Two separate, nearly simultaneous explosions killed nearly 100 people during a peace rally in Ankara, Turkey's capital. The blasts occurred just seconds apart near the main train station, causing hundreds of injuries in what was the deadliest terrorist attack in Turkey in years. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu suggested strong indications of suicide bombers being responsible.
13 Oct MH17 Disaster Final Report Confirms Russian-Made Missile Downing: The Dutch Safety Board's conclusive report on Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 confirmed that the aircraft was shot down by a Russian-made Buk missile on July 17, 2014, resulting in the tragic death of 298 passengers and crew.
14 Oct First Democratic Presidential Debate: The first Democratic presidential debate featured intense exchanges between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders on issues like gun control and national security. Other candidates Martin O'Malley, Jim Webb, and Lincoln Chafee also participated, seeking to boost their campaigns.
15 Oct Israeli-Palestinian Violence Escalation: During the first two weeks of October 2015, the region experienced its most significant violence in recent years, with 32 Palestinians and seven Israelis killed in a dramatic spike of conflict.
16 Oct EU-Turkey Migrant Crisis Agreement: Turkey and the European Union reach a landmark agreement to halt migrant flow into Europe. In exchange for a €3 billion assistance package, relaxed visa conditions, and renewed EU membership talks, both parties aim to manage the ongoing refugee crisis.
17 Oct Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Escalation: Israeli security forces killed four Palestinians and critically injured another during attempted stabbing attacks. This incident is part of a broader month-long series of violent confrontations where eight Israelis and 17 Palestinian attackers have been killed.
18 Oct Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded: The 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Takaaki Kajita from Japan and Arthur McDonald from Canada for their groundbreaking research on neutrinos, advancing our understanding of fundamental particle physics.
19 Oct Pope Francis Climate Change Appeal: Pope Francis urged global bishops to support an appeal for world leaders to convene in Paris and discuss critical climate change issues. He condemned the 'structurally perverse' fossil fuel-based economy in his encyclical Laudato Si', emphasizing its exploitation of the poor and environmental damage.
20 Oct Russian Military Casualties in Syrian Civil War: Russian airstrikes killed Basil Zamo, a top Free Syrian Army commander, in Latakia Province. Two Russian soldiers fighting alongside the Syrian Army were reportedly killed, potentially marking the first Russian military casualties since their September intervention.
21 Oct Iran Nuclear Agreement Approval: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei approved the nuclear agreement with world powers, conditionally directing its implementation and demanding clear sanctions lifting by the United States and European Union.
22 Oct US and Iraqi Forces Conduct Hostage Rescue Operation: A joint US and Iraqi military operation successfully freed 70 hostages from an Islamic State prison in Hawija Province, Kirkuk. The mission resulted in the first American combat death since the US-led intervention against IS.
23 Oct Hurricane Patricia Devastates Mexico: Hurricane Patricia made history as the most intense hurricane in the Western Hemisphere, recording the lowest sea-level pressure and highest non-tornadic sustained winds. The hurricane struck Mexico, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and causing over $280 million in damages.
24 Oct Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Escalation: Ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians continued with violent incidents, including the shooting of a 16-year-old Palestinian who attempted to stab an Israeli security officer at a West Bank border crossing.
25 Oct European Migration Crisis Summit: Eleven European and Balkan leaders convened in Brussels to discuss the migrant crisis. The Slovenian Prime Minister warned that the EU could 'start falling apart' if the situation is not addressed, revealing deep internal divisions.
26 Oct Russian Special Forces Deployed to Syria: A Russian Ministry of Defense official confirmed the deployment of special forces to Syria in support of the Bashar al-Assad regime. These forces, reportedly similar to the U.S. Delta Force, had previously operated in pro-Russian rebel-held areas of Ukraine before being redirected to Syria.
27 Oct US-China South China Sea Tensions: The USS Lassen sailed near the Spratly Islands, directly challenging China's territorial claims. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the action, calling it a deliberate provocation and threatening a firm response.
28 Oct Afghanistan War: Taliban Advances and UK Troop Commitment: Taliban insurgents captured the Darqad District in Takhar Province, near the Tajikistan border, resulting in six Afghan soldiers' deaths. Simultaneously, UK Secretary of Defense Michael Fallon announced that over 400 British troops would remain in Afghanistan until 2016 to provide training and support NATO operations in Kabul.
29 Oct China Ends One-Child Policy: After 35 years, China officially announced the termination of its controversial one-child policy, allowing all married couples to have two children. This significant demographic policy shift marks a major change in China's population management strategy.
30 Oct Syrian Government Airstrikes Kill Civilians: Syrian government airstrikes on a marketplace in Douma, Syria, resulted in at least 65 civilian deaths and 250 injuries, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
31 Oct Metrojet Flight 9268 Bombing: On October 31, 2015, Metrojet Flight 9268 was bombed over the northern Sinai Peninsula, resulting in the tragic death of all 224 passengers and crew on board. This terrorist attack was a significant event in international aviation security.
01 Nov Laquan McDonald Shooting Footage Released: Dashboard-camera footage of Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald was released, sparking protests in Chicago and drawing national attention to police violence.
02 Nov Turkey Parliamentary Elections: Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP) regained its parliamentary majority in snap elections, signaling continued support for the ruling Islamist party.
03 Nov Russian Airstrikes in Syria Against ISIS: On November 3, 2015, Russia continued its military intervention in Syria's Civil War, conducting multiple airstrikes against ISIS-held Palmyra. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that its Air Force had already bombed 2,804 targets in Syria since the start of its campaign in September, marking a significant escalation of Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict.
04 Nov Historic Cross-Strait Meeting: On November 7, the presidents of Taiwan and China will meet in Singapore, marking the first such high-level encounter since the Chinese Communist Revolution. This diplomatic milestone could potentially ease long-standing tensions.
05 Nov British and French Syria Intervention Decisions: British Prime Minister David Cameron decides against seeking parliamentary approval for U.S. airstrikes in Syria. Simultaneously, France announces deployment of its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the eastern Mediterranean to support operations against ISIL.
06 Nov Keystone XL Pipeline Project Rejected: U.S. President Barack Obama announced that the State Department has rejected TransCanada's application for the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline project, effectively halting the proposed cross-border oil pipeline.
07 Nov Historic Cross-Strait Meeting between Taiwan and China: In Singapore, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a landmark diplomatic meeting. This was the first encounter between leaders from Taiwan and mainland China since the Chinese Communist Revolution, signaling a potential thaw in long-standing cross-strait tensions.
08 Nov World Bank Warns of Climate Change Impact: A new World Bank report highlighted the potential devastating economic consequences of climate change, projecting that over 100 million people could be pushed into poverty by 2030. The primary driver of this economic vulnerability is expected to be difficulties in agricultural crop production.
09 Nov Myanmar's Historic Democratic Election: Myanmar held its first nationwide free election in 25 years, with the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party conceding defeat. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy appears to be heading for a landslide victory, potentially forming the next government.
10 Nov Syria Peace Talks in Vienna: Russia proposed an eight-point plan during international Syria peace talks in Vienna, suggesting a constitutional reform process followed by early presidential elections to potentially resolve the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
11 Nov Israeli Airstrike Near Damascus Airport: Syrian opposition groups reported an Israeli Air Force airstrike near Damascus International Airport, targeting a weapon shipment allegedly intended for the Lebanese Hezbollah terrorist organization.
12 Nov Kurdish Offensive Against ISIS in Sinjar: Kurdish forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes, launched a strategic offensive to recapture Sinjar, Iraq, from Islamic State militants. The operation aimed to secure the town and disrupt ISIS supply routes, marking a significant moment in the fight against the terrorist organization.
13 Nov Paris Terror Attacks: On November 13, 2015, Islamic State operatives executed a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across Paris, involving suicide bombings, mass shootings, and a hostage crisis. The attacks targeted multiple locations including the Bataclan theatre, a stadium, and several restaurants. The terrorists killed 130 people, making this the deadliest terrorist attack in France since World War II, and sending shockwaves through France and the international community.
14 Nov Paris Terror Attacks: On November 14, 2015, the devastating terrorist attacks in Paris resulted in 129 confirmed fatalities. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for these coordinated assaults, which shocked the world and prompted significant international response.
15 Nov Paris Terror Attacks: On November 15, 2015, coordinated terrorist attacks were staged in Paris, France, by three jihadist cells. The attacks targeted multiple locations including bars, a concert hall, and a soccer stadium, resulting in 132 fatalities and 350 injuries. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for these devastating attacks.
16 Nov Paris Attacks Mastermind Identified: The Paris massacre was orchestrated by Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a prominent Belgian jihadist and one of the most active ISIS operators in Syria. He was also suspected of involvement in previously foiled terrorist attacks on a Paris high-speed train and a nearby church earlier that year.
17 Nov Russia Responds to Metrojet Flight Bombing: Following the destruction of Metrojet Flight 9268, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised retribution for those responsible. He ordered the Russian and French Navies to coordinate military operations against Syria and offered a $50 million bounty for information on the bombers.
18 Nov French Police Raid in Saint-Denis: French police conducted a major anti-terrorism raid in Saint-Denis, a Paris suburb, resulting in the killing of at least two terror suspects and the arrest of eight others, significantly disrupting potential terrorist activities following the Paris attacks.
19 Nov China Seeks Justice for Executed Hostage: China promises to bring to justice those responsible for the execution of Chinese hostage Fan Jinghui by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This marks the first official confirmation of the hostage's identity by China's Foreign Ministry.
20 Nov ISIS Releases Threatening Video: A new ISIS video was released threatening attacks against high-profile targets, including the White House in the U.S., monuments in France, U.S. President Obama, French President Francois Hollande, and targets in Italy.
21 Nov UN Unanimously Resolves to Fight ISIS: The United Nations Security Council passed a unanimous resolution urging countries to take 'all necessary measures' to combat the Islamic State, following the Paris terrorist attacks. The 15-0 vote notably included Russia, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions.
22 Nov Islamic State Counterattack in Saladin Province: Islamic State militants launched a significant counterattack in Iraq's Saladin Province, seizing strategic areas around Baiji, home to Iraq's largest oil refinery. They captured parts of Seiniyah, Mak'houl Mountain, and an abandoned fertilizer plant, while also attacking oilfields near Tikrit.
23 Nov Blue Origin's Historic New Shepard Space Vehicle Landing: Blue Origin successfully launched its New Shepard space vehicle, becoming the first rocket to fly to space and return to Earth with a controlled, vertical landing. This milestone represents a significant breakthrough in reusable rocket technology and private space exploration.
24 Nov Turkey Downs Russian Fighter Jet: A significant international incident occurred when Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet near the Syria-Turkey border, escalating tensions between the two countries. Russia denied airspace violation, while Turkey maintained it issued multiple warnings. The event marked a potentially dangerous geopolitical confrontation.
25 Nov French Senate Unanimously Votes to Extend Fight Against ISIS: In the aftermath of the Paris Attacks, the French Senate voted unanimously (325-0) to extend military operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
26 Nov UK Considers Military Action Against ISIL: British Prime Minister David Cameron addressed Parliament, arguing that UK military airstrikes on ISIL in Syria would enhance national security and support France in the aftermath of the Paris attacks.
27 Nov Turkey-Russia Diplomatic Tension over Syria: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Russia against 'playing with fire' following the November 24th shootdown of a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 near the Syria-Turkey border. Erdogan accused Russia of supporting 'state terror' by the Bashar al-Assad regime, claiming the conflict had resulted in 380,000 deaths. The incident severely damaged relations between the former Cold War adversaries.
28 Nov Russia Imposes Sanctions on Turkey: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order imposing comprehensive economic sanctions against Turkey, including banning charter flights, stopping tourism, restricting imports, and canceling work visas for Turkish citizens.
29 Nov EU-Turkey Migrant Agreement: Turkey and the European Union reached a landmark agreement to manage the migrant crisis, with the EU offering 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in aid, visa considerations, and renewed EU membership discussions in exchange for Turkey's commitment to stem the flow of migrants.
30 Nov UN Climate Change Conference in Paris: Nearly 150 world leaders attended the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, seeking a global agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions. This critical international summit aimed to address the urgent challenge of climate change by negotiating comprehensive emissions reduction strategies.
01 Dec Chicago Police Chief Resigns Amid Laquan McDonald Shooting Controversy: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel requested the resignation of Police Chief Garry McCarthy following public protests and loss of confidence in the police department, particularly related to the Laquan McDonald shooting footage from October 2014.
02 Dec San Bernardino Terrorist Attack: On December 2, 2015, a devastating terrorist attack occurred at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California. Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik carried out a mass shooting that killed 14 people and wounded 22 others, marking a significant act of domestic terrorism in the United States.
03 Dec Putin Responds to Turkish Jet Downing: Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Turkish Air Force's shooting down of a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 jet in Syria, warning that Russia's response would extend far beyond trade sanctions, signaling potential escalating tensions in the region.
04 Dec Germany Expands Military Support Against ISIS: In a show of solidarity with France after the Paris terrorist attacks, Germany's Bundestag approved measures to expand its military's role. The country will deploy six Tornado reconnaissance aircraft and up to 1,200 soldiers to support coalition missions against Islamic State militants, marking a significant shift in Germany's military engagement.
05 Dec Paris Climate Change Conference Draft Agreement: Participants at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris reached a draft agreement, marking a significant step in global climate negotiations.
06 Dec San Bernardino Shootings: President Barack Obama characterized the San Bernardino shootings as a terrorist act designed to kill innocent people, marking a significant moment in the national discourse on domestic terrorism.
07 Dec Venezuela's Historic Parliamentary Election: In a landmark democratic moment, Venezuela's National Electoral Council announced that the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) won 99 seats in the 167-member National Assembly. With an impressive 74.3% voter turnout, President Nicolás Maduro recognized the opposition's victory, affirming the strength of Venezuela's democratic process.
08 Dec Iraqi Forces Advance Against ISIS in Ramadi: Iraqi military forces successfully recaptured significant portions of Ramadi from Islamic State militants, marking a strategic victory in the ongoing fight against the terrorist organization.
09 Dec Taliban Attack on Kandahar Airport: A significant Taliban attack on Kandahar International Airport resulted in at least 50 casualties, including civilians and Afghan National Security Forces personnel. An additional 35 individuals were injured in this devastating assault, highlighting the ongoing instability in Afghanistan.
10 Dec ISIL Oil Sales Revelation: A U.S. Treasury official disclosed that ISIL has generated over $500 million from oil sales to Turkey and Syrian President Bashar Assad, revealing the complex economic networks sustaining the terrorist organization.
11 Dec Assad Rejects Negotiations in Syrian Civil War: Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad declared he would not negotiate with opposition groups, effectively halting peace negotiations being pursued by Russia and the United States, just days after an opposition meeting in Riyadh established a negotiation framework.
12 Dec United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21): The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) was held in Paris, bringing together global leaders to address critical environmental challenges. Delegates from 195 countries convened to negotiate a landmark agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
13 Dec Paris Climate Agreement Signed: The United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP21) reached a landmark global agreement in Paris, establishing the Paris Agreement to address the critical challenges of global warming and climate change. This international treaty represented a significant diplomatic effort to combat environmental challenges.
14 Dec Typhoon Melor (Nona),: Tens of thousands of people are evacuated when Typhoon Melor, also known in the Philippines as Nona, crashes into the small island Batag Island in eastern Philippines. The storm is now heading to Sorsogon, and has become the equivalent of a Category-4 hurricane. The central Philippines authorities have closed schools and suspended fishing and ferry service.
15 Dec Flint Water Crisis State of Emergency: The Mayor of Flint, Michigan declared a state of emergency over severely contaminated water supplies, sparking calls for a criminal investigation into the public health crisis.
16 Dec U.S. Congress Prevents Government Shutdown: U.S. Congress reached a spending agreement to fund fiscal year 2016 federal government operations, preventing a year-end government shutdown. President Barack Obama signed an additional bill extending government funding until December 22.
17 Dec UN-Brokered Peace Deal in Libya: A United Nations-mediated agreement was signed by delegates from Libya's competing political factions to establish a national unity government. However, some armed brigades with close political ties remain opposed to the agreement.
18 Dec U.S. B52 Bomber Flies Near Chinese Artificial Island: A U.S. B52 bomber conducted a routine mission over the South China Sea, flying within two nautical miles of a Chinese-created artificial island in the disputed Spratly Islands. China accused the U.S. of intentionally raising tensions in the region.
19 Dec President Obama's Year in Review: President Barack Obama reflected on 2015's top 10 significant events, highlighting economic growth, normalized relations with Cuba, and the historic Paris climate change agreement.
20 Dec 2016 Iranian Assembly of Experts Election: Elections for the 88-seat Experts Assembly were scheduled for February 25, 2016. This clerical body has the power to choose or dismiss Iran's supreme leader and oversee their activities. The election was particularly significant as it might determine the successor to 76-year-old Ayatollah Ahmad Ali Khamenei.
21 Dec Bagram Suicide Bombing: A devastating suicide bombing targeted a joint Afghan-U.S. military patrol in Parwan Province, Afghanistan. The attack resulted in six U.S. troops killed and six more injured. The Taliban, through spokesperson Zabiullah Mojahid, claimed responsibility for the attack via social media.
22 Dec SpaceX Makes Historic Rocket Landing: SpaceX achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully launching an orbital rocket and landing its first stage back on the ground at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, revolutionizing space transportation technology.
23 Dec Russian Military Intervention in Syria: Amnesty International reported that Russian air strikes in Syria resulted in at least 200 civilian casualties, suggesting serious violations of international humanitarian law. Moscow categorically denied causing civilian deaths during their military intervention.
24 Dec Severe Tornado Outbreak in U.S.: A spring-like storm caused over 20 tornadoes across the U.S. Midwest and Southeast, resulting in at least 11 deaths and dozens of injuries. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency in affected regions, with significant damage to homes, transportation infrastructure, and power systems.
25 Dec Surprise Diplomatic Meeting Between Indian and Pakistani Leaders: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise two-hour visit to Lahore, meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at Allama Iqbal International Airport. This was the first such high-level visit since Atal Bihari Vajpayee's diplomatic trip to Pakistan in 2004, signaling a potential thaw in India-Pakistan relations.
26 Dec Devastating EF-4 Tornado Strikes Garland, Texas: A violent EF-4 tornado hit Garland, Texas, causing catastrophic damage. The tornado resulted in nine fatalities and injured nearly 500 people, making it one of the most destructive tornadoes of the year.
27 Dec Boko Haram Attacks in Nigeria: Boko Haram militants launched coordinated attacks in northeastern Nigeria, targeting the city of Maiduguri and a market in Madagali, Adamawa state. Using rocket-propelled bombs and suicide bombers, the attacks resulted in at least 55 fatalities, highlighting the ongoing insurgency's brutality.
28 Dec Japan-South Korea Comfort Women Resolution: Japan and South Korea reached a 'reversible' solution to the long-standing dispute about Korean women used as sex slaves by the Japanese military during World War II. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will apologize, and Tokyo will establish an aid fund of approximately 1 billion Japanese yen (8.3 million).
29 Dec Guinea Declared Ebola-Free: The World Health Organization officially declared Guinea free of Ebola virus transmissions for the first time since the outbreak began in March 2014, marking a significant milestone in combating the deadly epidemic.
30 Dec Al-Qamishli Terrorist Bombings: Islamic State (ISIS) suicide bombers attacked Assyrian Christian restaurants in Al-Qamishli, Syria during New Year's Eve celebrations, killing at least 16 people and injuring 35 others. The attacks targeted religious minorities in a Kurdish-controlled region.
31 Dec Record Flooding in Mississippi River Basin: Unprecedented flooding occurred along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, causing major road closures and evacuations. At least 24 people died in the Midwestern United States. The Mississippi River was expected to crest at 47.5 feet in Thebes, Illinois, surpassing the 1995 record. Some flooded areas were at risk of freezing due to below-freezing temperatures.

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