The year 2023 marked historic milestones for our country, showcasing India’s blend of modernity with tradition on the global stage. From significant achievements in space exploration to hosting prestigious events like the G20 Summit, the year witnessed remarkable events that will leave an indelible mark in Indian history.
G20 Summit:
The eighteenth G20 meeting convened at Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition cum Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on September 9th and 10th, 2023. The event united leaders from major world economies, discussing critical global issues such as healthcare, climate change, and economic policies. G20 nations adopted a softer stance on the Ukraine war, welcoming the 55-member African Union as a permanent member. Saudi Arabia, India, and the US strategized rail and port links between South Asia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe. Bilateral and multilateral meetings during the summit showcased India’s evolving global political stance.
SCO Summit:
India chaired the SCO Summit in 2023, welcoming Iran as the ninth member. With the theme “Towards a Secure SCO,” India emphasized five key areas: startups and innovation, shared Buddhist heritage, digital inclusion, traditional medicine, and youth empowerment.
Chandrayaan 3:
India’s lunar success, Chandrayaan 3, landing on the moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023, was a source of national pride. Building on the success of Chandrayaan 1, it contributed significantly to understanding the moon’s surface and composition.
Inauguration of India’s New Parliament Building:
In May 2023, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s new Parliament building, symbolizing self-reliant India. The historically important gold sceptre, called the sengol, was installed in the new Parliament building.
Historic Women’s Reservation Bill Passed:
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, commonly known as the Women’s Reservation Bill, introduced in 1996, provided 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies. Passed with almost 100% consensus in September 2023, it aims to bring gender parity into the political arena. The bill received unanimous approval in the Rajya Sabha, with President Droupadi Murmu later giving her assent.
India Wins Two Oscars:
SS Rajamouli’s RRR won the ‘Best Original Song’ Oscar, and Kartiki Gonsalves’ documentary short, The Elephant Whisperers, received an award in its category.
Cricket World Cup:
The Cricket World Cup concluded with unexpected results, with India winning nine consecutive matches but facing a heartbreaking defeat to Australia. Virat Kohli’s stellar performance, along with Quinton de Kock’s batting and Adam Zampa’s bowling, stood out. Afghanistan showcased prowess by defeating England, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Pakistan.
Assembly Elections:
In recent assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in three of the four states—Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The campaign, centred around Prime Minister Modi’s persona, showcased public trust. New faces like Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Vishnu Deo Sahia, and Mohan Yadav were entrusted with state responsibilities. Revanth Reddy will lead in Telangana.
Mammoth Rescue Operation in Uttarakhand
In an unprecedented, and ambitious operation that lasted over 400 hours (17 days) in the Uttarkashi (Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel) seven government agencies working day and night saved the lives of 41 workers. The rescue team, comprising of the Prime Minister’s Office, ONGC and National Disaster Management Authority — assistance from the armed forces, international bodies, and the efforts of rat hole miners successfullyevacuated 41 migrant workers after digging through 57 metres of debris in the mountain range of Uttarakhand.
Some More of The Thumpsup Moments For India In 2023 Were:
- Early this year India launched the world’s longest river cruise – MV Ganga Vilas. PM Modi Flagged off the cruise from Varanasi.
- India Women’s cricket team beat England in the first-ever ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup final in January.
- India’s Golden Boy, Javelin star Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championship in August.
- The Indian contingent at the Asian games shined bright. For the first time in history India’s medal tally crossed the 100 mark) a total of 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals).
There Were Some Thumbs Down Moments Too. Here Is A Recap Of Not-So-Good Events:
- Clashes broke out in Manipur in an ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The situation remained tense for five months.
- India was mourning after a horrific collision involving the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express in which 280 people were killed, and more than 850 got injured.
- India officially surpassed China to become the most populous country in the world, estimated to touch 142.86 crore by the middle of this year.
- South Lhonak Lake burst in Sikkim, causing flooding in four districts, including Mangan and Gangtok. Over 70 casualties, including Army personnel, resulted from rising Teesta River water levels triggered by incessant rains.
- India fell short of winning the Mens ODI World Cup 2023.
