Events that shocked the world in 2016

Outbreak of Zika virus

Zika virus took a toll on humanity after an outbreak in Brazil where hundreds of babies were born with severe brain injuries after the mother was bitten by Zika infected mosquitoes. The virus started spreading throughout Latin America, Europe and other parts of the world. 

Airplane crash wipes out Brazilian soccer team

A Bolivian plane carrying the Brazilian Chapecoense team crashed in Colombia killing 75 people and almost the entire team. The international community and the soccer clubs around the world mourned the grave loss.

UK votes for Brexit

A referendum changed everything for UK when it voted to exit European Union. 52% people voted for leave while the referendum turnout was 71.8%. Many saw the result as ‘independence’ for UK while stock markets crashed and British Prime Minister David Cameron had to step down. 

1st US President to visit Cuba in a century

US President Barack Obama visited Cuba as part of an official visit, becoming the first US President to visit the country since 1928. It has officially started the process of normalizing relationships between the countries. Both the countries had strained diplomatic relations as a result of Cuba’s close alliance with the USSR. 

Demonetisation of high currency value notes in India

The Indian government announced overnight that higher denomination notes of Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 will cease to be a legal tender. The move sent the country into a frenzy as people rushed to banks and cash dispensers. The ruling government gave the public time till 31st December to submit the old currency notes. 

Emergency declared in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency due to an economic meltdown. Reports of mismanagement and a 69% drop in the price of Venezuelan oil, which serves as the source of virtually all state income has been the main reason behind the government lagging in covering imports and its substantial foreign debt.

Military coup in Turkey

Turkey took to news when it thwarted a military coup and months of crackdown. The country started with jailing of thousands of judges, public servants, teachers and military personnel accused of siding with the US-based Islamic teacher Fethullah Gulen.

Panama Papers leak

Massive leakage of documents and highly confidential information from the Panama-based firm Mossack Fonseca shocked the world. It shed light on the financial dealings of high-profile people like actors, politicans, world leaders and soccer players. It led to a huge controversy which resulted in the ouster of Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, a few days later.

Donald Trump is the next US president

In an unexpected twist, Donald Trump running for US presidential elections representing the republicans got voted by a majority over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Trump found himself in the middle of controversies after some insensitive remarks during the period of presidential campaigns. His “Grab them by the pussy” audio tape was disapproved of by all factions of people.

Heartbreaking photo of Syrian boy in an ambulance 

Photo of five-year-old Omran Daqneesh became a symbol of Aleppo’s suffering amid Syria’s ongoing civil war after his image surfaced on social media

Omran, a four-year-old Syrian boy covered in dust and blood, sits in an ambulance after being rescued from the rubble of a building