What Happened This Year 1998

Historical Events from This Year 1998

Economics & Industry

Russia Introduces New Rubles Amid Inflation Crisis

January 1st, 1998 27 years ago

In an effort to combat rampant inflation and restore public confidence in the nation’s currency, Russia began circulating a new ruble on January 1, 1998. This reform replaced the old rubles at a rate of 1 new ruble to 1,000 old rubles. The government hoped that this move would stabilize the economy by simplifying transactions and enhancing trust among citizens. The introduction of the new currency was accompanied by educational campaigns to inform the public about the change and its implications for everyday life, aiming to smooth the transition.

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Science & Technology

Juan Maldacena Proposes AdS/CFT Correspondence

January 1st, 1998 27 years ago

Juan Maldacena, an Argentinian physicist, published a groundbreaking paper linking string theory to quantum gravity through the AdS/CFT correspondence. This theory suggests a relationship between gravitational theories in Anti-de Sitter space and conformal field theories defined on the boundary of that space. His work has initiated significant advancements in theoretical physics, impacting our understanding of black holes and quantum field theories.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Ice Storm Strikes Eastern Canada

January 4th, 1998 27 years ago

A severe ice storm swept through eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, causing extensive damage and power outages. This winter storm brought significant ice accumulation, resulting in downed trees and power lines. Major cities including Montreal and Ottawa experienced a drastic impact, leading to cities being heavily affected by the storm. The event persisted for several days, with recovery efforts hampered by icy conditions, leaving thousands without electricity and essential services.

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Crime & Law

Massacre Claims Over 100 Lives in Algeria

January 11th, 1998 27 years ago

In a gruesome incident in the village of Sidi-Hamed, Algeria, over 100 people were killed by armed attackers. The massacre occurred during a time of intense violence in the country, largely attributed to the civil war between the Algerian government and Islamist insurgents. This tragic event escalated fears among local populations as it underscored the brutality of the conflict, which had already taken a heavy toll on communities throughout Algeria.

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Science & Technology

European Agreement to Ban Human Cloning

January 12th, 1998 27 years ago

Nineteen European nations reached a significant agreement to prohibit human cloning, motivated by ethical concerns surrounding genetic manipulation. The discussions were held during an international conference, highlighting a collective commitment to human dignity. This landmark decision signified a unified stance on bioethical standards in light of rapid advancements in genetic research and cloning technology.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Alfredo Ormando's Protest Against Homophobia

January 13th, 1998 27 years ago

Alfredo Ormando, an Italian gay rights activist, set himself on fire in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City as a protest against homophobia and the Catholic Church's stance on homosexuality. This tragic act was intended to draw attention to the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly from religious institutions. Ormando's protest occurred in a location rich in religious significance, amplifying the message of his plight as an LGBTQ+ individual in a society where his identity was marginalized.

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Politics & Government

Drudge Report Publishes Clinton-Lewinsky Affair

January 17th, 1998 27 years ago

Matt Drudge, a political commentator, broke the story regarding the affair between President Bill Clinton and White House intern Monica Lewinsky on his internet-based news site, the Drudge Report. This revelation not only captured the nation's attention but also set off a chain of events leading to major political consequences. The story emphasized illicit relationships in high office and raised questions about accountability in leadership.

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Space Exploration

Endeavour Launches for Mir Docking Mission

January 22nd, 1998 27 years ago

Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on STS-89 for an 8-day mission to the Russian space station Mir. The mission included a series of scientific experiments and the exchange of crew members between the two spacecraft. NASA astronaut Story Musgrave was among the crew, which played a vital role in strengthening international cooperation in space exploration. The Endeavour successfully docked with Mir, marking a significant moment in collaborative spaceflight.

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Science & Technology

Netscape Announces Open Source Mozilla Project

January 23rd, 1998 27 years ago

Netscape announced its plan to release the source code of its web browser, Mozilla. This decision aimed to foster community development and enhance the browser's capabilities by inviting external contributions. The initiative was a response to competitive pressures and aimed at improving the product's standing in a rapidly evolving internet landscape.

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