What Happened This Year 2001

Historical Events from This Year 2001

Natural Disasters

Devastating Gujarat Earthquake Shakes India

January 26th, 2001 24 years ago

A powerful 7.7 Mw earthquake struck Gujarat, Western India, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. The quake caused severe damage to infrastructure and housing, with an estimated 13,805 to 20,023 fatalities and around 166,800 injuries. The impact was especially pronounced in the city of Bhuj, where emergency response efforts were challenged by the extent of the devastation. This natural disaster sparked a nationwide and international humanitarian response.

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Politics & Government

Student Protests Against Wahid's Corruption Allegations

January 29th, 2001 24 years ago

Thousands of students in Indonesia stormed parliament, demanding the resignation of President Abdurrahman Wahid. These protests were fueled by allegations of corruption against the president. The demonstrators expressed their discontent with the government's handling of economic issues and sought accountability from their leaders. The protests reflected a growing frustration among youth regarding political leadership.

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Crime & Law

Libyan Abdelbaset al-Megrahi Convicted

January 31st, 2001 24 years ago

Scottish judges in the Netherlands found Abdelbaset al-Megrahi guilty of orchestrating the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. The attack resulted in the deaths of 270 passengers and crew aboard Pan Am Flight 103, which was blown up over Lockerbie, Scotland, while flying from London to New York. The verdict was reached after a lengthy trial held in a specially constructed court in the Netherlands. Another Libyan citizen, Lamen Khalifa Fhimah, was acquitted of all charges.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Close Call Between Japan Airlines Aircraft

January 31st, 2001 24 years ago

Two Japan Airlines planes, arriving at Tokyo from different locations, nearly collided over Suruga Bay due to an air traffic control error. Flight 123 was descending towards Tokyo's Narita Airport while Flight 456 was climbing to altitude, resulting in their flight paths crossing dangerously close. Quick action by the pilots ensured the planes maintained a safe distance, highlighting the importance of vigilant navigation and communication. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and both planes landed safely.

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Space Exploration

Atlantis Launches with Destiny Laboratory Module

February 7th, 2001 24 years ago

Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on mission STS-98, carrying the Destiny laboratory module to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marked a significant step in the assembly and expansion of the ISS, providing critical research capabilities in microgravity. The launch occurred from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, highlighting NASA's commitment to advancing scientific exploration. The crew of STS-98 included commander Kenneth Cockrell and pilot Charles Hobaugh, showcasing a diverse team of skilled astronauts.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Ehime Maru and USS Greeneville Collision

February 9th, 2001 24 years ago

A tragic collision occurs between the Ehime Maru, a Japanese fishery training ship, and the USS Greeneville, a U.S. Navy submarine, in Pearl Harbor. The incident claims the lives of nine individuals, including students and crew aboard the Ehime Maru. The Greeneville, while damaged, sustains about $2 million in repairs. Investigations soon follow to assess the circumstances surrounding the collision and the actions of the submarine's crew.

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Technology & Innovation

Anna Kournikova Virus Infects Millions via Email

February 11th, 2001 24 years ago

A Dutch programmer released the Anna Kournikova virus, which spread rapidly through email systems by disguising itself as a photo of the famous tennis player. The virus exploited social engineering tactics to trick users into opening infected attachments, resulting in the widespread infection of millions of computers globally. This incident highlighted the vulnerabilities in email security and the importance of cybersecurity awareness among users.

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Space Exploration

NEAR Shoemaker Becomes First Asteroid Lander

February 12th, 2001 24 years ago

The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft successfully landed on the asteroid 433 Eros in the saddle region, marking the first time a spacecraft has made a physical landing on an asteroid. The achievement capped a mission lasting over a year and a half, during which NEAR conducted detailed studies of Eros, a potentially hazardous asteroid located about 16 million kilometers from Earth. The rich scientific data gathered during this mission provided valuable insights into the composition and structure of asteroids, aiding scientists in understanding the early solar system.

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Science & Technology

Human Genome Project Completes First Draft

February 15th, 2001 24 years ago

The first draft of the complete human genome was published in the journal Nature, marking a significant milestone in genetic research. This draft, assembled by an international consortium of scientists, mapped the locations of approximately 30,000 to 35,000 genes and provided vital insights into their functions. The project was a monumental collaborative effort involving institutions from multiple countries, aiming to unlock the complexities of human genetics and improve our understanding of genetic diseases.

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