What Happened This Year 2005

Historical Events from This Year 2005

Politics & Government

Riots Erupt Over New Taxes in Belmopan

January 21st, 2005 20 years ago

In Belmopan, Belize, citizens protested against the government's introduction of new taxes, which they deemed excessive. The unrest quickly escalated into riots, with demonstrators clashing with police. The government's decision to implement these taxes was perceived as a burden on the already struggling economy. As tensions rose, significant property damage occurred, and law enforcement struggled to maintain order.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Deadly Stampede at Mandhradevi Temple

January 25th, 2005 20 years ago

A stampede occurred at the Mandhradevi Temple in Maharashtra, resulting in at least 258 fatalities. The chaos began as thousands of devotees gathered for a festival to honor the goddess Mandhradevi. The overcrowding led to a rush towards an exit, causing people to fall and inadvertently pile up, leading to the tragic loss of life and injuries to many others. Emergency services struggled to control the situation as quick rescues were made amidst the panic.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

First Direct Flights from China to Taiwan

January 29th, 2005 20 years ago

The first direct commercial flights from Guangzhou, mainland China, to Taipei, Taiwan, marked a significant step in cross-strait relations. This momentous occasion followed over five decades of restricted air travel since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Soon after the arrival of the inaugural flight, a China Airlines flight from Taipei also landed in Beijing, illustrating a new phase of direct transportation links between the two regions.

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Politics & Government

King Gyanendra's Coup for Power in Nepal

February 1st, 2005 20 years ago

King Gyanendra of Nepal executed a coup d'état, dissolving the parliament and assuming full control of the government. This move was marked by the arrest of numerous political leaders, effectively suspending the democratic processes established in the country. Gyanendra justified the coup by citing the need to combat rising insurgency and political instability, claiming that party politics had failed. The coup was met with widespread disapproval from both political factions and international communities.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Canada Proposes Civil Marriage Act for Same-Sex Couples

February 2nd, 2005 20 years ago

The Government of Canada introduced the Civil Marriage Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at legalizing same-sex marriage across the country. This move was significant in the context of ongoing debates about equality and civil rights. The introduction was led by the Minister of Justice, Irwin Cotler, who emphasized the need to recognize the dignity and equality of all Canadians regardless of sexual orientation. The act aimed to amend the legal definition of marriage to include same-sex couples, reflecting changing societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights. This act set the stage for a transformative period in Canadian law and culture regarding marriage equality.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Kam Air Flight 904 crashes in Afghanistan's mountains

February 3rd, 2005 20 years ago

Kam Air Flight 904, a domestic flight in Afghanistan, crashed into the Pamir Mountains, resulting in the deaths of all 105 people on board. The crash occurred in a remote area, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Investigators attributed the incident to poor weather conditions and limited navigation technology used by the aircraft. The flight had departed from Kabul and was en route to the southern city of Kandahar when tragedy struck.

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Crime & Law

Series of Bombings in Philippine Cities

February 14th, 2005 20 years ago

In a coordinated series of bombings, seven individuals lost their lives and 151 were injured across several cities in the Philippines. The attacks specifically targeted Makati, Davao City, and General Santos. Suspected al-Qaeda-linked militants were identified as responsible for the bombings, which rattled the nation and prompted increased security measures. The bombings occurred during a time of ongoing conflict and attempts by extremist groups to instill fear.

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Technology & Innovation

Launch of YouTube by College Students

February 14th, 2005 20 years ago

A group of college students launched YouTube in 2005, creating a platform for users to upload, share, and view videos. Founded by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, YouTube quickly attracted users for its simplicity and unique features. It was one of the first websites to allow anyone to easily upload their videos, thus democratizing video sharing and enabling the rise of viral content. The platform's user-friendly interface and social sharing capabilities set it apart, leading to a rapid increase in popularity and usage.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Rafic Hariri in Beirut

February 14th, 2005 20 years ago

A massive truck bomb exploded in Beirut, killing 23 people, including former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, as his motorcade passed. The bomb, equivalent to around 1,000 kg of TNT, devastated the area, highlighting security concerns in Lebanon amidst rising tensions. Hariri, a prominent political leader, had been outspoken against Syrian influence, making him a target within the complex political landscape of the region.

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