What Happened This Year 2008

Historical Events from This Year 2008

Sports & Recreation

Clashes Between Zenit and Rangers Supporters

May 14th, 2008 16 years ago

Clashes erupted in Piccadilly Gardens between supporters of Zenit St. Petersburg and Rangers Football Club, resulting in violence and injuries. The Greater Manchester Police intervened to restore order, leading to the arrest of 39 individuals. The altercation involved 39 injured policemen and one police dog, highlighting the tensions surrounding the UEFA Cup final that drew numerous fans to the city.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

California Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

May 15th, 2008 16 years ago

On this date, California became the second U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, following a ruling by the California Supreme Court. The court found that a prior ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, paving the way for same-sex couples to marry in the state. This monumental decision came after years of advocacy by LGBTQ+ rights groups and marked a significant shift in the legal landscape regarding marriage equality in the United States. Couples across California celebrated as they gained the legal right to marry in what many viewed as a long-awaited victory.

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Politics & Government

ICJ Verdict on Pedra Branca Dispute

May 23rd, 2008 16 years ago

The International Court of Justice awarded Pedra Branca to Singapore and Middle Rocks to Malaysia, concluding a long-standing territorial dispute that began in 1979. The decision was based on historical evidence presented by both nations regarding their claims over the maritime features of the area, which geographically lies near the eastern coast of Singapore. This ruling sought to clarify the sovereignty issues that have been a source of tension between the two neighboring countries.

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Space Exploration

NASA's Phoenix Lander Touches Down on Mars

May 25th, 2008 16 years ago

NASA's Phoenix lander successfully landed in Mars' Green Valley region to explore environments conducive to water and microbial life. This innovative mission marked a significant stride in understanding the Martian climate and the possibility of past life. It involved a series of careful maneuvers before landing, as well as advanced scientific instruments designed to analyze the soil and atmosphere. The Phoenix mission aimed to provide answers about the potential for life on Mars and investigated its northern polar region, notable for its ice-rich soil.

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Natural Disasters

Severe Flooding in Eastern and Southern China

May 26th, 2008 16 years ago

Severe flooding affected eastern and southern China, leading to widespread devastation and displacement. Over 1.3 million residents were evacuated as communities faced rising water levels that submerged homes and farmland. This disaster shifted local and national focus toward emergency response and policy implications for disaster management and infrastructure improvements.

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Politics & Government

Nepal Declares Itself a Republic

May 28th, 2008 16 years ago

The Constituent Assembly of Nepal held its first meeting, where it was formally declared that Nepal would be a republic, effectively ending the 240-year rule of the Shah dynasty. This decision reflected the culmination of a decade-long movement for democracy and republicanism in Nepal, marking a significant shift in the nation’s governance structure and political landscape. The assembly's decision underscored the transition from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic, aimed at fostering inclusivity and representation.

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Natural Disasters

Iceland Experiences Doublet Earthquake Near Selfoss

May 29th, 2008 16 years ago

A significant seismic event occurred near Selfoss, Iceland, with two earthquakes registering a combined magnitude of 6.1. The quakes injured 30 individuals, causing damage to several buildings and prompting swift emergency response efforts. Residents felt the tremors, leading to widespread alarm as aftershocks continued. The earthquake occurred in a region known for its tectonic activity, affecting both local infrastructure and daily life.

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Accidents & Tragedies

TACA Flight 390 Crash at Toncontín Airport

May 30th, 2008 16 years ago

TACA Flight 390, a Boeing 737-300, overshot the runway while landing at Toncontín International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The aircraft skidded off the wet runway and crashed into a nearby road. Tragically, five people were killed in the accident, among them three passengers and two individuals on the ground. The incident raised concerns regarding the airport’s challenging landing conditions.

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Politics & Government

Convention on Cluster Munitions is Adopted

May 30th, 2008 16 years ago

The Convention on Cluster Munitions was adopted in Dublin, Ireland, with representatives from over 100 countries participating. This landmark treaty aims to prohibit the use, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions due to their devastating effects on civilian populations. Negotiations were tough, but a consensus was reached to protect civilians from indiscriminate harm caused by these weapons, particularly in post-conflict environments.

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