“Time moves slowly but passes quickly”. Alice Walker
Same is true for the year 2017 but it is going to end with many some significant happenings. 2017 surely has many tragic and iconic moments as well. It's not wrong to say that this year is one of the most action-packed years in the modern history and it will be not easy to forget it soon. Here is a snapshot of 2017.
The New President of United States
The year brought us the presidency of Donald Trump who defeated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. On 20 January, the 45th President of United States took oath.
In the inauguration ceremony from January 17 to 21there were concerts, parades and inaugural address, which was full of patriotic rhetoric. Donald promised to make America proud, strong, wealthy and safe.
A debate was caused by the Trump administration on the inaugural ceremony by claiming to have record breaking crowd despite the photographic confirmation signifying otherwise.
Sean Spicer, the new President’s press secretary boasted “”the crowd was the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe”.
He further added, "These attempts to lessen the enthusiasm of the inauguration are shameful and wrong."
Afterward he accused of the media of reporting the wrong approximation of crowd.
The entrance of new President affected nearly half of all Americans and a great number all over the world.
In the same month, US President Donald Trump signed a new immigration policy, restricted travel from seven Muslim majority countries and suspended the admission of refugees. The new policy caused agony and many people rallied in support of the affected people.
North Korea Missile Test-Firing
This year, the apprehension in North Korea and United States increased to a great extent resulting in the weapon testing of North Korea. In February, a missile was launched by North Korea that traveled 310 miles before landing in the Sea of Japan. It could reach United States mainland.
Under the UN Security Council resolutions, North Korea is proscribed from launching ballistic missiles but even than more than 12 ballistic missile testings are conducted by North Korea this year.
The last missile was launched November 29, that was said to reach the entire continental United States. It reached about 621 miles before dashing in the Sea of Japan.
In response to the last missile launch, the United Nations Security Council approved strong new sanctions against North Korea.
Peru’s Flooding
In the month of March, Peru encountered the worst flooding of the decade caused by unusual rainfall. It was revealed that the rainfall was 10 times heavy than the normal, causing rivers to overflow. The mudslides destroyed roads and farms. More than 70 deaths were caused by the flood and displaced thousands. Several cities declared states of emergency after weeks of rain.
Triggering of Article 50
In March, UK voted to get out of the European Union in a referendum by invoking the Article 50. The Prime Minister signed a letter activating the process, which was handed over to the European Council's president Donald Tusk. Once Article 50 is triggered, there is a two-year period to complete negotiations. If negotiations do not result in a ratified agreement, the breaking away country leaves without an agreement.
Shayrat Missile Strike
On the morning of 7 April, Shayrat Missile Strike took place under the responsibility of U.S. President Donald Trump, as a direct response to the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack that occurred three days before. 59 cruise missiles were fired from the Mediterranean Sea into Syria causing 74 people killed and more than 557 injured.
Grenfell Tower Fire
On 14 June 2017 fire broke out in 24 storeys Grenfell Tower in London. The accident caused 71 deaths, more than 70 injuries and 223 people escaped. Almost 15.5 tons of debris on each floor.
Boat Disaster near the Italian Island of Lampedusa
UN says more than 200 migrants dead in the boat disaster near the Italian Island of Lampedusa in May. There were around 800 people on board. Italy launched rescue and saved more than 600 people.
Tragedy in Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most dangerous places for refugees from Africa and the Middle East who try to reach Europe. In trashy boats, thousands of people try to get to Spain, Italy or Greece.
Same happened in July when a rubber boat carrying 500-700 people was seen in the Mediterranean Sea, about 15 miles north of Sabratha. Around 200 people fell from overcrowded boat. It was said that was one of the worst conditions of overcrowding rescuers had ever seen.
Atlantic Hurricane
In September, Hurricane Maria blasted through Puerto Rico is regarded as the worst natural disaster on record with a four-week span. The death toll in Puerto Rico is believed to be far higher than the official toll of 58, with estimates of the actual loss of life ranging from 500 to more than 1,000. It came ashore with sustained winds of 155 mph, knocking out power to the entire island. Total losses from the hurricane vary wildly but are estimated at upwards of $103.45 billion.
Rohingya Refugees Fled to Bangladesh
According to United Nations, more than 500,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh since August escaping from Myanmar. The Rohingya are a Muslim minority who live in Myanmar's Rakhine state but are not recognized as citizens by the government. They are considered by human rights groups to be among the world's most victimized people.
Central Mexico Earthquake
On September 19, Mexico was shook by an earthquake of 7.1 magnitude which killed around 250 people. The city experienced the quake exactly 32 years after a destructive quake which caused 9500 deaths. Buildings were leveled turning into debris.
Iran Earthquake
On November 13, hundreds were killed and thousands were injured after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit the border region between Iraq and Iran.
US Recognised Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel
The most annoying and disturbing news happened on December 6. Donald Trump made the controversial decision to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Protests broke out in many countries and Trump was even accused of issuing a “declaration of war”. Though the decision was taken back as result of the condemnation.
