New Delhi: The year witnessed a change in India’s political guard with BJP unseating the Congress by notching up 281 of the 545 Lok Sabha seats. Narendra Modi was sworn is as the country’s 15th Prime Minister.
The states of Jharkahand, Maharashtra and Haryana witnessed a regime change and Jammu and Kashmir saw a hung Parliament in the recent elections.
A pleasant surprise of the year was child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi being conferred the Nobel Laureate. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malviya were chosen for the Bharat Ratna.
In Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal of the AAP who became Chief Minister resigned after a very short stint of 49 days in power. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Jayalalitha was convicted and jailed on corruption charges.
The country made space history with its successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission. One of the worst floods devastated Jammu and Kashmir and the year ended on a grim note with the militant attack on tribals in Assam villages.
Following is the diary of events for the year.
Jan 1: New Delhi: India scraps the scam-tainted Rs 3,600 crore VVIP helicopter deal with Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland, nearly a year after allegations surfaced that kickbacks to the tune of Rs 360 crore were paid to bag the contract.
Jan 1: New Delhi: Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, who is tipped to be the next Army Chief, takes over as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff.
Jan 2: New Delhi: The minority Aam Aadmi Party government crosses the first hurdle in the Delhi Assembly when its confidence motion sailed through easily with the backing of the members of Congress, JD(U) and an independent.
Jan 3: New Delhi: Following the December 16, 2012 gangrape incident, Delhi Police in a landmark decision announces that charge sheets in rape cases will be filed within 20 days to ensure speedy justice to victims.
Jan 4: New Delhi: A team of senior Indian officials leaves for Sudan, which is witnessing ethnic conflict that has killed at least 1,000 people so far.
Jan 5: New Delhi: Delhi Minister Rakhi Birla escapes unhurt in an attack on her car by unknown persons in Mangolpuri.
PTI
