The top 10 news of 2011

The top 10 news of 2011 Osama-bin-Laden dead Nearly 10 years after the traumatic 9/11 attacks, the world's most wanted man, Osama bin Laden was killed in special operation by US forces on May 1. US President Barack Obama himself announced the end of the massive manhunt for the Al-Qaeda mastermind that began during his predecessor George Bush's watch, in Pakistan's North Western Province in a US drone strike Sunday night. Team India lifts the World Cup After 28 years, India once again became the world champions. In a tense contest, India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the World Cup. And it was the Indian captain MS Dhoni who rose to occasion with a match-winning 91 not out. Dhoni played a captain's knock and along with a gutsy Gautam Gambhir (97) steered the innings after early jolts to hand India their second World Cup title after 1983. Japan tsunami Japan was rattled on March 11 by the powerful earthquake and tsunami which claimed close to 20,000 lives across swathes of the eastern coast. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, 150 miles northeast of Tokyo, was severely damaged by the earthquake and tsunami with its crucial cooling systems knocked out, resulting in a series of explosions, meltdowns - and the world’s worst nuclear accident in 25 years. Gaddafi dead The Libyan ruler Colonel Gaddafi was killed, as his hometown of Sirte was overrun by the forces of the National Transitional Council on October 20. Initially it was unclear if he had been killed or just captured, but slowly gruesome mobile phone pictures emerged which showed beyond doubt that Gaddafi was dead. Revolution in Egypt Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak resigned from his post on February 11 after reigning for 30 years. His departure came after weeks of protest in Cairo and other cities across the country. The revolution was not without violent clashes between security forces and protesters, with at least 846 people killed and 6,000 injured. Tech world loses Steve Jobs The tech world, was plunged into mourning as the Apple's founder Steve Jobs lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2011. The tributes flowed from world leaders and IT tycoons alike for a man held up alongside the likes of Thomas Edison for the way his creations changed our way of life. But it was the commemorations from Apple's legions of fans that seemed even more poignant. Anna Hazare's August fast Social crusader Anna Hazare sat on fast unto death on August 16 from Tihar jail and later at Ramlila Maidan on August 20 for a strong Lokpal. Thousands of Anna supports gathered at the venue to support the anti-corruption activist. Anna broke his fast after government assured that the Lokpal bill will be introduced in the winter session of the parliament. Sikkim earthquake At least 68 people, including 39 in Sikkim, were killed in the powerful earthquake that triggered widespread landslides and road blockages making rescue work on September 19 more difficult in the worst-hit Himalayan state. Many buildings in and around Gangtok have collapsed and around 85 per cent structures and houses have developed cracks due to the quake. Modi's 'Sadbhavana fast' Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Sadbhavana" (goodwill) movement and observed three-day fast from September 17 to 19. Many people saw it as a political stunt to highlight his achievements and clear his name from the Gujarat riots case. Country's population reaches 1.21billion According to the census report, India’s population in 1901 was about 238.4 million, which has increased by more than four times in 110 years to reach a population of 1,210 million in 2011. The growth rate of population for India in the last decade was 17.64%. Team India lifts the World Cup After 28 years, India once again became the world champions. In a tense contest, India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the World Cup. And it was the Indian captain MS Dhoni who rose to occasion with a match-winning 91 not out. Dhoni played a captain's knock and along with a gutsy Gautam Gambhir (97) steered the innings after early jolts to hand India their second World Cup title after 1983.