Global events of 2021: US withdrawal from Afghanistan to COP 26; here's what went down

As 2021 draws to a close, re is little doubt that COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate and change our lives in unimaginable ways. pandemic which is far from over is perhaps one of few events that have versely affected entire world. So far it has caused a staggering 5,324,969 deaths globally and has left millions without jobs and livelihoods. new Omicron variant once again, at year's end is overwhelming countries. It's threatening fragile new normal we were hoping for. And while Pandemic rages and continues to leave death and devastation in its trail, here's a look at biggest international news events that have irrevocably changed world's history. 

US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and Taliban's return

most defining images of desperation of people were witnessed in Afghanistan. Lakhs thronging Kabul airport and country's land borders, hanging on to any vestige of hope that y could escape return of brutal Taliban. After 20 years US' chaotic and violent pullout left country in a state of complete disarray. Taliban, poster boys of right-wing Islamist terror, were quick to take control and return country to a terrifying archaic rule. Today, Afghanistan is on brink of a humanitarian crisis, with millions staring at starvation and country being set back deces in terms of its economy. Female education and inclusivity have been ignored and world has also failed Afghanistan's women.

Anti-China Block emerges

Coronavirus pandemic has seen a distinct anti-China sentiment across world. China's lack of transparency, geo-political tensions, unwanted aggression on its neighbours and in South China sea have led to a re-aligning of world powers. United States of America whose previous Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe called China “ greatest threat to America" has been at forefront of an anti-China bloc. AUKUS, formed in September which includes Australia, United Kingdom and US is seen as most significant security arrangement between three nations since World War Two. It's also seen as an attempt by world powers to draw a line in sand and begin countering China's aggressive moves. Anor regional alliance that's been formed is QU. Initially put toger as a loose grouping between India, Japan, Australia, and US, it has in past year taken a more formal structure. While it has a bro range of issues on its agenda, all member nations are wary of China's growing assertiveness in Indo-Pacific.

Man's new endeavour into space

2021 has been a remarkable year for space exploration. We witnessed over 100 space missions this year and most of m were highly successful. pinnacle of space exploration was perhaps three missions to Mars. UAE, US and China all managed to land ir space crafts on red planet. NASA’s Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity helicopter have been exploring Red Planet since touching down in February. 2021 was also year when world's richest took holidays in space, even if y were brief. Billionaire Jeff Bezos, his bror and two ors travelled in a capsule with biggest windows flown in space. views of Earth were stunning and when capsule touched down after 10-minute, 10-second flight, Jeff Bezos exclaimed: "Best day ever!" Billionaire Sir Richard Branson also successfully reached edge of space onboard his Virgin Galactic rocket plane. Branson and his team of astronauts flew high above New Mexico in US in vehicle that his company h been developing for 17 years. trip he said was "experience of a lifetime".

Joe Biden takes over as Trump supporters storm US Capitol

Who would have ever imagined that world's oldest democracy would witness scenes of absolute chaos and mayhem as hundreds of former US President Donald Trump's supporters stormed Capitol building in Washington DC. Lawmakers were forced to take shelter, building was put into lockdown, form US Vice President Mike Pence was evacuated and five people died. All this on day when a joint session of Congress assembled to count electoral votes that would formalize n-President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Images of insurrection shocked horrified and anguished Americans. And deep political divisions that mark US politics stood exposed to world. President-elect Joe Biden described violence as "one of darkest days in history of our nation".

Climate change and COP 26

An intense heatwave in Pacific Northwest le to record temperatures in US and Cana leaving over 400 people de. Images of a submerged Germany and Belgium after flash floods left destruction and death in ir wake, thousands displaced and hundreds de in China's Henan after torrential rains swept through province, intense landslides in Uttarakhand and flooding in parts of South India are all testaments to rapid change in world's climate. Yet is enough being done to halt climate change? It was with that in mind that UN summit COP 26 met in Glasgow this year. While summit delivered on its primary goal of keeping alive Paris Agreement’s aim to limit global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, it failed to make significant progress on climate finance. Not just that a lot will depend on how countries individually act to bring down emissions and deliver on climate goals.