This document highlights some of the notable people and events of 2008. It recognizes Barack Obama for being elected the first African American president of the United States. It also acknowledges Michael Phelps for winning 14 Olympic gold medals, making him the most decorated Olympian. Additionally, it mentions the movies The Dark Knight and the musician Duffy as being popular that year. On the lows of 2008, it references the global financial crisis, the Sichuan earthquake in China that killed around 69,000 people, and the Mumbai terrorist attacks that killed at least 173.

1. NEWSMAKERS 2008

2. HIghs 2008

3. NEWSMAKERS 2008 B Barack Obama: He came, He saw and He conquered… POLITICS

4. NEWSMAKERS 2008 B Michael Phelps : The ‘Gold’en Man… Won 14 career Olympic gold medals, maximum by any Olympian. SPORTS

5. NEWSMAKERS 2008 B The Dark Knight: Thriller that combines Feverish action, Dazzling spectacle and Devilish fun… Movies

6. NEWSMAKERS 2008 Duffy : Biggest-selling musician of 2008 so far… Music

7. NEWSMAKERS 2008 BEIJING OLYMPICS: China hosted the Olympics for first time, drawing praise for logistical mastery… Events

8. LOWS 2008

9. NEWSMAKERS 2008 The Credit Crisis: Financial thriller that turned tragic… Economy

10. NEWSMAKERS 2008 Bush hit by shoe: Unceremonious farewell to the outgoing US president… Politics

11. NEWSMAKERS 2008 Sichuan earthquake: The nineteenth deadliest earthquake of all time… The earthquake killed around 69000 people. Natural disaster

12. NEWSMAKERS 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks: Gruesome acts of cruelty in the name of religion… A series of coordinated terrorist attacks that killed least 173 people. Terrorist Attack

13. 2008 had a fair share of triumphs and ‘not so’ fair share of traumas, lets hope and pray that 2009 has more pleasant surprises for us all… Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!