The second day of 2019 has dawned and we are finally wide awake, having got over the stupor of the last few days of holidaying.

As we get into the new year, its pertinent to know a few things – the events that are expected to hold centerstage in 2019.

Just as the clout of China is growing everywhere, even when it comes to a new year, the Chinese ‘animal’ is followed by the global community. This year, 2019, is the year of the pig – the final animal of the 12-year cycle of the zodiac, and follows on from the year of the dog, which began on 16 February 2018. The animal is seen as a symbol of wealth and fortune in Chinese culture. According to Chinese astrology , 2019 is a great year to make money, and a good year to invest!

As we step into 2019 with new optimism, there are few world events, which could have a bearing on the world around us; not directly but as a causation of living in a flat, globally connected world.  A quick look at the calendar year of 2019. We do not need any exotic looking gypsy, gazing into a crystal ball, who will till us in an ominous voice about what lay ahead for us in 2019. These are world and local events, already scheduled to happen. So mark these events….

More than looking at just within India, we are looking at major events across the globe as those have an equal if not bigger impact.

JANUARY

On 3^rd Jan, at 10.49 am, Earth reaches the point in its elliptical orbit nearest to the sun.

There will be a partial solar eclipse visible only from northeast Asia and the North Pacific on 6^th Jan.

Ardha Kumbh Mela will begin in Allahabad, err, Prayagraj, from 15^th Jan till 4^th March.

15^th Jan – Brexit vote in UK Parliament

Super Moon Wolf moon will be visible in North and South America, as well as those in western parts of Europe and Africa.

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is the only yearly gathering that brings together leaders of global, also known as the Davos meet, scheduled from 22—25 Jan.

24^th Jan – Eurozone holds the first meeting of the year

FEBRUARY

Interim Union Budget before the General Elections to be presented on 1^st Feb.

Nigerians will go to polls to elect their President on 16^th Feb.

Oscars to be held on 25^th Feb.

MARCH

It everything goes as per schedule ( seems unlikely at the moment), UK will leave at 11pm UK time in accordance with article 50 of the Lisbon treaty on 29 March.

Ukrainian presidential election on 31^st March

APRIL

Presidential and legislative votes take place in the world’s most populous Muslim country, Indonesia on 17^th April.

Afghanistan will hold its elections on 20^th.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito steps down, marking the end of an imperial era for the country on 30^th April.

MAY

General Elections or Lok Sabha elections in India

Assembly elections of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir will be tentatively held simultaneously with the general election.

Cricket World Cup begins on 30^th May and ends of 14^th July

JUNE

Japan hosts the annual summit of the world’s largest economies for the first time on 28 June.

JULY

Wimbeldon begins with new set of rules from 1^st.

A total solar eclipse will be visible from South America on 2^nd July.

South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia will witness a partial lunar eclipse

Hunt for New Bank of England governor, with likely contenders ranging from the former Reserve Bank of India chief Raghuram Rajan to the Financial Conduct Authority’s boss, Andrew Bailey.

OCTOBER

Voters head to the polls to elect a new president and members of parliament on 27^th .

A new president of the European commission will be appointed on 31^st as Jean-Claude Juncker steps down.

NOVEMBER

EU sanctions against Venezuela expire on 11^th

On the same day, 11^th Nov, Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system, passes between Earth and the sun about 13 times a century.

DECEMBER

Annual solar eclipse will be seen around South Asia on 26^th.