After witnessing the immense suffering and bloodshed of the **Kalinga War** (c. 261 BCE), Emperor **Ashoka** was filled with remorse and converted to **Buddhism**. He became a great patron of the religion, using his stone edicts and sending missionaries (*Dhammamahāmattas*) to spread its peaceful philosophy across his empire and beyond.

**Socrates** (470–399 BCE) was a foundational figure in Western philosophy. He taught through questioning (*Socratic method*) and was the mentor of Plato. He was eventually tried and convicted in 399 BCE on charges of impiety and corrupting the young men of Athens, leading to his execution by drinking hemlock.

The Abbasid era, particularly under Harun al-Rashid and Al-Mamun, is known as the Golden Age due to massive advancements in science, philosophy, and culture.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. While recognized by over 100 UN members, Serbia, Russia, and China do not recognize it.

Russia recognized both regions as independent states following the 2008 Russo-Georgian War.

The Russo-Georgian War lasted five days and resulted in Russia recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The G20 replaced the G8 as the main economic council of wealthy nations, acknowledging the systemic importance of emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil.

Pakistani-based militants carried out a series of shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai.

Thaçi, a former KLA leader, read the declaration of independence.

Medvedev served as President for one term, allowing Putin to bypass constitutional term limits before returning to the presidency.