The Global History of Blackouts from 1965 to 2019

Blackouts are disruptive events that can plunge large regions into darkness, affecting millions of people and disrupting essential services. Throughout history, several notable blackouts have occurred around the world, each with its own causes, impacts, and lessons learned. In this article, we explore some of the most significant blackouts, from the streets of New York City to the cities of India.

1965 Northeast Blackout:

In November 1965, the northeastern United States and parts of Ontario, Canada, were plunged into darkness during what would become known as the Northeast Blackout of 1965. Over 30 million people were affected as power grids failed, leaving major cities like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts in the dark. The blackout, caused by a series of equipment failures and human error, underscored the vulnerability of interconnected power systems.

50 years ago, The Great Northeast Blackout


1977 New York City Blackout:

The summer of 1977 brought chaos to New York City when lightning strikes and severe weather triggered a massive blackout. Lasting approximately 25 hours, the blackout resulted in widespread looting, arson, and criminal activities across the city's boroughs. The event highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and community resilience in times of crisis.

45 Years Ago Tonight, a Blackout Struck New York City


2003 Northeast Blackout:

On a hot August day in 2003, millions of people in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada found themselves without power during the largest blackout in North American history. The blackout, triggered by a series of failures in the power grid, affected approximately 50 million people and raised questions about the reliability and security of aging infrastructure.

The North-East Blackout of 2003


2012 India Blackout:

In July 2012, India experienced one of the largest power outages in history, affecting an estimated 620 million people across northern and eastern regions. The blackout, caused by the failure of the northern grid and exacerbated by high power demand and inadequate infrastructure, highlighted the challenges facing India's electricity sector and the need for investment in grid modernization.

Almost 700 Million People Without Electricity in India


2019 Venezuela Blackouts:

Throughout March 2019, Venezuela experienced a series of widespread blackouts that plunged the country into darkness and chaos. The blackouts, attributed to failures in the Guri hydroelectric power plant and broader issues with maintenance and infrastructure, exacerbated an already dire economic and political crisis, underscoring the critical role of reliable electricity in modern society.

2019 Venezuelan blackouts

Blackouts are more than just inconveniences—they are stark reminders of the fragility of our power systems and the importance of resilience and preparedness. Whether caused by natural disasters, equipment failures, or other factors, blackouts have profound impacts on society, highlighting the need for investment in infrastructure, technology, and emergency response capabilities. As we look to the future, it is clear that mitigating the risks of blackouts and ensuring a reliable supply of electricity will be essential for communities around the world.

Odysseus: A Triumph and a Tumble on the Lunar Surface



In a historic event marking the first human-made craft to touch down on the moon in over half a century, Odysseus, the spacecraft developed by Intuitive Machines under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, made its long-awaited landing. However, the triumph was not without its setbacks.


The touchdown, which occurred in the rugged terrain near the moon's south pole, was met with both jubilation and concern as Odysseus unexpectedly tipped over upon landing. Despite this hiccup, the mission remains a significant milestone in space exploration, reigniting humanity's aspirations for lunar exploration and potential habitation.


The choice of landing site, near the crater Malapert A, was deliberate, aiming to explore regions rich in frozen water, a crucial resource for sustaining future lunar missions and establishing permanent bases.

While the spacecraft's orientation presents challenges, with imagery and reconstruction efforts underway, scientists remain optimistic about the mission's scientific objectives. Instruments aboard Odysseus, including communication devices and soil analysis tools, offer unprecedented opportunities to study the moon's surface and its potential for supporting life-sustaining activities.


However, technical difficulties during descent, including the failure of a laser navigation system and the deliberate powering off of a camera instrument, underscore the complexities of space exploration. Yet, the resilience of the teams involved, both at Intuitive Machines and collaborating institutions like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, highlights humanity's determination to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery.


Despite initial market fluctuations following news of the spacecraft's mishap, the broader significance of Odysseus's mission transcends financial concerns. It represents a collaborative effort between public and private entities, paving the way for future lunar endeavors under NASA's Artemis program.

As humanity ventures once again into the vastness of space, Odysseus's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and triumphs inherent in our quest to explore the cosmos. With each obstacle overcome, we inch closer to realizing our dreams of establishing a sustained presence beyond Earth, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Lolly wood

Lolly wood for Pakistan - reason Lahore and again wood as an addendum. Over the last decade, Lollywood, the Pakistani film industry, has seen several actors rise to prominence. Some of the top actors in Lollywood in the last 10 years include:

  1. Fawad Khan: Known for his roles in movies like "Khuda Kay Liye" and "Actor in Law," he gained immense popularity not only in Pakistan but also internationally.
  2. Mahira Khan: She has been a leading actress in several successful films such as "Bin Roye," "Ho Mann Jahaan," and "Superstar." Mahira Khan also gained widespread recognition for her role in the TV series "Humsafar."
  3. Humayun Saeed: A versatile actor, producer, and director, he has been a significant figure in Lollywood, starring in hits like "Jawani Phir Nahi Ani," "Punjab Nahi Jaungi," and "Meray Paas Tum Ho."
  4. Mehwish Hayat: Known for her roles in movies such as "Punjab Nahi Jaungi" and "Load Wedding," she's recognized for her versatility and strong performances.
  5. Saba Qamar: With her remarkable acting skills, she has gained acclaim for her work in movies like "Hindi Medium" and "Lahore Se Aagey."
  6. Hamza Ali Abbasi: He has been part of successful films like "Parwaaz Hai Junoon" and "Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2" and has a significant presence in the industry.
  7. Bilal Ashraf: Rising to fame in recent years, he has appeared in successful films like "Janaan," "Superstar," and "Rangreza."
These actors have contributed significantly to the growth and success of Pakistani cinema over the past decade through their talent and diverse performances.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood for Kannada Film Industry (as Sandal is abundant in Karnataka) Over the last decade in the Sandalwood (Kannada film industry), several actors have made a significant impact with their performances. Some of the top actors in the last 10 years include:

  1. Yash: Known for his portrayal of Rocky in "KGF: Chapter 1" and its sequel, Yash has risen to great fame and is considered one of the top actors in Sandalwood.
  2. Puneeth Rajkumar: A versatile actor and the son of legendary actor Rajkumar, Puneeth has been a prominent figure in Kannada cinema, starring in various successful films.
  3. Sudeep: With his dynamic roles in movies like "Eega" and "Kotigobba 2," Sudeep has garnered a huge fan following and established himself as a leading actor.
  4. Rakshit Shetty: Known for his performances in films like "Kirik Party" and "Avane Srimannarayana," Rakshit has earned acclaim for his acting skills and storytelling abilities.
  5. Darshan: Popularly known as Challenging Star, Darshan has been a consistent performer, starring in several successful movies over the past decade.
These actors have not only entertained audiences but also contributed significantly to the growth and recognition of Kannada cinema on a national and international level.

Kollywood

Kollywood - It is used in Tamil Cinema. Derives its name from Kodambakkam and Hollywood. Kodambakkam is the happening place for Tamil Cinema activities and all. In the last 10 years, Kollywood, the Tamil film industry, has seen several actors rise to prominence due to their talent and successful films. Some of the top actors in Kollywood in the past decade include.

  1. Vijay: Also known as Thalapathy, Vijay has been a consistent box office performer with movies like "Mersal," "Bigil," and "Master."
  2. Ajith Kumar: Often referred to as Thala, Ajith has a dedicated fan base. His films like "Vedalam," "Viswasam," and "Nerkonda Paarvai" have been successful.
  3. Suriya: With his versatile acting skills, Suriya has delivered hits like the "Singam" series, "24," and "Soorarai Pottru."
  4. Dhanush: Known for his versatility, Dhanush has gained immense popularity with movies like "Asuran," "Kodi," and "Vada Chennai."
  5. Vikram: An actor known for his dedication to roles, Vikram has starred in impactful films like "I," "Raavanan," and "Kadaram Kondan."
  6. Sivakarthikeyan: Emerging as a bankable star, Sivakarthikeyan gained popularity with movies like "Remo," "Velaikkaran," and "Doctor."
  7. Karthi: With films like "Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru," "Kaithi," and "Sulthan," Karthi has showcased his acting prowess.
  8. Vijay Sethupathi: Known for his unconventional roles, Vijay Sethupathi has been appreciated for movies like "96," "Super Deluxe," and "Master."

Tollywood

Tollywood

Tollywood - It is used with Telugu Cinema nowadays, but it is used even with Bengali cinema too. Technically Tollywood should refer to the Bengali film industry as Bengali Cinema is based in Tolly Gunj, a place in Kolkata and hence the name - Tollywood. But since Telugu cinema is now popular and even adopted the name Tollywood. Over the last decade in Tollywood (the Telugu film industry), several actors have stood out for their performances and box office success. Some of the top actors from the past 10 years (2013-2023) based on their popularity, critical acclaim, and commercial success include:
    1. Prabhas: Known for his portrayal of Baahubali in the "Baahubali" series, Prabhas gained immense popularity not just in Tollywood but also on a global scale.
    2. Mahesh Babu: A versatile actor with a huge fan following, Mahesh Babu has consistently delivered successful films known for their entertainment quotient.
    3. Jr. NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr.): Renowned for his dynamic performances and versatility, Jr. NTR has showcased his acting prowess in various genres.
    4. Allu Arjun: Often referred to as the "Stylish Star," Allu Arjun is known for his unique dance style and has a strong fan base, especially among the younger audience.
    5. Ram Charan: With successful films like "Rangasthalam" and "Magadheera," Ram Charan has made a mark with his acting abilities and box office hits.
    6. Pawan Kalyan: A prominent figure in Tollywood, Pawan Kalyan is not just an actor but also a politician. He has a massive fan following and a strong presence in the industry.
    7. Nani: Known for his natural acting and choice of diverse roles, Nani has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success.
    8. Vijay Deverakonda: Rising to fame with "Arjun Reddy," Vijay Deverakonda has made a significant impact in a short span, capturing attention with his performances.
    9. Prabhas: Known for his portrayal of Baahubali in the "Baahubali" series, Prabhas gained immense popularity not just in Tollywood but also on a global scale.
    10. Naga Chaitanya: With films like "Majili" and "Love Story," Naga Chaitanya has been gaining recognition for his performances and choice of roles.

     

    Bollywood

    Bollywood - It is mostly used with Hindi Cinema based in Bombay, often even Indian Cinema is referred to as Bollywood in international circles. The term is a derivative of Bombay and Hollywood. Over the last decade, Bollywood has seen several actors making a significant impact. Here are some of the top actors based on their performances, popularity, and box office success from around 2013 to 2023:

    Bollywood

    • Aamir Khan: Known for his methodical approach and box office successes like "Dangal" and "PK".
    • Salman Khan: Popular for his mass appeal and blockbuster movies like the "Tiger" series, "Bajrangi Bhaijaan," and "Sultan".
    • Shah Rukh Khan: While his recent films haven't all been blockbusters, Shah Rukh Khan remains a significant figure in Bollywood for his previous hits and his versatile acting.
    • Akshay Kumar: Known for his versatility and consistent box office hits with movies like "Padman," "Kesari," and "Mission Mangal".
    • Ranveer Singh: His energetic performances in films like "Gully Boy," "Padmaavat," and "Simmba" have earned him a strong fan following.
    • Ranbir Kapoor: Known for his acting prowess in films like "Sanju," "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani," and "Rockstar".
    • Ajay Devgn: Renowned for his intense roles in movies like "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior," "Drishyam," and the "Singham" series.
    • Ayushmann Khurrana: He gained popularity for his choice of unconventional roles in films like "Andhadhun," "Badhaai Ho," and "Article 15".
    • Varun Dhawan: Known for his commercial success with movies like "Badrinath Ki Dulhania," "Judwaa 2," and "October".
    • Vicky Kaushal: His performances in movies like "Uri: The Surgical Strike," "Masaan," and "Raazi" have garnered critical acclaim.

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    Our most advanced Spatial Audio system ever.
    Dual-driver audio pods positioned next to each ear deliver personalized sound while letting you hear what’s around you. Spatial Audio makes sounds feel like they’re coming from your surroundings. Audio ray tracing analyzes your room’s acoustic properties to adapt and match sound to your space. And if you want to use headphones with Apple Vision Pro, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB‑C offer the perfect experience, featuring Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency enabled by the H2 chip in both devices.

    Responsive, precision eye tracking.
    A high‑performance eye‑tracking system of LEDs and infrared cameras projects invisible light patterns onto each eye. This advanced system provides ultraprecise input without your needing to hold any controllers, so you can accurately select elements just by looking at them.

    A sophisticated sensor array.
    A pair of high-resolution cameras transmit over one billion pixels per second to the displays so you can see the world around you clearly. The system also helps deliver precise head and hand tracking and real‑time 3D mapping, all while understanding your hand gestures from a wide range of positions.

    More pixels than a 4K TV. For each eye.
    The custom micro‑OLED display system features 23 million pixels, delivering stunning resolution and colors. And a specially designed three‑element lens creates the feeling of a display that’s everywhere you look.

    ur most advanced Spatial Audio system ever.
    Dual-driver audio pods positioned next to each ear deliver personalized sound while letting you hear what’s around you. Spatial Audio makes sounds feel like they’re coming from your surroundings. Audio ray tracing analyzes your room’s acoustic properties to adapt and match sound to your space. And if you want to use headphones with Apple Vision Pro, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB‑C offer the perfect experience, featuring Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency enabled by the H2 chip in both devices.

    Responsive, precision eye tracking.
    A high‑performance eye‑tracking system of LEDs and infrared cameras projects invisible light patterns onto each eye. This advanced system provides ultraprecise input without your needing to hold any controllers, so you can accurately select elements just by looking at them.

    A sophisticated sensor array.
    A pair of high-resolution cameras transmit over one billion pixels per second to the displays so you can see the world around you clearly. The system also helps deliver precise head and hand tracking and real‑time 3D mapping, all while understanding your hand gestures from a wide range of positions.

    More pixels than a 4K TV. For each eye.
    The custom micro‑OLED display system features 23 million pixels, delivering stunning resolution and colors. And a specially designed three‑element lens creates the feeling of a display that’s everywhere you look.

    Our most advanced Spatial Audio system ever.
    Dual-driver audio pods positioned next to each ear deliver personalized sound while letting you hear what’s around you. Spatial Audio makes sounds feel like they’re coming from your surroundings. Audio ray tracing analyzes your room’s acoustic properties to adapt and match sound to your space. And if you want to use headphones with Apple Vision Pro, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB‑C offer the perfect experience, featuring Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency enabled by the H2 chip in both devices.

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    A pair of high-resolution cameras transmit over one billion pixels per second to the displays so you can see the world around you clearly. The system also helps deliver precise head and hand tracking and real‑time 3D mapping, all while understanding your hand gestures from a wide range of positions.

    More pixels than a 4K TV. For each eye.
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