Dr. Sainudeen Pattazhy who has carried out pioneer research on 'Red Rain' which occured in Kerala in 2001 now has a minor planet named after him. The minor planet which was earlier called as 5718 CD4 was discovered by US-based space scientist Dr, R. Rajmohan.

Renowned marathi playwritter Vijay Tendulkar passed away in Pune on May 19, 2008. He was a political journalist and a screenplay writter. He is known for Shantata! court chalu ahe', Ghasiram Kotwal (1972) and Shakaram Binder (1972). He also wrote screenplay for Hindi films like 'Ardha Satya"

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna : M.S.Dhoni is only the second cricketer to be be selected for the award after Sachin Tendulkar who recieved the award in 1997.

Arjuna Award: Avneet Kaur Sidhu (Shooting), Chitra K Soman (Athletics), Johnson Varghese (Boxing), Harika Dronavalli (Chess), Arjun Atwal (Golf), Farman Basha (Power Lifting, Disabled category), Prabhjot Singh (Hockey), Tombi Devi (Judo), Anup Sridhar (Badminton), Bajranglal Takhar (Rowing), Alka Tomar (Wrestling)
Dhyan Chand award:Hakam Singh (Athletics), Mukhbain Singh (Hockey), Gian Singh (Wrestling)
Dronacharya award: Sanjeeva Kumar Singh (Archery), Jagdish Singh (Boxing), G E Sridharan (Volleyball), Jagminder Singh (Wrestling)

The negotiations at World Trade Organisation held at the end of July failed because the US and EU were not willing to scrap huge subsidies that they were giving to their farmers.

Miss Universe 2008 is Dayana Mendoza (Miss Venezuela)

Standard Chartered Private Bank has been named the "Global Best Private Money" by Euromoney for it's performance in 2007. The factors on which Euromoney gave the awards were risk management, focus on growth markets, achievementsin performance, growth in client base and a commitment to client service and advisory as success factors.