Yearender 2024: The events that defined India
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India rode moments of triumph and turbulence in 2024. Here’s a look at the key events that shaped India’s narrative in 2024:
1. Third Modi era
The Lok Sabha elections, held in seven phases between April 19 and June 1, led to Narendra Modi’s third term as the Prime Minister. A coalition government was formed with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JDU) emerging as key allies.
2. Olympic glory
India secured six medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, including one silver and five bronze. Athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale, Aman Sehrawat, and the Indian hockey team showcased stellar performances.
3. Mandir amid protests
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, marking a historic event amid opposition backlash over its political and cultural implications.
4. Students take to streets
The rape and murder of a postgraduate medical trainee in Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College ignited nationwide protests for justice. Meanwhile, a NEET controversy over result discrepancies and question paper leaks sparked off public outrage in the national education sector.
5. India's Chess supremacy
The country dominated the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, with both men’s and women’s teams clinching gold. D Gukesh became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, breaking Garry Kasparov’s long-held record, while Koneru Humpy won her second World Rapid Chess title.
6. Leaders behind bars
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren faced five-month jail terms in separate corruption cases charged by the Enforcement Directorate. After securing bail, Kejriwal stepped down as Delhi CM, paving the way for Atishi to take charge, while Soren resumed his role as Jharkhand's CM.
7. The Great Indian marriage
Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, married Radhika Merchant in a lavish wedding ceremony attended by global VIPs like Mark Zuckerberg and Justin Bieber.
8. Indian cinema shines globally
Payal Kapadia’s 'All We Imagine as Light' became the first Indian film in 30 years to feature in Cannes' main segment. The movie won the prestigious Grand Prix.
9. India lifts ICC trophy
The country's 11-year-long wait for an ICC trophy ended with a pulsating win against South Africa at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final. Stellar performances by Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and others played a pivotal role in the triumph.
10. Farewell to icons
It was a year of irreplaceable losses for the nation. India mourned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, industrialist Ratan Tata, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and CPI leader Sitaram Yechury and filmmaker Shyam Benegal, whose contributions left a timeless imprint across various spheres.