The year 2024 has been a year of cutting-edge achievements for India, marked by a series of "firsts" that spotlight the nation's growing stature on the global stage.
Below achievements underscore India's commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and global leadership, thus paving the way for a brighter future.
Governance and economic milestones
1. First-ever snow leopard survey: Conducted in January, the survey revealed an estimated 718 snow leopards in the wild, a critical step in protecting this endangered species.
2. Electrification of remote villages: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, even the most remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir have experienced significant development. In January, two villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector of the union territory were electrified for the first time in 75 years of independence. Furthermore, Chhutwahi, a village in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, which had previously struggled with Maoist influence, gained access to electricity and connectivity in November.
3. Forex Reserves cross the $700 billion mark: In September, India's foreign exchange reserves exceeded $700 billion, making it the fourth-largest globally.
4. Record digital transactions: In October, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processed 16.58 billion transactions, highlighting India's digital transformation.
5. Constitution Day in J&K: Jammu and Kashmir celebrated 'Samvidhan Diwas' for the first time on November 26.
Infrastructure milestones
1. First steel slag road: A road section on NH-66, using processed steel slag, was inaugurated in January, showcasing sustainable infrastructure development. The road section was constructed by converting approximately 80,000 tons of CONARC Steel Slag into processed steel slag aggregated.
2. Electric train in J&K: PM Modi in February flagged off the union territory's first electric train, enhancing connectivity and sustainability. It also showcases a long-overdue integration of the territory with the nation's broader developmental goals.
3. Floating solar plant by Indian Railways: A 10 MWp solar plant was installed on Igatpuri Lake in the Western Ghats of the nation in June, leveraging renewable energy. It is a first-of-its-kind initiative which aims at achieving the railway's resolution of 'Green Earth'.
4. Driverless metro under 'Make in India': The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) received its first metro train set with driverless technology in September 2024. This train is equipped with advanced automation and safety features.
5. Vande Metro (Namo Bharat Rapid Rail) launch: Launched in Ahmedabad in September 2024, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is a revolutionary urban transit system designed for short-distance travel, aimed at modernising India's infrastructure.
6. Indigenous naval vessel 'Samarthak': The Indian Navy launched its first multi-purpose vessel (MPV) under the Centre's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiatives.
7. Vertical lift railway sea bridge: A new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, India's first ever vertical rift railway bridge inaugurated in November, replaced the 105-year-old structure, offering modern engineering excellence.
8. Bio-Gas plant in Gwalior: A groundbreaking cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior was inaugurated by PM Modi in November, marking a significant development under the 'Waste to Wealth' initiative.
Space and defence innovations
1. First X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat): Launched in January, XPoSat positioned India as the second country, after the US, to study black holes with a dedicated observatory.
2. Private sector aircraft plant: October saw the inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex, producing C-295 aircraft, by PM Modi. This complex will further enhance India's defence manufacturing.
3. Military space exercise: The first-ever military space exercise, 'Antariksha Abhyas-2024,' was conducted by the Defence Space Agency in September. This was focused on strengthening strategic readiness in space warfare.
4. Hypersonic missile test: In November, DRDO successfully tested India's first long-range hypersonic missile, which flies over five times the speed of sound and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads to a distance exceeding.
Global events
1. National Creators Award: India launched the world's first award for digital content creators. These awards were presented by PM Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, recognising the contributions of digital creators across various platforms.
2. UN Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure: In April, India hosted the UN's First International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure to harness the technology to push Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference specifically featured the nation's Citizen Stack initiative, which was inspired by the transformative India Stack.
3. UNESCO World Heritage Session: India hosted the 46th session in July, with Assam's Moidams -- Mound-Burial System of Ahom Dynasty -- becoming the 42nd World Heritage Site. In the past decade, a total of 13 Heritage Sites have been listed in India.
4. Ayurveda Conference: The All India Institute of Ayurveda hosted its first international conference, AROHA-2024, in October.
5. ICA Cooperative Conference: India hosted the International Cooperative Alliance's global event, Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly, in November for the first in the 130-year history of ICA.
6. Asian Buddhist Summit: In November, India hosted the First Asian Buddhist Summit, which saw participation from 32 countries, with over 160 international participants attending.
In Healthcare sector, India marked a new start with indigenous Antibiotic Development. "Nafithromycin," the first indigenous antibiotic was launched to counter resistant infections, thereby marking a milestone in healthcare self-reliance.
All these milestones align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' thereby laying the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive and progressive nation.
No booksellers or publishers from Bangladesh to participate in Agartala Book Fair
Amidst the unrest followed by the political changes in Bangladesh, no booksellers or publishers from the neighbouring country will participate in the Agartala Book Fair, beginning from Thursday, officials said.
Urbania bus service flagged off for tourists; Govt prioritizes development of tourism, says Minister Sushanta Chowdhury
In yet another boost to the state tourism sector, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Wednesday flagged off Urbania bus services for the tourists and said that the government has prioritized development of tourism industry to create new employment opportunities.
Mukhyamantri Samipeshu: CM extends Rs 70,000 medical aid to three persons
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today approved financial assistance of Rs 70,000 on the spot from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to three individuals who brought their requests for medical assistance.
Tourists flock to Neer Mahal on first day of the English New Year
The iconic Neer Mahal, nestled amidst the serene waters of Rudrasagar, witnessed a massive influx of tourists on the first day of the English New Year.
Lord Shani idol damaged at Sonamura, Police launches probe
Tensions flared in Tamsa Bari, a village under Sonamura Sub-division of Sepahijala District, after the idol of Lord Shani at a bamboo-fenced shrine was found dislodged and overturned late on the night of December 31.
Tripura Assembly session from January 10: Two Bills on agenda
The winter session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly is set to take place over three days, starting January 10. Two key bills are expected to be tabled during this session.
One Held with Yaba worth Rs 60 Lakh from Lokmanya Tilak Express in Agartala
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) deployed at Agartala Railway Station has seized Yaba tablets worth Rs 60 lakh and detained one person from the Lokmanya Tilak Express train, which arrived in Agartala from Mumbai late Wednesday night.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi asks FCI officials in Agartala to ensure efficient food storage; reviews implementation of Central schemes in Tripura
The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, food and Public distribution and new and renewable energy Prahlad Joshi, who landed here at Agartala on a two-day visit to Tripura on Saturday chaired a review meeting to check the implementation of the Central government schemes.