The year 2024 has been a landmark period for India, marked by groundbreaking achievements and a series of “firsts” that underscore the nation’s growing global stature. These milestones reflect India’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and leadership, paving the way for a prosperous future.
India’s significant achievements spanned governance, infrastructure, space, defense, and global engagement.
Governance and Economic Milestones
First-ever snow leopard survey: Conducted in January, the survey estimated 718 snow leopards in the wild, marking a crucial step in conserving this endangered species.
Electrification of remote villages: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, such as those in the Keran sector, received electricity for the first time in 75 years. Similarly, Chhutwahi village in Chhattisgarh, once under Maoist influence, achieved electrification in November.
Forex reserves milestone: In September, India’s foreign exchange reserves crossed the $700 billion mark, positioning the nation as the fourth-largest holder globally.
Record digital transactions: October witnessed the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processing 16.58 billion transactions, furthering India’s digital transformation.
Constitution Day in J&K: Jammu and Kashmir observed its first ‘Samvidhan Diwas’ on November 26, highlighting its integration into national governance.
Infrastructure Milestones
First steel slag road: A section of NH-66 was inaugurated in January, constructed using 80,000 tons of processed steel slag, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure.
Electric train in J&K: February saw the launch of the union territory’s first electric train, symbolizing enhanced connectivity and environmental sustainability.
Floating solar plant: In June, Indian Railways installed a 10 MWp solar plant on Igatpuri Lake in Maharashtra, a pioneering step in renewable energy.
Driverless metro technology: The Delhi Metro received its first-ever driverless train set in September, equipped with advanced automation and safety features.
Vande Metro (Namo Bharat Rapid Rail): September saw the launch of a revolutionary urban transit system in Ahmedabad, modernizing short-distance travel.
Indigenous naval vessel ‘Samarthak’: The Indian Navy launched its first multi-purpose vessel under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, enhancing maritime capabilities.
Vertical lift railway sea bridge: November marked the inauguration of a new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, India’s first vertical lift railway bridge, replacing the 105-year-old structure.
Bio-gas plant in Gwalior: A cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant was inaugurated in November under the ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative, bolstering renewable energy efforts.
Space and Defense Innovations
First X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat): Launched in January, it made India the second country, after the US, to deploy a dedicated observatory to study black holes.
Private sector aircraft plant: October saw the inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex, producing C-295 aircraft and bolstering defense manufacturing.
Military space exercise: The Defense Space Agency conducted its first-ever military space exercise, ‘Antariksha Abhyas-2024,’ in September, enhancing strategic readiness.
Hypersonic missile test: November witnessed the successful test of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile, capable of exceeding Mach 5 and carrying conventional or nuclear warheads over 2,000 km.
Global Events
National Creators Award: The world’s first award for digital content creators was launched, with PM Modi presenting accolades at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
UN Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure: Hosted in April, it showcased India’s Citizen Stack initiative to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNESCO World Heritage Session: July’s session saw Assam’s Moidams listed as India’s 42nd World Heritage Site, the 13th addition in the past decade.
Ayurveda Conference: October marked the All India Institute of Ayurveda’s first international conference, AROHA-2024.
ICA Cooperative Conference: In November, India hosted the International Cooperative Alliance’s Global Cooperative Conference, the first in its 130-year history.
Asian Buddhist Summit: The inaugural summit in November attracted representatives from 32 nations, with over 160 international participants.
In healthcare, India launched its first indigenous antibiotic, “Nafithromycin,” to combat resistant infections, marking a significant stride in self-reliance.
These milestones align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ laying the foundation for a future of progress and inclusivity.
(Inputs from IANS)