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The 2024 was a year marked by elections around the world. Close to 60 countries conducted their parliamentary or presidential elections, with some re-electing incumbent governments and others signalling a desire for change. From Narendra Modi coming back to power for a third term albeit without a majority to Donald Trump’s forceful comeback as the 47th President of the U.S., here is a look at a few significant elections from around the world.
It was the third straight win for Mr. Modi and the BJP when the results of the General election were announced on June 4. However, the BJP lost its parliamentary majority and became dependent on its allies. The BJP-led NDA won 291 seats against the Congress-led INDIA bloc’s 234 seats. Mr. Modi rode on nationalist agendas fuelled by the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, among others.
In 2024, India continued with economic expansion, ensuring its status as an emerging global economic powerhouse. With a 6.6 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, the country retained its position as the world’s fifth-largest economy, steadily narrowing the gap with Germany, which ranks fourth at present. This performance underscores India’s consistent trajectory of growth, underpinned by strategic initiatives and resilient economic policies. India’s GDP per capita, which measures the average economic output per individual, saw a significant rise in 2024. The per capita income growth rate stood at 2.73 percent, indicating progress in the living standards of Indian households. For the financial year 2023, India’s per capita income was nearly INR 200,000 (US$2,336), a striking increase from INR 71,609 (US$836.4) in 2012. This growth, amounting to a 175 percent rise over the past decade, can be attributed to population growth, increasing demand for employment, and expanding economic activities.
Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons breathed his last on Wednesday. He was 86. As per reports, the veteran industrialist was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after his blood pressure dropped suddenly. Later he was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following a sudden deterioration in his health. Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wrote: "Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India's oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better."
On 1 January 2024, ISRO launched the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) aboard PSLV-C58 from Sriharikota. The mission marked India’s entry as the second nation globally, after NASA, to study space-based polarisation of X-ray emissions. The satellite aims to observe celestial phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars, enhancing India’s capacity for advanced astronomical research.