10 Key Events That Shaped India in 2024
From the general election to the continuation of unprecedented violence in the northeastern state of Manipur, India in 2024 witnessed a series of significant events that shaped its political, social and economic landscape. Below is an overview of 10 major developments.
The Hidden Financial Perils of the Influencer Dream
In an era where social media stardom seems to promise instant wealth and fame, thousands of aspiring influencers are pouring their life savings into a vision that, for most, remains frustratingly out of reach. Behind the glossy facade of perfectly curated Instagram feeds and viral TikTok videos lies a sobering reality: the path to influencer success is often paved with serious financial troubles.
Why Indian Rupee Declined to 85.80 Per US Dollar
The Indian rupee fell to 85.80 per U.S. dollar on Dec. 27. While this decline significantly affects various groups in India, including importers, consumers, investors, financial markets, and the government, it should also be a concern for ordinary Indian citizens. Here’s why.
Manmohan Singh: No Hate Despite Losing Grandfather in 1947
Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s former prime minister who died at age 92 on December 26, left present-day Pakistani Punjab as a young refugee during the 1947 Partition and witnessed the bloodshed of that year’s communal violence; yet he harboured no resentment or hate, unlike many of his fellow refugees who went on to show hostility toward India’s minorities.
NHRC’s New Member Faced Accusations of Anti-Minority Bias
A newly appointed member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Priyank Kanoongo, had been criticised for allegedly discriminating against minority communities until months before his appointment, during his tenure as chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
UP Chief Minister Criticised for Handling Bahraich Violence
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is facing criticism for his handling of recent communal violence in the Bahraich and Sambhal districts. Opposition leaders accuse him of evading responsibility, using diversionary tactics and creating divisions instead of addressing the root causes of the unrest.
Record 745 Attacks on Christians in India in 2024
The number of violent attacks against Christians in India reached a record high in 2024, with 745 incidents reported – an overage of over two incidents a day – to an independent helpline by the end of November, according to the Delhi-based United Christian Forum (UCF).
Opposition Leaders Challenge NHRC Chairperson Appointment
Leaders of the opposition have challenged the appointment of Justice V. Ramasubramanian as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging that the selection process was fundamentally flawed. Congress party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi contended that the procedure was predetermined, sidelining mutual consultation and consensus.
India Gains Forest Cover but Loses Dense Forests: Report
One of the most concerning revelations in the recently released India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is the complete loss of 3,656 square kilometres of dense forests between 2021 and 2023. While it shows a net gain in overall forest and tree cover, this substantial loss of dense forests is deeply concerning for several reasons.
WhatsApp Wins Privacy Case Against Pegasus Spyware in US
In a landmark decision, a U.S. court has ruled in favour of WhatsApp, holding the Israeli spyware maker NSO Group directly liable for targeting about 1,400 users with its Pegasus spyware, including over 300 Indian mobile numbers.
Why BJP MP Gave ‘1984’ Bag to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra?
A member of parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly handed a bag with “1984” written on it to Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Parliament on Dec. 20. The gesture evoked the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, during which Congress workers faced severe allegations of orchestrating mob violence. As neither party has a clean record, this incident demonstrates how communal tragedies—where ordinary citizens like you and I suffer—are used as political ammunition.
Why Only 6.6% of Indians File Income Tax Returns
In a parliamentary session, Finance Minister of State, Pankaj Chaudhary, revealed that only 6.68% of the country’s population filed income tax returns (ITRs) for the fiscal year 2023-24. There are multiple factors contributing to the low rate of income tax return filings in India.
Investigative Report Challenges Govt’s Claim of Lifting Millions Out of Poverty
In the months leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the ruling party claimed that nearly 250 million people had emerged from poverty during the 10 years of its government. However, an investigation by The Reporters’ Collective shows that the figure was the culmination of discreet efforts by an inter-ministerial unit to counter India’s global rankings.
Donald Trump: US to Tax Indian Goods as India Taxes Ours
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has said his administration will impose equivalent tariffs on Indian goods in response to the duties that India levies on American products. This means whenever India taxes U.S. goods, the United States will mirror those charges to ensure what he described as a reciprocal arrangement.
Why ‘One Nation, One Election’ Is a Problematic Idea
A constitutional amendment bill aiming to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously is set for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Dec. 17, a week after the Cabinet approved it. Critics, however, warn that “one nation, one election” could weaken the ability of local constituencies to have their interests accurately represented, among several other issues.
The High Cost of Tuberculosis in India, Even With Free Diagnosis and Care
In states across India, many tuberculosis patients incur burdensome out-of-pocket expenses for their treatment, even though government programs ensure no-charge diagnosis and care. A newly published study has found that about 45% of households with a tuberculosis patient bear costs exceeding one-fifth of their annual incomes.
‘Dilli Chalo’ March: 15 More Farmers Injured by Police Tear Gas
Fifteen more farmers were injured on Dec. 14 at the Shambhu border after Haryana police deployed tear gas against protesters who were attempting to move toward the capital city as part of their “Dilli Chalo” march, held in support of their longstanding agricultural demands.
Opposition Seeks Impeachment of High Court Judge Over Hate Speech
A six-member opposition delegation in the Rajya Sabha has submitted an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, accusing him of engaging in hate speech and inciting communal disharmony, which is in violation of the Indian Constitution. The motion states that the comments made by the judge were “inflammatory, prejudiced, and directly targeted at minority communities.”
54 Journalists Killed Worldwide in 2024, says RSF
In 2024, at least 54 journalists worldwide lost their lives either on the job or because of their reporting, according to the year-end roundup by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which shows that over half of these deaths occurred in conflict zones, with Gaza identified as the most lethal region globally. The report also mentions two of the five journalists currently detained in India.
The Politics Around Places of Worship Act
Several petitions were submitted to the Supreme Court on Dec. 11 to defend the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, on the eve of a hearing where the law’s validity will be scrutinised. The legislation mandates the preservation of the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947, which blocks political mobilisation around the emotive issues concerning perceived “historical wrongs.”