Year-End Review: 2024 Signified a Year of Milestones for India on the Global Front

New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) The year 2024 has proven to be a period of remarkable accomplishments for India, highlighted by a succession of firsts that demonstrate the country's enhancing prominence on the international platform.

These remarkable achievements reflect India's dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and global leadership, thus setting the stage for a promising future.

Governance and Economic Milestones

1. First-ever Snow Leopard Survey: Initiated in January, this survey estimated the presence of 718 snow leopards in the wild, playing a crucial role in the conservation of this endangered species.

2. Electrification of Remote Villages: Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even the most isolated regions of Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed significant improvements. In January, two villages near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector were electrified for the first time in 75 years of independence. Moreover, Chhutwahi, a village in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, which had previously faced challenges from Maoist activity, gained access to electricity and connectivity in November.

3. Forex Reserves Surpass $700 Billion: In September, India's foreign exchange reserves exceeded the $700 billion mark, establishing it as the fourth-largest globally.

4. Record Digital Transactions: In October, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processed 16.58 billion transactions, showcasing the nation's digital evolution.

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 section of NH-66, constructed using processed steel slag, was inaugurated in January, exemplifying sustainable infrastructure development. Approximately 80,000 tons of CONARC Steel Slag were converted into processed steel slag aggregates for this road.

2. Electric Train in J&K: In February, PM Modi inaugurated the region's first electric train, improving connectivity and sustainability, and aligning with the nation's broader developmental objectives.

3. Floating Solar Plant by Indian Railways: A 10 MWp solar facility was established on Igatpuri Lake in the Western Ghats in June, promoting renewable energy. This pioneering initiative supports the railway's commitment to a 'Green Earth'.

4. Driverless Metro Under 'Make in India': The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) received its first driverless metro train set in September 2024, featuring advanced automation and safety technology.

5. Vande Metro (Namo Bharat Rapid Rail) Launch: Launched in Ahmedabad in September 2024, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is an innovative urban transit system designed for short-distance travel, aimed at modernizing India's infrastructure.

6. Indigenous Naval Vessel 'Samarthak': The Indian Navy unveiled 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 inaugural vertical lift railway bridge, was inaugurated in November, replacing a 105-year-old structure and exemplifying modern engineering.

8. Bio-Gas Plant in Gwalior: PM Modi inaugurated a groundbreaking Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) facility in Gwalior in November, utilizing cattle dung and marking a significant step 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 nation, following the US, to study black holes with a dedicated observatory.

2. Private Sector Aircraft Plant: The TATA Aircraft Complex, dedicated to producing C-295 aircraft, was inaugurated by PM Modi in October, further bolstering India's defence manufacturing capabilities.

3. Military Space Exercise: The inaugural military space exercise, 'Antariksha Abhyas-2024', was conducted by the Defence Space Agency in September, aimed at enhancing strategic readiness for space warfare.

4. Hypersonic Missile Test: In November, the DRDO successfully tested India's first long-range hypersonic missile, capable of flying at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound and carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads over considerable distances.

Global Events

1. National Creators Award: India introduced the world's first award for digital content creators. These awards were presented by PM Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, acknowledging the contributions of digital creators across various platforms.

2. UN Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure: India hosted the UN's First International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure in April, aiming to leverage technology to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference prominently featured the Citizen Stack initiative, inspired by the transformative India Stack.

3. UNESCO World Heritage Session: India hosted the 46th session in July, during which Assam's Moidams -- Mound-Burial System of Ahom Dynasty -- was designated as the 42nd World Heritage Site. Over the past decade, a total of 13 Heritage Sites have been recognized in India.

4. Ayurveda Conference: The All India Institute of Ayurveda held its inaugural international conference, AROHA-2024, in October.

5. ICA Cooperative Conference: In November, India hosted the International Cooperative Alliance's Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly, marking the first such event in the 130-year history of ICA.

6. Asian Buddhist Summit: In November, India organized the First Asian Buddhist Summit, attracting participation from 32 countries with over 160 international attendees.

In the healthcare sector, India initiated a new chapter with indigenous antibiotic development. The launch of 'Nafithromycin', the first indigenous antibiotic, aims to combat resistant infections, marking a pivotal milestone in healthcare self-sufficiency.

All of these milestones align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for 'Viksit Bharat 2047', laying the groundwork for a prosperous, inclusive, and progressive nation.