2024 promises to be a year of happy and landmark developments for India and the world

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the New Year, 2024 – a leap year – promises to be a roller-coaster. From international relations to sports events, political landscapes to technological advancements, there is much to look forward to in the next 12 months. To begin with, in world affairs, the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – are expected to consolidate their alliance and expand their collaborative efforts. Besides, on the first day of the year itself, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are set to join the grouping as full members. This expansion will involve increased economic cooperation, joint initiatives in R&D and collective efforts to address global challenges such as climate change and public health crises. A series of crucial elections is scheduled in 2024 with India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the US among those going to polls. These elections will play a pivotal role in shaping the course of these nations. Indeed, the US elections will determine not only domestic policies but have implications for global dynamics, too. The year would be especially crucial for India as general elections will be held in April-May and the BJP will face off against the INDIA bloc for the first time. Before the polls, the Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya and Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra would be the major happenings that can have far-reaching impact on national politics. It would be interesting to watch how India navigates 2024.

The world's eyes will turn to Paris as the city hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics. This sporting extravaganza will not only showcase the prowess of the best athletes but also serve as a platform for world harmony. The tech landscape is also poised for groundbreaking developments in 2024. With advancements in Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing and space exploration, the year holds the promise of transformative technologies that could reshape the way we live and work. Glimpses of these technological advancements were visible in 2023 but now these promise to be more profound. India, with its burgeoning tech industry, is likely to play a significant role in these innovations. On the downside, however, the Ukraine war may linger on and uncertainty in Gaza persist. Another cause of concern could be COVID-19, or its sub-variants. All countries, including India, will have to strengthen healthcare systems and bolster pandemic preparedness. The New Year is expected to be crucial for global climate action. India, as a major player in the fight against climate change, is likely to take further steps to transition towards sustainable practices. International collaborations and commitments are anticipated to address environmental challenges collectively. It is crucial to approach the future with optimism, resilience and a commitment to collaborative efforts for a better and more sustainable world as not everything happens as planned or for the better. Here is wishing our readers a very Happy New Year.