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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership is reflected in these milestones and also highlight the story of progress
India had successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha in November. (Image: ANI/File)
The year 2024 was one of unprecedented achievements for India, marked by a series of “firsts”, underscoring the country’s growing global influence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership is reflected in these milestones, while also highlighting the story of progress.
global events
National Creator Award (NCA): For the first time, India launched the National Creators Award (NCA), the first of its kind in the world to honor digital content creators who have made significant contributions across various platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the inaugural awards at the Bharat Mandapam, highlighting the central government’s emphasis on embracing technology and digital platforms, which have been instrumental in fostering an ecosystem of creators.
First United Nations International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure: The first UN international conference on digital public infrastructure was organized under the leadership of India to use technology to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote inclusivity. It was held in April, highlighting India’s ‘Citizen Stack’ initiative inspired by ‘India Stack’.
46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee: This year, for the first time, India hosted the meeting of the World Heritage Committee. The 46th session of this prestigious gathering was held in July at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Moidam of Assam, incorporating the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty, was India’s 42nd entry. In the last decade, 13 heritage sites have been listed in India.
First International Conference of All India Institute of Ayurveda: In October, India hosted the first international conference of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) titled ‘AROHA-2024’ in New Delhi. This event increased the global recognition of Ayurveda as a valid and effective system of medicine.
ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024: In another milestone, in November, India hosted the Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly for the first time in the 130-year history of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). This historic event organized under the leadership of Modi reflects India’s growing influence in the global cooperative movement and its commitment to promote inclusive growth.
First Asian Buddhist Summit: In November, India hosted the first Asian Buddhist Summit with participation from 32 countries and over 160 international delegates.
Space and Defense Research
First X-ray Polarimeter Satellite: Adding a new chapter to India’s ambitious space journey, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched its first X-ray Polarimeter satellite (XPoSat) in January. This mission took an important step towards uncovering the mysteries of black holes and extreme events in space. With this launch, India is poised to become the second country after the United States to have a dedicated observatory to investigate black holes.
First private sector military aircraft plant: In a historic move underscoring India’s growth in defense manufacturing, the Prime Minister in October inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex, which will manufacture the C-295 aircraft. This is India’s first private sector military aircraft plant and this historic development is an important step towards enhancing self-reliance under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
‘Space Exercise’, the first military space exercise: In another historic event, India conducted its first military space exercise in November. ‘Space Abhyas 2024’ was organized by the Defense Space Agency to enhance strategic preparedness in space warfare. The exercise is an important step in strengthening India’s space-based operational capabilities and enhancing tri-service integration for space security.
First long range hypersonic missile: In a significant development, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in November test-fired India’s first long-range hypersonic missile. It can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons and can fly at five times the speed of sound.
infrastructure
First National Highway Steel Slag Road Section: In a significant development, India’s first national highway steel slag road section on NH-66 connecting Mumbai to Goa was inaugurated in January. The manufacturing process involved converting approximately 80,000 tonnes of CONARC steel slag into processed steel slag aggregates at the JSW Steel Dolvi plant in Raigarh. This initiative not only reduces industrial waste but also increases the strength, durability and sustainability of the road.
Jammu and Kashmir’s first electric train: In February, Modi had flagged off the first electric train of Jammu and Kashmir. This achievement highlights the Centre’s commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation while improving connectivity in the region. It has been decades in the making and is more than just a transportation upgrade, symbolizing the region’s long-awaited integration with India’s broader developmental goals.
First floating solar plant of Indian Railways: In a first of its kind initiative, Central Railway in June installed a floating solar plant of 10 MW capacity in Igatpuri Lake located in the Western Ghats. The plant is committed to leveraging renewable energy sources, utilizing solar and installing wind-energy resources, providing adequate passenger amenities and significantly contributing to the goal of a “green” Earth.
Delhi Metro’s first ‘Make in India’ driverless train: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) received its first train set integrated with driverless technology in September, a major milestone under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Driverless trains are equipped with state-of-the-art automation and safety systems, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted operations.
First Vande Metro (Namo Bharat Rapid Rail): The much-awaited first Vande Metro, a revolutionary urban transit system designed for short-distance travel, was launched in Ahmedabad in September. The metro is also named Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, which will run between Ahmedabad and Bhuj. It reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of modernizing India’s infrastructure while making it sustainable and accessible.
‘Samanthak’, the first indigenous multipurpose ship: In October, the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the launch of ‘Samarthak’, the first vessel under the Two Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) project. It highlights India’s progress in indigenous shipbuilding in line with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’.
First Vertical Lift Rail Sea Bridge: The new Pamban Bridge at Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, considered a marvel of modern engineering, is India’s first vertical lift railway bridge. Successful testing on the bridge was completed in November and replaced a 105-year-old bridge that was closed due to corrosion. A modern blend of innovation and flexibility, it reflects India’s progress in infrastructure development and promises to strengthen tourism and pilgrimage in the region.
First modern, self-reliant cow shelter: In November 2024, Modi inaugurated a 100 TPD (ton per day) cattle dung-based compressed biogas (CBG) plant in Gwalior. This marks an important milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable development under the ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative. This state-of-the-art plant, integrated within a self-sustaining modern cow shed, is the first of its kind in India that showcases the innovative use of cattle dung to produce clean energy.
Governance and Economy
First survey on snow leopards: In January, the first survey of snow leopards revealed that the estimated population of these big cats in the wild was 718. The breakthrough came after four years of rigorous practice, marking an important step toward understanding and protecting one of the world’s most elusive and endangered big cats.
Electricity to 3 villages for the first time: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed unprecedented development, bringing even the remotest corners of the region within the ambit of progress. In January, two remote villages near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector were electrified for the first time in 75 years of independence. Chhutwahi village in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, which was earlier inaccessible by road and was under Maoist control, also got electricity for the first time in November.
Foreign exchange reserves cross US$ 700 billion for the first time: In a significant achievement, India’s foreign exchange reserves crossed the US$ 700 billion milestone for the first time in history in September. This remarkable achievement positions India as the fourth largest holder of foreign exchange reserves globally.
New historical records in digital transactions: In October, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) achieved a historic milestone by processing 16.58 billion financial transactions in a single month, underscoring its important role in India’s digital transformation.
First Constitution Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir: On 26 November, Jammu and Kashmir celebrated ‘Constitution Day’ for the first time since 1950. The festival is a direct reflection of Modi’s governance, which emphasizes inclusivity, integration and strengthening democratic values ​​across all sectors of India.
Health care
First indigenous antibiotic: India launched its first indigenous antibiotic, ‘Napithromycin’, marking a breakthrough in medical science and an important step towards self-reliance in health care. It is intended for antibiotic-resistant infections and is 10 times more effective than azithromycin, while achieving comparable results with just a three-day regimen. Modi’s focus on promoting research and innovation has paved the way for such unprecedented achievements.
