From cricket and chess to the Olympics and Paralympics, Indian sports icons showcased their prowess on the global stage, delivering moments that will be etched in history. Here’s a look at the year’s most significant achievements.
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 06:50 PM
Hyderabad: The year 2024 was a landmark year for Indian sports, with athletes achieving remarkable success across various disciplines, breaking records and inspiring millions. From cricket and chess to the Olympics and Paralympics, Indian sports icons showcased their prowess on the global stage, delivering moments that will be etched in history. Here’s a look at the year’s most significant achievements.
T20 World Cup glory: Ending 11-Year ICC Trophy drought
India’s cricket team ended an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy with a triumphant victory at the 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the Men in Blue defeated South Africa in the final to win their second T20 World Cup title. India’s flawless campaign saw them become the first unbeaten team to win the prestigious tournament.
This victory brought immense joy to fans, especially after the heartbreak of losing the ODI World Cup final to Australia in November 2023. The T20 win not only restored national pride but also reaffirmed India’s dominance in global cricket.
Paris Olympics: A journey of resilience
India’s campaign at the Paris Olympics concluded with six medals—one silver and five bronze—marking the country’s third-best performance in Olympic history. Shooter Manu Bhaker made history with two bronze medals, becoming the only Indian to achieve this feat in a single campaign. Swapnil Kusale, a 29-year-old railway ticket collector, clinched bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3-position event, a first for India.
Neeraj Chopra’s silver medal in javelin remained India’s best result, though some considered it below expectations given his gold-winning pedigree. The Indian men’s hockey team secured a historic bronze, achieving back-to-back Olympic medals for the first time since 1972. In wrestling, Aman Sehrawat’s bronze in the 57kg freestyle category made him India’s youngest-ever Olympic medalist.
Record-breaking Paralympics performance
India’s contingent at the Paris Paralympics delivered its best-ever performance, winning 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers and 13 bronzes, to clinch the 18th spot. This incredible achievement surpassed India’s previous best of 19 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, marking a new chapter in the nation’s Paralympic history.
Chess dominance: A golden year
India’s chess players shone brightly in 2024. The 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest saw both the Indian men’s and women’s teams win gold medals. The men’s team, featuring prodigies like Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi, clinched the title with a final round victory over Slovenia. The women’s team, including Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Tania Sachdev, staged a stunning comeback to win the title.
The highlight of the year was 18-year-old Gukesh D becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren. This victory cemented his status as one of the greatest chess prodigies and the second Indian to achieve this feat after Viswanathan Anand.
Rohan Bopanna: A Grand Slam milestone
Veteran tennis star Rohan Bopanna scripted history at the 2024 Australian Open. Partnering with Australian Matthew Ebden, Bopanna won the men’s doubles title, defeating Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. At 43 years, Bopanna became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title, a testament to his enduring skill and determination.
Grigoryan made this statement at the 23rd meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Armenia and Russia, held in Moscow on December 19,” Armenpress reported.
In this context, the issue of launching the second power unit of the Armenian NPP in 2026 and extending its operation until 2036 is a priority for Armenia,” the Deputy PM said.”I would like to express our readiness to develop cooperation with Russia in the field of the peaceful use of atomic energy.
In this context, I consider the signing of a declaration on strategic partnership in the field of nuclear medicine to be important,” Grigoryan noted.
Touching upon the issue of external energy supplies, the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia mentioned that the volume of gasoline imports from Russia to Armenia during the first 11 months of the current year amounted to 145 thousand tons, diesel fuel to 139 thousand tons, and natural gas to 1.9 billion cubic meters.
His death comes three months after he publicly accused OpenAI of violating US copyright law while developing ChatGPT
Published Date – 14 December 2024, 10:46 AM
Suchir Balaji. Photo: X
New York: A 26-year-old Indian-origin former employee of artificial intelligence giant OpenAI has died by suicide in San Francisco, authorities said.
Suchir Balaji was found dead inside his Buchanan Street apartment in San Francisco on November 26, the San Francisco police and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner were quoted as saying by The Mercury News.
The medical examiner’s office determined the manner of death to be suicide and police officials said there is “currently, no evidence of foul play”.
Balaji was known for whistleblowing the blockbuster artificial intelligence company which is facing a swell of lawsuits over its business model.
Balaji’s death comes three months after he publicly accused OpenAI of violating US copyright law while developing ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence programme that has become a moneymaking sensation used by hundreds of millions of people across the world, the report said.
Its public release in late 2022 spurred a torrent of lawsuits against OpenAI from authors, computer programmers and journalists, who say the company illegally stole their copyrighted material to train its programme and elevate its value past $150 billion.
In an interview with the New York Times published on October 23, Balaji argued that OpenAI was harming businesses and entrepreneurs whose data were used to train ChatGPT.
Balaji left OpenAI because he no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that he believed would bring society more harm than benefit, the report added.
“If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” he told the outlet, adding that “this is not a sustainable model for the internet ecosystem as a whole.”
Balaji grew up in Cupertino before attending UC Berkeley to study computer science.
Meanwhile, Balaji’s mother has requested privacy while grieving the death of her son, The Mercury News reported.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed allegations raised by a senior US official that Islamabad’s ballistic missile program poses a threat to US security as “unfounded” and “devoid of rationality.”
On Thursday, Jon Finer, the Biden administration’s deputy national security adviser, claimed that Islamabad’s missile program raises “real questions” about its intentions.
“Pakistan has developed increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors,” Finer said. “If these trend lines continue, Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States.”
He made these comments a day after Washington announced a new round of sanctions related to “four entities contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.”
Responding to media queries on Finer’s remarks and the new round of sanctions on Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said “The alleged threat perception from Pakistan’s missile capabilities and delivery means, raised by the US official, are unfortunate.”
“These allegations are unfounded, devoid of rationality and sense of history,” she said.
Baloch emphasized the long-standing positive relationship between Pakistan and the US, calling such allegations counterproductive to their cooperation.
She argued that the recent US allegations towards “a major non-NATO ally would be unhelpful for the overall relationship, especially in the absence of any evidence.”
Baloch stressed that Pakistan has never had any hostile intentions toward the US. She highlighted the toll that US policies in the region have taken on Pakistan and the country’s sacrifices in maintaining the bilateral relationship.
“Pakistan has never had any ill-intention towards the US in any form or manner, and this fundamental reality has not changed. On the contrary, Pakistan has made monumental sacrifices for this relationship and continues to suffer hugely in sustaining the onslaught of the aftermath of US policies in the region,” Baloch said.
She also maintained that Pakistan had been wrongfully linked to nations perceived as adversaries of the US. She referred to the apparent discrepancy in how missile capabilities in neighboring India were being handled by the US.
Concerns about Pakistan’s ballistic missile program were being raised to further destabilize the region’s fragile strategic balance, Baloch said.
She stated that her country’s ballistic missile capabilities are designed to defend its sovereignty and ensure peace and stability in South Asia. She further emphasized Pakistan’s right to continue the development of its defense capabilities as deterrence against regional threats.
She indicated Pakistan’s willingness to engage with the US on security and stability issues and emphasized the importance of a balanced approach based on the two countries’ history of cooperation and friendship.
During the event, Kavitha stressed the importance of preserving Telangana’s cultural heritage, especially the Bathukamma festival, which she claimed had been disrespected by the Congress government and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. She urged the public to come together and protect Telangana Thalli, portraying her as a maternal symbol for all.
Published Date – 22 December 2024, 07:14 PM
Hyderabad: BRS MLC K Kavitha and host of other leaders living in different countries on Sunday strongly condemned the Congress government’s actions that were aimed at undermining the identity of Telangana. The meeting, which was held virtually, had the participation of key leaders spearheading the activities of the party overseas while Mahesh Bigala coordinated the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Kavitha emphasized the need to protect Telangana’s cultural heritage, particularly the Bathukamma festival, which she said the Congress government and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had disrespected. She called upon the people to unite and safeguard Telangana Thalli, likening her to a mother figure for all.
Kavitha highlighted the significant role played by NRIs in the Telangana movement, stating that their contributions were unforgettable. She expressed her dismay over the Congress government’s decision to replace the Telangana Thalli statue, calling it a disgraceful act. Kavitha questioned the government’s secrecy in this matter and urged them to respect the sentiments of the people.
NRI leaders praised Kavitha for her efforts in gaining global recognition for the Bathukamma festival. They pledged their support in countering the Congress government’s actions and protecting Telangana’s culture and traditions. The leaders vowed to expose the Congress government’s actions on various international platforms and assist in preserving the identity of Telangana Thalli.
The online meeting was attended by several prominent figures, including former Film Development Corporation Chairman Anil Kurmachalam, Telangana Jagruthi state leaders Naveen Achari, and various BRS and Jagruthi leaders from different countries.
Choosing to bat first, Hyderabad scored 276 in 48.1 overs, with Avinash leading the charge, hitting 14 boundaries and one six. Tanmay Agarwal (51) and Varun Goud (57) also made key contributions. For Nagaland, Imliwati Lemtur (4/48) and Rongsen Jonathan (3/41) were the standout bowlers.
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 06:53 PM
Choosing to bat first, Hyderabad scored 276 in 48.1 overs, with Avinash leading the charge, hitting 14 boundaries and one six. Tanmay Agarwal (51) and Varun Goud (57) also made key contributions. For Nagaland, Imliwati Lemtur (4/48) and Rongsen Jonathan (3/41) were the standout bowlers.
Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s wicketkeeper batter Avanish Rao scored a scintillating 100 off 82 balls in the team’s 42-run win over Nagaland in the Round 1 of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, Hyderabad posted 276 in 48.1 overs, with Avinash leading the attack which featured 14 boundaries and one six. Moreover, Tanmay Agarwal (51) and Varun Goud (57) made crucial contributions. Nagaland’s Imliwati Lemtur (4/48) and Rongsen Jonathan (3/41) were the pick of the bowlers.
Chasing 277, Nagaland struggled early, losing both openers cheaply. Yugandhar Singh (80) and Jagadeesha Suchith (66) steadied the innings, but Hyderabad’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Saranu Nishanth (2/25) and Mohammad Muddassir (2/27), restricted them to 234/8 in 50 overs. The win gives Hyderabad a strong start in the tournament.
Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance,” the MEA said
Updated On – 22 December 2024, 05:06 AM
Police Officers Stand At A Cordoned Off Christmas Market
New Delhi: Seven Indians have been injured in the deadly car-ramming attack in the eastern German city of Magdeburg and the Indian embassy in Berlin is providing them all possible assistance, official sources said on Saturday night.
A 50-year-old man drove his car into crowds at a Christmas market on Friday evening in Saxony-Anhalt state’s Magdeburg, leaving at least five people, including a nine-year-old, dead and nearly 200 injured, according to German authorities.
Three out of seven injured Indians have been discharged from hospital, the Indian government sources said.
Condemning the “horrific and senseless” attack, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian mission in Germany is in contact with the Indians injured. It, however, did not specify the number of Indians injured.
In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Berlin said it is maintaining close contact with the Indians injured in the attack.
In a statement, the MEA said the Indian mission is rendering all possible assistance to the Indians injured in the incident.
“We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. “Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims.”
“Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance,” the MEA said in a statement.
Local law enforcement authorities said the 50-year-old man, who drove the car into the crowd, has been arrested.
The man reportedly hails from Saudi Arabia and he has been living in Germany since 2006.
Senior prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens said the motive for the attack remains unclear, but the suspect’s dissatisfaction with Germany’s treatment of Saudi refugees may have played a role, according to German Broadcaster Deutsche Welle.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser visited Magdeburg on Saturday.
Nano-entrepreneurs, construction workers, domestic helpers, and street vendors, etc, who form the lower 50% of the labour force continue to operate under severe constraints
Updated On – 16 December 2024, 11:14 PM
Representational photo
By Sushiila Ttiwari, D Samarender Reddy
India’s economic trajectory has been both inspiring and challenging. While the country has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, its informal labour sector, which includes the lower 50% of the labour force, such as nano-entrepreneurs, construction workers, domestic helpers, and street vendors, continues to operate under severe constraints. Despite their substantial contribution, their potential remains untapped due to systemic barriers such as financial exclusion, lack of training, and poor policy support.
As India grapples with GDP growth falling to 5.4%, there is an urgent need to focus on this segment of the workforce. Addressing their challenges and empowering them with better opportunities can be a game changer for economic revival. The insights in this article are drawn significantly from the pioneering research and impactful initiatives of Rajendra Joshi, visionary founder of Saath Charitable Trust.
Unseen Backbone
India’s informal sector employs an estimated 87% of the workforce, encompassing millions of workers and micro-entrepreneurs. Nano-entrepreneurs alone account for a significant share, often operating small businesses with minimal investment. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the informal sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) rose from Rs 8.62 lakh crore in 2022 to Rs 9.99 lakh crore in 2023. This growth underscores the resilience of informal workers despite their limited access to institutional support.
Rajendra Joshi, whose work with the Saath Charitable Trust spans over three decades, has been instrumental in highlighting the critical role of the informal sector in India’s urban economy. His efforts focus on integrating marginalised communities into mainstream development through innovative solutions like nano-enterprise support, financial inclusion and skill-building programmes. Joshi’s book Smart Cities: Breaking the Poverty Barrier provides a comprehensive account of these efforts, offering practical insights into how slums and informal settlements can become hubs for economic growth rather than centres of neglect.
Challenges, Missed Opportunities The lower 50% of the workforce faces a myriad of challenges that hinder their ability to contribute effectively to the economy. Lack of formal recognition is a major issue. Workers in this sector are often invisible to policymakers, which means they miss out on benefits such as subsidies, skill development programmes, and access to credit. Nano-entrepreneurs, for example, are crucial drivers of local economies but rarely receive the support needed to scale their operations.
According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the informal sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) rose from Rs 8.62 lakh crore in 2022 to Rs 9.99 lakh crore in 2023.
Moreover, inadequate education and training exacerbate these issues. Many women in the informal sector, particularly those engaged in domestic work and waste picking, have not completed primary education. Men, too, face significant skill deficits, often finding themselves trapped in low-wage, unskilled labour. These gaps prevent workers from transitioning into higher-paying, stable jobs, thereby limiting their economic mobility.
Health and safety concerns are another pressing issue. Informal work environments often lack basic amenities such as clean drinking water, sanitation and safe working conditions. These deficiencies lead to frequent illnesses, reduced productivity, and financial strain on already vulnerable families. In turn, this cycle of health issues and economic instability reinforces the socio-economic divide.
Unlocking Potential
Financial inclusion is a cornerstone for empowering the lower 50% of the workforce. By providing access to affordable loans, insurance, and savings accounts, workers can invest in their businesses and secure their livelihoods. Programmes like the Saath Savings & Credit Cooperative Society offer a model for success. By extending zero-interest loans and connecting workers to microfinance institutions, these initiatives enable nano-entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and achieve financial stability.
Skill development is equally critical. Training programmes that align with market demands can equip workers with the skills needed to secure better-paying jobs. Organisations like the Saath Charitable Trust have made significant strides in this area, training over 72,000 youths and women in formal and non-traditional livelihood courses. These initiatives not only improve individual earning potential but also contribute to broader economic growth by creating a more skilled and productive labour force.
Market linkages can further amplify these efforts. Connecting nano-entrepreneurs to larger markets ensures they receive fair prices for their products and gain access to a broader customer base. In Ahmedabad, for instance, cooperatives have successfully aggregated resources, enabling micro-entrepreneurs to compete on a larger scale and increase their profitability.
Case Studies
Leadership plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of marginalised workers. Rajendra Joshi’s work with the Saath Charitable Trust is a shining example of how grassroots initiatives can drive systemic change. With over 1.5 million lives impacted through Saath’s programmes, Joshi’s vision for equitable urban development combines community empowerment with practical solutions like skill-building and financial inclusion.
Similarly, under the chairmanship of V Vidyasagar, Sagar Asia Pvt Ltd has emerged as a leader in empowering workers from underprivileged backgrounds. Vidyasagar’s company, employing over 500 people, specialises in aluminium extrusions and value-added products like ladders, scaffolds, and wind tower components. His focus on skill development and equitable wages, particularly for women, reflects his commitment to creating an inclusive industrial ecosystem.
PV Hariharan, ex-CEO of a polymer products company and founder of Agrobiogenics, has done extensive research all over India in over 1,000 villages, studying India’s potential in terms of Resources, including Human Resources. His agrobiogenics initiative leverages sustainable agricultural practices, emphasising environmental sustainability while creating opportunities for those at the lower rungs of society, demonstrating the interconnectedness of social equity and environmental stewardship.
Targeted Intervention
Studies estimate that targeted interventions in financial inclusion, skill development, and market access could boost GDP growth by 1.5% annually. Training programmes alone could contribute an additional Rs 10,000 crore to the GVA, while improved financial inclusion could unlock billions in latent economic potential.
Moreover, empowering the informal sector aligns with global sustainability goals, including poverty alleviation, gender equality, and decent work for all. By investing in this segment of the workforce, India can address pressing socio-economic issues while achieving sustainable economic growth.
To sum up, the lower 50% of India’s labour force represents a vast reservoir of untapped potential. By prioritising their well-being and potential, India can chart a path toward equitable and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind in its journey toward progress.
(Sushiila Ttiwari is Managing Director and D Samarender Reddy is Director, https://7qube.com/)
Kylian Mbappe scored a screamer and set up another goal as Real Madrid thrashed Sevilla 4-2 on Saturday to move second in La Liga above stuttering rivals Barcelona. After Atletico Madrid beat Barca on Saturday to claim top spot at Christmas, Carlo Ancelotti’s side also took advantage with a comfortable home win which leaves them a point behind the leaders. Madrid coach Ancelotti said ahead of Sevilla’s visit that Mbappe’s adaptation period had ended following his summer switch from Paris Saint-Germain and the French forward proved the coach right with a strong performance and his 14th goal of the season across all competitions.
Fede Valverde also netted a brilliant effort from range, with Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz on the scoresheet for the hosts too.
Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukebakio scored for Sevilla, although they were thoroughly outplayed on veteran defender Jesus Navas’ final game for the club.
Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 10th minute as Madrid brought the ball out from the back and worked it to Rodrygo on the left flank.
The Brazilian squared to Mbappe on the edge of the area, who took one touch to control, another to set himself and with his third, smashed a fierce effort past the helpless Alvaro Fernandez.
Madrid’s second, 10 minutes later, was even better, with Valverde firing a screamer into the top corner from over 30 yards out after a short corner routine.
Ancelotti’s side were in full flow and the third followed in the 34th minute when Lucas Vazquez crossed for Rodrygo, who finished with aplomb.
Sevilla hit back within a minute, with Romero nodding home from Juanlu Sanchez’s cross after good work by Dodi Lukebakio.
Sevilla came out strongly in the second half and Romero should have added a second but fired straight at Thibaut Courtois when well placed.
Instead it was Madrid who stretched their lead, with Mbappe dinking a superb pass through for Diaz to finish clinically.
Sevilla brought on Navas after the hour mark and he was applauded by the Santiago Bernabeu, with this his 705th and final appearance for the club, far more than any other player.
Madrid and Sevilla players together gave the retiring Spanish great — a World Cup winner in 2010 and two-time Euros champion — a guard of honour at the start of the game.
Navas, 39, won four Europa Leagues and two Copa del Rey trophies with Sevilla, but his final appearance ended in disappointment for the Andalusians, who were outplayed in the Spanish capital.
Fernandez saved from Rodrygo after Mbappe rounded the goalkeeper and passed the ball back to his Brazilian strike-partner, as Madrid looked for a fifth.
Lukebakio pulled one back late on for Sevilla as Madrid were able to finish an impressive year, in which they became Spanish and European champions, with a good result.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
