2024: A Tumultuous Year

2024: The year in Review

1. Horrific Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

In August 2024, Calcutta was shaken to its core by the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The victim, who had completed a grueling 36-hour shift, was found deceased in a seminar room on August 9. Authorities protecting the perpetrators initially attributed it to suicide, but an autopsy revealed conclusive evidence of sexual assault, leading to widespread outrage. The victim’s pelvic bone was broken, which would have required tremendous brutality in the rape she experienced before she was killed.

Nationwide Protests and Solidarity

The incident ignited nationwide protests, with thousands of doctors and citizens, including many young women, demanding justice and enhanced safety measures for medical professionals. Junior doctors in West Bengal initiated a hunger strike on October 5, 2024, which escalated to a fast unto death after 11 days, highlighting the urgency of their demands.

In response to the protests, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with demonstrators and agreed to most of their demands, including improved security and conditions in government hospitals. The state government removed the Kolkata Police Commissioner and two health officials to appease protesters.

Government Response and Legal Proceedings

The Calcutta High Court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 13, 2024, citing a lack of confidence in the Kolkata Police’s handling of the case. The CBI arrested a police volunteer and the hospital superintendent for evidence tampering and financial misconduct.

On August 20, 2024, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognizance of the case and constituted a National Task Force to ensure workplace safety for medical professionals. The task force was directed to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months.

Current Status

As of December 31, 2024, the trial of the accused, Sanjay Roy, a police volunteer, has commenced. The case has intensified concerns about women’s safety in India and the substandard infrastructure at government hospitals. The trial is set to fast-track this high-profile case, with testimony from around 128 witnesses.

Despite the government’s actions and the ongoing trial, justice has not yet been served for the victim. The case continues to highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure the safety of women and medical professionals in India.

It is speculated that the accused is simply a ‘fall-guy’ the autopsy strongly suggests that more than one assailant had to have been involved. The officials of RG Kar who were positioned at the time of the crime had likely protected the true assailants and tampered witht the crime scene obstructing efforts to seek justice.

2. Global Elections and Political Developments

United States Presidential Election
Donald J. Trump made a historical political comeback, being returned to the White House, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris in a polarizing election. Harris had been ‘anointed’ by the Democrats after Joe Biden, stepping down amidst concerns over his mental decline, endorsed the vice-president. Although Harris raised a record-breaking $1 Billion plus in only three months. When added to the donations to the Democratic National Committee and Political Action Committees (PACs and Super PACs) the number spiraled to almost $3 billion. This was at least a billion more than Trump’s campaign was able to raise despite a much earlier start. In the end, Democrats were left wondering where it all went as the Harris campaign was left $20 million in debt in the wake of their election defeat.

Donald J. Trump wins a second term on his 3rd attempt to become president of the United States.

Harris lost despite a plethora of celebrity endorsements, many of which were paid, it has come to be known, including allegedly $11 million to pop star Beyonce, for a 3 minute speech (she did not perform at the Harris event attended by her) $2 million to Oprah Winfrey’s production company for organizing a promotional Zoom call with celebrities and ordinary Americans, and half a million dollars the Reverend Al Sharpton for conducting a softball interview of her on the network, MSNBC.  In the end, the celebrity endorsements were not enough to sway the electorate.

Cultural issues such as abortion and transgender rights dominated Harris’ campaign. She and her surrogates also called Trump an “existential threat to Democracy,” blaming him for the January 6^th storming of the Capitol Building by protestors, claiming Trump would be dictatorial. The campaign also highlighted that Trump had been found guilty of fraud by a jury in the New York Supreme Court of falsifying business records, and that Harris was a former prosecutor, hoping the contrast would impact the electorate. None of the tactics managed to land.

Trump’s campaign focused on rise in illegal immigration that occurred after the Biden-Harris administration undid all of Trump’s immigration reforms and failed to replace them with similar laws, the economy – especially inflation, and reducing unnecessary global military commitments that have been adding to the US National debt and impacting the US economy. The Trump campaign successfully portrayed Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, governor of a state in which it is legal for the state to remove children from parents if they want gender altering surgery, as too woke. Harris had previously signed a document in which she supported government funded sex-change operations for convicted felons and illegal immigrants. The Trump campaign successfully argued that the current administration had no plan for immigration except to forge a pathway for legalization, which many Americans including legal immigrants oppose.

Trump promised to bring down prices by reducing the cost of energy, saying “drill baby drill,” – a euphemism to expand American extraction of oil and gas to bring down the cost of fuel, seen by Trump and many economists to be a key driver in price rises. Harris committed to reducing “price gouging” by vendors, which was nearly unanimously rubbished as fiction by economists.

Trump’s victory signaled a renewed emphasis on “America First” policies, raising concerns among U.S. allies about shifts in international relations.

Notably, Trump nominated Indian Americans and Hindus to key cabinet posts, and his pick for Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been supportive of India in the Senate where he introduced a new bill in the summer proposing that India be treated similarly to allies like Japan, Israel, Korea, and NATO partners in terms of technology transfers.  The bill notes that the US-India partnership is vital to countering influences from Communist China. Under the bill, reports to Congress would have to be made on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including terrorism and proxy groups, against India, and proposes barring Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to sponsor terrorism against India. This has been seen as quite favourable to India.

Trump has also fired the US attorney who has brought the case to investigate the alleged conspiracy against a Khalistani-terrorism supporter who is based in the US and a citizen of both Canada and the USA.

Trump nominated Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence who has pledged to root out the use of intelligence services for political purposes, something that was evident during the Biden administration when fifty-one CIA agents or ex-agents certified that the laptop belonging to the president’s son, Hunter Biden, which contained information potentially damaging to the president and also quite embarrassing bore the hallmarks of a Russian disinformation campaign. These certifications were found to be false, and the laptop was certified by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as authentic and permitted to be used as an exhibit in court as evidence in a criminal case against the younger Biden.

After promising that the president would not pardon his son, Hunter, following his conviction on felony charges, Joe Biden reversed that position and pardoned him. The pardon was unprecedented in its sweeping scope: it not only pardoned him for the crimes for which Hunter Biden committed but any crime he may have committed during an 11-year period ending today. The period covers the time during which Joe Biden was Barack Obama’s vice-president and it is alleged that Hunter Biden and other Biden relatives were paid for access and influence on then vice-president Biden.

United Kingdom General Election
After a disastrous campaign marred by elitism and scandal by Conservative Minister Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer’s Labour Party achieved a decisive victory over the Conservatives, ending over a decade of Conservative rule.

Starmer’s platform of economic equality, public service investment, and Brexit policy revisions resonated with voters amid growing discontent with the government’s handling of inflation and healthcare.

However, in the end, it was disgust with the continuum of incompetence, lies, and corruption that characterized the Conservative government through four Prime Ministers that led to their ouster. While Labour may be popular, the extent of the victory was more a sign of British protest against the conservatives. Under fourteen years of the Conservative government’s austerity measures, homeless shelters multiplied from a handful to over a thousand. There are currently 354,000 homeless people in the UK. That is up by 16% from last year. In London 1 in 51 people are homeless.

In addition, inflation skyrocketed under the Conservatives, making it nearly impossible for the majority of young people to afford a home. Basic staples have risen by 20% under the conservatives. Wages have not kept pace, leaving many Britons without the savings to put a down payment on even a small flat. Meanwhile, property owners have been accused of unregulated rent gouging during the same period. Ordinary British voters could only stand for so much economic decline.

The impact of Brexit could not be discounted in this analysis as so many export-oriented businesses lost easy and simple access to continental Europe, their goods held up in customs warehouses businesses had to suffer through the red tape associated with new blockages put up by the EU against now non-member, UK.

In a protest vote against fourteen years of decline under the Conservative Party, Britons voted Labour, giving them a majority and making Sir Keir Starmer Prime Minister

Supporters of Brexit like former Conservative Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, claimed that exiting Europe would free up £350 million pounds per year to be invested into the National Health System (NHS). This turned out to be a Hitlerian lie, and the NHS further declined post-Brexit. Sunak was not able to come to terms with junior doctors who had walked off the job as they saw the salary grade of starting physicians’ assistants rising beyond their own.

To deal with Britain’s migrant crisis, which was summed up by the slogan, “stop the boats,” Sunak came up with a costly plan to fly migrants to a third country and put them up in hotels. It was summarily rejected by the electorate as was his call for national service – a last ditch effort to consolidate senior citizen voters, pitting them against young voters with very low historical voter turnout. But over half of voters under 35 voted for Labour. A significant number voted for smaller parties, being disenfranchised by the traditional parties.

France Parliamentary Elections
France’s elections resulted in political gridlock, as President Macron’s party lost its majority to left-wing and far-right coalitions. The results highlighted growing dissatisfaction with Macron’s economic and pension reforms, further polarizing the nation.

Bangladesh Coup
The ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been a close ally of India, significantly impacted Indo-Bangladesh relations. The unelected government, which replaced her is perceived as less cooperative with New Delhi, raising concerns over cross-border security, the handling of Rohingya refugees, and trade agreements. Anti-India rhetoric during demonstrations further strained ties.

The political turmoil in Bangladesh following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in mid-2024 has led to widespread violence, including targeted attacks against the Hindu minority community. Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid deadly anti-government protests, had been seen as a consistent advocate for minority rights during her tenure. Her removal from power has created a power vacuum that has emboldened extremist elements.

Reports indicate that over 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus have occurred in 2024 alone, a sharp rise from previous years. These incidents include the vandalism of Hindu homes, businesses, and temples, with approximately 200-300 properties targeted and 15-20 temples damaged in the immediate aftermath of Hasina’s resignation. Hindu leaders and organizations, such as the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, have expressed deep concern over the lack of protection and support from law enforcement during these attacks. Many community members feel vulnerable, citing the absence of a stable government and limited intervention by security forces as contributing factors to the escalating violence​.

The rise in violence is partially attributed to the change in political dynamics, with Sheikh Hasina’s secular policies being replaced by an interim administration facing pressure from hardline Islamist groups.

The latest violence against Hindus in Bangladesh post Hasina ouster has come to be known as just another chapter in the genocide against Hindus in Bangladesh, which has seen the population of indigenous HIndus drop from 35% in 1947 to 7.95% in 2024

India has expressed concern over the situation, raising the issue through diplomatic channels and urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and well-being of its minorities. The violence has also strained India-Bangladesh relations, which were already under pressure after Hasina’s ouster. The Indian government has reiterated its call for strong measures to protect minority communities and prevent further violence​.

This period of unrest highlights the fragile state of minority rights in Bangladesh, particularly during political transitions. The need for strong legal and social protections for minorities, along with a stable government, remains critical to prevent such communal violence in the future.

3. India’s Diplomatic Relations

India-Canada Relations
Relations between India and Canada reached a historic low in 2024, following allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani terrorist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

• Both nations expelled senior diplomats, and trade talks were suspended.
• Khalistani activists in Canada escalated violence against Hindu temples and Indian diplomats, sparking protests from the Indian government and the diaspora.
• The conflict underscored long-standing tensions over Canada’s perceived leniency toward pro-Khalistan groups.

Khalistanis attack Canadian Hindus at a temple in Brampton, Ontario

India-United States
India and the U.S. strengthened their strategic partnership through the Quad and defense agreements, including joint production of military equipment. However, concerns about Trump’s return to isolationist policies tempered expectations for future collaboration.

India-China Relations
While border tensions persisted along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India and China engaged in limited cooperation within multilateral forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). India continued to strengthen its military infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh to counter Chinese aggression.

India-Russia
India maintained a balancing act with Russia, continuing energy imports despite Western sanctions. Russia appreciated India’s neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict, further solidifying their historical ties.

India-Bangladesh Relations
Sheikh Hasina’s ouster strained relations, with the new Bangladeshi government adopting a less India-friendly stance. Rising anti-India sentiment and border skirmishes raised concerns about the security of India’s northeast.

Russia-Ukraine War
The war in Ukraine saw significant developments in 2024. Ukraine’s counteroffensive reclaimed key territories in the east, bolstered by Western military aid, including advanced drones and missile systems. However, Russian forces responded with intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Ukrainian soldiers in a training exercise some 10 kilometers away from the border with Russia and Belarus on Feb. 2.

Israel-Palestine Conflict
A major escalation in October led to one of the deadliest years in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israeli airstrikes on Gaza were met with rocket attacks by Hamas, resulting in thousands of casualties. The conflict drew international condemnation, with the U.N. and neighbouring Arab nations calling for ceasefires that repeatedly failed.

However, on  27th November 2024, when a ceasefire agreement was signed by Israel, Lebanon, and five mediating countries, including the United States. Israel and Hezbollah began fighting 8 October 2023, and on 1 October 2024, Israel invaded Lebanon.

Sudan and Sahel Region
Civil war in Sudan and insurgencies in the Sahel region displaced millions and destabilized the region. International humanitarian aid fell short of addressing the widespread famine and violence.

Despite efforts, Biden (right) fails convince Netanyahu (right) of the need for a ceasefire in Gaza

Fall of the Assad Regime in Syria

In a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape, rebels aligned with Islamist factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have successfully ousted President Bashar al-Assad. This development has led to the emergence of a new leadership under Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, who has a complex history with extremist groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda.

The rapid advance of rebel forces culminated in the capture of Damascus on December 7, 2024, effectively ending the Assad family’s decades-long rule. The insurgents’ success was attributed to a combination of factors, including the demoralization of Assad’s military and strategic alliances among various rebel factions. Notably, the rebels’ swift progress was facilitated by the collapse of Assad’s defenses, leading to the fall of key cities and the eventual capture of the capital.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has emerged as the de facto leader of Syria following Assad’s ouster. Born in 1982 in Saudi Arabia, al-Sharaa’s early life was marked by his family’s return to Syria in 1989. His involvement in jihadist activities began in Iraq, where he was linked to al-Qaeda through the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), the precursor to ISIS. al-Sharaa’s rise within extremist circles included his role in founding Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaeda affiliated Islamic extremist militia in Syria, which has been accused of torture and other crimes against humanity.

In 2013, al-Sharaa rejected the Islamic State’s (ISIS) declaration of a caliphate and its subsequent rebranding from ISI to ISIS. He pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, leading to a split between his faction and ISIS. This schism resulted in the formation of Jabhat al-Nusra, which later evolved into Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Under al-Sharaa’s leadership, HTS has positioned itself as a dominant force in the Syrian opposition. The group’s military successes, including the capture of strategic locations such as Homs and Hama, were pivotal in the downfall of Assad’s regime. HTS’s ability to unite various rebel factions and its strategic military operations were instrumental in the rapid advance that led to Assad’s ouster.

Al Sharaa / al-Jolani is being re-branded as a moderate by Western powers and the Western press. He has likely inked a deal with the West, which has prompted countries like the United States to take steps to lift the $10 million bounty on his head and removal from their list of most wanted terrorist.

The international community remains watchful, with concerns about the future direction of Syria under HTS’s leadership. Al-Sharaa’s past affiliations with extremist groups have raised questions about the group’s commitment to pluralism and tolerance. HTS has pledged to establish a pluralist system, but the exact plans for power-sharing and governance remain uncertain.

Minorities including Shias, Ahmedis, and Alawites who had supported the Assad regime remain fearful of revenge attacks by the ruling junta.

5. Scientific and Technological Breakthroughs

Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI dominated the technological landscape in 2024, revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, transportation, and education. Governments worldwide grappled with the ethical implications of AI misuse, prompting the United Nations to propose a global regulatory framework.

Fusion Energy
Scientists achieved a significant breakthrough in nuclear fusion energy, moving closer to realizing a clean, limitless energy source.

Space Exploration
India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed on the Moon’s south pole, solidifying its position as a space exploration leader. NASA’s Artemis III mission returned astronauts to the Moon, reigniting global interest in lunar exploration.

Healthcare Innovations
CRISPR technology saw new applications in curing genetic diseases, and mRNA vaccines advanced treatments for cancer. AI-assisted drug discovery accelerated the development of life-saving medicines.

6. Climate and Environmental Crises

Extreme Weather Events

• Europe experienced unprecedented heatwaves, while wildfires devastated large parts of the Mediterranean and California.
• Libya suffered catastrophic flooding after the collapse of two dams, killing over 20,000 people and displacing hundreds of thousands.
• In India, monsoon floods wreaked havoc in Bengal and the northeast, causing significant displacement and economic losses.
• The United States suffered two hurricanes in Florida and the Carolinas causing $1.5 billion in damage

Hurricane Milton Ravages Florida in September

Global Climate Action
At COP29 in Dubai, nations pledged to phase out coal by 2040 and committed to funding climate adaptation projects in developing nations. However, disagreements over the pace of fossil fuel reduction and financial aid for poorer countries persisted.

8. Global Technological Advances

Quantum Computing
Breakthroughs in quantum computing enabled unprecedented advancements in cryptography and logistics, further pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence.

Space Technology
Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin announced new plans for Mars colonization, while international cooperation in space exploration expanded.

7. December Deaths

Indians mourned the death of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on December 26th at age 92. Singh is credited with transforming the Indian economy under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao during a time of economic crisis. India’s trajectory since has been shaped by Singh’s economic initiatives.  His body was cremated with full military honours.

President Jimmy Carter who was president of the United States form 1977-81 died in a hospice at age 100. His presidency was mired with economic problems and the Iran hostage crisis. However, he is was recognized for his humanitarian efforts post-presidency, getting the accolade of best former president. He was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and negotiated a nuclear treaty with North Korea in 1996 on behalf of President Bill Clinton. He was a global health advocate who helped bring life-saving treatments to the poor all over the world.

Conclusion

2024 was a year of global transitions, marked by landmark elections, diplomatic tensions, and significant technological progress. The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, the rise of Labour in the UK, and heightened conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East shaped global politics.

For India, the year was defined by its Moon landing, strained ties with Canada, and challenges in its neighborhood, including the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, breakthroughs in AI and nuclear fusion showcased humanity’s potential for innovation, even as the climate crisis underscored the urgency of collective global action.