As we approach 2024 with aspirations and dreams, let us reflect on the indelible memories of 2023 that will forever remain in the hearts of Indians. Throughout this eventful year, India solidified its position as a global leader and showcased its capabilities to the world. Moreover, we witnessed a glimmer of hope amidst challenging times.
At the start of each new year, we hold onto hope while carrying the memories of the past year. As we step into 2024, a year filled with aspirations for achieving new milestones, we cannot forget the significance of 2023 for various reasons. In this article, we have compiled a list of ten reasons, and from that, we have carefully selected the Top Seven events that we believe will leave a lasting impact on our nation.
India, this year, solidified its position as a major player on the global stage through its shrewd diplomacy. Not only did foreign diplomats recognize this, but citizens from around the world also embraced our cultural influence, as seen through the popularity of our song ‘Naatu Naatu’. Furthermore, India’s ambitions soared to new heights as we successfully landed a spacecraft, Chandrayaan-3, in the South Pole region of the Moon, making us the sole country to achieve this feat.
Amidst these remarkable achievements, we also witnessed the state of Manipur being engulfed in ethnic conflicts, and our nation grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods. Additionally, the world’s largest democracy found a new abode for its representatives. On the political front, nine states conducted elections, setting the stage for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections next year.
In the following sections, we delve deeper into the significant events that unfolded in 2023 and present our selection of the Top Seven. We eagerly await your feedback in the comments section, where you can share your thoughts on what you believe were the highlights and shortcomings of the year.
“India Amplifies the Global South’s Voice at G20”:
During its G20 presidency in New Delhi on September 9 and 10, India gained international attention by skillfully navigating diplomatic challenges.
Despite initial setbacks such as the absence of key leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, and the potential failure of a leaders’ declaration due to disagreements over the language used for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India managed to adopt the New Delhi Declaration with unanimous agreement. This achievement was a testament to India’s exceptional diplomacy.
Furthermore, India made a significant impact on G20 history by successfully advocating for the permanent inclusion of the African Union, marking a pivotal moment in the bloc’s development.
The G20 Summit was largely characterized by success and cordiality. However, a minor issue arose when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plane encountered a technical problem, and he declined the offer to fly on an Indian aircraft.
Within a span of 10 days, Trudeau made allegations linking the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to the Indian government. This accusation resulted in a diplomatic fallout, leading to the expulsion of each country’s top diplomat. In response, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India after reports of the Indian government threatening to revoke diplomatic immunity for any Canadian diplomat staying beyond October 10.
Throughout these events, India demonstrated assertiveness on the diplomatic front while maintaining its position. In the case of the Israel-Hamas conflict, India condemned the terrorist attacks on Israel while also providing aid to the war-affected residents of Gaza. New Delhi managed to address Israel’s concerns without distancing itself from its Arab allies.
“NAATU NAATU Makes Waves at the Oscars“:
India’s soft power extended beyond diplomacy in 2023, as it made a significant impact on the global stage. A momentous achievement for Indian cinema occurred when Naatu Naatu from SS Rajamouli’s RRR won the prestigious Oscar for Best Song. This marked the first time that a song from any Indian film had triumphed in this category. It is worth noting that in 2009, Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire had also secured this award. The composition, created by the esteemed music director MM Keeravani and written by Kala Bhairavi and Rahul Sipligunj, not only won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song but also claimed the title of Best Song at the 28th edition of the Critics Choice Awards. The electrifying dance number captivated audiences worldwide as it was performed on the grand stage of the Academy Awards, leaving an indelible impression on all who witnessed it.
“Chandrayaan-3: Exploring Uncharted Frontiers”:
India’s impact on 2023 was undeniable, stretching from the Oscars stage to the vast expanse of the sky. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country’s esteemed space agency, made a remarkable promise to deliver the Moon, and astonishingly, they fulfilled it within a limited budget.
India achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the southern polar region of the Moon with Chandrayaan-3. On August 23, the Vikram lander gracefully touched down on the lunar surface, marking a historic moment.
This achievement also propelled India into an elite group, as it became the fourth country in the world, alongside the United States, Russia, and China, to accomplish a lunar landing.
Prior to the Vikram Lander being deactivated in September, the mission gathered invaluable data. It included groundbreaking measurements of the lunar soil’s temperature at various depths and the identification of sulphur on the Moon’s surface, a first-time discovery.
The triumph of the Chandrayaan-3 mission not only solidified India’s position as a formidable contender in the global space race but also contributed significant knowledge to the international scientific community.
“Communal Unrest in Manipur: A Closer Look at the Ethnic Strife”:
India’s internal affairs were marred by conflicting incidents. A series of events, including a court order, a forest survey, and a tribal march, led to a violent outbreak in Manipur, unlike anything witnessed in years. The clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May resulted in a significant loss of lives, with unofficial reports suggesting an even higher death toll. Moreover, this violence led to the displacement of over 70,000 individuals.
To control the situation, the state imposed a complete internet shutdown in May, which lasted until December when mobile internet services were finally restored. Broadband services, on the other hand, resumed in July but with specific conditions and a requirement for users to sign an undertaking.
The severity of the violence prompted the Supreme Court to intervene, and it also became a subject of criticism for the Opposition in Parliament. In August, the highest court established a committee comprising three former high court judges to assess the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the state.
The distressing images emerging from the conflict-stricken state have deeply shocked everyone. As we enter a new year, the division between the valley and the hills continues to persist, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Manipur.
“Raging Floods Sweep Across Northern States and Tamil Nadu”:
India experienced a range of crises in 2023, from man-made disasters to natural calamities. The monsoon season brought torrential rainfall to northern India, resulting in a significant loss of life. According to government data, over 2,000 individuals lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, including lightning strikes and landslides. In the state of Himachal Pradesh alone, the death toll reached 330.
The monsoon downpours during this season were particularly severe, making it one of the worst calamities in the state’s history. The rainfall recorded in July broke all previous records for the month in the last half-century. As a result of the heavy rains, sections of roads, including national highways, were washed away by swollen rivers.
Later in December, Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc in Chennai as it made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The cyclone’s heavy rainfall claimed the lives of at least 13 people in Chennai. The aftermath of Cyclone Michaung lasted for several days, leaving residents without access to food, drinking water, and electricity.
While Chennai was still recovering from the impact of Cyclone Michaung, southern Tamil Nadu was hit by intense rainfall. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and the deluge resulted in the loss of at least 10 lives.
Tragedy Strikes in Odisha as Train Incident Claims 290 Lives:
The night of June 2 in Odisha’s Balasore district witnessed one of the most devastating railway accidents since the 1995 Firozabad rail disaster. The Coromandel Express collided with a stationary goods train, causing a derailment of several coaches. Tragically, a few coaches from the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, passing by at the same time, also toppled over.
This triple-train crash resulted in a horrifying loss of life, with over 290 people killed and more than 1,200 injured. The Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS) report attributed the collision to errors in the “signalling-circuit-alteration” process, which led to incorrect signals being transmitted to the Coromandel Express. Consequently, it entered the loop line where the goods train was stationed.
Following the incident, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) assumed control of the investigation and apprehended three railway employees. The nation was left in shock by the distressing images of the wreckage and severed bodies that emerged from this tragic accident in Odisha.
“Homicide of Atiq Ahmed in the Presence of Law Enforcement”:
In an unprecedented incident, Atiq Ahmed, a gangster-politician, and his brother Ashraf were fatally shot in the presence of police officers in April. The shooting occurred while the police were engaged in a conversation with journalists outside a medical college in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This incident took place just days after Atiq’s son was shot by the police.
Over the course of four decades, Atiq Ahmed had accumulated more than 160 criminal cases, including charges of extortion, kidnapping, and murder. He was the primary suspect in the murder of Umesh Pal, a witness in the 2005 murder case of BSP MLA Raju Pal. Atiq himself was also implicated in the Raju Pal murder case.
The shooters who carried out the attack on Atiq Ahmed informed the police that their primary motive was to establish their presence in the world of crime by eliminating the gangster and his brother.
The assassination of this notorious politician-gangster, which unfolded in the presence of numerous police personnel, raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of Uttar Pradesh’s security apparatus. The entire incident was captured live on camera.
Revised Parliament Structure Sets Records in Suspensions.:
The inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28 marked a significant shift in the seat of parliamentary proceedings for the world’s largest democracy. During a special session in September, the first proceedings were held in the new building, resulting in the passage of a bill to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women.
The second time the doors of the new Parliament building were opened was during the Winter Session, but unfortunately, a security breach occurred. On December 13, the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha chambers from the visitor’s gallery and released smoke from gas canisters. Meanwhile, their accomplices outside the Parliament raised slogans while carrying similar gas cans that emitted colored smoke.
This incident caused panic among the Members of Parliament, and for several days, opposition parties demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the security breach. As a result of these disruptions in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, a record-breaking 146 MPs were suspended.
On December 18, the number of suspended MPs reached its peak, with 78 members being suspended in a single day.
Semi-Final Election Round and the Emergence of an Opposition Alliance:
In the year 2023, a total of nine states, namely Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana, held elections, setting the stage for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the dominant force by securing victories in four states, namely Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, with a significant margin. Additionally, the BJP formed a coalition with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and won in Nagaland. The BJP’s success in the crucial states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan during the November polls has provided them with the momentum and confidence for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
On the other hand, the Congress party achieved victories in two southern states, Karnataka and Telangana, while facing defeat in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
Currently, the BJP holds power in 12 out of the 28 states in India and is part of the ruling coalition in four other states.
According to the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation poll, there is a possibility that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) might receive the majority of votes in the 2024 elections. However, the opposition parties, led by the Congress, have formed an alliance called INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), consisting of 28 parties, with the aim of overthrowing the BJP.
Interestingly, the name of the opposition alliance has sparked a debate about changing the country’s official name to ‘Bharat’.
UTTARKASHI TUNNEL RESCUE:
India has emerged as a self-assured nation, showcasing its ability to safeguard its citizens in times of conflict. The year 2023 exemplified the nation’s unwavering determination to overcome challenges and protect the lives of its people.
In November, the government initiated an extensive rescue operation to save 41 workers who were trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. This arduous mission lasted for a remarkable 17 days and involved the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies. The government even enlisted the assistance of foreign rescue experts and deployed advanced drilling equipment to ensure the success of the operation. Despite numerous obstacles along the way, the unwavering dedication of rat hole miners ultimately led to the triumphant rescue of the trapped workers. The entire nation rejoiced as these individuals emerged from the depths of the earth, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of India.
Looking back at the significant events of 2023, several noteworthy occurrences stand out. The historic Chandrayaan-3 mission, the successful hosting of the G20 Summit, and the captivating display of soft power through ‘Naatu Natu’ are among the moments that will be etched in the memories of Indians. However, the year also witnessed distressing incidents such as the devastating fire in Manipur and the tragic train accident in Odisha. Additionally, the construction of a new Parliament building and the audacious rescue operation in Uttarkashi tunnel left a lasting impact on the nation.
These remarkable events form our selection of the Top Seven highlights of 2023. We eagerly await your thoughts and opinions on our list, so please feel free to share them in the comments section.