In 2024, Indian social media witnessed an array of captivating moments, including viral sensations and celebrated sporting achievements.
We spotlight some of the year’s most unforgettable highlights.
The Months-long Ambani Wedding
The extravagant wedding of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant kept audiences entranced for months with its lavish celebrations.
The festivities kicked off in March, drawing a host of global icons to India, including pop star Rihanna, who made her Indian debut with a stunning performance.
Subsequent events featured performances by renowned artists such as the Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, and Justin Bieber.
The guest list boasted notable figures including tech giants, global leaders, and Bollywood stars, showcasing the wedding’s remarkable allure.
Bill Gates Enjoys Tea with Dolly Chaiwala
Dolly Chaiwala, a celebrated tea vendor from Maharashtra, surged to fame after serving a cup of tea to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
His unique tea-serving style and energetic social media presence enhanced his notoriety.
The viral video of their encounter amassed millions of views, capturing Gates’s remarks about the innovative spirit found in India.
Unbeknownst to Dolly at the time, he had just served India’s finest to a tech titan.
Tendulkar Discovers a New Bowling Talent
Emerging cricket star Sushila Meena, a 10-year-old from Rajasthan, captured the attention of cricket fans after Sachin Tendulkar shared her impressive bowling video online.
Meena’s slow-motion video, showcasing her raw talent, triggered a wave of support from former cricketers who aim to help her pursue her passion for the sport.
India’s Young Chess Prodigy
India rejoiced as Gukesh Dommaraju triumphed over China’s Ding Liren, becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion at just 18 years old.
Dommaraju’s victory not only made history but also captured the nation’s attention comparable to major sporting events, showcasing India’s growing prowess in chess.
His emotional reaction post-win quickly spread across social media, resonating with millions.
The Caramel Popcorn Tax Controversy
A heated debate emerged after India’s Goods and Services Tax Council classified caramel popcorn as a luxury item, imposing an 18% tax compared to 5% for regular popcorn.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the decision, arguing that the added sugar qualified it as a confectionery, igniting widespread criticism and humor among netizens.
Online discussions reflected a mix of outrage and comedic commentary, highlighting India’s evolving and often perplexing tax landscape.
