As 2024 nears an end, Google has revealed its annual report detailing the most searched topics in India. The findings offer a snapshot of what captured Indians this year. With topics ranging from sports, movies, songs, to travel destinations, the list includes all. Here's a look at the Top 10 most searched people on Google in India in 2024.
1. Vinesh Phogat: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat topped the list of “people” searches. This year Phogat was in the news for breaking records at the Paris Olympics as she became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final with a convincing 5-0 win. However, she was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s freestyle event after being found 100 grams overweight. Following her elimination, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. She later entered politics and won the Julana seat as an MLA in the 2024 Haryana elections.
2. Nitish Kumar: Nitish Kumar, known for shifting political alliances, rejoined the BJP-led NDA in January 2024, just months before the Lok Sabha elections. As the BJP-led NDA appeared to fall behind with the slogan "Abki Baar 400 Paar," speculations arose that Kumar might switch sides once again. His frequent political shifts also sparked a flood of memes on social media.
3. Chirag Paswan: Chirag Paswan, the representative of the Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency, secured a ministerial position in Modi's 3.0 cabinet. The once-aspiring movie star got the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in the Modi cabinet.
4. Hardik Pandya: If one player witnessed success and challenges in a year, then it was Hardik Pandya. Pandya made headlines for his personal and professional lives and is ranked fourth in top searches related to people. Pandya had a rough IPL 2024 season but the all-rounder made a strong comeback with T20 World Cup. He was also in the news for divorce with wife Natasa Stankovic.
5. Pawan Kalyan: Ranked fifth in top searches related to people on Google in India, Pawan Kalyan, known as "Power Star," is both a renowned actor and a prominent political figure. He began his acting career in 1996 and founded the Jana Sena Party in 2014. Currently, he holds the position of Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
6. Shashank Singh: Shashank who was ‘accidentally’ bought by Preity Zinta’s franchise during the IPL Mini Auction in December 2023 is now in the list of top searched people in India in 2024. In IPL 2024, Shashank delivered an impressive performance earning him a spot in the team for the next season. He is one of only two players retained by the franchise, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh.
7. Poonam Pandey: Poonam Pandey had kicked a controversial storm after she faked her death as part of a cervical cancer awareness campaign. Not just this, she was also slammed by several celebratities and users on social media for her fake death news.
8. Radhika Merchant: Radhika Merchant, daughter-in-law of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, is ranked as the eighth most searched person in India in 2024. Her lavish wedding to Anant Ambani became a major topic of discussion, with two grand pre-wedding celebrations and a 'Samuh Vivah' before the couple tied the knot on July 12.
9. Abhishek Sharma: Sunrisers Hyderabad opening batter Abhishek Sharma showcased a remarble performance in IPL 2024 by scoring fastest IPL 50 for the franchise. Additionally, he scored his maiden domestic century in 46 balls during the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe.
10. Lakshya Sen: Indian shuttler, Lakshya Sen scripted history by stroming into the semi-finals of the men's singles event at the Paris Olympics 2024. He became the 1st Indian shuttler to reach the semi-final stage in men's singles event. During one of the match, his impressive behind-the-back "matrix" shot received praise from Anand Mahindra and Harsh Goenka. However, Sen missed out to secure an Olympic medal. While speaking about the loss, Sen had said that he was "well prepared", adding "it has been quite a tough week overall". His coach and badminton legend Prakash Padukone had expressed his disappointment in Sen's performance, and called for players to "take responsibility".
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