India dreams: challenging

In charts: India grappled with a slowdown, climate crisis, rising pollution. The nation needs a well-defined road map to overcome these challenges

- Pragya Srivastava

India is always beaming with the extraordinary potential of a massive young population, rapidly growing middle class, and geographical richness. Yet, while commenting on the country, pundits are forced to ring in the praises with a string of "buts". India is a unique mix of hope and despair, and 2024 again offered ample evidence of both.

The hope is intact: the slowdown in the economy will be short-lived, consumption and investments will return, and improvements in statistical systems will lead to finer policy making. But when the macro lens zooms in, despair isn't far behind. Air pollution in many cities remains dangerously high, access to clean water is limited, and quality health care and education remain elusive—all this while stubborn price rises and taxing job hunts still frustrate many.