Top Google Search Trends in India 2024: ‘AQI Near Me’ and ‘Ram Mandir Near Me’ lead the way

The dominance of AQI-related searches underscores the public's heightened awareness of air pollution and its health implications

Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, and Lucknow frequently recorded "very poor" to "severe" AQI levels, leaving citizens grappling with respiratory ailments and other health issues.

In 2024, the Google Year in Search report revealed that “AQI near me” was the most trending topic among Indian users, reflecting growing concerns about air quality across the nation. This query topped the “Near Me” category, followed by “Onam Sandhya near me” and “Ram Mandir near me.” Other popular searches included “Sports bars near me,” “Best bakery,” “Trendy cafes,” “Polio drops,” “Shiv temple,” “Best coffee,” and “Hanuman movie near me.”

The dominance of AQI-related searches underscores the public’s heightened awareness of air pollution and its health implications, particularly in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, where AQI levels frequently hit alarming thresholds.

Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, and Lucknow frequently recorded “very poor” to “severe” AQI levels, leaving citizens grappling with respiratory ailments and other health issues.

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Source: Google Year in Search report

The post-monsoon period has been particularly troubling in North India, as stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana combined with vehicular emissions and industrial pollution created a thick smog blanket over the region. Delhi’s AQI consistently hovered above 400, forcing schools to shut down temporarily and leading to an increase in hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses.

Other cities, such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, traditionally considered less polluted, have also witnessed a spike in AQI levels due to rapid urbanization, construction dust, and increased vehicular traffic. Coastal cities like Mumbai faced additional challenges, including industrial emissions and particulate matter from port activities.

Beyond environmental concerns, searches reflected diverse interests. Festivals, iconic landmarks, food trends, and entertainment shaped user curiosity. Queries ranged from the political, such as “How to vote Lok Sabha,” to the quirky, including meme-inspired searches like “Pookie meaning” and “Moye Moye.” The global Palestine conflict also resonated locally, with many Indians searching for the meaning of “All Eyes on Rafah.”

This snapshot of India’s top trends highlights a dynamic blend of cultural, environmental, and global interests, showcasing how digital search patterns mirror societal priorities.

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