Forbes unveiled its annual Billionaires List for 2024, revealing a record number of ultra-wealthy individuals alongside a significant increase in their collective net worth.
This year's list features a staggering 2,781 billionaires, a rise of 141 from 2023. These individuals hold a combined net worth of a whopping $14.2 trillion, reflecting a $2 trillion increase from the previous year.
The United States continues to reign supreme with a record-breaking 813 billionaires, followed by China with 473. However, India is experiencing a significant growth spurt, adding a remarkable 31 new billionaires to reach a total of 200 on the list.
Savitri Jindal continues to hold the title of the richest woman in India.
Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, remains the richest Indian on the list for another year. Gautam Adani follows closely behind, surging $36.8 billion to secure the second spot with a net worth of $84 billion. Notably, Savitri Jindal retains her position as the wealthiest woman on the list.
Here's a glimpse at the top 10 richest Indians on the 2024 Forbes Billionaires List:
Mukesh Ambani - $116 billion
Gautam Adani - $84 billion
Shiva Nadar - $36.9 billion
Savitri Jindal - $33.5 billion
Dilip Shanghvi - $26.7 billion
Cyrus Poonawalla - $21.3 billion
Kushal Pal Singh - $20.9 billion
Kumar Birla - $19.7 billion
Radhakishan Damani - $17.6 billion
Lakshmi Mittal - $16.4 billion
While India enjoys a surge in billionaires, the top of the list remains dominated by international figures. Bernard Arnault, head of luxury giant Louis Vuitton, sits comfortably at the top with a net worth of a staggering $233 billion. He's followed by the tech titans – Elon Musk at $195 billion and Jeff Bezos at $194 billion. Rounding out the top five is Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg with a net worth of $177 billion.
The 2024 list also features some surprising celebrity billionaires. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his family hold a combined net worth of $19.5 billion, placing them at No. 100. Pop star Taylor Swift joins the ranks with a net worth of $1.1 billion, while reality TV star Kim Kardashian also makes the cut with a net worth of $1.7 billion.
The release of the 2024 Forbes Billionaires List serves as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of global wealth and prosperity. As India celebrates its growing cohort of billionaires and the world acknowledges the influence of pioneering leaders and innovators, the Forbes list continues to capture the zeitgeist of modern entrepreneurship and economic success on a global scale.