2009 has been one of the most dramatic years in the last few decades. From recession, IT scams to rising inflation and dramatic political scenarios, we saw it all. Google unfolds the various aspects of the year that took us by surprise. Google Zeitgeist 2009 is a real reflection of the spirit of the nation – which saw all the ups and downs and yet remained true to its love for entertainment, peace and hope!

Here is the detailed report.

2009 Year-End Google Zeitgeist: India

Global economic downturn and local implications where clearly on India’s mind as Budget 2009 and Satyam share price emerged as the fastest rising queries on Google. India mourned the untimely demise of the King of Pop and looked for the latest buzz word Twitter but without impacting the good old Indian railways and Gmail which emerged as the most popular online destinations. Young politicians like Rahul Gandhi and Sachin Pilot emerged as the new face of political leadership in the country. With Corporate woes and recession news, more people looked for ways to meditate and concentrate. Romance scored over action, fantasy and drama – with Love Aaj kal emerging as the most searched movie of the year, followed by Harry Potter and Slumdog Millionaire. Google Zeitgeist 2009 is a real reflection of the spirit of the nation – which saw all the ups and downs and yet remained true to its love for entertainment, peace and hope!

Recession queries peaking – then declining – in India

Fastest rising

1. budget 2009
2. kambakth ishq
3. irctc
4. satyam share price
5. bhuvan
6. michael jackson
7. twitter
8. election results
9. windows 7
10. nokia 5800

Most popular celebrities

1. katrina kaif
2. michael jackson
3. salman khan
4. aishwarya rai
5. shahid kapoor
6. kareena kapoor
7. shahrukh khan
8. angelina jolie
9. megan fox
10. sachin tendulkar

Most popular movies

1. love aaj kal
2. harry potter
3. slumdog millionaire
4. kaminey
5. kambakht ishq
6. ghajini
7. hannah montana
8. dev d
9. wake up sid
10. dostana

Most popular

1. gmail
2. youtube
3. yahoomail
4. orkut
5. indian railways
6. yahoo
7. google
8. rediffmail
9. facebook
10. rediff

Most popular politician

1. rahul gandhi
2. indira gandhi
3. sachin pilot
4. sarah palin
5. p chidambaram
6. mayawati
7. barack obama
8. sonia gandhi
9. rajesh pilot
10. maneka gandhi

How to

1. how to kiss
2. how to hack
3. how to meditate
4. how to study
5. how to swim
6. how to draw
7. how to flirt
8. how to chat
9. how to concentrate
10. how to download

Check out the more detailed version of the report.

According to a recent survey based on Digital Brand Index, Google topped the list of most discussed technology brands in India. The study was compiled by Edelman in collaboration with Brandtology. Google accounted for 20%, followed by Microsoft and Yahoo!

Edelman officials explained the credentials and that the DBI monitored 74,452 online conversations relating to 96 large technology brands, contained within 423 communication channels, between July and September, which saw one brand being mentioned every two minutes on an average.

Kelly Choo, Brandtology co-founder and business development director, further added, “The DBI shows which brand names are more active than others, but the real opportunity for brand owners is to identify and engage influential channels and voices through compelling social media content.”

The survey also declared Twitter as the most “buzziest” communication channel witnessing 60% of conversations online.

Top 10 “most discussed technology brands” in India
1. Google
2. Microsoft
3. Yahoo!
4. Intel
5. Sony
6. Dell
7. Samsung India Electronics
8. Nokia
9. LG
10. Blackberry