Indians to kiss better in 2010

Most Indians learned how to kiss online in 2009; last year it was reducing weight

In 2008 Indians learned how to get that fabulous figure and look good and what followed in 2009 was quite obvious.

After being done with svelte figures, most Indians learned how to kiss online and therefore, it is expected that after a year full of training over online manuals, most Indians would usher in the New Year practicing their newfound skill.

According to 2009 year-end Google Zeitgeist for India, in its 'how to' queries 'how to kiss' topped the search charts.

"End of the year is a time when most of us look back in retrospect on moments and patterns that defined the year. The Google India Zeitgeist provides a reflection of what was on people's minds in 2009," said Vinay Goel, Head of Products, Google India. "Besides serving as a great indicator of what made news through the year, Zeitgeist 2009 also provides a unique perspective on what clicked with people and the way they consumed information on the Internet," he added.

Politics

Not just the political commentators, even online searches established that Rahul Gandhi has risen on the horizon of Indian politics. The charming Gandhi remained the top searched politician throughout the year, clearly ahead of his mother Sonia Gandhi who ranked eight. And doesn't matter what their detractors say about family politics, three generations of Gandhi family figured in the list with Indira Gandhi on number two along with her daughter-in-law and grandson.

Entertainment

Katrina Kaif's dream run - both online and offline - continued for second consecutive year, remaining the top searched celebrity. She pipped king of pop Michael Jackson, who died this year, to the top position. Her former lover Salman Khan also maintained his popularity over Shah Rukh Khan. Spat between the two Khans of Bollywood made headlines throughout.

Sports

WWE, football and tennis broke cricket's stronghold with Sania Mirza, John Cena, Christiano Ronaldo and Roger Federer featuring in top ten searched sports personalities. Sania Mirza held the top position for third year in a row. Sachin Tendulkar, who rewrote history and record books this year, came a close second.

Recession

The economic meltdown drastically affected online searches under various heads. It reflected most in Budget 2009 becoming the most anticipated event. Travelling affordably was on everyone's minds, as cheap air tickets, cheap hotels, cheap holidays featured among top searched articles.

Mobile

The year also saw a surge in web search using mobile phones. "Considering our mobile search traffic for 2009 has increased four times as compared to the last two years put together, this year we have put additional focus on users who access Internet through their mobile phones," said Goel.