The rapid technological development that is occurring in the country.
The digital campaign is advancing rapidly in the country. Nowadays, the trend of adopting digital media is gaining momentum in every department and in the lives of every citizen of the country. More than 180 thousand pensioners have been linked to the government’s Digital Life Certificate campaign. Seeing the success, the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DOPPW) has launched the third national Digital Life Certificate (DLC) campaign. It is organized in 800 cities and districts throughout the country from November 1 to 30.
The Central Government reported that on the first day of this special campaign, more than 180 thousand pensioners obtained their Digital Life Certificate. The Union Ministry of Personnel said in a statement: This is the biggest DLC campaign till date.
The 15 billion UPI transactions
On the other hand, in October, UPI crossed 16 billion transactions, which is a record so far. This figure is considered a new record for the Christmas season. Last month, in September, UPI crossed the milestone of 15 billion transactions. Last month, an average of 500 million transactions were made each day. On October 30, on Dhanteras, 546 million UPI transactions were carried out, which is a record number of transactions in a single day.
GST collection in October reached Rs 1.87 trillion, the highest level in a six-month period. This is 8.9% more than the same period last year. The year-on-year GST collection from April to October 2024 reached Rs 12.74 trillion. Which shows an increase of 9.4 percent compared to Rp 11.64 trillion in the same period last year.
India’s foreign exchange reserves increased
For the first time in history, India’s foreign exchange reserves have exceeded $700 billion. This figure shows the growing economic strength and development of the country. With a growing economy, India has the fourth largest foreign exchange reserves after China, Japan and Switzerland.
According to the report of the IMF i.e. International Monetary Fund, the GDP growth forecast for India in the Global Economy Forum has remained stable at 7 percent for 2025 and 6.5 percent for the year 2026. The International Monetary Fund has said that India remains the fastest growing economy in its regional economic outlook in Asia Pacific, with investment and private consumption driving its growth.
Gold reserves increased by 40 percent in 5 years
The Reserve Bank of India’s gold reserves have increased by about 40 percent compared to the last five years. India’s gold reserves increased from 618 metric tonnes in September 2019 to 854 tonnes in September 2024. The RBI now deposits more gold in the country. The latest data from the Central Bank show that 510 metric tons of gold are deposited in the country. Between March and September, gold stored in the country increased by 102 tons.
India has started its first analog space mission. This mission will simulate extraterrestrial conditions on Mars and the Moon. India’s first Mars and Moon analog mission was inaugurated in Leh, Ladakh. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Aaka Space Studio Private Limited, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay and Ladakh Autonomous Development Council are participating in this mission.
Iron ore production increased
There has been an increase in iron ore production in the country. Iron ore production increased by 5.5% to 135 metric tonnes in the first half of fiscal 2025. India’s iron ore production in the first half of the current financial year was 5.5% higher than a year ago. The Ministry of Mines said on Friday that the country has produced 135 million tonnes (MT) of ore compared to 128 metric tonnes in the same period of the last financial year. Manganese ore production was also higher compared to H1FY24, increasing 6.2% to 1.7 MMT. India also recorded an increase in coal production in October.
On the other hand, electricity consumption increased marginally to 140.4 billion units in October. India’s electricity consumption increased by about one percent to 140.47 billion units (BU) in October compared to a year ago. In the same period a year ago, electricity consumption increased 22 percent to 139.44 BU in October 2022 from 113.94 BU.
The maximum power demand in one day decreased to 219.22 GW in October 2024, compared to 221.53 GW in the same month of the previous year. In May this year, peak electricity demand reached a historic level of about 250 GW. The previous all-time high demand of 243.27 GW was recorded in September 2023.
Coal production increased by 7.4%
Coal production also increased by 7.4% in October. It has become 82.89 metric tons. The Ministry of Coal has provided this information. The ministry has said that in the same period of the last fiscal year it was 78.57 metric tons.
Huge car sales were observed in September-October during Navratri, Dussehra, Dhanteras and Diwali. Retail sales figures are up 26%. Total retail sales for the month are estimated to be between 4.8 lakh and 4.9 lakh units. Almost all major companies like Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors, JSW MG and Mahindra & Mahindra have reported strong consumer purchases compared to 3.9 lakh units last October.
Maruti Suzuki India is the country’s leading passenger vehicle company. Its monthly retail sales rose 22.4 percent to a record 202,402 units in October compared to last year. Retail sales of the automobile manufacturing industry are estimated to grow by 20 percent in October due to festive season demand. However, Maruti’s own wholesale dispatches fell 5 percent to 1,59,591 units, while Tata Motors’ dispatches to dealerships declined 0.4 percent to 48,131 units.
Sales of sport utility vehicles increased
Some major Indian automakers have reported an increase in sales of sports utility vehicles to dealers in the festive month of October. While in the small car business there was a slowdown. Customers pay more attention to large and premium cars.
India’s number one carmaker Maruti Suzuki hit a record SUV sales of 19.4%, while the second-largest SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra recorded its highest monthly sales in the current financial year, with an increase of 25%. Hyundai Motor India recorded its highest ever monthly SUV sales at 37,902 units.
Burj Khalifa illuminated on Diwali
The tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, where a very difficult process was adopted to celebrate Diwali. A video capturing the miraculous spectacle, in which the skyscraper has been decorated with a message, has gone viral. The message reads: “Celebrating the festival of lights, wishing you happiness, health and prosperity. Happy Diwali.” Social media users around the world have been impressed with this mission. The video has been viewed more than 345,000 times.
