The digital campaign is progressing rapidly in the country. Today, the trend of adopting digital medium is gaining momentum in every department and in the life 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 nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) campaign. It is being organized in 800 cities and districts across the country from November 1 to November 30.
The Central Government said that on the very first day of this special campaign, more than 180 thousand pensioners have got their Digital Life Certificate made. The Union Personnel Ministry has said in a statement – This is the biggest DLC campaign till date.
15 billion transactions through UPI
On the other hand, in October, UPI has crossed 16 billion transactions, which is a record so far. This figure is being considered as a new record in the festive season. Last month in September itself, UPI had crossed the figure of 15 billion transactions. Last month, an average of 500 million transactions took place every day. On October 30, Dhanteras, 546 million UPI transactions took place, which is a record for transactions in a single day.
GST collections 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. 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 Rs 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 reached above $700 billion. This figure shows the increasing economic strength and development of the country. With a growing economy, India has the fourth largest foreign exchange reserves after China, Japan, Switzerland.
According to the report of IMF i.e. International Monetary Fund, the GDP growth forecast for India in the Global Economy Forum has been kept 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 gold reserves with the Reserve Bank of India have increased by about 40 percent compared to the last five years. India’s gold reserves have increased from 618 metric tons in September 2019 to 854 tons in September 2024. RBI now deposits more gold in the country. The latest data of the Central Bank shows that 510 metric tons of gold is deposited in the country. Between March and September, the gold held in the country has increased by 102 tonnes.
India has started its first analog space mission. This mission is going to simulate extraterrestrial conditions on Mars and 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 Hill Development Council are involved in this mission.
Iron ore production increased
An increase has been recorded in iron ore production in the country. Iron ore production has increased by 5.5% to 135 metric tons in the first half of fiscal year 2025. India’s iron ore production in the first half of the current financial year was 5.5% higher than a year ago. The Mines Ministry 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 by 6.2% to 1.7 MMT. India also registered an increase in coal production in October.
On the other hand, electricity consumption has 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 had increased by 22 percent to 139.44 BU in October 2022 from 113.94 BU.
Peak power demand in one day declined to 219.22 GW in October 2024, which was 221.53 GW in the same month a year ago. In May this year, the maximum demand for electricity reached an all-time high 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 Coal Ministry has given this information. The ministry has said that in the same period of the last financial year it was 78.57 metric tons.
Tremendous car sales have been seen in September-October during Navratri, Dussehra, Dhanteras and Diwali. Retail numbers have increased by 26%. Total retail sales for the month are estimated to be between 4.8 lakh and 4.9 lakh units. Almost all top companies like Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors, JSW MG and Mahindra & Mahindra have reported strong consumer purchases as against 3.9 lakh units last October.
Maruti Suzuki India is the country’s leading passenger vehicle company. Its monthly retail sales increased by 22.4 percent to a record 202,402 units in October compared to last year. Retail sales for the car-manufacturing industry are estimated to grow by 20 percent in October due to festive season demand. However, Maruti’s own wholesale dispatches fell 5 per cent to 159,591 units, while Tata Motors’ dispatches to dealers declined 0.4 per cent to 48,131 units.
Sales of sports utility vehicles increased
Some top Indian carmakers have reported an increase in sales of sports utility vehicles to dealers in the festive month of October. Whereas there was a slowdown in the small car business. Customers pay more attention towards big, premium cars.
India’s number one carmaker Maruti Suzuki hit a record high in SUV sales by 19.4%, while No. 2 SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra recorded its highest monthly sales in the current financial year, up 25%. There was an increase. Hyundai Motor India recorded its highest ever monthly SUV sales with 37,902 units.
Burj Khalifa illuminated on Diwali
The world’s tallest building is Burj Khalifa of Dubai, where a very difficult process was adopted to celebrate Diwali. A video capturing the miraculous display, 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 by this mission. The video has been viewed more than 345,000 times.
