Domestic science and technology develop rapidly
The digital movement is progressing rapidly in the country. Today, the trend of adopting digital media is growing in every sector and in the life of every citizen. More than 180,000 pensioners have participated in the government’s digital life certificate campaign. Seeing this success, the Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare (DOPPW) launched the third national Digital Life Certificate (DLC) campaign. The event will be held in 800 cities and regions across the country from November 1st to 30th.
The central government stated that on the first day of the special operation, more than 180,000 pensioners had applied for “digital life certificates.” The Union Human Resources Department said in a statement – This is the largest DLC event to date.
15 billion transactions through UPI
On the other hand, UPI transaction volume has crossed 16 billion in October, which is a record so far. The figure is believed to be a new record for the holiday season, with UPI transaction volume exceeding 15 billion last month. Last month, an average of 500 million transactions occurred every day. On October 30, 546 million UPI transactions took place in Dhanteras, which was a single-day transaction record.
Goods and services tax collections hit 1.87 trillion rupees in October, the highest level in six months. This is an increase of 8.9% from the same period last year. The year-on-year goods and services tax collection from April to October 2024 reached 12.74 trillion rupees. Compared with 11.64 trillion rupees in the same period last year, it increased by 9.4%.
India’s foreign exchange reserves increase
India’s foreign exchange reserves exceeded US$700 billion for the first time in history. This figure shows the continuous enhancement and development of the country’s economic strength. As the economy grows, India has the fourth largest foreign exchange reserves after China, Japan and Switzerland.
According to the International Monetary Fund report, the Global Economic Forum’s forecast for India’s GDP growth remains stable at 7% in 2025 and 6.5% in 2026. The International Monetary Fund said that in the Asia-Pacific Economic Outlook, India remains the fastest-growing economy, with investment and private consumption driving its growth.
Gold reserves increase by 40% in 5 years
The Reserve Bank of India’s gold reserves have increased by about 40% compared to the past five years. India’s gold reserves increased from 618 tons in September 2019 to 854 tons in September 2024. The Reserve Bank of India now has more gold stored in the country. The latest data from the central bank shows that the country’s gold reserves are 510 tons. The country’s gold holdings increased by 102 tonnes between March and September.
India has embarked on its first simulated space mission. The mission will simulate extraterrestrial conditions on Mars and the Moon. India’s first Mars and Moon simulation mission launched in Leh, Ladakh. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Aaka Space Studio Private Limited, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Board are involved in this mission.
Iron ore production increases
The country’s iron ore production has increased. Iron ore production in the first half of fiscal 2025 increased by 5.5% to 135 tons. India’s iron ore production in the first half of this fiscal year increased by 5.5% compared with the same period last year. The country’s ore output stood at 135 million tonnes, compared with 128 tonnes in the same period last fiscal year, the mining ministry said on Friday. Manganese ore production also increased compared to the first half of FY24 – by 6.2% to 1.7 MMT. India’s coal production also increased in October.
On the other hand, electricity consumption increased slightly to 140.4 billion kWh in October. India’s electricity consumption increased by about 1% year-on-year in October, reaching 140.47 billion units (BU). During the same period last year, electricity consumption increased from 113.94 BU to 139.44 BU in October 2022, an increase of 22%.
In October 2024, the single-day peak power demand dropped to 219.22 GW, compared with 221.53 GW in the same period last year. In May this year, maximum demand for electricity reached an all-time high of about 250 gigawatts. The previous all-time high demand record was in September 2023, reaching 243.27 GW.
Coal production increased by 7.4%
Coal production also increased by 7.4% in October. It has become 82.89 tons. This information has been given by the Ministry of Coal. The ministry said it was 78.57 tonnes in the same period last fiscal year.
Car sales are huge during Navratri, Dussehra, Dhantra and Diwali in September-October. Retail sales increased by 26%. Total retail sales this month are expected to be between 480,000 and 490,000 units. Almost all the top companies like Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors, JSW MG and Mahindra & Mahindra have reported strong consumer purchases, with sales of 3.90 lakh units in October last year.
Maruti Suzuki India is India’s leading passenger vehicle company. Retail sales in October increased 22.4% from the same period last year to a record 202,402 units. Retail sales in the auto manufacturing industry are expected to rise 20% in October due to holiday demand. However, Maruti’s own wholesale shipments fell 5% to 159,591 units, while Tata Motors’ shipments to dealers fell 0.4% to 48,131 units.
Sports utility vehicle sales increase
Some of India’s top carmakers reported higher sales of sport utility vehicles to dealers during the October festive season. And the small car business has slowed. Customers are paying more attention to large, premium cars.
India’s No. 1 automaker Maruti Suzuki’s SUV sales hit an all-time high of 19.4%, while No. 2 SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra posted its highest monthly sales of the fiscal year Sales volume increased by 25%. Hyundai Motor India’s monthly SUV sales reached a record high of 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 is used to celebrate Diwali. A video documenting the miracle has gone viral, showing a message adorning a skyscraper. The message read: “Celebrating Diwali, wishing you happiness, health and prosperity. Happy Diwali.” Social media users around the world were impressed by the mission. The video has been viewed more than 345,000 times.
