Top Headlines
- Record-breaking retail sales in India during festive season due to GST rate cuts.
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participates in RSS’s family meet and Diwali celebrations in Gorakhpur.
- Railways make special arrangements for festive travelers, with the Railway Minister inspecting New Delhi station.
- Govardhan Puja and Annakut Mahotsav celebrated across the state today.
Retail Sector Sees Unprecedented Sales Surge
Due to GST rate reductions, India’s retail sector recorded its highest-ever sales between Navratri and Diwali this year, according to a report by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). The report, based on a survey of 60 major distribution centers across state capitals and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, revealed that sales during Diwali exceeded ₹6 lakh crore. This includes ₹5,41,000 crore in goods trade and ₹59,000 crore in services trade. – Ved Prakash Pathak, Newsroom
GST Savings Benefit All Sections of Society
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s GST Savings Festival is benefiting all societal segments. Under the new tax structure, the GST rate on hotel rooms up to ₹7,500 has been reduced from 12% to 5%. Under GST 2.0, the tax rate on cars with petrol engines up to 1,200cc and diesel engines up to 1,500cc has been lowered from 28% to 18%. This decision has reduced car prices, boosted consumer demand, and supported vehicle manufacturers. By reducing the tax burden and enhancing competitiveness, GST 2.0 aims to strengthen economic security, tourism, MSME development, and green entrepreneurship. – Saksham Akhtar, Akashvani News, Delhi
CM Yogi Adityanath Celebrates Diwali in Gorakhpur
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the RSS’s Family Affection Meet and Diwali National Festival program in Gorakhpur. In his address, he noted that Ayodhya, once desolate eight years ago, has now become globally recognized for its grand Diwali celebrations, setting a new world record with 22 lakh lamps lit this year. He also praised the RSS’s contribution to the construction of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya. Earlier, he participated in a program at Gorakhnath temple, lighting a lamp in memory of martyrs and joining locals in Diwali festivities.
Support for Flood-Affected Farmers in Punjab
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a program by the Agriculture Department and Uttar Pradesh Seed Development Corporation to provide vehicles as seed aid to flood-affected farmers in Punjab. Expressing solidarity, he stated that the Uttar Pradesh government stands firmly with Punjab’s farmers amid heavy rains and floods. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s significant role in achieving national food self-reliance and noted that the Seed Corporation’s efforts are empowering farmers. Access to quality seeds on time enables even small-scale farmers to achieve higher yields, contributing to Uttar Pradesh’s success in making the state self-reliant in food production.
PM Modi to Address the Nation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with people in India and abroad on October 26 via Akashvani’s Mann Ki Baat program. Suggestions for the program can be shared via toll-free number 1800-11-5780 or the MyGov India online platform.
Air Quality Concerns in Delhi-NCR
Post-Diwali, Delhi-NCR’s air quality has reached alarming levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, cities like Noida and Ghaziabad recorded hazardous air quality, with PM2.5 being the most dangerous pollutant, potentially causing serious health issues.
Railway Minister Inspects Festive Arrangements
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited New Delhi Railway Station to review arrangements for festive travelers. Interacting with passengers, he received positive feedback on railway facilities. One passenger, visiting her village for Diwali for the sixth time in 14 years, described this year’s experience as the best. Over 1 crore passengers have traveled on special trains, with nearly 4 lakh traveling daily in the Delhi region alone. The Railways have set up war rooms at zonal and divisional levels for 24/7 monitoring of train operations, passenger numbers, and safety. At Gorakhpur Junction, six passenger shelters have been established, accommodating 2,000 travelers at a time to ensure safe and orderly boarding.
Train Derailment in Mathura
A goods train derailed between Vrindavan and Ajhai stations in Mathura district, disrupting operations on three railway lines. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the fourth line remained operational. Some trains are being diverted as needed.
Govardhan Puja and Annakut Celebrations
Govardhan Puja and Annakut Mahotsav are being celebrated across the state, particularly in the Braj region, including Mathura. Major temples like Dauji, Mukut Mukharvind, and Jatipura Mukharvind will perform milk abhishek rituals. Devotees will offer Annakut at the feet of Giriraj Maharaj and perform a seven-kosi parikrama. Police have made elaborate security arrangements, including drone surveillance and additional forces at sensitive areas and ghats to manage crowds and ensure smooth traffic flow. – Mohammed Qureshi, Akashvani News, Mathura
Weather Update
The Meteorological Department predicts light rain and drizzle in remote southern parts of western Uttar Pradesh. After this evening, maximum temperatures may gradually drop, and dry weather is expected across eastern and western Uttar Pradesh until October 27.
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