Key Highlights
- Record Retail Sales: Due to reduced GST rates, the retail sector recorded its highest-ever sales during the festive season, with a turnover of ₹5.44 lakh crore.
- Gallantry Awards: The government issued a gazette notification to award gallantry certificates to defense personnel for extraordinary bravery during operations, including Operation Bindur.
- Rural Development: Dr. Apurva Sharma inaugurated the renovation of the CC road in Kanyakpuram Gram Panchayat.
- Khelo India Initiative: Five new Khelo India centers will be launched next month in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Retail Sector Sees Record Sales
India’s retail sector recorded its highest-ever sales this year between Navratri and Diwali, with trade in goods reaching ₹5.44 lakh crore and services at ₹65,000 crore. According to a survey by the All India Traders’ Confederation (CAT), total trade increased by 25% compared to last year. Approximately 72% of traders reported increased sales, primarily due to reduced GST rates. Major consumer categories, including confectionery, home decor, footwear, readymade clothing, durable consumer goods, and daily-use items, saw significant improvements in price competitiveness, leading to a surge in purchases.
Gallantry Awards for Defense Personnel
The government has issued a gazette notification to award gallantry certificates to defense personnel for extraordinary bravery during various operations, including Operation Bindur. The citations honor personnel from the Air Force and Army. Colonel Koshank Lambak and Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht were awarded the Veer Chakra for exceptional bravery. Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu was recognized for commanding a squadron and executing effective strike missions, while Group Captain Animesh Patni was honored for protecting resources and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Earlier, President Draupadi Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards for armed forces and central armed police forces personnel.
GST Savings Festival Benefits All
The GST Savings Festival, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is benefiting all sections of society. In a special conversation with All India Radio News, a businessman from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, associated with the auto mobile and equipment sector, shared insights on the benefits of GST reforms.
Rural Development Initiatives
Rural Development and Panchayat Director Dr. Apurva Sharma visited Kanyakpuram Gram Panchayat under the Fararganj Panchayat Committee. He inaugurated the renovation of the CC road in Ward No. 5 to improve connectivity and ensure convenient commuting. He also inspected ongoing development projects in Tapu Basti and reviewed their progress. Additionally, he inaugurated the renovation and electrification of the Durga Puja Mandap in Ward No. 9.
Khelo India Centers Launched
Under the Khelo India scheme, four non-residential Khelo India centers have been launched in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Five more centers will open next month to identify and train young sports talents for free. Former champion athletes have been appointed as coaches. Boys and girls aged 10 to 18 can join free sports coaching classes. A Khelo India State Excellence Center for badminton, cycling, and swimming will be launched on December 1 at the Netaji Sports Complex for youths aged 10 to 20.
CSR Initiative by Indian State Bank
The Indian State Bank donated a state-of-the-art smart board to a regional center under its CSR initiative. Regional Manager Santosh Sahu, R. Sethi’s Director C. Raj, and Chief Manager K.N. Raju handed over the smart board to CSR Director Sumitkamol. The initiative aims to empower differently-abled individuals in the region.
Astronomy-Tourism Guide Training Workshop
The second phase of the Astronomy-Tourism Guide Training Workshop began yesterday in Shahid Dweep, organized by the Directorate of Information, Publicity, and Tourism. Building on the success of the first workshop in Shri Vijaypur, this phase focuses on leveraging astronomy-tourism infrastructure and improving local capacity. Participants learned about astronomy fundamentals, telescope operation, and solar observation. The initiative aims to establish Andaman as a Dark Sky and sustainable astronomy-tourism destination, with 53 participants attending.
Staff Selection Commission Examination
The Staff Selection Commission will conduct the Combined Higher Secondary Level (Tier-1) examination from November 12. Candidates can select their preferred exam city, date, and shift through the self-slot selection facility, available on the candidate portal until October 28. More details are available on the commission’s website.