Deepotsav Procession Features Stunning Tableaux of Ramayana Scenes
RBI Data Reveals 60% of Gold Reserves Held Domestically, Increasing by Over 102 Tonnes in April-September
As global gold prices rise due to geopolitical tensions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that its gold reserves reached 854.73 metric tonnes as of September 30. Notably, 510.46 metric tonnes of this gold were held domestically, reflecting an increase of over 102 tonnes from 408 metric tonnes at the end of March this year.
The RBI’s “Half-Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves: April-September 2024” revealed that of the total gold holdings, 324.01 metric tonnes are securely stored with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), while 20.26 metric tonnes are held in gold deposits.
In terms of value, gold’s share in total foreign exchange reserves rose from 8.15% at the end of March 2024 to approximately 9.32% by the end of September. During this half-year period, India’s foreign exchange reserves increased significantly from $646.42 billion in March to $705.78 billion in September.
On a balance of payments basis (excluding valuation effects), foreign exchange reserves grew by $5.2 billion during April-June 2024, a decline compared to the $24.4 billion increase in the same period the previous year. Including valuation effects, reserves rose by $5.6 billion in April-June 2024, down from $16.6 billion a year earlier.
The RBI reported that its net forward asset (payable) stood at $14.58 billion at the end of September. From June 2023 to June 2024, external assets rose by $108.4 billion while external liabilities increased by $97.7 billion.
As of June 2024, the net International Investment Position (IIP) was negative at $368.3 billion, an improvement from the negative $379.0 billion recorded in June 2023, indicating a decrease in the gap between external liabilities and assets.
The foreign currency assets (FCAs), amounting to $617.07 billion at the end of September 2024, include a diversified portfolio. Of this total, $515.30 billion is invested in securities, $60.11 billion is deposited with other central banks and the BIS, and the remaining $41.66 billion consists of deposits with overseas commercial banks.
Hoax Bomb Threat on Air India’s Delhi-Indore-Mumbai Flight; FIR Filed
INDORE, Oct 30: A hoax bomb threat targeting Air India’s flight AI 636, traveling from Delhi to Mumbai via Indore, was reported on social media and subsequently investigated by local authorities. The Indore police in Madhya Pradesh have registered a case against an unidentified individual responsible for the threat.
The alarming message, claiming that a pipe bomb had been placed on the flight, was posted on an X social media account at 5:08 PM on Tuesday, shortly after the aircraft had departed from Indore at 4:38 PM, according to an officer from the Aerodrome police station.
Following a thorough investigation, Deputy Commissioner of Police Vinod Kumar Meena confirmed that the bomb threat was false. The police have filed a case against the anonymous individual under section 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal intimidation by concealing identity. Further investigations are ongoing.
Notably, over 100 flights operated by various Indian airlines received similar bomb threats on Tuesday. In the past 16 days, more than 510 domestic and international flights have faced such threats, which have all turned out to be hoaxes, primarily communicated through social media channels.
Rajnath Singh to Unveil War Memorial and Sardar Patel Statue in Arunachal Pradesh
ITANAGAR, Oct 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday to inaugurate the Museum of Valour dedicated to Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing and unveil a statue of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. During his visit, Singh will also celebrate Diwali with soldiers stationed along the India-China border, as confirmed by officials on Wednesday.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh will join the event, adding to the significance of the occasion. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his enthusiasm on X, welcoming both Singh and Biren Singh to the state. He stated, “The inauguration of Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valour and the unveiling of ‘Desh Ka Vallabh,’ the statue of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Tawang, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, will be cherished by us for ages to come.”
Khandu highlighted the historical importance of Major Khathing’s brave expedition in February 1951 to establish Indian administration in Tawang, stating, “His heroic deeds have no parallel in human history.” He also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy as India’s first Home Minister, emphasizing the critical role he played in integrating various princely states into the nation.
Both monuments serve as enduring reminders of the invaluable contributions of these great leaders to India’s integrity and sovereignty, Khandu added. Tawang, set against the majestic backdrop of the eastern Himalayas, has long symbolized India’s commitment to securing its borders. Singh’s visit coincides with a recent breakthrough in patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, underscoring the importance of national security in the region.
Salman Khan Receives New Death Threat Alongside Rs 2 Crore Extortion Demand; Police Initiate Investigation
Mumbai, Oct 30 : Bollywood star Salman Khan has reportedly received another death threat along with a demand for Rs 2 crore, prompting the Mumbai police to register an FIR against an unidentified sender, an official said Wednesday.
The threat came through an anonymous message received by the Mumbai traffic police on Tuesday, warning that Khan would be killed if he did not pay the amount. An investigation is now underway, according to the official.
Earlier this month, a similar threat demanding Rs 5 crore was sent to the Mumbai traffic police’s WhatsApp helpline, resulting in the arrest of a man from Jamshedpur. In a related case, the Mumbai police also apprehended a suspect from Noida on Monday for allegedly threatening Khan and NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique.
Notably, Khan has faced previous threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which allegedly fired shots outside his Bandra residence in April. Months earlier, Navi Mumbai police had uncovered a Bishnoi gang plot to assassinate the actor, leading to increased security around him.
J&K Congress Chief Calls on PM Modi, Amit Shah to Honor Statehood Restoration Promise
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to honor their commitment to restore statehood to the Union Territory. During a public outreach event in the Central Shalteng assembly constituency, Karra highlighted the repeated assurances made by the central government in Parliament, at public rallies, and during election campaigns.
“Our prime minister, home minister, and the central government have consistently pledged to restore statehood. It’s time to go beyond promises and take decisive action,” Karra stated. Emphasizing the urgency of full statehood, he explained that it is essential for responsive and empowered governance.
“Statehood is more than a symbolic demand—it’s crucial for effective governance. Without it, decision-making powers are limited, which affects our ability to tackle vital issues such as unemployment, development, business, education, and healthcare reforms,” he added. Karra argued that full statehood would enable the development of modern infrastructure, improve educational opportunities for competitive exams, and ensure accessible healthcare for all residents.
Shift to Renewable Energy and Public Transport Essential to Combat Air Pollution: Ramesh
New Delhi, Oct 30: Highlighting the urgent public health crisis posed by air pollution, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized on Wednesday that addressing stubble burning alone won’t solve the issue. Instead, he advocated for a large-scale transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and expanded public transport to combat pollution effectively.
Ramesh underscored the need to reform India’s economic and environmental policies, starting with updates to The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, to better address the public health impacts of pollution. He also called for a review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 2009, to strengthen India’s regulatory framework on air quality.
Citing recent findings from The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, Ramesh expressed deep concern over India’s pollution-linked health risks. “The report reveals alarming figures: 1.6 million deaths in India in 2021 were attributed to air pollution, with fossil fuels like coal and liquid gas responsible for 38% of these fatalities,” he noted in a post on X. The report highlighted that in 2022, India accounted for 15.8% of the world’s consumption-based PM2.5 emissions and 16.9% of production-based PM2.5 emissions, both significant contributors to respiratory health hazards.
Ramesh pointed out that PM2.5 levels in Delhi had reached critical highs, averaging 168 µg/m³ between October 16 and October 22, despite a 51% decrease in stubble burning since 2018, according to NASA’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) reported that stubble burning contributed only 0.92% of PM2.5 levels in Delhi this season, while over half of the pollution stemmed from vehicular emissions.
Asserting that air pollution should be an administrative priority, Ramesh emphasized, “A sustainable future requires a robust shift to renewable energy and public transit systems.” He reiterated the need to update environmental legislation to better address the health impacts of pollution and foster cleaner living environments for the population.
PM Modi Embarks on Two-Day Gujarat Visit to Unveil Projects Valued at Rs 280 Crore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commence a two-day visit to Gujarat on Wednesday, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for various infrastructure and development projects valued at over Rs 280 crore in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district. These initiatives aim to enrich the tourism experience, improve accessibility, and support sustainability efforts in the region.
As part of the visit, PM Modi will address the Officer Trainees of the 99th Common Foundation Course, Aarambh 6.0, themed “Roadmap for Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.” This year’s course includes 653 Officer Trainees from 16 Indian civil services and three from Bhutan.
On October 31, the Prime Minister will pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity and lead the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. Events will include the Ekta Diwas pledge, a parade featuring 16 contingents from nine states and one UT, Central Armed Police Forces, and a showcase of performances like the NSG Hell March, BSF and CRPF biker stunts, Indian Martial Arts, a school band performance, and an IAF ‘Surya Kiran’ flypast.
Dr. Hanika Sharma of JIAR Secures 3rd Place in National “Best Thesis Award” by AIMIL Pharmaceuticals
Congratulations to Dr. Hanika Sharma, a final-year PG Student of JIAR (Kayachikitsa Department) for winning the “BEST THESIS AWARD” in the national competition organized by AIMIL Pharmaceuticals on October 29th, 2024, as part of National Ayurveda Day celebrations. Her dissertation, titled “Open Label-Controlled Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Tusha Rahita Yavadi Choorna Lepa in the Management of Vyanga with Special Reference to Melasma,” which was done under the expert guidance of Professor Dr. Nitin Mahajan, Principal and HOD and Co-Guide Dr. Poonam Gupta, Associate Professor in the same department. Dr Hanika’s exceptional hard work throughout her MD studies has been truly remarkable. Out of over 8000 plus participants from across India, she secured 3rd rank in the “BEST THESIS AWARD” category and was presented with a Xiaomi LED Smart TV as a prize from the organizers.
JIAR Celebrates 9th National Ayurveda Day with Theme “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health”
JIAR CELEBRATES 9TH NATIONAL AYURVEDA DAY in association with Vishwa Ayurved Parishad and Arogya Bharti Jammu.* Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Jammu started a series of events for celebration of 9th National Ayurveda Day 2024 under the theme “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health “.Dhanvantari Havan was conducted on this auspicious day of Dhan Trayodashi- Dhanteras followed by Shishyopanayana samskara, where 1st Prof BAMS and 1st year MD(Ayurveda)students took oath of a shishya(student) and tied Mouli.
Prize Distribution of the various events conducted under series of 9th National Ayurveda Day celebration in which students were given prizes by the worthy Smt Suman Sharma,Chairperson,Shri Sain Charitable Trust for Higher Education and Research,Jammu along with Mr Ritesh Sharma and Mr Ravish Sharma,MD’s ,Mrs Japna & MRS Jasudha Sharma CEO’s and Mr Nitin Mahajan, CEO & Principal. Later Mrs Jasudha Sharma delivered presidential note.The event was concluded with lunch for all.