Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2023-24

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2023-24,” offering a comprehensive analysis of the banking sector’s performance during the fiscal year 2023-24. This annual report provides insights into various facets of the banking industry, including asset quality, profitability, capital adequacy, and emerging challenges.

Key Highlights from RBI Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2023-24

1. Asset Quality of Banks:
The gross non-performing assets (NPAs) ratio of Indian banks has fallen to a 12-year low of 2.5% as of September 2024, the lowest since 2012. This improvement is attributed to recoveries, write-offs of legacy bad loans, and more effective management of asset quality. The reduction in bad loans is reflective of better risk management and recovery efforts.

2. Projections for NPAs:
The report projects that the gross bad loan ratio could rise to 3% by March 2026 under a baseline scenario. In high-risk scenarios, it could reach up to 5.3%. While the sector anticipates some increase in NPAs, the RBI assures that banks will maintain sufficient capital and not fall below the 9% minimum capital requirement, even in adverse conditions.

3. Credit Growth and Economic Outlook:
The Indian banking sector has witnessed a significant 19% increase in credit growth during 2023-24, reflecting positive economic growth and robust demand for loans. The growth in advances is particularly strong in sectors like infrastructure, housing, and personal loans. The optimistic credit outlook is also indicative of an improving economic environment in India.

4. Digital Transformation in Banking:
The Indian banking sector has been undergoing a digital revolution, with an increase in online and mobile banking transactions. The launch of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilots further highlights the sector’s move towards embracing cutting-edge digital financial solutions. Digital banking continues to grow rapidly, helping increase financial inclusion and improving customer experiences.

5. Strong Capital Adequacy:
The Capital-to-Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of Indian banks stood at 16.8% as of September 2024, significantly higher than the regulatory minimum of 9%. This indicates that Indian banks are in a strong position to absorb any shocks, with robust capital buffers ensuring financial stability.

6. Increasing Bank Frauds:
The report highlighted an alarming increase in bank frauds, with fraud-related cases seeing a significant rise in the first half of FY25. This trend is expected to continue, raising concerns about cybersecurity and internal controls in the banking sector. The RBI is likely to take measures to mitigate these risks going forward.

Detailed Analysis of each point

1. Asset Quality Improvement:

The banking sector has made significant strides in enhancing asset quality. The GNPA ratio’s decline to 2.5% in September 2024 reflects effective recovery efforts and prudent lending practices. The reduction in Net NPAs to 0.57% indicates improved asset quality and better risk management.

2. Profitability Growth:

SCBs have demonstrated consistent profitability, with a RoA of 1.4% and RoE of 14.6% in 2023-24. This sustained growth underscores the sector’s resilience and operational efficiency.

3. Capital Adequacy:

The CRAR of 16.8% as of September 2024 surpasses the regulatory minimum, ensuring banks have sufficient capital buffers to absorb potential losses and support growth.

4. Credit Growth:

The 19% increase in advances highlights robust credit demand, indicating confidence in economic recovery and expansion.

5. Digital Transformation:

The rise in digital banking transactions and the initiation of CBDC pilots reflect the sector’s commitment to modernization and financial inclusion.

6. Emerging Risks:

The projected increase in the GNPA ratio to 3% by March 2026 and the rise in bank fraud cases necessitate enhanced risk management and vigilance.

RBI Financial Stability Report, December 2024: Key Insights and Projections

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its Financial Stability Report (FSR) for December 2024, providing a comprehensive analysis of the Indian financial system’s health. The FSR is published biannually, typically in June and December, offering insights into the stability and resilience of the financial sector.

Key Highlights from the RBI Financial Stability Report, December 2024

  1. Asset Quality of Banks: The gross non-performing assets (NPAs) ratio of Indian banks has declined to a 12-year low of 2.6% as of September 2024. This improvement is attributed to recoveries, write-offs of legacy bad loans, and a reduction in the growth of bad assets.

  2. Projections for NPAs: The report projects that the gross bad loan ratio may rise to 3% by March 2026 under a baseline scenario, and could reach up to 5.3% under high-risk scenarios. Despite these potential increases, the RBI assures that no bank is expected to fall below the minimum capital requirement of 9% even in adverse conditions.
  3. Economic Growth Forecast: The RBI anticipates a GDP growth rate of 6.6% for the fiscal year 2024-25, indicating a positive outlook for the Indian economy following a slowdown in the first half of the fiscal year.
  4. Liquidity Deficit: The banking system is facing a significant liquidity deficit, which is expected to widen further in the upcoming quarter. As of December 23, 2024, the liquidity deficit stood at 2.43 trillion rupees, driven by tax outflows and the central bank’s foreign exchange interventions. Market participants suggest that measures such as open market bond purchases and potential cuts in the cash reserve ratio (CRR) may be considered to address this issue.
  5. Regulatory Compliance: The report notes a 47% decline in monetary fines imposed by the RBI from June to November 2024, totaling nearly Rs 30 crore, compared to over Rs 57 crore in the same period the previous year. This decrease reflects improved regulatory compliance across banks and financial institutions.
  6. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs): The balance sheets of NBFCs have strengthened, with stress tests indicating that even under high-risk scenarios, their capital requirements would remain well above the minimum needed level.

Top Indian Dishes and Restaurants in TasteAtlas Rankings of 2024-25

Indian cuisine is loved all over the world for its delicious flavors and variety. Taste Atlas’ 2024-25 rankings celebrate how special Indian food is. It combines tradition and creativity in every dish. Famous restaurants are also recognized for their amazing food, showing how Indian cuisine continues to impress and delight people everywhere. In this article, we will know about the top Indian dishes and restaurants.

Top Indian Dishes in TasteAtlas Rankings of 2024-25

The TasteAtlas’s Rankings of 2024-25 highlights India’s rich food culture, showcasing a variety of traditional dishes that represent the country’s diverse flavors and culinary traditions.

Here are the names of top dishes in TasteAtlas Rankings as of 2024-25:

  • Murgh Makhani
  • Hyderabadi Biryani
  • Chicken 65
  • Keema

Murgh Makhani

Rank: 29

Rating: 4.52

Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken and tomato-based gravy. It pairs perfectly with naan or rice. This iconic dish was invented at Moti Mahal in Delhi and is still a favorite at restaurants like Karim’s, Gulati and Moti Mahal in New Delhi.

Hyderabadi Biryani

Rank: 31

Rating: 4.52

Hyderabadi Biryani is a fragrant rice dish layered with marinated meat, spices and herbs. Known for its unique cooking style, it is best enjoyed at places like Jewel of Nizam, Bawarchi and Hotel Shadab in Hyderabad.

Chicken 65

Rank: 97

Rating: 4.44

Chicken 65 is a spicy fried chicken dish with a crispy coating. It is a popular starter in South India. Famous spots to try this include Buhari in Chennai, Biryani Blues in Gurugram and Bheema’s in Bangalore.

Keema

Rank: 100

Rating: 4.44

Keema is a stew made with minced meat and spices, often served with bread or rice. It is a must-try at Leopold Cafe in Mumbai, Pal Dhaba in Chandigarh, and Cafe Lota in New Delhi.

Top Indian Restaurants in TasteAtlas Rankings of 2024-25

TasteAtlas also featured Indian restaurants in its list of “100 Most Legendary Restaurants.” These places are known for their iconic dishes and rich history.

Here are the names of top Indian restaurants in TasteAtlas rankings of 2024-25:

  • Peter Cat (Kolkata)
  • Amrik Sukhdev (Murthal, Haryana)
  • Karim’s (New Delhi)
  • Central Tiffin Room (CTR) (Bangalore)
  • Gulati (New Delhi)
  • Ram Ashraya (Mumbai)

Peter Cat

Location: Kolkata

Rank: 7

Famous for its Chelo Kebab, this restaurant blends Indian and Continental cuisines. Its retro decor and delicious food make it a landmark in Kolkata.

Amrik Sukhdev

Location: Murthal, Haryana

Rank: 13

Initially a dhaba for truck drivers, this eatery now serves tasty parathas, lassi and other North Indian dishes. It is a hotspot for travelers and food lovers.

Karim

Location: New Delhi

Rank: 59

Established in 1913, Karim’s is legendary for its Mughlai dishes like Biryani and Kebabs. It remains a favorite for those seeking royal flowers.

Central Triffin Room

Location: Bangalore

Rank: 69

CTR is known for its crispy masala dosas served with chutney and sambar. This restaurant is a must-visit for authentic South Indian meals.

Gulati

Location: New Delhi

Rank: 77

Famous for Butter Chicken and North Indian dishes, Gulati’s cozy ambience makes it perfect for family during.

Ram Ashraya

Location: Mumbai

Rank: 78

A vegetarian South Indian restaurant, Ram Ashraya serves delicious idlis, vadas and other dishes. It is loved for its quick service and fresh meals.

South Korea Parliament Impeaches Acting President Han Duck-soo

South Korea’s political crisis deepened on December 27, 2024, when parliament voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo. This follows the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, which was triggered by his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. Han had been serving as acting president since Yoon’s suspension, but his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court led to growing opposition calls for his impeachment. This marks a significant moment in South Korea’s political history, as it would be the first time an acting president is impeached.

Key Points

Impeachment Of Acting President

  • South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach Han after growing dissatisfaction over his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court.
  • The opposition argued that this obstructed the impeachment process and violated constitutional duties.

Political Crisis

  • The impeachment of Han Duck-soo comes amidst a political deadlock. Han had refused to approve three nominees for the Constitutional Court, leading to a prolonged crisis.
  • The opposition demanded immediate action to fill the vacancies and continue the process of holding President Yoon accountable.

Reason For Impeachment

  • The opposition accused Han of “avoiding” the special investigation into President Yoon’s imposition of martial law and “intentionally rejecting” the appointments of the Constitutional Court judges.
  • The motion claimed that Han’s actions violated his duty to uphold the law and serve the public.

Legal and Constitutional Issues

  • Han’s refusal to appoint the judges, as per the motion put before Parliament, is seen as a violation of constitutional duties.
  • However, Han defended his position, claiming that a compromise between the ruling and opposition parties must first be reached before making the appointments.

Economic Consequences

  • Amid the political instability, South Korea’s economy was impacted, with the Korean won falling to its lowest level in nearly 16 years, highlighting the financial repercussions of the ongoing political deadlock.

Succesion

  • If Han’s impeachment is successful, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok would assume the acting presidency, according to South Korean law.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? South Korea Parliament Impeaches Acting President Han Duck-soo
Date of Impeachment Vote December 27, 2024
Reason for Impeachment Han Duck-soo’s refusal to appoint three Constitutional Court judges and obstruction of the impeachment process.
Political Disagreement Opposition accused Han of avoiding a special investigation and rejecting appointments.
Impeachment Motion The opposition called Han’s actions a violation of public duty and the Constitution.
Han’s Defense Han claimed that a compromise between the ruling and opposition parties must be reached before making appointments.
Economic Impact South Korea’s economy and currency faced instability, with the won reaching its lowest point in nearly 16 years.
Successor Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is set to become the acting president.
Context Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached earlier, and Han Duck-soo took over as acting president.

Most Searched Travel Destinations by Indians on Google 2024, Check the Names

In 2024, Indian travelers explored a mix of exciting destinations, from serene beaches to historical landmarks and modern cities. Google’s “Year in Search” revealed their favorite places, both in India and abroad. This list highlights the top choices, reflecting a love for culture, adventure and nature beauty among Indian tourists.

Most Searched Travel Destinations by Indians on Google 2024

In 2024, Indian travelers have shown great interest in various destinations, both within India and abroad, for their unique offerings. From beautiful landscapes to rich cultures, here is a look at the most searched travel spots by Indians:

  • Azerbaijan
  • Bali, Indonesia
  • Manali, India
  • Kazakhstan
  • Jaipur, India
  • Georgia
  • Malaysia
  • Ayodhya, India
  • Kashmir, India
  • South Goa, India

Most Searched Travel Destination by Indians in 2024, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, known as “The Land of Fire,” attracts Indian tourists with its rich history, modern architecture and stunning views, especially in Baku. The simple e-visa process and the mix of cultures make it a popular choice.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali continues to be a favorite for Indian travelers due to its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and scenic landscapes. It offers a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.

Manali, India

Manali is a top destination for its snowy mountain peaks and thrilling adventure sports like trekking and paragliding. It is ideal for those looking for a peaceful gateway from the city.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is gaining attention with its vast steppes and modern cities like Almaty. It offers both urban experiences and stunning natural landscapes, making it  a surprising travel destinations.

Jaipur, India

Jaipur, known as the Pink City, attracts tourists with its grand forts, palaces and vibrant markets. It is perfect for those interested in India’s royal history and culture.

Georgia

Georgia is becoming popular among Indian tourists for its beautiful landscapes and wine culture, offering a mix of historical sites and exciting adventures.

Malaysia

Malaysia, with its diverse culture, draws travelers with famous spots like the Petronas Towers and Langkawi’s beaches. It combines city life with natural beauty for all types of visitors.

Ayodhya, India

After the opening of the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya has become a key spiritual destination. It attracts many Hindus looking to connect with their cultural and religious heritage.

Kashmir, India

Kashmir, often called “Heaven on Earth,” is famous for its breathtaking valleys and peaceful lakes, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.

South Goa, India

South Goa is quieter and more relaxed compared to North Goa, offering serene beaches and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for those wanting to escape crowded tourist spots.

What is the Old Name of Amritsar of Punjab?

Amritsar, a famous city in Punjab, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and spiritual significance. Known worldwide for the iconic Golden Temple, it holds an important place in India’s heritage. Over the years, the city has had different names, each reflecting its unique historical and cultural journey.

Old Name of Amritsar

The old names of Amritsar is Ramdaspur. The city was named after Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. He founded the city in 1577 and started the construction of the sacred pool, which later became the Golden Temple. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, mentions and praises the city.

Another name of Amritsar is Ambarsar. This is a colloquial name widely used by locals. The name continues to be popular in spoken language, showing the city’s connection to its traditional roots.

Meaning of the Name Amritsar

The name Amritsar comes from the Amrit Sarovar, which means the “Pool of Nectar.” This holy tank surrounds the Golden Temple. Guru Ram Das originally created a small pool with healing properties, and over time, it became a central point of worship of Sikhs. The pool was later expanded into the Golden Temple, one of the most revered sites in Sikhism.

Amritsar’s Cultural Significance

Amritsar is the second-largest city in Punjab and is often called the Golden City because of the Golden Temple. It is a center of faith, history and culture, attracting millions of visitors from around the world every year.

Who is Known as the Forest Man of India?

A person who is deeply committed to protecting nature and restoring forests can be called a “Forest Man.” This individual has dedicated their life to planting trees and reviving barren lands, creating thriving forests. Their efforts have not only helped restore biodiversity but also raised awareness about the importance of conserving the environment for future generations. In this article, we will know about the person who is known as the “Forest Man of India.”

Forest Man of India

Jadav Payeng, a dedicated environmental activist from Assam, is widely known as the “Forest Man of India.” His efforts in creating and preserving a forest on a barren sandbar in the Brahmaputra River have made him famous around the world. He has spent decades planting trees and turning an empty land into a thriving forest reserve.

Early Life of Jadav Payeng

Jadav Payeng was born on 31st October 1959 in the Missing tribe of Assam. As a young boy, he was deeply connected to nature. In 1979, at the age of 16, he witnessed a tragedy when many snakes died due to the lack of trees on a sandbar after floods. This event inspired him to start planting trees to restore the land.

The Creation of Molai Forest

In 1979, Payeng began his journey by planting 20 bamboo saplings on the sandbar. Over the years, he expanded his efforts, planting more trees and creating a forest. This forest, which came to be known as Molai Forest, now covers over 1,360 acres (550 hectares). It is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, rhinos and elephants.

Wildlife and Biodiversity in Molai Forest

Molai Forest is a thriving ecosystem with thousands of trees, such as bamboo, arjun and goldmohur. It is home to many species of animals, including Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceroses, deer and rabbits. Every year, around 100 elephants visit the forest, and they have given birth to 10 calves in a recent years.

Struggle Against Poaching

In 2013, poachers tried to harm the rhinos in the forest, but Jadav Payeng was quick to alert the authorities, preventing any harm. His dedication to protesting the wildlife in the forest has earned him respect and admiration from the local community and government.

Personal Life and Daily Routine

Jadav Payeng belongs to the Missing Tribe and lives with his wife and three children. Though he built a house near Kokilmukh Ghat in 2012, he still spends his days tending to the trees in Molai Forest. His only source of income is selling milk from his cows and buffaloes.

Recognition and Awards

Jadav Payeng’s work in creating and preserving Molai Forest has earned him national recognition. In 2015, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-largest civilian award. He has also received an honorary doctorate for his contributions to environmental conservation.

Kaamya Karthikeyan: Youngest Female to Conquer Seven Summits

Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old student from Navy Children School in Mumbai, has etched her name in history by becoming the youngest female in the world to conquer the Seven Summits. This remarkable achievement includes scaling the highest peaks across all seven continents. Kaamya, an avid adventurer since her childhood, completed this prestigious feat by summiting Mount Vinson in Antarctica on December 24, 2024. This accomplishment highlights her determination, resilience, and passion for mountaineering.

Key Highlights of Kaamya Achievements

  • Age at Achievement: 17 years old
  • Record: Youngest female to scale the Seven Summits

Climbed Peaks

  • Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
  • Europe: Mount Elbrus (Russia)
  • Australia: Mount Kosciuszko (Australia)
  • South America: Mount Aconcagua (Argentina)
  • North America: Mount Denali (USA)
  • Asia: Mount Everest (Nepal)
  • Antarctica: Mount Vinson (Antarctica)
  • Date of Completion: December 24, 2024, after reaching the summit of Mount Vinson at 17:20 Chilean Standard Time.
  • Accompaniment: She was accompanied by her father, Cdr S. Karthikeyan, during the final climb in Antarctica.

Earlier Achievements

  • At age 16, Kaamya became the youngest Indian to scale Mount Everest.
  • Her mountaineering journey started at the age of 7, when she first trekked in Uttarakhand.

Significance and Support

  • The Indian Navy congratulated Kaamya and her father for this monumental achievement.
  • Navy Children School, Mumbai, also expressed pride in Kaamya’s success, emphasizing her role as an inspiration for students and adventurers alike.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Kaamya Karthikeyan: Youngest Female to Conquer Seven Summits
Age 17 years old
Record Youngest female to scale the Seven Summits
School Navy Children School, Mumbai
Climbing Start Age 7 years old
First Everest Summit Age 16 years old
Peaks Conquered 7 peaks across 7 continents
Peaks Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, Mount Kosciuszko, Mount Aconcagua, Mount Denali, Mount Everest, Mount Vinson
Significance Youngest female in the world to conquer all Seven Summits

DPIIT Partners with boAt to Boost Startup Ecosystem in India

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has entered a strategic partnership with boAt, a prominent Indian audio and wearables brand, to foster innovation and support DPIIT-recognized startups, especially in the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) and manufacturing sectors. This collaboration aims to provide essential mentorship, resources, and guidance, helping startups scale both locally and internationally. With boAt’s industry expertise and the government’s backing, the initiative is poised to empower the Indian startup ecosystem.

Key Features of the Partnership

Mentorship Programs: DPIIT and boAt will create tailored programs to mentor startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. These initiatives will cover critical stages like prototype development, offering expert guidance and hands-on support.

Global Expansion Opportunities: The partnership includes providing startups with valuable connections and insights to support international market expansion.

Commitment to Innovation: The collaboration reflects a shared goal of fostering innovation, building globally competitive brands, and strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Industry Leadership’s Vision

DPIIT’s Vision: Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary of Startup India, emphasized the importance of this partnership in helping startups elevate their efficiency and contribute to India’s global manufacturing ambitions.

boAt’s Contribution: Co-founder Aman Gupta highlighted that this partnership reflects boAt’s commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem, especially in product-based ventures, and enhancing the country’s innovation landscape.

Summary of the news

Why in News Key Points
DPIIT Partners with boAt to Boost Innovation and Support Startups in India Partnership: DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) with boAt (Indian audio and wearables brand)
Focus: Empower DPIIT-recognized startups, especially in D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) and manufacturing sectors
Key Features: Mentorship, resources, and support for milestones like prototype development
Global Expansion: Support for international market connections and insights
Statements: Sanjiv Singh (DPIIT) emphasizes contribution to India’s vision of global manufacturing and entrepreneurship
boAt’s Commitment: Aman Gupta (Co-founder) aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative
DPIIT’s Role in Startup Support Startup India Initiative: Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh’s efforts to elevate startup efficiency
Goal: Foster innovation, build globally competitive brands, and enhance India’s manufacturing ecosystem
boAt’s Contribution boAt’s Background: Leading brand in audio and wearables with a focus on trendy, affordable products aimed at a young, tech-savvy audience
Manufacturing Vision: Commitment to promoting ‘Make in India’ through innovation in the consumer electronics sector

Bumrah Breaks Record for Fastest 200 Wickets by an Indian

Jasprit Bumrah achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 wickets in Test cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the MCG in Melbourne. Bumrah’s achievement is notable not just for its speed but also for the efficiency with which he has attained this milestone in just 44 Tests, surpassing the previous Indian record held by Mohammed Shami. His performance in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, including four wickets in the first innings and a key dismissal in the second, has cemented his place among the fastest bowlers to 200 Test wickets globally.

Key Highlights

Fastest Indian to 200 Test Wickets

  • Bumrah reached 200 wickets with the 8484th delivery he bowled, making him the fastest Indian to do so.

200 Wickets in 44 Tests

  • Bumrah joined Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada in achieving this feat in just 44 Tests.

Impressive Bowling Average

  • Bumrah became the first bowler to reach 200 wickets with a sub-20 average (19.56), an outstanding achievement in Test cricket.

Comparison with Fast Bowlers

  • Bumrah is the fourth-fastest overall to 200 wickets, behind Waqar Younis, Dale Steyn, and Kagiso Rabada.

Wickets in World Test Championship

  • Bumrah is one of the leading wicket-takers in the ICC World Test Championship, with 151 wickets.

Fastest Indian Bowler

  • Bumrah surpassed Shami’s record for the least number of balls to 200 wickets in India, setting a new benchmark for Indian pacers.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Bumrah Breaks Record for Fastest 200 Wickets by an Indian
Fastest Indian to 200 Test Wickets Bumrah reached 200 wickets in just 8484 balls, surpassing Mohammed Shami’s 9896 balls.
Number of Tests for 200 Wickets Bumrah achieved the feat in 44 Tests, the same number of matches as Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada.
Bowling Average Bumrah’s bowling average at 200 wickets is 19.56, the best among all bowlers in the 200-wicket club.
Fastest to 200 Test Wickets (Overall) Bumrah ranks 4th globally for the fewest balls to 200 wickets, behind Waqar Younis, Dale Steyn, and Kagiso Rabada.
World Test Championship Wickets Bumrah has taken 151 wickets in the WTC, making him one of the top pacers in the competition.