Arup Roychoudhury And Aditi Phadnis

Stories by Arup Roychoudhury And Aditi Phadnis

Why BJP In Karnataka Is Not In Good Health

Why BJP In Karnataka Is Not In Good Health

Rediff.com   29 Mar 2023

'There is a conscious move by the BJP to distance itself from the current state leadership.'

'RBI should pause rate hikes'

'RBI should pause rate hikes'

Rediff.com   27 Mar 2023

'It will send a very strong signal that it is now our time to grow.'

Retail inflation may moderate in coming months: FinMin monthly review

Retail inflation may moderate in coming months: FinMin monthly review

Rediff.com   21 Mar 2023

India's headline retail inflation is expected to moderate further in the months to come, as low wholesale inflation will transmit to consumer prices, the Ministry of Finance said in its latest monthly economic review (MER) on Monday. "Inflationary pressures eased in February, with slight moderation in Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation and Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation softening to a 25-month low. "With WPI inflation easing, its transmission to CPI inflation is soon expected," the MER for February said.

Who Is Propping Up Amritpal Singh?

Who Is Propping Up Amritpal Singh?

Rediff.com   17 Mar 2023

The Akali Dal is convinced that Waris Punjab De and Amritpal Singh are part of a bigger plan to create a law and order problem in the state, leading to the imposition of central rule and even the exclusion of Punjab from the Lok Sabha polls as was done in 1991.

'Bommai will struggle to lead BJP to victory in Karnataka'

'Bommai will struggle to lead BJP to victory in Karnataka'

Rediff.com   14 Mar 2023

'Some of his ministers have performed abysmally, and Bommai has faced an unwanted campaign of religious polarisation imposed by national BJP leaders.'

US May Finally Have Ambassador In India

US May Finally Have Ambassador In India

Rediff.com   9 Mar 2023

On March 8, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to advance former Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti's nomination as US ambassador to India.

Karnataka Won't Be A Cakewalk For BJP

Karnataka Won't Be A Cakewalk For BJP

Rediff.com   7 Mar 2023

The current public mood is that it will be a hung assembly. No one, not even in the BJP, is talking about even a simple majority for the party.

CEA Nageswaran says urban recovery faster than rural

CEA Nageswaran says urban recovery faster than rural

Rediff.com   3 Mar 2023

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on Thursday said describing India's recovery as 'K-shaped' was wrong as both rural and urban economies were recovering, albeit at different paces. Speaking to reporters at the Finance Ministry, Nageswaran said the gross domestic product (GDP) growth print for the recent October-December quarter (Q3FY23) will likely be revised upwards. "The notion of using the letter 'K' to denote urban and rural is somewhat wrong because it is almost as if one is growing and one is contracting. "I would say one segment's slope is more positive, and the other one slope is less positive but it is positive," Nageswaran said.

Haath Se Haath Jodo: Congress' Next Move

Haath Se Haath Jodo: Congress' Next Move

Rediff.com   28 Feb 2023

To highlight alleged misgovernance by the present regime, its first nationwide campaign ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections.

Why Is Fadnavis Targeting Sharad Pawar?

Why Is Fadnavis Targeting Sharad Pawar?

Rediff.com   27 Feb 2023

Friendship with Ajit Pawar and the eventual destruction of the NCP can only strengthen him and the BJP.

The Curious Case Of Andhra Pradesh Capitals

The Curious Case Of Andhra Pradesh Capitals

Rediff.com   17 Feb 2023

The idea of three capitals has not been abandoned, even as the state lurches from financial crisis to crisis.

The pension dilemma: Ring in the old, out with the new?

The pension dilemma: Ring in the old, out with the new?

Rediff.com   15 Feb 2023

With organisations like the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, which is a front of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, telling Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman they want OPS back, the government is in a bind, report Shiva Rajora and Aditi Phadnis.

5 PSU insurers have Rs 347-cr exposure to Adani firms: FinMin

5 PSU insurers have Rs 347-cr exposure to Adani firms: FinMin

Rediff.com   14 Feb 2023

Five state-run general insurance companies have a total exposure of Rs 347.64 crore, or 0.14 per cent of their total assets under management (AUM), in Adani group of companies, the finance ministry said on Monday. In a written reply to a question by Congress' Manish Tewari, Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Karad said Life Insurance Corp (LIC) held Rs 35,917.31 crore in debt and equity of Adani group of companies as on December 31, 2022. This is 0.97 per cent of its total assets under management (AUM) of Rs 41.66 trillion.

'If we want to fly some kites, we can fly them in different ways'

'If we want to fly some kites, we can fly them in different ways'

Rediff.com   10 Feb 2023

'... and without necessarily calling them Economic Surveys.' 'One should stick to the main focus, which is to give people a good perspective on how the economy is doing.'

New Star On The Rise In BJP

New Star On The Rise In BJP

Rediff.com   8 Feb 2023

When a former police constable was appointed Gujarat unit chief, everyone was surprised. Now workers are laying bets on when he will be elevated to the Union Cabinet, notes Aditi Phadnis.

'Private Sector Is Not Firing At 100%'

'Private Sector Is Not Firing At 100%'

Rediff.com   4 Feb 2023

'They have started becoming an important player, but not at the same level as they were in the earlier part of the decade.'

'We are closing loopholes exploited by highest level of taxpayers'

'We are closing loopholes exploited by highest level of taxpayers'

Rediff.com   3 Feb 2023

'...Market-linked debentures, high-value insurance, exemptions from capital gains by investment in real estate, etc.' 'So, there are a number of measures directed at collecting a fair share from higher income individuals.'

Budget 2023 likely to steer clear of populist measures

Budget 2023 likely to steer clear of populist measures

Rediff.com   30 Jan 2023

Ahead of the 2023-24 Union Budget, the thinking at the top level of the central government is clear: Gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6-6.5 per cent is a comfortable enough target for FY24 and the focus should be on fiscal consolidation to ensure that the sovereign cost of borrowing does not become prohibitively expensive in a high-interest rate environment, according to people in the know. Those aware of deliberations between the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Finance said while the Budget would look to strike a balance between infrastructure investment and welfare schemes, it is unlikely to be populist, though it will be the last full-year Budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Incidentally, 6-6.5 per cent GDP growth is what the upcoming 2022-23 Economic Survey is expected to project for FY24.

Budget 2023-24: T V Somanathan to Ajay Seth, meet the FM's crack squad

Budget 2023-24: T V Somanathan to Ajay Seth, meet the FM's crack squad

Rediff.com   27 Jan 2023

Coming Wednesday, Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 2023 Union Budget - the last full Budget ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While India exited 2022 as a relatively bright spot in the global economy, the FM will endeavour to present a Budget that insulates India's economy against global headwinds and recession in advanced economies, while sticking to the path of fiscal consolidation. In this, she is being helped by her core team of trusted advisors.

Has Dhankar Inspired TN Governor?

Has Dhankar Inspired TN Governor?

Rediff.com   23 Jan 2023

Former West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar's subsequent elevation set a new benchmark for the actions of those who occupy Raj Bhavans, observes Aditi Phadnis.