News for 'Economics and Policy'

RMG Cos Stunned By Ban Bill

RMG Cos Stunned By Ban Bill

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

What has surprised the industry is that the Bill has been tabled without any consultation. Critics warn the ban on real-money gaming could fuel black markets, endanger 200,000 jobs and billions in tax revenue.

Behind Trump's 26% tariff: India 'very tough, Modi great friend, but...'

Behind Trump's 26% tariff: India 'very tough, Modi great friend, but...'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

"Their Prime Minister just visited -- he's a great friend -- but I told him, 'You're not treating us right. You charge us 52%, while for years, decades even, we've c'harged you next to nothing. It wasn't until seven years ago, when I took office, that we started pushing back, beginning with China.'"

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

P K Mishra, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the principal secretary to the prime minister.

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Indian government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to ban online games played with money, aiming to curb addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud. The bill also targets advertisements and financial transactions related to such games.

Change of stance to neutral doesn't mean pause on rate cut: Economists

Change of stance to neutral doesn't mean pause on rate cut: Economists

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

The change in stance to neutral from accommodative in the June monetary policy meeting does not necessarily signal that the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) rate setting body - monetary policy committee (MPC) - will go on a prolonged pause on rate cuts going forward, believe experts.

US penalty risk on Russian oil may add $9-11 bn to India's import bill

US penalty risk on Russian oil may add $9-11 bn to India's import bill

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

India's annual oil import bill could rise by $9-11 billion if the country is compelled to move away from Russian crude in response to US threats of additional tariffs or penalties on Indian exports, analysts said. India, the world's third-largest oil consumer and importer, has reaped significant benefits by swiftly substituting market-priced oil with discounted Russian crude following Western sanctions on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Trump administration uses India-Pak ceasefire to justify tariffs

Trump administration uses India-Pak ceasefire to justify tariffs

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Trump has repeatedly claimed that he "helped settle" the tensions between India and Pakistan and that he told the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours that America would do a "lot of trade" with them if they stopped the conflict.

25% Donald Trump tariff likely to weigh on pharma margins: Analysts

25% Donald Trump tariff likely to weigh on pharma margins: Analysts

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

If pharmaceutical exports from India to the US come under a 25 per cent tariff bracket, the impact on earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) could be around 5 per cent, felt analysts. This is after assuming that about 75 per cent of the tariff would be passed on.

'Modi is standing like a wall': PM's strong message to Trump amid tariff row

'Modi is standing like a wall': PM's strong message to Trump amid tariff row

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Amid uncertainty over trade talks with the US, Prime Minister Modi asserts India's commitment to protecting the interests of farmers and fishermen, vowing no compromise on their behalf.

What RBI's 50 bps rate cut mean for the 'aam aadmi'

What RBI's 50 bps rate cut mean for the 'aam aadmi'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) decision to cut the repo rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 5.5% was contrary to the expectations of many economists. Firstly, most of the economists expected the MPC to cut the repo rate by 25 bps citing the weakening of inflation, prospects of economic growth, geopolitical uncertainty and comfortable system liquidity.

Trump@6 Months: Resetting The Global Order

Trump@6 Months: Resetting The Global Order

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

In the short run, the Trump presidency has already ensured one thing: The assumptions of the past can no longer guide the strategies of the future, points out Manish Dabhade.

Indians can now get UAE's Golden Visa at Rs 23 lakh

Indians can now get UAE's Golden Visa at Rs 23 lakh

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Until now, one of the ways to get Dubai's Golden Visa from India was to invest in property whose value should be at least AED Two Million (Rs 4.66 crore), or invest a large amount in business in the country.

Foreign fund inflows, ICICI Bank and RIL boost markets

Foreign fund inflows, ICICI Bank and RIL boost markets

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Eternal was the biggest gainer in the Sensex pack, jumping 4.50 per cent, followed by Power Grid, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, ITC and Hindustan Unilever were also among the winners. In contrast, IndusInd Bank, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards.

Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russia

Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russia

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

Indian OMCs have not been buying Iranian or Venezuelan crude which is actually sanctioned by US. OMCs have always complied with the price cap of $60 for Russian oil recommended by the US.

RBI Guv hints at more rate cuts in coming months

RBI Guv hints at more rate cuts in coming months

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

After effecting two back-to-back 25 basis points rate cuts, Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday hinted at another reduction in key policy rate by changing the central bank's monetary stance to 'accomodative' from 'neutral', which may further lower EMIs for consumers.

Is AI Wiping Out Entry Level Jobs?

Is AI Wiping Out Entry Level Jobs?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

Generative AI is transforming workplaces but at a cost -- there are fewer jobs for young workers just entering the workforce, reveals a Goldman Sachs report.

Sensex jumps over 700 points, Nifty reclaims 25,000

Sensex jumps over 700 points, Nifty reclaims 25,000

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Maruti, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Eternal, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Steel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Titan, HDFC Bank, and NTPC were among the other major gainers. Bharti Airtel and Sun Pharma were the laggards.

Beyond US, Canada, UK: Indian Students Now Prefer...

Beyond US, Canada, UK: Indian Students Now Prefer...

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Rediff reports on the reasons behind this dramatic shift.

'Judgment Is A Constitutional Earthquake'

'Judgment Is A Constitutional Earthquake'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

'It has changed the political character of India by ejecting socialism as an ideology from the Constitution of India.'

'Howdy Modi meant nothing': Oppn mocks PM after Trump's 25% tariff

'Howdy Modi meant nothing': Oppn mocks PM after Trump's 25% tariff

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Modi should take inspiration from former prime minister Indira Gandhi and stand up to the president of the United States.

Indian-American Jay Bhattacharya to be Trump's health agency head

Indian-American Jay Bhattacharya to be Trump's health agency head

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American scientist Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the country's top health research and funding institutions. Bhattacharya, a professor of Health Policy at Stanford University, is known for his research on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Trump also nominated Jim O'Neill as the deputy secretary of Health and Human Services to work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

White House releases order imposing 25% tariffs on India

White House releases order imposing 25% tariffs on India

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

The United States announced a 25 per cent tariff on India as the White House released an expansive list of duties that Washington, DC will impose on exports from countries around the world.

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President V V Giri's resignation in 1969 triggered political upheavals that saw the ruling party defy its own presidential nominee, the expulsion of a sitting prime minister by her party president, and a historic split in the Indian National Congress, recounts Utkarsh Mishra.

Moody's cuts India's GDP growth forecast to 6.3% in 2025 on US trade uncertainty

Moody's cuts India's GDP growth forecast to 6.3% in 2025 on US trade uncertainty

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Moody's Ratings on Tuesday cut India's GDP growth projections for 2025 to 6.3 per cent, from 6.5 per cent, saying economies globally will see a slowdown on account of heightened US policy uncertainty and trade restrictions.

India's Gig Workforce Could Touch 91 Million by 2047 if...

India's Gig Workforce Could Touch 91 Million by 2047 if...

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

However, under several external factors -- such as technological disruption or advancement, regulatory or policy changes, or economic shocks -- the gig workforce may grow only to 32.5 million by 2047, a report points out.

Manmohan called note ban 'biggest scam of India'

Manmohan called note ban 'biggest scam of India'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Hailed as the architect of India's economic reforms, former prime minister Manmohan Singh in one his last interviews had said in 2019 that the country's economy was 'over-regulated', the government exerted control and interferences were aplenty with even regulators having 'morphed into controllers'.

Modi's Diplomacy Needs To Get More Done

Modi's Diplomacy Needs To Get More Done

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

One must wonder whether Mr Modi's efforts to wine and dine the Big Two of today's world were seen as a sign of weakness rather than a proffered arm of friendship, points out R Jagannathan.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Prospects of economy expected to improve in 2025: RBI Guv

Prospects of economy expected to improve in 2025: RBI Guv

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Facing criticism from the government over the central bank prioritising inflation over growth, the new RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Monday said that prospects of the Indian economy are expected to improve on the back of high consumer and business confidence in 2025. "As we strive to preserve financial stability to support a higher growth path for the Indian economy, our focus remains steadfast on maintaining stability of financial institutions and, more broadly, systemic stability," Malhotra said in foreword to the Financial Stability Report.

RBI cuts CRR to unlock Rs 2.5 lakh crore liquidity for banks

RBI cuts CRR to unlock Rs 2.5 lakh crore liquidity for banks

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Reserve Bank on Friday decided to cut Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by a huge 1 per cent, which will unlock Rs 2.5 lakh crore liquidity to the banking system for lending to productive sectors of the economy. With the reduction in four equal tranches ending November 29, 2025, the CRR would come down to 3 per cent.

Nifty 50 & Sensex: What the First Half of 2025 Says?

Nifty 50 & Sensex: What the First Half of 2025 Says?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Indian stock markets have experienced some ups and downs in the first half of 2025. However, both the Nifty 50 and Sensex saw steady gains, supported by a healthy economy and better corporate earnings. In this article, we will look at the detailed performance of these key indices and explore the sectors that drove the market rally.

India-US BTA: Sangh Affliates Warn Govt

India-US BTA: Sangh Affliates Warn Govt

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

'India's farmers will be unable to compete with the US, given the subsidies that the latter provides its farmers.'

The Teen Who Built A Tax Education Game

The Teen Who Built A Tax Education Game

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Manas Sood, a Class 12 student from the Delhi Public School, has distributed 2,650 boxes of Tax City Education and empowered over 12,000 students from 52 schools across India. His aim? To help young Indians understand taxes and become financially literate.

S&P ups India's FY26 GDP growth estimates to 6.5%

S&P ups India's FY26 GDP growth estimates to 6.5%

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

S&P Global Ratings on Tuesday upped India's GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal to 6.5 per cent, citing lower crude prices, monetary easing and normal monsoon, and said the ongoing geopolitical tensions are unlikely to put a "significant pressure" on the rupee or inflation.

Trump-Ramaphosa Clash Over Farmer Claims

Trump-Ramaphosa Clash Over Farmer Claims

Rediff.com22 May 2025

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, a former anti-apartheid activist and freedom fighter, responded to Trump's claims at their meeting in the Oval Office diplomatically, countering Trump's assertions.

Indian economy likely to be 'a little weaker' in 2025: IMF MD

Indian economy likely to be 'a little weaker' in 2025: IMF MD

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

The Indian economy is expected to be "a little weaker" in 2025 despite steady global growth, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva has said. Georgieva also said she expects quite a lot of uncertainty in the world this year mainly around the trade policy of the US. In her annual media roundtable with a group of reporters on Friday, she said global growth is expected to be steady in 2025, but with regional divergence.

'Pakistan Could Be Planning Something Against India'

'Pakistan Could Be Planning Something Against India'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'We need to be very vigilant as we are passing through some fraught times.'

'I'm Really Proud To Be A Brahmin'

'I'm Really Proud To Be A Brahmin'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'So my question was, 'What is it that you are proud of? What have you achieved? What is your contribution?' 'He had no answer.'

Quad condemns Pahalgam attack; silent on Pak, 4-day military conflict

Quad condemns Pahalgam attack; silent on Pak, 4-day military conflict

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The Quad grouping has called for bringing the perpetrators, organisers and financiers of the Pahalgam terror attack to justice without any delay and urged UN member nations to extend cooperation for it.

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Kerala cadre, was appointed as India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022, months before India assumed the G20 Presidency.