News for 'Fiscal Policy'

Indian economy to grow at 6.5% in FY26; US tariffs to weigh on exports: ADB

Indian economy to grow at 6.5% in FY26; US tariffs to weigh on exports: ADB

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Despite a strong 7.8 per cent growth in the first quarter, the Indian economy is expected to grow at 6.5 per cent in the current financial year as the impact of US tariffs on Indian exports will reduce prospects, particularly in the second half, ADB said on Tuesday.

Samvat 2082: Investors likely to see up to 15% returns from equities

Samvat 2082: Investors likely to see up to 15% returns from equities

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

After a year of modest returns, equity investors may anticipate gains of 10-15 per cent in Samvat 2082, which began on October 21. Although valuations have moderated from their peaks a year earlier, they remain above long-term averages, potentially limiting sharp upsides.

Bulls prowl D-Street: Sensex jumps 716 points

Bulls prowl D-Street: Sensex jumps 716 points

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

From the Sensex firms, Tata Motors jumped the most by 5.54 per cent, followed by Kotak Mahindra Bank, Trent, Sun Pharma, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank. However, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, UltraTech Cement and Tata Steel were among the laggards.

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Arunachal Key To India-Japan Strategy Against China

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

As a protege of Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to scale bilateral ties much higher. Trade and investment shall grow. People-to-people contacts shall be scaled up, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Will RBI Governor Play Santa In December?

Will RBI Governor Play Santa In December?

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

While the economy will wait for a rate cut in December, the banking industry should be happy with the wave of liberalisation -- a big push for growth in bank credit, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Fitch raises India's FY26 GDP forecast to 6.9%

Fitch raises India's FY26 GDP forecast to 6.9%

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Fitch Ratings on Wednesday raised India's GDP growth forecast to 6.9 per cent for current fiscal year, from 6.5 per cent earlier, citing strong June quarter growth and domestic consumption-led demand.

From 35 To 6: NITI Aayog's Tax Trim Plan

From 35 To 6: NITI Aayog's Tax Trim Plan

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

While the new income tax law replaces the Income Tax Act, 1961 and omits 13 offences, 35 actions and omissions continue to attract criminal liability under 13 provisions.

UPI transactions will continue to remain free

UPI transactions will continue to remain free

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday said there is no proposal to levy any charge on UPI transactions.

Infosys Q2 profit up 13% to Rs 7,364 crore

Infosys Q2 profit up 13% to Rs 7,364 crore

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

IT company Infosys on Thursday posted 13.2 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 7,364 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025.

RBI raises FY26 GDP growth projection to 6.8%

RBI raises FY26 GDP growth projection to 6.8%

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The Reserve Bank on Wednesday revised upward its growth estimates for the current fiscal year to 6.8 per cent and lowered its inflation projection to 2.6 per cent based on an above-normal monsoon and the rationalisation of GST rates.

Tariffs pose downside risk to India's economy: RBI

Tariffs pose downside risk to India's economy: RBI

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Persisting uncertainties related to the US trade policies pose downside risk to the overall demand in the Indian economy while the inflation outlook for the near term has become more benign than anticipated earlier, RBI said in its latest bulletin on Thursday. In the August bulletin, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also said that India's sovereign rating upgrade by S&P bodes well for capital inflows and sovereign yields, going forward.

NSE unique investors base crosses 12 cr; 1 in 4 are women

NSE unique investors base crosses 12 cr; 1 in 4 are women

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The unique investors' base on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) crossed the 12-crore mark on September 23, with the latest 1 crore addition taking place in just eight months, the bourse said on Thursday.

Will The GST Cut Make A Difference?

Will The GST Cut Make A Difference?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

These changes certainly bring India's GST a lot closer to what an ideal GST would look like, points out Karan Bhasin.

RBI keeps repo rate unchanged amid Trump's tariff threat

RBI keeps repo rate unchanged amid Trump's tariff threat

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Since February 2025, the RBI has reduced the policy rate by 100 basis points. In its previous policy review in June, it had trimmed the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5 per cent.

India looks to bet big on foreign drillers

India looks to bet big on foreign drillers

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

India, the biggest contributor to world demand for oil, will bring into effect in an overhaul of its drilling policy. This comes after more than a year of preparation and will boost the exploration and development of India's oil and gas sector along with increased participation by foreign drillers

Private capex likely to rise 21.5% to Rs 2.67 lakh crore in FY26

Private capex likely to rise 21.5% to Rs 2.67 lakh crore in FY26

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Capital investment by the private sector is likely to rise 21.5 per cent to Rs 2.67 lakh crore in 2025-26 aided by robust macroeconomic fundamentals, and a 100-bps policy rate cut, according to an RBI article. Despite global uncertainties, Indian firms entered the 2025-26 fiscal year with healthier balance sheets, higher cash buffer, improved profitability, and greater access to diversified funding sources, said the article 'Private Corporate Investment: Growth in 2024-25 and Outlook for 2025-26' published in the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) August bulletin.

GST and income tax cuts to spark sustained growth

GST and income tax cuts to spark sustained growth

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

GST Reform 2.0, which trims tax slabs from four to two, signals a push for demand-led growth, and together with recent income tax cuts, sets the stage for sustained economic growth, experts said. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on September 3 approved an overhaul of the indirect tax regime by taxing essentials at 5 per cent and other goods at 18 per cent. A new 40 per cent tax will be applicable on luxury and sin items.

Retail inflation slips to over 8-yr low of 1.54% in Sep

Retail inflation slips to over 8-yr low of 1.54% in Sep

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Retail inflation slipped to 1.54 per cent in September from 2.07 per cent in the preceding month mainly due to subdued prices of food items, including vegetables and pulses, according to government data released on Monday. The consumer price index (CPI) based inflation was 5.49 per cent in September 2024.

India a 'stabilising force';can withstand external shocks: Sitharaman

India a 'stabilising force';can withstand external shocks: Sitharaman

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the world is facing "profound imbalances" in trade and energy security, and is undergoing a structural transformation, with India standing out as a 'stabilising force' that can withstand external shocks.

India's Oil Reforms Aim To Counter US, EU Pressure

India's Oil Reforms Aim To Counter US, EU Pressure

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The government has no say in where the country's refiners source oil from because these are commercial transactions.

GST rate cut: Housing demand to rise during festivals, says CREDAI

GST rate cut: Housing demand to rise during festivals, says CREDAI

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Indian government's decision to cut GST rates on various products will increase purchasing power of consumers and boost demand for residential properties in the upcoming festive season, according to realtors' body CREDAI. The association, which has a 13,000 members from across India, said the construction cost is expected to come down because of reduction in GST rates on cement and few other building materials.

S&P cuts India's FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.5%

S&P cuts India's FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.5%

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

S&P Global Ratings on Tuesday cut India's GDP growth projections to 6.5 per cent for the next fiscal as it expects that economies in the APAC region will feel the strain of rising US tariffs and pushback on globalisation. In its Economic Outlook for Asia-Pacific (APAC), S&P said despite these external strains, it expects domestic demand momentum to remain solid in most emerging-market economies.

ADB lowers India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.5% on trade, tariff concerns

ADB lowers India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.5% on trade, tariff concerns

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday lowered India's growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5 per cent from 6.7 per cent on account of trade uncertainty and higher US tariffs that are expected to impact exports and investment. Despite the downward revision from the April 2025 Asian Development Outlook (ADO), India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.

Sitharaman urges India Inc to invest more and expand capacities

Sitharaman urges India Inc to invest more and expand capacities

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday asked India Inc to take advantage of the policies and reforms undertaken by the government and no longer hesitate to invest more and expand capacities. Sitharaman also asked the industry to partner with the government for skilling the youth and also to engage with the government throughout the year, and not just before the Budget.

Turbulence In Tokyo: What It Means For India

Turbulence In Tokyo: What It Means For India

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's sudden resignation after only a year in office has thrown Japan into political turmoil, raising doubts about how the country will handle economic and regional challenges, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

Equity markets this week would keenly track the upcoming GST Council meeting, macroeconomic data announcements and trading activity of foreign investors for further movement, analysts said. Moreover, developments related to tariff negotiations, global market trends and auto sales data would also drive investors' sentiment.

Modi 3.0: Moody's expects policy continuity, but...

Modi 3.0: Moody's expects policy continuity, but...

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) slim majority in Lok Sabha may delay more far-reaching economic and fiscal reforms that could impede progress on fiscal consolidation, Moody's Ratings said on Wednesday. NDA securing a majority in the general elections will give a historic third term for Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India. "We expect policy continuity, especially with regards to budgetary emphasis on infrastructure spending and boosting domestic manufacturing, to support robust economic growth.

Factors that will drive the markets this week

Factors that will drive the markets this week

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Movement in the equity market this week will be guided by a host of macroeconomic data announcements, global trends and trading activity of foreign investors, analysts said. Stocks markets concluded the last week on a subdued note, as investors grappled with global uncertainties.

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Will Nirmalaji Target Fiscal Deficit?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Budget should undertake further reductions in import tariffs and seriously consider an announcement of India's intention to join one or both of the two Asian mega-regional free trade agreements, suggests Shankar Acharya, former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

Sensex falls by 160 pts on sell-off in IT, healthcare shares

Sensex falls by 160 pts on sell-off in IT, healthcare shares

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Among the Sensex firms, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, Eternal, Tata Consultancy Services, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, ITC and L&T were the major laggards. Asian Paints, Mahindra & Mahindra, BEL, Adani Ports, State Bank of India, Trent, HDFC Bank were among the gainers.

RBI's decision to hold rate at 5.5% is misplaced? Or not?

RBI's decision to hold rate at 5.5% is misplaced? Or not?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Mixed views were expressed by top economists on the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) decision to hold the repo rate at 5.5% and maintain a neutral stance. While some say the decision was as expected and one more rate reduction is expected this fiscal, there is also a view that rate cut by MPC was warranted given the evolving global situation.

RBI sees retail inflation at 4.2% for next fiscal

RBI sees retail inflation at 4.2% for next fiscal

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected retail inflation at 4.2 percent for the next financial year beginning April while retaining the forecast for 2024-25 at 4.8 percent. The central bank attributed the expected easing of inflation to good kharif production, winter-easing in vegetable prices and favorable rabi crop prospects. However, the RBI also noted that continued uncertainty in global financial markets coupled with volatility in energy prices and adverse weather events presents upside risks to the inflation trajectory.

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has announced a massive increase in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge that will fundamentally alter how American companies hire skilled foreign workers, particularly impacting Indian IT professionals who comprise the largest group of beneficiaries.

GST 2.0: What Is Taxed, What Is Exempted

GST 2.0: What Is Taxed, What Is Exempted

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

The GST Council on Wednesday approved a two-tier rate structure of 5 and 18 per cent, which will be implemented from September 22.

Pak gets $1 bn as second tranche from IMF; budget under scanner

Pak gets $1 bn as second tranche from IMF; budget under scanner

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The disbursement of the second tranche comes on a day when the International Monetary Fund is holding virtual discussions on Pakistan's upcoming budget, as the visit of its mission to Islamabad was delayed due to security concerns in the region.

India's GDP grows 7.8% in Q1; highest in five quarters

India's GDP grows 7.8% in Q1; highest in five quarters

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Indian economy grew by 7.8 per cent in April-June -- the highest in five quarters -- before the disruptive US tariffs were imposed.

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

GST 2.0: These will get cheaper from September 22

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Some of the key names include: Maruti, M&M, Ashok Leyland, Britannia, Ultratech, JK Cement, Havells, Voltas, Amber, Metro, Trent, LemonTree, Indian Hotels, Niva Bupa, HDFC Life, IGL, Acme Solar, Suzlon, Swiggy, Delhivery, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance," according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

India may emerge as second-largest economy by 2038

India may emerge as second-largest economy by 2038

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

India's economy could reach $20.7 trillion in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) by 2030 and may emerge as the second-largest economy by 2038 with $34.2 trillion GDP, an EY report said on Wednesday. The report also said that with appropriate countermeasures, India can limit the adverse impact of higher US tariffs on selected Indian imports to about 10 basis points of real GDP growth.

Space Economy Takes Off in Andhra Pradesh

Space Economy Takes Off in Andhra Pradesh

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Andhra Pradesh will establish two expansive integrated space cities in Lepakshi and Tirupati, spanning around 33,000 acres.