News for 'Fiscal Policy'

Stock markets rally as RBI cuts rate; Sensex jumps 447 points

Stock markets rally as RBI cuts rate; Sensex jumps 447 points

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

From the Sensex firms, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Maruti, HCL Tech, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra & Mahindra and Infosys were among the major winners. However, Hindustan Unilever, Eternal, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, and Sun Pharma were among the laggards.

'Govt Has Executed A Commendable Task'

'Govt Has Executed A Commendable Task'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'...not merely in managing fiscal mathematics, but in demonstrating conservatism and prudence within that framework.' 'Looking forward, we believe sufficient growth drivers exist -- ranging from government reforms to revival in consumption to favourable monsoons. Numerous factors support the Indian economy.'

GDP growth likely to be lower at 6.3% in FY26

GDP growth likely to be lower at 6.3% in FY26

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

India's economic growth is expected to be lower at 6.3 per cent this fiscal compared to the RBI's projection of 6.5 per cent, a SBI Research Report said on Thursday. The report pegged the first quarter GDP estimate at around 6.8-7 per cent, mainly due to muted private capex.

New student enrolments in US drop 17%, India remains top source

New student enrolments in US drop 17%, India remains top source

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

A new report indicates a decrease in international student enrolments in US colleges, but India remains the top source of international students.

India's exports drop 11.8%; trade deficit widens to $41.8 bn

India's exports drop 11.8%; trade deficit widens to $41.8 bn

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

India's exports contracted 11.8 per cent to $34.38 billion in October, showed government data released on Monday. Imports jumped 16.63 per cent to $76.06 billion.

'Hindu rate of growth' term maligned entire civilisation: Modi

'Hindu rate of growth' term maligned entire civilisation: Modi

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

"The policy of Macaulay, which sowed the seeds of mental slavery in India, will complete 200 years in 2035. This means there are 10 years left. Therefore, in these very 10 years, we all must come together to free our country from the slave mentality," he said.

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'Previously, contributing only 25 per cent of material costs, states now face burdens of 40 per cent to 100 per cent of total costs, ensuring poorer states will curb project approvals, directly stifling work demand.'

Morgan Stanley's bull-case scenario: Sensex may touch 107,000 by Dec '26

Morgan Stanley's bull-case scenario: Sensex may touch 107,000 by Dec '26

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Analysts at Morgan Stanley have updated their outlook for the Indian markets, and they now expect the Sensex to hit the 107,000 mark by December 2026 in a bull-case scenario, translating into an upside of 26 per cent from current levels.

How Modi's Committee-Led Governance Is Driving Reforms

How Modi's Committee-Led Governance Is Driving Reforms

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The change in the government's engagement with the economy's need for reforms is more nuanced than how analysts have so far perceived it, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Domestic PMI data, US Federal Reserve meeting minutes and the progress on India-US trade deal negotiations are likely to influence movement in the equity market in the week ahead, according to analysts. Moreover, the trading activity of foreign investors would also influence the equity market trends.

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.

'Trade deal with US could boost Indian stock market'

'Trade deal with US could boost Indian stock market'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'Trade deal will act as a strong trigger for market sentiment, not just for domestic investors but also for FIIs.'

Will Xi Jinping's Enemies Stage A Coup?

Will Xi Jinping's Enemies Stage A Coup?

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

If Xi Jinping is dethroned in the future, the instrument for that may well be embedded within the PLA, notes former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Buoyant demand has failed to push steel prices

Buoyant demand has failed to push steel prices

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

The Indian steel industry is faced with a paradox: Rising demand and falling prices. Demand continues to surge as user industries gather pace, with the World Steel Association projecting around 9 per cent annual growth for India over 2025 and 2026, the year domestic demand is projected to be almost 75 million tonnes (mt) higher than in 2020.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.