News for 'economist'

Meet The 10 Indian-Origin Nobel Laureates

Meet The 10 Indian-Origin Nobel Laureates

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Who have been India's Laureates, winners from India or of Indian-origin?

Infra investment likely to climb, consumption growth may plateau

Infra investment likely to climb, consumption growth may plateau

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Supported by strong buoyancy in public sector capital expenditure (capex), growth in infrastructure investment is expected to accelerate in 2025-26 (FY26) compared to 2024-25 (FY25), according to the First Advance Estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) for FY26 released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Wednesday.

Noted ecologist Madhav Gadgil passes away

Noted ecologist Madhav Gadgil passes away

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Noted ecologist Madhav Gadgil, known for his work on the conservation of Western Ghats, has passed away in Pune after a brief illness. He was 83.

RBI to infuse Rs 3 trn liquidity via OMOs, buy-sell swap after rupee defence

RBI to infuse Rs 3 trn liquidity via OMOs, buy-sell swap after rupee defence

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday announced a fresh round of liquidity measures through open-market operations (OMOs) and a foreign exchange buy-sell swap, under which it will inject close to Rs 3 trillion into the banking system. The central bank said it would purchase Government of India securities worth Rs 2 trillion through OMOs, spread across four tranches of Rs 50,000 crore each to be conducted on December 29, January 5, January 12 and January 22.

Govt urged not to hike I-T surcharge on super-rich in Budget

Govt urged not to hike I-T surcharge on super-rich in Budget

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

The government should refrain from raising income tax surcharge on the super-rich and reintroducing wealth tax in the upcoming 2026-27 Budget, as the move could prompt persons in high-income brackets to leave the country for low-tax jurisdictions, according to tax experts.

Deposit Rate Cuts Tough For Banks As Govt Retains Small Savings Rates

Deposit Rate Cuts Tough For Banks As Govt Retains Small Savings Rates

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The government's decision to keep interest rates unchanged on small savings schemes will certainly constrain banks' ability to cut deposit rates further.'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'His report created a lot of negative reaction in Kerala and in a way, he was crucified for writing such a report.' 'I asked him, "Don't you feel frustrated?"' 'His reply was, "Have you read Bhagavad Gita Chapter2"?' 'He particularly mentioned verse 47, where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna, "Your duty is to work without thinking of the fruits you get".' "He said, "similarly, my duty was to do what best I could do without hoping for any rewards".'

The AI Financial Bubble Is For Real

The AI Financial Bubble Is For Real

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

'I don't see how a company like OpenAI can honestly expect to generate revenue significant enough to maintain its spending habits via John and Jane Q. Public,' points out Sree Sreenivasan.

Core infra sectors grow by 1.8% in November

Core infra sectors grow by 1.8% in November

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

India's eight key infrastructure sectors grew at a slower pace of 1.8 per cent in November against 5.8 per cent in the same month last year, amid a dip in production of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, and electricity, according to official data released on Monday.

Renowned British Indian economist Lord Meghnad Desai dies at 85

Renowned British Indian economist Lord Meghnad Desai dies at 85

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

Lord Meghnad Desai, renowned British Indian economist and House of Lords peer, has died at the age of 85. Tributes pour in from political figures and colleagues.

When Turkman Gate Was Demolished In 1976

When Turkman Gate Was Demolished In 1976

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

A legend that sprang up after the Turkman Gate killing is that when the shrine is disturbed, the government will fall, as it happened with the Indira Gandhi government.

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Civil society groups, led by the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, are planning a nationwide protest -- similar to the farmers' stir a few years ago -- starting December 19 demanding scrapping of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission.

Will RBI Cut Rates In December MPC Meet?

Will RBI Cut Rates In December MPC Meet?

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

'Rate cut looks unlikely and there is reason to believe that the cycle is over.'

India GDP estimated to grow at 7.5 pc in FY26

India GDP estimated to grow at 7.5 pc in FY26

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

India's real gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to grow at 7.5 per cent in FY26 and moderate to 7 per cent in the subsequent fiscal year, a domestic rating agency said on Wednesday.

Foreign investors withdrew record Rs 1.6 lakh cr from Indian equities in 2025

Foreign investors withdrew record Rs 1.6 lakh cr from Indian equities in 2025

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Foreign investors fled Indian equities in 2025 at a scale never seen before, pulling out a record Rs 1.6 lakh crore (USD 18 billion) as volatile currency movements, global trade tensions, especially potential US tariffs, and stretched valuations eroded risk appetite, though flows are expected to turn sustainably positive in 2026.

High equality ranking for India masks deeper gaps, say economists

High equality ranking for India masks deeper gaps, say economists

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

A recent World Bank report placing India among the most equal countries globally may present a limited view of inequality, with economists suggesting that broader data sets could tell a different story. According to the report, India's Gini index (or coefficient/ratio), a key measure of inequality, stood at 25.5 in 2022-23, placing the country fourth globally in terms of equality, behind only the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus.

Gsec yield curve may flatten in FY27

Gsec yield curve may flatten in FY27

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The government bond yield curve is likely to flatten in the financial year 2027 (FY27) as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to ease supply pressure in the ultra-long segment. In FY26 so far, reduced investments by insurance companies and pension funds pushed up yields on ultra-long tenor securities, steepening the curve.

Odisha leads in GST growth, T'gana in direct taxes

Odisha leads in GST growth, T'gana in direct taxes

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

A shift appears underway in India's tax landscape. States with relatively smaller tax collections like Odisha and Telangana are emerging as the fastest-growing contributors to indirect and direct tax collections, respectively.

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Amid India protests, Yunus govt takes responsibility of Dipu Das' family

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Yunus's office, meanwhile, reconfirmed that financial and welfare assistance would be provided to Das' family, and relevant authorities would remain in close contact with them in the coming period.

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Will India continue to remain an attractive FDI destination in 2026?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

FDI inflows into India are expected to register robust growth in 2026, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, big-ticket investment announcements, sustained efforts to improve the ease of doing business, and a new generation of investment-linked trade pacts.

How RBI Governor Fared In The First Year

How RBI Governor Fared In The First Year

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Sanjay Malhotra has made structural changes to banking regulation to bring down costs and increase efficiency. Plus, he kicked off a benign interest regime. But there are challenges ahead.

RBI's policy dilemma: To look at inflation or growth for rate action

RBI's policy dilemma: To look at inflation or growth for rate action

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation hitting an all-time low in October would encourage the six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut the policy repo rate in its upcoming December 3-5 meeting. However, the July-September GDP growth, expected to be above 7 per cent, may act as a deterrent.

Richest 10% Hold 65% of India's Wealth

Richest 10% Hold 65% of India's Wealth

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

A larger part of India's population was in the middle 40 per cent of the national income share in 1980. Today almost all are in the bottom 50 per cent.

'G-RAM-G Is A Work Guarantee Without Any Guarantee'

'G-RAM-G Is A Work Guarantee Without Any Guarantee'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

'A work guarantee that can be switched off at will is no guarantee at all.'

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.'

Debt repayment, capex key to IPO proceeds utilisation

Debt repayment, capex key to IPO proceeds utilisation

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Companies are primarily using funds raised through fresh equity issuance to repay existing debt, followed by allocation for capital expenditure, according to a study by Bank of Baroda of over 200 filings with the market regulator between April and October 2025. The report stated that of these filings with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) - covering both funds already raised in FY26 and future intent - 189 companies provided clear data on the purpose of the fund-raising.

'G RAM G Isn't A National Employment Guarantee Law'

'G RAM G Isn't A National Employment Guarantee Law'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'MGNREGA was about a guaranteed right to work.' 'The new law does not guarantee employment at all.' 'It removes everything that made MGNREGA a legal guarantee.'

India's mfg sector activity falls to 9-month low in Nov

India's mfg sector activity falls to 9-month low in Nov

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

India's manufacturing sector activity eased to a nine-month low in November, mainly owing to softer rise in sales and production amid reports of challenging market conditions, a monthly report said on Monday. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) falling to 56.6 in November from 59.2 in October, highlighted the slowest improvement in operating conditions since February.

Should India Retain The Inflation Targeting Regime?

Should India Retain The Inflation Targeting Regime?

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The best way for India to prepare is by preserving and strengthening the RBI's hard-won credibility, point out Rajeswari Sengupta and Vaishali Garga.

India logs 6-quarter high GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2

India logs 6-quarter high GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Indian economy recorded a six-quarter high growth of 8.2 per cent in July-September, as factories churned out more products in anticipation of a consumption boost from the GST rate cut, according to government data.

'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.

Importers rush to hedge while exporters wait on sidelines amid rupee dip

Importers rush to hedge while exporters wait on sidelines amid rupee dip

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Importers are rushing to hedge their dollar positions amid the sharp depreciation of the rupee against the American currency and expectations of further volatility even as exporters are holding off after suffering mark-to-market (MTM) losses on earlier hedges.

7 Nations That Trust Their Government The Most

7 Nations That Trust Their Government The Most

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

In which countries are trust levels in the government highest? The results of the Edelman Trust Barometer, based on a survey done in 2024, might surprise you.

Core industries growth flat in October

Core industries growth flat in October

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Growth of eight key infrastructure sectors remained flat in October as expansion in output of petroleum refinery products, fertiliser and steel was offset by a contraction in coal and electricity production, according to official data released on Thursday.

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The ministries of Road Transport & Highways and Railways have exceeded the national average capital expenditure (capex) by spending 63 per cent and 57 per cent of Budget estimates (BE), respectively, in the first half of 2025-26 (FY26). The total capital expenditure for April-September of FY26 stood at 52 per cent of the BE, according to the latest data by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

'Strong Reforms, Not Panic, Will Help Ride Out Rupee's Weakness'

'Strong Reforms, Not Panic, Will Help Ride Out Rupee's Weakness'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'In the long run, India's strong growth story and reforms to make assets globally attractive will determine the rupee's resilience.'

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.

200% spike in gold import drives India's trade deficit to $41.68 billion

200% spike in gold import drives India's trade deficit to $41.68 billion

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

India's merchandise trade deficit widened to a record $41.68 billion in October, as gold imports trebled and outbound shipments registered their sharpest contraction in 14 months, according to data released by the commerce department.

India's service sector growth falls to 5-month low in Oct

India's service sector growth falls to 5-month low in Oct

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

India's services sector growth witnessed the slowest pace of expansion in five months in October, as competitive pressures and heavy rains in parts of the country led to a slower increase in output, according to a monthly survey released on Thursday.

How To Choose MFs Smartly

How To Choose MFs Smartly

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Investors who constantly hop between 'top-performing' funds often end up earning far lower returns than the very funds they invest in -- simply because they enter late and exit early. Best investors don't chase returns, they chase discipline, says Ramalingam Kalirajan.