News for 'fiscal policy'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 policy rate unchanged, cuts GDP forecast to 6.6%

RBI keeps policy rate unchanged, cuts GDP forecast to 6.6%

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday decided to keep the policy rate unchanged for the 11th time in a row but sharply lowered the GDP growth forecast to 6.6 per cent for the current fiscal, as against earlier projection of 7.2 per cent. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the status quo on interest rate despite July-September quarter GDP growth falling to 7-quarter low of 5.4 per cent, as against its own projection of 7 per cent.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'Fiscal policy is at the heart of inflation'

'Fiscal policy is at the heart of inflation'

Rediff.com13 May 2011

The first issue is inflation, which has been widely discussed. The government is now rightly working on reversing fiscal and monetary stimulus to manage the inflation pressure.

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.

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.

Markets settle lower after RBI policy; Sensex sheds 109 points

Markets settle lower after RBI policy; Sensex sheds 109 points

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

State Bank of India, Adani Ports, Tata Consultancy Services, ICICI Bank, Reliance Industries and PowerGrid were also among the laggards.

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.

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: 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.

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.

Fiscal-monetary coordination at its best in last six years: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das

Fiscal-monetary coordination at its best in last six years: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das on Tuesday said the fiscal-monetary coordination was at its best during the last six years even as he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the opportunity to head the monetary authority of the country. Das, in a series of posts on X, on his last day of his six-year term as RBI Governor, also thanked the Finance Minister, various stakeholders and his colleagues at the central bank.

Higher US tariffs may trim GDP growth by 30 bps: Barclays

Higher US tariffs may trim GDP growth by 30 bps: Barclays

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The 25 per cent US tariffs, plus a penalty for Russian imports, could dent India's GDP growth by 30 basis points in the current fiscal, but the higher duty is unlikely to significantly affect India's domestic demand-driven economy, Barclays said on Thursday. If the 25 per cent tariff, announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, is implemented from August 1, the effective average US import tariff on Indian goods will rise to 20.6 per cent in trade-weighted terms, as per Barclays estimates.

Will RBI Cut Repo Rate Following Trump's Tariffs?

Will RBI Cut Repo Rate Following Trump's Tariffs?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

'The US reciprocal tariff has added another element of uncertainty and the central bank may prefer to wait and get further clarity.'

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.

PSU banks write off loans over Rs 5.82 lakh cr in last 5 years

PSU banks write off loans over Rs 5.82 lakh cr in last 5 years

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Public sector banks (PSBs) have written off bad loans of about Rs 5.82 lakh crore in the last five financial years, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. During 2024-25, the loan write-off of PSBs was at Rs 91,260 crore, compared to Rs 1.15 lakh crore in the previous fiscal, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

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.

Union Budget 2025-26: Economists stress need for manufacturing policy

Union Budget 2025-26: Economists stress need for manufacturing policy

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The need for a manufacturing policy, reining in food inflation and raising investment in the country were among key suggestions given by economists who met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior ministry officials in the first round of pre-Budget consultations on Friday.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Plans for big bang reforms in the GST regime by Diwali, the Putin-Trump summit and S&P upgrading India's sovereign credit rating are likely to instil optimism in the domestic equity market in the week ahead, analysts said. Besides, trends in global markets and the trading activity of foreign investors would also impact domestic investors' sentiment.