News for 'the-world-bank'

S&P cuts FY23 India growth forecast to 7.3% on rising inflation, Russia-Ukraine war

S&P cuts FY23 India growth forecast to 7.3% on rising inflation, Russia-Ukraine war

Rediff.com18 May 2022

S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday cut India's growth projection for the current fiscal to 7.3 per cent from 7.8 per cent earlier on rising inflation and the longer-than-expected Russia-Ukraine conflict. In its Global Macro Update to Growth Forecasts, S&P said inflation remaining higher for long is a worry, which requires central banks to raise rates more than what is currently priced in, risking a harder landing, including a larger hit to output and employment. S&P had in December last year pegged India's GDP growth in the 2022-23 fiscal, which began on April 1, 2022, at 7.8 per cent.

Inflation to further decline, assures Sitharaman

Inflation to further decline, assures Sitharaman

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday exuded confidence that inflation would further decline and the government is on track to meet its budgetary target for deficit and said that there is no fear of stagflation in India. Replying to the debate on first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants 2022-23 in Lok Sabha, the finance minister said inflation has come down and it is now in the tolerable band of the RBI. Inflation has been declining since April 2022 and it is declining further, she said.

World Bank retains India's growth forecast at 8.3% for 2021-22

World Bank retains India's growth forecast at 8.3% for 2021-22

Rediff.com12 Jan 2022

The World Bank has retained India's economic growth forecast for the current fiscal at 8.3 per cent as the recovery is yet to become broad-based. As per the first advanced estimates of the national income released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) last week, the economy is projected to grow at 9.2 per cent in 2021-22, surpassing pre-COVID level in actual terms, mainly on account of improved performance, especially in farm, mining and manufacturing sectors. "India's economy is expected to expand by 8.3 per cent in fiscal year 2021/22 (ending March 2022), unchanged from last June's forecast as the recovery is yet to become broad-based.

Can RBI's digital currency replace physical cash?

Can RBI's digital currency replace physical cash?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2022

Despite the demonetisation of 2016 and the rise in digital transactions that followed, the economy's dependence on cash has remained as high as ever. So when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a pilot project of its version of digital cash - called the central bank digital currency (CBDC) - on December 1, many questions were asked. Can the CBDC replace physical cash, even partially? Can it match cash in terms of convenience? Are CBDC transactions truly anonymous?

President Rajapaksa still in Sri Lanka: Parliament Speaker

President Rajapaksa still in Sri Lanka: Parliament Speaker

Rediff.com11 Jul 2022

"President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa is still in the country, I made a mistake in the (BBC) interview," Speaker Abeywardena told ANI in a telephone call.

Cryptos are clear danger, says RBI Governor Das

Cryptos are clear danger, says RBI Governor Das

Rediff.com30 Jun 2022

Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday described cryptocurrencies as "clear danger" and said that anything that derives value based on make believe, without any underlying, is just speculation under a sophisticated name. The government is in the process of finalising a consultation paper on cryptocurrencies after gathering inputs from various stakeholders and institutions. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been flagging concerns about cryptocurrencies, which are seen as a highly speculative asset.

'Nearly double-digit GDP growth expected in FY22'

'Nearly double-digit GDP growth expected in FY22'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2021

The Indian economy is likely to witness close to double-digit growth in the current fiscal year despite the second COVID-19 wave ravaging the country, Principal Economic Adviser (PEA) Sanjeev Sanyal said on Wednesday. The economy is slowly getting back to normalcy as the number of COVID-19 cases is declining, he said while participating in India Global Forum event. "We are probably going to see close to double-digit, if not double-digit (growth) in this financial year," he said.

At state environment ministers meet, Modi lets fly at 'urban Naxals'

At state environment ministers meet, Modi lets fly at 'urban Naxals'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday alleged that "urban Naxals and anti-development elements" with political backing had stalled the construction of Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river in Gujarat for many years by running a campaign that it would harm the environment.

Extreme poverty in India declined by 12.3 percentage points during 2011-19

Extreme poverty in India declined by 12.3 percentage points during 2011-19

Rediff.com18 Apr 2022

Extreme poverty in India declined by 12.3 percentage points between 2011 and 2019, with rural areas doing better than urban centres, according to a working paper of the World Bank. India has not released a new household consumption survey since the NSS from 2011. By extension, the country has not released any official estimates of poverty and inequality for over a decade now, added the paper co-authored by economists Sutirtha Sinha Roy and Roy van der Weide.

India questions China's developing country status

India questions China's developing country status

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

India and China have mostly set aside their bilateral differences in order to champion the cause of developing countries at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). That seems to be changing. During the latest round of China's trade policy review, India questioned its northern neighbour's claim that it was a developing country, since, going by the World Bank's definition, its per capita income belongs to that of an upper middle income country. "As per the per capita income level, the Chinese economy belongs to 'upper-middle income'. "How can China still claim to be a developing country? "What are the indicators which China is using to claim such a status?" India asked.

Cryptos akin to 'a world of Caribbean pirates' in absence of regulation: CEA

Cryptos akin to 'a world of Caribbean pirates' in absence of regulation: CEA

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran on Thursday said cryptocurrencies are akin to 'a world of Caribbean pirates' in the absence of a centralised regulatory authority and are yet to pass the test of a fiat currency. He said that the government is pursuing a 'high-wire balancing act' to ensure that the gains in growth, inflation, and rupee stability of the last four years are not frittered away. He said the recent development in Terra-Luna cryptocurrency, which witnessed a massive meltdown last month, is a 'very important cautionary tale'.

Evergrande isn't China's Lehman moment

Evergrande isn't China's Lehman moment

Rediff.com28 Oct 2021

Many in the US establishment must hope that the crisis would put the brakes on China's growing military might. Well, it ain't gonna happen, says T T Ram Mohan, who was appointed a member of the prime minister's economic advisory council on Wednesday, October 28, 2021.

Full text: President Murmu's address to Parliament's Budget Session

Full text: President Murmu's address to Parliament's Budget Session

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

'Wherever in the world there is political instability, those countries are beset with severe crises today. But India is in a much better position than the rest of the world due to the decisions taken by my government in the national interest,' President Droupadi Murmu said in her address to both Houses of Parliament.

OPEC Puts Indian Economy On A Slippery Slope

OPEC Puts Indian Economy On A Slippery Slope

Rediff.com18 Oct 2022

Changes in global oil and gas rates matter more to India's economy than other major economies because the country imports around 87 per cent of its oil, half of its gas in the form of LNG, and over 60 per cent of its LPG.

Sitharaman meets IMF chief in Washington, highlights growth measures

Sitharaman meets IMF chief in Washington, highlights growth measures

Rediff.com19 Apr 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva and discussed a range of issues, including impact of geopolitical situation on global growth.

World Bank approves $1bn COVID-19 aid for India

World Bank approves $1bn COVID-19 aid for India

Rediff.com3 Apr 2020

The World Bank also approved $200 million for Pakistan, $100 million for Afghanistan, $7.3 million for the Maldives and $128.6 million for Sri Lanka.

Railways may scrap new dedicated freight corridors, enhance existing ones

Railways may scrap new dedicated freight corridors, enhance existing ones

Rediff.com25 May 2022

This alternative is being planned as the existing projects continue to be delayed due to land acquisition troubles. The ministry is thinking of adding new track lines to its existing eastern and western DFCs passing major areas in the proposed stretches, senior officials said.

Not going for lockdowns in big way, says Sitharaman

Not going for lockdowns in big way, says Sitharaman

Rediff.com13 Apr 2021

Amid surging coronavirus cases in India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday made it clear that the government would not go for lockdowns in a big way and only resort to local containment. In a virtual meeting with World Bank Group president David Malpass, Sitharaman appreciated the initiatives of the World Bank to increase the lending space for India to enhance availability of finance for development.

'We should pay more attention to China'

'We should pay more attention to China'

Rediff.com18 May 2022

'Our competitiveness with China is very important.' 'If the exchange rate depreciates, it is good for us because it helps in our competitiveness.'

Pakistan objects to Modi's visit to Kashmir

Pakistan objects to Modi's visit to Kashmir

Rediff.com25 Apr 2022

Pakistan criticised the laying of foundation stones for the construction of the Rattle and Kwar Hydroelectric Projects on the Chenab River in Kashmir.

My uncle, Gerson da Cunha

My uncle, Gerson da Cunha

Rediff.com22 Jan 2022

Adman Rahul da Cunha fondly remembers his uncle, who passed into the ages on January 7.

Nearly 5mn Indians forced to flee their homes due to disasters in 2021: UN

Nearly 5mn Indians forced to flee their homes due to disasters in 2021: UN

Rediff.com17 Jun 2022

"The largest displacements in the context of disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0 million), the Philippines (5.7 million) and India (4.9 million). Most disaster displacements during the year were temporary," it said.

Sri Lankan protesters camp outside PMO demanding ouster of Rajapaksas

Sri Lankan protesters camp outside PMO demanding ouster of Rajapaksas

Rediff.com26 Apr 2022

Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets since April 9, as the government ran out of money for vital imports; prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and there are acute shortages in fuel, medicines and electricity supply.

Swachh Bharat man, Param Iyer calls it a day as sanitation secy

Swachh Bharat man, Param Iyer calls it a day as sanitation secy

Rediff.com28 Jul 2020

Iyer, popularly called Param, is keen to return to the US where he had spent several years working with the World Bank at its Washington office -- a job he later quit to become road manager for his daughter, a professional tennis player.

Indian economy to grow by 8.8% in FY21, ahead of China: IMF

Indian economy to grow by 8.8% in FY21, ahead of China: IMF

Rediff.com13 Oct 2020

The Indian economy, severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, is projected to contract by a massive 10.3 per cent this year, the International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday. However, India is likely to bounce back with an impressive 8.8 per cent growth rate in 2021, thus regaining the position of the fastest growing emerging economy, surpassing China's projected growth rate of 8.2 per cent, the IMF said in its latest 'World Economic Outlook' report.

Moody's slashes India's GDP growth to 8.8% for 2022

Moody's slashes India's GDP growth to 8.8% for 2022

Rediff.com26 May 2022

Moody's Investors Service on Thursday slashed India's economic growth projection to 8.8 per cent for 2022 from 9.1 per cent earlier, citing high inflation. In its update to Global Macro Outlook 2022-23, Moody's said high-frequency data suggests that the growth momentum from December quarter 2021 carried through into the first four months this year. However, the rise in crude oil, food and fertilizer prices will weigh on household finances and spending in the months ahead.

'The sooner we junk the rhetoric of freebies, the better'

'The sooner we junk the rhetoric of freebies, the better'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2022

'Welfare schemes are not a necessary evil, they are a necessary good.'

India at 75: 18 biggest moments for Indian markets from 1947 to 1993

India at 75: 18 biggest moments for Indian markets from 1947 to 1993

Rediff.com12 Aug 2022

From the enactment of the capital control Act to the recognition of the BSE as a stock exchange and the infamous Harshad Mehta scam, here are the 18 biggest events for stock markets from 1947 to 1993.

India expected to grow by 8.3% in 2021-22: World Bank

India expected to grow by 8.3% in 2021-22: World Bank

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

Buoyed by an increase in public investment and incentives to boost manufacturing, India's economy is expected to grow by 8.3 per cent in the fiscal year 2021-22, less than the previous projection early this year before the country was hit by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Bank has said in its latest report. World Bank chief economist for the South Asia Region Hans Timmer told PTI here that when one looks at the high frequency data, they see that as a result of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the recovery paused, and some indicate that the recovery actually declined briefly. "We project for this fiscal year 8.3 per cent (growth rate for Indian economy) that is less than we projected early in the year before the health crisis caused by the second wave. "Given the sharp contraction of the economy last year, it might not look like a lot, but in my view, that is actually very positive news, given the violent second wave and the severity of the health crisis," he said on Thursday.

Lanka protesters surround PM Mahinda's residence

Lanka protesters surround PM Mahinda's residence

Rediff.com24 Apr 2022

Thousands of Inter University Students' Federation (IUSF) students were seen sloganeering outside the Prime Minister's Residence in Wijerama Mawatha.

World Bank see India's FY21 growth slip to 2.8%

World Bank see India's FY21 growth slip to 2.8%

Rediff.com12 Apr 2020

The World Bank on Sunday said the coronavirus outbreak has severely disrupted the Indian economy, magnifying the pre-existing risks to its outlook. In its 'South Asia Economic Update: Impact of Covid-19', the World Bank estimated the Indian economy to decelerate to 5 per cent in 2020 and projected a sharp growth deceleration in fiscal 2021 to 2.8 per cent in a baseline scenario.

Aadhaar looking to go global

Aadhaar looking to go global

Rediff.com3 Dec 2021

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is looking to collaborate with foreign countries and international organisations to build digital identity systems across the world, a top official said on Friday. UIDAI CEO Saurabh Garg during a panel discussion with Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma at the Infinity Forum said the authority is also exploring emerging technology to enhance security and increase the number of transactions that can be done by using Aadhaar. "We think going forward we will be happy to collaborate with other nations...We would like to collaborate with international organisations also in building international institutions for standards for national identity.

Indian economy likely to contract by 9.6% in 2020-21: World Bank

Indian economy likely to contract by 9.6% in 2020-21: World Bank

Rediff.com5 Jan 2021

India's economy is estimated to contract by 9.6 per cent in the fiscal year 2020-21, reflecting a sharp drop in household spending and private investment, and the growth is expected to recover to 5.4 per cent in 2021, the World Bank said on Tuesday. In its Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank said that the informal sector, which accounts for four-fifths of employment, has been subject to severe income losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sitharaman highlights 'significant reforms' in US investors' meet

Sitharaman highlights 'significant reforms' in US investors' meet

Rediff.com12 Oct 2021

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday highlighted "significant reforms" undertaken by the government including National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) and National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) as she met institutional investors in Boston. Sitharaman arrived in the US on Monday for a week-long trip to attend the annual meet of the World Bank and IMF in Washingon as well as G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting. During the official visit to the US, Sitharaman is expected to meet US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

India has bounced back, real GDP growth to be 7.5%-12.5%: WB

India has bounced back, real GDP growth to be 7.5%-12.5%: WB

Rediff.com31 Mar 2021

India's economy has bounced back amazingly from the Covid-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown over the last one year, but it is not out of the woods yet, according to the World Bank, which in its latest report has predicted that the country's real GDP growth for fiscal year 21/22 could range from 7.5 to 12.5 per cent.

For $5 tn GDP, India must spend about $1.4 tn on infra by 2025

For $5 tn GDP, India must spend about $1.4 tn on infra by 2025

Rediff.com31 Jan 2022

In order to achieve $5 trillion GDP by FY'25, India needs to spend about $1.4 trillion over this period on infrastructure, according to the Economic Survey. During financial years 2008-17, India pumped in about $1.1 trillion on infrastructure. However, the challenge is to step up infrastructure investment substantially, the Economic Survey 2021-22 said.

Delhi-Alwar rapid rail: India in talks for $3 bn funding

Delhi-Alwar rapid rail: India in talks for $3 bn funding

Rediff.com7 Oct 2020

The project will be in three stages and sources indicate that the funding will be for the first stage of 107 kilometre from Sarai Kale Khan to SNB Urban Complex.

The truth about India's ease of doing business claim

The truth about India's ease of doing business claim

Rediff.com15 Sep 2020

'The recalculated ranking showed India should have had a higher ranking earlier (113 in 2012 instead of 132) and lower ranking later (114 in 2018 instead of 100).' 'This would mean that there has been no change in India's climate of doing business across two regimes.' 'This is exactly consistent with the reality on the ground,' observes Debashis Basu.

Taliban say they're 'not trained' to respect women

Taliban say they're 'not trained' to respect women

Rediff.com26 Aug 2021

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said that women should not go to work for their own safety.

India's economy to shrink by 3.2% in FY21: World Bank

India's economy to shrink by 3.2% in FY21: World Bank

Rediff.com8 Jun 2020

However, the Indian economy is expected to bounce back in 2021, the World Bank said.