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RBI’s Risk Buffer Strategy Signals Long-Term Financial Resilience In a recent report, ICICI Bank highlighted that the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) decision to maintain higher risk buffers will significantly strengthen its balance sheet while providing a stable foundation for India's macroeconomic outlook . This comes at a time when global oil prices are anticipated to stay benign, offering additional support to India’s inflation and fiscal management efforts. According to the report, the RBI’s robust risk buffers not only enhance its financial resilience but also act as a macroeconomic tailwind . ICICI Bank noted: “We believe higher risk buffer by RBI strengthens its balance sheet and provides a tailwind for India’s macroeconomic fundamentals when oil prices too are expected to be benign.” RBI’s Balance Sheet Expands at a Slower Pace Than GDP Growth The RBI’s balance sheet grew to ₹76.3 trillion in FY25, marking an 8.2% increase from the previous fiscal year. How...

India’s Economic Growth Surges in Q4 FY25 India’s economy continues to assert its strength on the global stage. The latest GDP numbers indicate that the Indian economy grew by 7.4% in Q4 of FY25 , a sharp increase from the 6.2% growth in Q3 , and higher than the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) projection of 7.2% for the same period. For the full fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), India’s economy registered a 6.5% growth , in line with estimates and maintaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy . Key Drivers of Growth: Domestic Consumption & Government Investment Economists attribute this robust growth to strong domestic consumption , sustained government capital investment , and a relatively low dependence on exports . According to Manoranjan Sharma , Chief Economist at Infomerics Valuation and Rating, this growth reinforces India’s economic resilience and its consistent lead among global peers. Rural Recovery and Sectoral Expansion Anshuman Magazine , Chairman a...

Sensex and Nifty Rally on Positive Global Cues Indian equity indices rebounded sharply on renewed optimism over a potential India-US trade deal and favorable global cues. The BSE Sensex surged 1,200.18 points , or 1.48% , to close at 82,530.74 , while the Nifty 50 climbed 395.20 points , or 1.60% , ending the day at 25,062.10 . This rally came after a subdued start to the trading session, where the Nifty 50 briefly dipped to an intraday low of 24,494 before staging a strong recovery past the psychological 25,000 mark , reaching a high of 25,116 . Broad Market Participation Signals Strong Sentiment Market breadth was overwhelmingly positive. Out of all the traded stocks, 2,511 advanced , 1,302 declined , and 139 remained unchanged , indicating broad-based buying interest across the board. Among the top gainers on the NSE were: Hero MotoCorp JSW Steel Trent Tata Motors HCL Technologies On the volatility front, the India VIX (a measure of market volatility) fe...

  India’s Space Policy Set to Accelerate Growth, Says Envoy Anupam Ray India’s growing ambitions in the space sector received a major endorsement at the Carnegie Global Technology Summit 2025 , as Ambassador Anupam Ray , Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament, lauded the country’s evolving space policy. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the summit, Ray emphasized how the government's latest reforms will place India on a “much higher growth trajectory” by integrating private sector innovation and scientific excellence into the national space agenda. According to Ray, India has already demonstrated substantial capabilities as a space-faring nation — from satellite fabrication and launch to managing complex applications and space situational awareness. These capabilities have made India one of the few countries from the Global South to achieve such status. The government’s new space policy initiatives aim to: Leverage private sector capabilities and...

Massive Tariff Hike by China in Retaliation In a sharp escalation of the ongoing trade conflict, China has announced an increase in tariffs on US goods—from 34% to a steep 84%—starting April 10. The move comes directly in response to US President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, declared during the US "Liberation Day" address. The tariff war between the two largest economies has been intensifying. President Trump warned that unless China rolled back its 34% tariff within 24 hours, the US would impose additional duties and halt all ongoing talks. China’s decision to raise tariffs by 50 points—mirroring the US move—signals a strong and calculated response. White House’s Aggressive Stand White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the 104% tariff, asserting that retaliation was expected and that the US would “punch back harder.” She emphasized that the Trump administration is no longer willing to tolerate trade practices that, in its ...

Monetary Policy Update: Repo Rate Reduced to 6% In a proactive move aimed at supporting domestic economic recovery amidst rising global uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday announced a 25-basis-point cut in the repo rate , reducing it from 6.25% to 6% . This decision was made during the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on April 7–9 , and it marks the second consecutive repo rate cut, following a similar reduction in February 2025. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the decision was taken unanimously after a detailed macroeconomic review. The aim is to stimulate growth while keeping inflation under control. Global Outlook Influencing Policy Decisions Governor Malhotra noted that global economic conditions are shifting rapidly, largely due to recent tariff-related developments and trade tensions. These have led to increasing uncertainty in international markets, causing volatility in commodity prices, and posing challenges ...

Heavy Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) Outflows Hit Indian Markets In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive reciprocal tariff announcement , foreign investors have begun a significant retreat from Indian equities. According to data from the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) , FPIs sold equities worth ₹10,355 crore between April 2 and April 4 , marking one of the steepest outflows in recent times. From Easing in March to Panic in April March had witnessed a moderation in foreign outflows , with net selling reduced to ₹3,973 crore —a major improvement from February’s outflows of ₹34,574 crore . However, April began on a volatile note, with global market panic following President Trump’s tariff declaration on multiple nations , including India. The announcement, coinciding with US Liberation Day , triggered a global sell-off. In just two days , the US stock market lost around $5.4 trillion in market capitalization, sparking widespread investor anxiety. Rippl...

Asian stock markets witnessed a sharp decline on Thursday following the announcement of new tariffs by US President Donald Trump. The decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including India, has sent shockwaves through global financial markets. Major Indices Take a Hit Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.69% Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 1.80% South Korea’s KOSPI Index dropped 1.3% US stock market futures also tumbled, with Dow Jones Futures down by 1.78% India’s Stock Market Feels the Heat Gift Nifty Futures fell by 1.11%, indicating a weak opening for the Indian markets Market experts predict economic and financial strain due to the tariffs Banking and market expert Ajay Bagga warned that falling exports and declining margins could hurt India’s economy Safe-Haven Investments Surge With market uncertainty rising, investors are shifting towards: Gold Japanese Yen Swiss Franc Japanese Government Bonds Trump’s Tariff Impact o...

  The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has expanded its banking partnerships by adding 15 more public and private sector banks . This development aims to enhance direct payment access for employers and streamline provident fund contribution collections, increasing efficiency and reach. Expansion of EPFO’s Banking Network EPFO has now partnered with a total of 32 banks to facilitate seamless contribution payments from employers. The inclusion of these 15 additional banks is expected to enable direct payment of nearly ₹12,000 crore annually . Employers maintaining accounts with these banks will now have easier and more direct access to deposit monthly contributions. EPFO's Growing Role in Social Security EPFO plays a crucial role in ensuring financial security for millions of employees in India. It currently serves 8 crore active members and 78 lakh pensioners . The expansion aligns with India's vision of "Naya Bharat" , a...

Indian stock markets opened flat on Friday , balancing between bullish optimism and bearish caution as traders adjusted their positions at the end of the month and financial year. Market Opening Figures The benchmark indices opened with minimal gains: 📌 Nifty 50 : Opened at 23,600.40 points , gaining 8.45 points (+0.04%) . 📌 BSE Sensex : Opened at 77,690.69 , rising by 84.26 points (+0.11%) . Experts noted that the markets are benefiting from strong domestic macroeconomic conditions , but global uncertainties —including rising tariffs and geopolitical factors—are keeping investors cautious. Market Sentiment: Muted Volumes Expected With a long weekend ahead (as Monday is a market holiday in India) and the March FY2025 expiry settled on Thursday , analysts predict low trading volumes and position squaring-off by the afternoon. Ajay Bagga, a banking and market expert , explained: 🔹 "Expect muted volumes and squaring off of positions by afternoon to avoid exposure ...

  India’s defence manufacturing sector has achieved record-breaking growth , with total production reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24 , as per a report by the Ministry of Defence . This marks a significant step toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthening India’s position as a global arms producer. Defence Exports Witness a Historic Surge India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24 , marking a 30-fold increase in a decade . Indian-made defence equipment is now being exported to over 100 countries , highlighting the global demand for indigenously developed military technology . Make in India Driving Defence Growth The Make in India initiative has played a pivotal role in boosting domestic production . Key defence platforms developed under this initiative include: Dhanush Artillery Gun System Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Light Specialist Vehicles & H...

India’s luxury real estate market is experiencing unprecedented growth , fueled by a surge in demand from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), non-resident Indians (NRIs), and domestic investors looking to invest in premium properties . According to a GRI Club report , the sector is outperforming expectations and is on track for its third consecutive record-breaking year in sales. Luxury Housing Market on a Record-Breaking Growth Trajectory The report highlights that residential sales in the top seven cities are projected to exceed INR 5.1 trillion in 2024, with over 300,000 units sold . This surge underscores the growing dominance of high-end real estate in India’s property market. Top Cities Leading the Luxury Real Estate Boom 📍 Mumbai – India’s financial capital continues to dominate the luxury real estate market. 📍 Gurgaon – A prime hub for ultra-luxury residences and premium office spaces. 📍 Bangalore – Home to high-net-worth investors, fueling demand for premi...

India’s Backing for Brazil’s COP30 Leadership External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Brazil’s presidency at COP30, emphasizing the importance of an outcome-oriented and impactful climate summit. During a crucial meeting with Andre Aranha Correa do Lago, President of COP30 Amazonia and former Brazilian Ambassador to India, Jaishankar assured India’s full cooperation in making COP30 a landmark event in global climate action. "Glad to meet Andre Aranha Correa do Lago, President of UN Climate Change COP30 Amazonia and former Ambassador of Brazil to India. Extended India's full support to Brazil's presidency for a successful and outcome-oriented COP30.” – Jaishankar posted on X. India-Brazil Collaboration on Global Issues Jaishankar’s statement underlines India’s growing strategic partnership with Brazil, particularly in tackling climate change, energy transitions, and sustainable development. The India-Brazil partnership exten...

A meeting of the Select Committee of the Lok Sabha is currently underway at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi. This 31-member committee , chaired by BJP MP Baijayant Panda , has been tasked with reviewing the Income Tax Bill 2025 , which proposes major reforms in tax laws, definitions, and compliance frameworks . Objective of the Income Tax Bill 2025 The Income Tax Bill 2025 , introduced in Lok Sabha on February 13, 2025 , by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman , aims to replace the existing Income Tax Act, 1961 . The bill intends to: Modernize tax laws to reflect the evolving economic landscape Simplify terminology to enhance clarity and reduce ambiguities Introduce digital-focused tax policies , recognizing the rise of cryptocurrency and digital transactions Support startups, renewable energy investments, and digital businesses through tax incentives Ensure stricter compliance for non-profits while defining tax exemptions more clearly Key Reforms Proposed in t...

Introduction Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) has announced a groundbreaking agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s broadband internet services to India. This move aims to revolutionize internet accessibility across the country, particularly in remote and underserved areas. However, the partnership is subject to regulatory approvals for SpaceX to officially operate Starlink in India. Jio-Starlink Collaboration: What’s in Store? Under this agreement, Jio will integrate Starlink solutions into its existing broadband ecosystem, making them available through retail outlets and online platforms. This collaboration will leverage Jio’s massive mobile data network and Starlink’s advanced satellite technology to provide reliable internet connectivity, even in the most challenging locations. Key highlights of the partnership include: Retail Distribution : Jio will offer Starlink equipment through its extensive retail network. Customer Support & Installation : Jio will set up mechanisms...

Women Taking the Wheel in India’s Automotive Market Over the past few decades, women in India have made significant progress across various industries, and the automotive sector is no exception. The traditional perception of car ownership being male-dominated is shifting rapidly as more women take control behind the wheel. Their increasing participation is reshaping the used car market, breaking societal norms, and driving a new era of financial independence. Surge in Women Car Buyers: Key Statistics Recent data from Spinny highlights a remarkable increase in women car buyers. In 2023 , women accounted for 16% of used car purchases. This figure rose to 26% in 2024 and further surged to 46% by March 2025 . This steep rise reflects not only a growing confidence among women in car ownership but also a transformation in their purchasing behavior. Preferred Car Types and Models Women buyers in India display distinct preferences when it comes to vehicle selection: 60% of women buy...

Understanding Tariffs: A Key Element in Global Trade Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods and services by a country’s government. These duties are levied to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and generate revenue. Tariffs can be classified into two main types: Ad Valorem Tariffs : Levied as a percentage of the value of the goods. Specific Tariffs : Charged as a fixed amount per unit of the imported product. Countries impose tariffs for various reasons, including safeguarding local businesses, reducing dependency on foreign goods, and addressing trade imbalances. However, excessive tariffs can disrupt international trade, leading to economic slowdowns and strained diplomatic relations. Why is the U.S. Increasing Tariffs on Imports? The U.S. has adopted a more protectionist trade policy in recent years, implementing tariffs on imports from various countries, including India. The primary reasons behind these tariffs include: Reducing Trade Deficits : The U.S. ...

SBI Predicts Another RBI Rate Cut by April If Inflation Remains Favourable The State Bank of India (SBI) has projected that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may announce another rate cut as early as April 2025 , provided inflation continues to move in a favourable direction. This statement aligns with the RBI’s commitment to long-term price stability and sustained economic growth . According to SBI Research , the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has been closely monitoring inflation trends, especially food inflation , which remains a key concern. Despite positive indicators such as strong kharif production and easing vegetable prices , risks from adverse weather conditions persist. RBI’s Inflation Forecast and Policy Outlook 📉 The RBI has retained its FY25 inflation forecast at 4.8% , with Q4 inflation projected at 4.4% . 📉 For FY26, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is estimated at 4.2% , signaling optimism for price stability. The MPC recently lowered the repo rate by 25 bas...