Economy & Policy News
Inflation eases, but RBI may not go for aggressive rate cuts: Economists
India's headline CPI inflation eased to 3.61 per cent in February - the lowest since July 2024 - on the back of a sharp decline in food inflation, mostly due to lower vegetable prices
 "Inflation eases, but RBI may not go for aggressive rate cuts: Economists")
India to become world's third-largest economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley
According to Morgan Stanley, India was the 12th largest economy in the world in 1990, slipped to 13th position in 2000 before rising to 9th rank in 2020 and 5th in 2023
 "India to become world's third-largest economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley")
Rupee gains for third straight day; forex reserves surge $15 billion
The rupee gained 0.58 per cent against the dollar this month, while weakened 1.6 per cent in 2025
 "Rupee gains for third straight day; forex reserves surge $15 billion")
New IIP series may use GST data, be seasonally adjusted: MoSPI Secy
Besides, the new IIP series will be chain-based, as the annual survey of industries (ASI) data is available to adjust the weights of different industries
 "New IIP series may use GST data, be seasonally adjusted: MoSPI Secy")
Centre assures exporters will protect their interests amid US tariff threat
The issues related to the country's exports were discussed during a virtual meeting chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
 "Centre assures exporters will protect their interests amid US tariff threat")
RBI to set up 'On Tap' cohort on climate change risks: Guv Malhotra
As a central bank, he said the RBI is mindful of its role in addressing and mitigating risks to the financial system from climate change
 "RBI to set up 'On Tap' cohort on climate change risks: Guv Malhotra")
Food prices cool Feb inflation to 3.61%; IIP rises to 8-month high in Jan
Rajani Sinha, chief economist at CARE Ratings, said food inflation is likely to remain benign in the coming months but any weather-related disruptions could play spoilsport
 "Food prices cool Feb inflation to 3.61%; IIP rises to 8-month high in Jan")
Speed of digital penetration at individual level needs to be stepped up
The State of India's Digital Economy Report 2025 says that India is the third largest digitised country in the world at an aggregate level
 "Speed of digital penetration at individual level needs to be stepped up")
US tariffs on steel & aluminium come into effect; MSMEs to be hit
While large steel players that produce carbon steel products may not see any major impact, since exports of such products is limited
 "US tariffs on steel & aluminium come into effect; MSMEs to be hit")
India well placed to tackle Trump's tariff volleys: Blackstone CEO
Blackstone to invest $100 bn in India in future
 "India well placed to tackle Trump's tariff volleys: Blackstone CEO")
Nandan Nilekani's 4 tips for India's economy to hit $8 trn mark by 2035
Outlining key factors for India's economic expansion, Nilekani spoke about the necessary "Big Unlocks" required to accelerate the country's growth rate from 6 per cent to 8 per cent
 "Nandan Nilekani's 4 tips for India's economy to hit $8 trn mark by 2035")
Dollar struggles to lift off lows as traders gear for potential trade war
President Donald Trump's unpredictable announcements on trade policy have whipsawed markets and drawn tariff retaliation from trading partners, ramping up a global trade war
 "Dollar struggles to lift off lows as traders gear for potential trade war")
India's retail inflation eases to 7-month low of 3.61% in February
Industrial output picks up at 5 per cent in January 2025 from 3.2 per cent in December
 "India's retail inflation eases to 7-month low of 3.61% in February")
India's economic growth to exceed 6.5% in FY26, says Moody's Ratings
Moody's said that following a temporary slowdown in mid-2024, India's economic growth is expected to reaccelerate and record one of the fastest rates among large economies globally
 "India's economic growth to exceed 6.5% in FY26, says Moody's Ratings")
India imposing 150% tariff on US alcohol, 100% on agriculture goods: WH
While addressing a press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump believes in reciprocity and wants to have fair and balanced trade practices
 "India imposing 150% tariff on US alcohol, 100% on agriculture goods: WH")
Piyush Goyal likely to visit US later this month with revised tariff offer
This could be the Commerce minister's second visit to US in less than a month
I-T Bill may not impact revenue collection: MoS finance Pankaj Chaudhary
The Bill retains existing technological reforms, including initiatives such as pre-filled income tax returns (ITRs), the Annual Information Statement, and faceless proceedings
 "I-T Bill may not impact revenue collection: MoS finance Pankaj Chaudhary")
Removing high-cost debt has lowered borrowing cost: FM Sitharaman
Sitharaman's comments came in the backdrop of the government's target of bringing down the debt-to-GDP ratio to 50 per cent by 2030, from the current 57 per cent
 "Removing high-cost debt has lowered borrowing cost: FM Sitharaman")
FCPA freeze fallout: Trump's order stalls probes, but SEC scrutiny remains
Despite the current pause, experts say that the FCPA remains in effect, and policy shifts or risk of prosecution by future administrations remain
 "FCPA freeze fallout: Trump's order stalls probes, but SEC scrutiny remains")
Absolute poverty virtually eliminated, says Niti Aayog's Arvind Virmani
Share of those falling under the 'vulnerable' category has dropped to 15 per cent from over 50 per cent 12 years ago
 "Absolute poverty virtually eliminated, says Niti Aayog's Arvind Virmani")
