Page 7 - Economy & Policy News
Weekly policy watch: Retail inflation, WPI and forex reserves in focus
India's policy agenda this week will centre on retail and wholesale inflation data, and fresh forex reserves figures
 "Weekly policy watch: Retail inflation, WPI and forex reserves in focus")
Following RBI's weekend measures, rupee woes may ease in the near term
Global headwinds, balance of payment remain key to stability
 "Following RBI's weekend measures, rupee woes may ease in the near term")
Japan tops India's FDI chart in Q1 FY27 with $5.71 billion inflows
FDI inflows from Japan stood at $5.71 billion in the first quarter of 2026-27, surpassing the $3.74 billion India received from the country during the entire 2025-26 fiscal year
 "Japan tops India's FDI chart in Q1 FY27 with $5.71 billion inflows")
Draft steel policy eyes nearly threefold rise in capacity by 2047
Roadmap envisages major expansion in slurry pipelines with support from viability gap funding, a 39 per cent cut in emission intensity, 45 MT exports and measures to expand scrap use
 "Draft steel policy eyes nearly threefold rise in capacity by 2047")
India is the largest producer of milk: Why are whey protein imports rising?
Whey protein, obtained during cheese production, is used in protein supplements, powders and bars, sports drinks, and other similar products
 "India is the largest producer of milk: Why are whey protein imports rising?")
Statsguru: The mismatch between formula-based and small savings rates
In the 43 quarters since 2016, the average small savings rate has been above the formula in 31 quarters
 "Statsguru: The mismatch between formula-based and small savings rates")
Need to look at cost of doing biz to up manufacturing: Amitabh Kant
Kant said that without adequate credit availability, startups in new-age sectors like geospatial will not be able to grow into large companies that can disrupt
 "Need to look at cost of doing biz to up manufacturing: Amitabh Kant")
Piyush Goyal says changed circumstances will shape final trade pact with US
India is seeking lower tariffs for its goods than its competitors in the American markets
 "Piyush Goyal says changed circumstances will shape final trade pact with US")
India's mica industry seeks critical mineral tag to counter China's grip
With 60% of mica exports going to China, industry seeks critical mineral status, a 30% export duty and incentives to boost domestic value addition
 "India's mica industry seeks critical mineral tag to counter China's grip")
CM Satheesan envisages turning entire Keralam into an integrated port city
He said the UDF government had started work on a plan to connect the state's ports and make better use of its 600-km coastline
 "CM Satheesan envisages turning entire Keralam into an integrated port city")
After FCNR(B) highs, forex kitty shrinks by $51 billion in four weeks
Reserves have lost about $51.1 billion from their September 4 peak as the RBI supports the rupee amid higher crude oil prices; foreign currency assets fell $10.7 billion
RBI tightens liquidity after rate rise, raises daily CRR maintenance to 99%
The RBI raised minimum daily CRR maintenance to 99 per cent from October 16 and announced a ₹25,000 crore bond sale on October 13 to align overnight rates with the repo rate.
 "RBI tightens liquidity after rate rise, raises daily CRR maintenance to 99%")
No automatic GST refund if earlier claim under appeal, says FinMin
GST refunds under the fast-track route will require officer scrutiny if an earlier refund order is under dispute, potentially delaying working capital relief for businesses
 "No automatic GST refund if earlier claim under appeal, says FinMin")
RBI study fills four-month gap in state inflation data using survey inputs
Researchers used household perceptions, expectations and past data to estimate missing state-wise urban inflation, with refined figures closely tracking the all-India series
RBI should widen LAF corridor to stabilise financial markets: SBI report
The SBI report favours an asymmetric widening of the LAF corridor, faster rate action and a shorter deadline for export proceeds as global uncertainty pressures markets
 "RBI should widen LAF corridor to stabilise financial markets: SBI report")
Indian banks lose market value in Q2, but select lenders gain
HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI saw their market capitalisation decline in the July-September quarter, while Kotak Mahindra Bank overtook Axis Bank to become the fourth-largest lender by market value
 "Indian banks lose market value in Q2, but select lenders gain")
Rural enterprises can build resilience with five Cs, says Rohit Kansal
An IIM study shows monthly incomes of 'lakhpati didi' households rose by 61 per cent in the past year, says Amit Shukla, joint secretary in the rural development ministry.
 "Rural enterprises can build resilience with five Cs, says Rohit Kansal")
GST Council proposes 5% GST rate for EV-based transport and rental services
The proposed option covers eligible electric vehicle passenger transport and rental services, but comes with restrictions
 "GST Council proposes 5% GST rate for EV-based transport and rental services")
Confident of hitting $1 trillion exports target in FY27: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says India's export target is achievable despite subdued global trade growth, citing strong domestic businesses, MSMEs and new FTAs
 "Confident of hitting $1 trillion exports target in FY27: Piyush Goyal")
State-owned banks raise repo-linked lending rates by 25 bps after RBI move
Several banks, including BoB, PNB and Indian Bank, raise repo-linked lending rates by 25 bps after the RBI's policy rate increase, making loans costlier for borrowers
 "State-owned banks raise repo-linked lending rates by 25 bps after RBI move")