Survey mentions ‘binding budget constraints’, highlights need to ensure higher private participation in infrastructure and coordinated action from all stakeholders involved.
The finance ministry should not spend ~0.83 trillion for equity infusion into BSNL. Instead, it should ask the telephone company to raise resources from the market.
Union Budget 2024 allocated Rs 11.1 lakh cr as capex for FY25. This is 11% higher than what was budgeted for FY24 and 17% higher than what was actually spent that year.
Leaving interim budget largely unchanged would be in keeping with trend since 2004-05. Even when new parties have come to power, budgetary allocations have not changed substantially.
Fall in capital expenditure indicates Congress govt's shrinking space to create assets. In contrast, Rs 52,000 cr is earmarked for 5 guarantees promised to voters before state polls.
Last 20 years' data shows capex share in spending has risen since 1st term of Modi govt in 2014-15 & that of subsidies has dropped. Under UPA between 2004-2014, subsidies rose while capex fell.
Studies by Bank of Baroda find Centre on track to meet capex target for this fiscal. There’s wide disparity in states’ performances but upcoming polls haven’t derailed the capex process.
Better-than-expected GDP growth in FY23 made possible by 6.1% jump in January-March quarter. Private consumption revival, sustained investment growth key to maintaining momentum.
Fauja Singh, 114, died after being hit by a speeding car. His death renews questions about India’s deadly roads, rising accidents, and poor traffic discipline.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
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