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Tuesday, February 3, 2026
TopicConsumption

Topic: Consumption

Budget tries to balance growth with fiscal prudence, but relies on spending cuts over revenue boost

Govt has done well to stick to path of fiscal consolidation. It’s unclear if compression of revenue spends net of interest payments is the direction the govt would like to take in coming yrs.

Govt estimates of GDP growth reveal several pain points. Budget 2025 should prioritise consumption

The first advance estimates peg India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth at 6.4 percent in FY 2024-25, compared to 8.2 percent growth recorded in...

In tradeoff between fiscal prudence & boosting economy, budget should focus more on demand & jobs

With a favourable macro-fiscal backdrop, the finance minister can use the additional fiscal space to either hasten the path to consolidation or support the sectors with subdued growth.

GST regime needs transformation. Rate rationalisation, simplification must be council’s key priority

Layers of complexity due to multiple tax rates result in similar products being taxed differently. There should be a phased move towards a low single rate to reduce incentive for evasion.

India considering personal tax rate cuts to boost consumption, Reuters sources say

The plan could be announced in July, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government presents the first budget after BJP failed to win a majority on its own.

Shrinking gap between average rural & urban consumption spends good news, but inequality persists

Consumption inequality between top & bottom 5% of population is more pronounced in urban India, latest Household Consumer Expenditure Survey says. Widest gap in rural Rajasthan & urban Haryana.

Indian economy showing solid growth, but these must be new govt’s top 5 priorities to sustain momentum

The outcome of the general elections has taken a surprising turn, differing from both exit poll predictions and market expectations. However, the agenda for...

Lower on food, higher on conveyance & durables — how consumption patterns changed in past decade

Household Consumption Expenditure Survey shows urban-rural gap has narrowed, particularly at lower levels of consumption, implying effectiveness of govt policies in improving rural incomes.

Here are 5 key takeaways from Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-2023 highlights

Other key findings include spending on food falls in expenditure of rural households in 11 years. Report made after survey of 2.76 lakh-plus households across country.

SubscriberWrites: There is a vicious link between economic growth, consumption and environment

We have to reduce consumption and deal with discomfort for better environment and health, writes Sharang Goyal.

On Camera

Don’t ask what to do with boys who rape. Ask what turned them into assaulters in the first place

Young boys who should be sweating about schoolwork are learning how to corner women. Are we now supposed to add children to the list of people we need to protect ourselves from?

Floundering PM Internship Scheme has seen 44% drop out since 2024 launch. Budget deals drastic blow

Only 21 percent of interns complete programme as Centre slashes budget by over 50% after poor joining and high attrition.

CDS Gen Chauhan in Armenia, focus on deeper defence ties including new deals

Armenia has procured significant defence equipment from India, including artillery guns, multi-barrel rocket launchers, air defence system, sniper rifles, weapons locating radars, anti-drone weapons.

Swiss report should now close Op Sindoor debate. Knowing when to stop the fight is key too

The key to fighting a war successfully, or even launching it, is a clear objective. That’s an entirely political call. It isn’t emotional or purely military.