RBI has retained its inflation projection at 5.4% for the current year. Uncertainties in food prices and volatility in global crude oil prices continue to keep 4% target out of reach.
Geopolitical conflicts & new cold war have upended oil, various food and commodity markets. Climate-change issues will impose other costs. So, prices will rise even if demand is weak.
Findings are of relevance for RBI, which has followed inflation targeting policies since 2016 but had to write to govt in December 2022 explaining why inflation had overshot target.
According to data released Monday, retail inflation softened to a four-month low of 5.3% in August, from 5.59% in the previous month, led by subdued prices of food articles.
Many experts argued against retaining 4% plus-minus 2% target, while some wanted to scrap the framework altogether. But it provides stability, can help growth.
Year-on-year method misses trends in prices, so month-to-month seasonal adjustment should be used. According to this, May-December avg inflation was 4.05%.
RBI must work towards better transmission mechanism, for which India needs deep & liquid bond market, competitive banking sector & regulatory framework.
When he was asked why he was so loud in his criticisms of Indian industry when his purpose could be better served by a shrewder approach, he said, “Because I am a Punjabi, not a Marwari”.
New bill aims to fix key issues with IBC 2016, including delays & patchy implementation, and protect creditors, with window for genuine promoters to retain control of their companies.
The new engine, set to be developed over the next 10 years, will power the second tranche of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. First set will be equipped with GE 414 engines.
Now that both IAF and PAF have made formal claims of having shot down the other’s aircraft in the 87-hour war in May, we can ask a larger question: do such numbers really matter?
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