Air pollution cost India an estimated 1.36% of gross domestic product in 2019, reflecting losses from premature deaths and illness, according to the World Bank.
In its report on India last week, IMF assigned a ‘C’ rating to the country’s national accounts statistics, which includes data on GDP, consumption and income levels.
While IMF welcomes India's shift towards debt-based fiscal anchor, it recommends improvements to the framework, besides endorsing exchange rate flexibility & other steps.
World Bank's International Debt Report 2024 finds Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka & Maldives together owe $324.6 bn to external lenders.
Central banks can intervene in forex market to influence exchange rate. Analysis by ThePrint shows RBI has been doing this for months, but last week saw rupee fall sharply nevertheless.
For India, IMF has maintained its growth estimate at 7% for 2024-25, followed by 6.5 per cent next year. Slowdown from 8.2% growth in 2023 is attributed to exhaustion of pent-up demand.
The agreement follows what Kyiv said Tuesday were 'difficult' talks and is subject to approval by the fund's executive board, which the IMF said is expected to happen in coming weeks.
Speaking at an event at Delhi School of Economics, IMF's First Deputy Managing Director also points out that reforms like investment in education, infra, health should be increased.
Industry says manufacturers have 2-4 weeks of buffer stocks, but prolonged disruption could push up shortage risks, especially of consumables like IV and syringes.
French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.
China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.
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