Indian Economy Review by Mr AK Bhattacharya, Editorial Director, Business Standard | March 2021
H I G H L I G H T S • A lower fiscal deficit for 2020-21, thanks to higher tax revenues• March pick-up in exports helps reduce full year’s trade gap• GST collections recovery reflects improved procedures• No change in inflation targeting regime, but prices up• Economy tracker: Covid surge shows a deceleration in activity• Three relaxations that impacted India […]
Indian Economy Review by Mr AK Bhattacharya, Editorial Director, Business Standard | February 2021
H I G H L I G H T S • Mixed picture on growth, worries on fourth quarter numbers• RBI Report hints at maintaining existing inflation targets• No rate cut, but bond market spikes worry RBI • Retail inflation down, industrial output up• Trade data offers relief as domestic demand improves• PM batting for private enterprise, sets a new benchmark Mixed […]
Special Budget Review by Mr AK Bhattacharya, Editorial Director, Business Standard
H I G H L I G H T S • Union Budget for 2021-22: An Assessment• Using a fiscal crisis to lend greater transparency • No increase in revenue spend, but a big boost to capex• Stability in direct taxes, but Customs review worrying• Big reforms announced; implementation will be the key• Privatisation and asset […]
Indian Economy Review | January 2021
H I G H L I G H T S • Different strokes : Higher NPAs and a glorious summer• GST collections buoyant, augurs well for recovery prospects• Automobile manufacturers see green shoots of recovery• Power consumption and railway freight pick up• Investment in new projects still a cause for worry• Unemployment rate lower, but mixed […]
Indian Economy Review | December 2020
H I G H L I G H T S • Rerating of economic recovery prospects • Most agencies upgrade India growth estimates• Is India in a recession? Not really!• The other upsides of the Indian economy• A seven-pronged strategy from the RBI• Industrial output bounces back, but will it be sustained?• Retail inflation down, but […]
Indian Economy Review | November 2020
H I G H L I G H T S • In spite of recovery, growth set to elude India in 2020-21 • Govt finances show the stress, but they are getting better• Opening up banking to corporates raises hackles of experts• Extending PLI scheme to 10 sectors: A double-edged sword?• Stimulus III: Fiscal cost contained […]
Indian Economy Review | October 2020
H I G H L I G H T S • Worrying signs in state finances• State Budgets shrinking with expenditure cuts• Stimulus II, but with negligible impact on the fisc• LTC measures may benefit 850,000 govt staffers• 6 % rise in Central capex, but states may be worried• Confusion over GDP contraction estimates• Implications […]
Indian Economy Review | September 2020
H I G H L I G H T S • Vodafone tax controversy back to haunt the Govt• No resolution of the tax case even after 13 years• What it actually means for Govt finances• A lot about investment sentiment and a political promise• The 2014 Budget and its treatment of the Vodafone tax• […]
Indian Economy Review | August 2020
H I G H L I G H T S Covid-19 has made growth challenges more complex, says RBI No definitive growth forecast; post-pandemic recovery to be different No hasty or disruptive withdrawal of regulatory easing A long list of policy prescriptions for boosting the economy Focus on global supply chains and free trade agreements […]
Indian Economy Review | July 2020
H I G H L I G H T S Financial sector gets the Covid-19 jitters RBI’s financial stress report raises NPA alarms Challenges of moratorium, restructuring, capitalisation & funding To extend moratorium or not to extend it beyond August One-time loan restructuring and its implications for IBC Demand for more bank capital; Govt finances […]