Azaan Snyder

  RBI monetary policy: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its 4% inflation projection for 2025–2026 with Q1 at 3.6%, Q2 at 3.9%, Q3 at 3.8% and Q4 at 4.4%. The risks are evenly balanced, said Governor of the RBI, Sanjay Malhotra today. The RBI Governor noted that the overall inflation decreased in January and February 2025, following a significant drop in food inflation; the outlook for food prices now appears notably optimistic. Concerns over Rabi crop uncertainties have significantly lessened, with the second advance estimates indicating record wheat yields and increased production of essential pulses compared to last year, alongside strong arrivals of key reef. This situation is likely to create conditions for a lasting reduction in food prices and a significant drop. In our most recent survey, the expectations for inflation over the next three months and one year are expected to help stabilize inflation predictions. Additionally, the decline in crude oil prices is influ...

 The Reserve Bank of India has cut repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 6 per cent. This will reduce borrowing costs for banks and enable them to lend money to individual customers at lower rates, reducing EMIs for loans. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said today that the Monetary Policy Committee had voted unanimously to reduce the repo rate. This is the second time this year that the central bank has cut repo rate. Earlier, it had reduced the key rate to 6.25 per cent in February. The repo rate, also known as the purchase agreement rate, is the interest rate charged by the RBI from commercial banks on the money it lends to them. So when it is reduced, banks often pass on the benefits to the consumers. The RBI Governor said the financial year begins on an anxious note for the global economy and the central bank is keeping an eye on inflation risks emerging from global uncertainties. This comes days after the Donald Trump administration in the US imposed reciprocal tarif...

 In a massive win for the MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government, the Supreme Court today ruled that Governor RN Ravi's decision to withhold assent to 10 key Bills was "illegal" and "arbitrary". The court ruled that the Governor cannot reserve Bills for the President after withholding assent. "The action of the Governor to reserve the 10 bills for the President is illegal and arbitrary. Thus, the action is set aside. All actions taken by the Governor thereto for the 10 bills are set aside. These Bills shall be deemed to be cleared from the date it was re-presented to the Governor," the bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan said. The court said Governor Ravi did not act in "good faith". Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin described the verdict as "historic". "It's a big victory not just for Tamil Nadu but for all Indian states. DMK will continue to struggle for and win state autonomy and federal po...

 Sensex stages shaky 1,000-point comeback: How savvy investors can build a Trump-tariff-proof portfolio Sensex stages shaky 1,000-point comeback: How savvy investors can build a Trump-tariff-proof portfolio By , ETMarkets.comLast Updated: Apr 08, 2025, 10:48:00 AM IST After a market plunge fueled by tariff fears in the last 3 days, Sensex and Nifty rebounded on Tuesday, offering a temporary respite. Experts advise investors to focus on domestic sectors like FMCG and financials, which are less exposed to global trade tensions. Despite market volatility, India's strong economic fundamentals provide a buffer, suggesting a strategic shift towards local, liquid, and long-term investments. stock market impact trump tariff While the stock markets are bleeding, the sharp money is already on the move. The street’s seasoned voices are aligned: go domestic, go defensive, and above all—stay razor sharp. After three gut-wrenching days that saw the Sensex nosedive 3,500 points and the Nifty lose...

 The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is grappling with internal unrest following Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra’s support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Senior party leaders, including former minister Pratap Jena, have urged party president Naveen Patnaik to take disciplinary action, marking the first major intra-party challenge since the BJD's defeat in the 2024 state elections. Jena wrote to Patnaik, demanding accountability for Patra’s stance. The issue intensified after BJD Vice-President Debi Prasad Mishra described the bill as a “debatable issue” and said, “It is up to BJD MPs whether they want to support it or not.” The bill, passed narrowly in both Houses of Parliament, seeks to amend the 1995 Waqf Act to improve property management and digital record-keeping. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused the BJD of "capitulating to BJP pressures at the last minute," weakening opposition strength in the Rajya Sabha. "The 95 number would have been more had not the BJD capitulate...

 The Waqf Amendment Bill “will be consigned to the dustbin” in Bihar if the Rashtriya Janata Dal comes to power in the state, party leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday was quoted as saying by PTI on Saturday. In a press conference, Yadav also stated that the Rashtriya Janata Dal has moved the Supreme Court against the bill. Assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled to be held later this year. Yadav’s statement came on the same day that President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill. It was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, and in the Lok Sabha at around 2 am on Thursday, with 288 votes in favour and 232 against. After the president’s assent, the Waqf Bill has become a law. A waqf is a property dedicated to a religious, educational or charitable cause under Islamic law. Each state has a waqf board led by a legal entity that is vested with the power to acquire, hold and transfer property. The 2024 Waqf Amendment Bill proposed amendments...