Category: Policy
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Decoding RBI’s December 2024 Policy
As the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced its December 2024 monetary policy, it reinforced its dual mandate of fostering growth while ensuring price stability. This policy statement, delivered at a critical juncture, reflects the nuanced approach the RBI has adopted in navigating the complex global and domestic economic landscape.…
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India’s Fiscal Deficit: A Mid-Year Analysis of FY 2024-25
India’s fiscal deficit for April-October 2024-25 stands at ₹7.51 lakh crore, or 46.5% of the full-year target. This marginal increase from 45% during the same period last year reflects the complex dynamics of managing public finances in a growing economy. The government aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.9%…
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Indian Economy: Prioritizing Services Over Manufacturing
India’s aspiration to become a $10 trillion economy has long captured the national imagination, symbolizing both ambition and the challenges of transforming a rapidly developing nation. First articulated in the 2019-20 interim budget under the Modi government, this vision painted a picture of a thriving, industrialized India. However, the reality…
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Uneven Economic Progress Across India-Reforms Part 5
India’s economic journey since independence has been marked by striking regional disparities, with some states emerging as dynamic industrial hubs while others have struggled to keep pace. This divide is not so much about the often-discussed north-south axis but more about an east-west dichotomy. Western and southern states have, over…
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The Journey of Process Reforms in India – Part 1
In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable shift in governance and public administration, with a strong focus on implementing process reforms. These reforms, championed by leaders committed to reducing bureaucratic hurdles, have made a substantial difference in the ease of doing business in the country. The essence of these…
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Measuring Economic Potential Beyond GDP
Understanding a country’s economic potential is crucial to formulating effective policies, sustaining growth, and improving lives. Traditional metrics like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) offer a limited snapshot, focusing primarily on output without fully capturing the capacity to produce goods and services sustainably or inclusively. Recognizing this gap, the United Nations…
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Economic Decision-Making and the Rise of Behavioral Economics
Economic decision-making has traditionally been viewed as a rational process where individuals weigh the pros and cons to make choices that maximize their utility. However, the growing field of behavioral economics has shown that decision-making is not always so logical. Psychological factors—ranging from cognitive biases and social influences to emotions—often…