Business

RBI Lowers Repo Rate by 25 Basis Points to 6.25%; Governor Unveils Additional Measures

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2025

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reached a unanimous decision to lower the policy rate by 25 basis points, reducing it from 6.50% to 6.25%. Governor Sanjay Malhotra has projected the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for FY26 at 6.7%, with forecasts for each quarter as follows: Q1 at 6.7%, Q2 at 7%, Q3 at 6.5%, and Q4 at 6.5%.

Governor Malhotra highlighted that while growth is bolstered by the services and agriculture sectors, sluggish industrial growth remains a challenge.

He also announced that the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate will be maintained at 6.0%, while both the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate will be set at 6.5%. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for 2024-25 is projected to be 4.8%, with Q4 expected at 4.4%. Assuming normal monsoon conditions next year, the CPI inflation for 2025-26 is forecasted at 4.2%, broken down by quarters as follows: Q1 at 4.5%, Q2 at 4%, Q3 at 3.8%, and Q4 at 4.2%.

The MPC acknowledged that inflation has decreased, supported by a positive outlook on food prices and the ongoing impact of previous monetary policy measures. It is anticipated that inflation will continue to moderate in 2025-26, gradually aligning with targets.

Governor Malhotra emphasized the importance of the flexible inflation targeting (FIT) framework, established in 2016 and reviewed in 2021, marking a significant shift in the country’s monetary policy approach. “Average inflation has been lower under this framework, with only a few instances of surpassing the upper tolerance band,” he noted.

Concerning the external sector, the Governor reported that India’s current account deficit (CAD) has decreased from 1.3% of GDP in Q2 of the previous year to 1.2% in Q2 of this year.

The RBI MPC also introduced a range of developmental and regulatory policy measures related to financial markets, cybersecurity, and payment systems. This includes the introduction of forward contracts in government securities and granting SEBI-registered non-bank brokers access to the Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM).

Additionally, a thorough review of trading and settlement timings across various market segments will take place. In terms of cybersecurity, the focus will be on enhancing trust via the ‘bank.in’ and ‘fin.in’ domains, along with implementing additional authentication factors for international card-not-present (online) transactions.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.

Business

Gold Prices Rise in Mangaluru; Demand for Ornaments Remains Strong

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: Gold prices in the coastal city of Mangaluru have been reported at high levels today. The rate for 24 karat gold (99.9% purity) stands at Rs.14,962 per gram. The price for 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) is Rs.13,715 per gram. Meanwhile, 18 karat gold (75% purity) is being sold at Rs.11,222 per gram.

Mangaluru is well known for its deep cultural connection with gold. The city has a long tradition of buying and wearing gold ornaments. This tradition continues strongly even today.

Local jewellers say that demand for gold remains steady despite high prices. Many people still prefer to invest in gold for safety and long-term value. Gold is also an important part of weddings and festivals in the region.

Apart from its love for seafood, Mangaluru is also famous for its gold market. The gold trade in the city has a long history and continues to grow.

Buyers are advised to check the latest rates before making a purchase. They can also use a gold rate calculator to get exact pricing based on weight and purity.

Experts say that gold prices may change depending on global market trends. Customers should stay updated and make careful decisions while buying gold.

Business

Pune FDA Seizes 3,800 Kg of Adulterated Mango Pulp in Major Crackdown

Published

1 month ago

April 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

In a major action against food adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune has seized over 3,800 kilograms of mango pulp mixed with unsafe food colours.

The raid was carried out after officials received confidential information about illegal production activities in the district. Acting quickly, an FDA team traced the source to a manufacturing unit in Urse village in Maval taluka.

During the inspection, officers found that the mango pulp was being prepared using unauthorised food colours and other banned substances. These materials are not allowed under food safety rules and can be harmful to consumers.

The unit was reportedly operated by Mohammad Ekramul, also known as Akram Gulam. Authorities said the facility was violating multiple food safety regulations.

Officials immediately seized the adulterated stock and stopped further production at the site. The FDA has also begun investigating the supply chain to identify where the products were being distributed.

Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in food adulteration. They also urged the public to stay cautious while buying food products, especially during the mango season.

Further investigation into the case is currently underway.