Business

World Bank Projects India’s Growth at 6.3% for FY26, Maintaining Status as Fastest-Growing Economy

Published

7 months ago

June 11, 2025

The World Bank has maintained its economic growth forecast for India at 6.3 percent for the fiscal year 2025-26, affirming the nation’s status as the fastest-growing economy in the world.

According to the World Bank’s ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report, “In the next two fiscal years, beginning in FY2026/27, growth is anticipated to rebound to an average of 6.6 percent per year, bolstered by strong service sector activity which will aid export growth.”

In FY2024/25 (April 2024 to March 2025), India’s growth has moderated, influenced in part by a slowdown in industrial output. However, the report highlights that construction and service sectors showed stable growth, while agricultural production improved following previous droughts, driven by ongoing demand in rural areas.

Global trade tensions and policy uncertainties are projected to dampen global growth this year, marking the slowest pace since 2008, aside from periods of outright recession. The challenges have led to reduced growth forecasts in nearly 70 percent of economies worldwide, across all regions and income brackets.

The World Bank projected, “Global growth is expected to slow to 2.3 percent in 2025, a decrease of nearly half a percentage point from earlier expectations.” While a global recession is not anticipated, if the forecasts hold true, the average global growth during the early 2020s will be the slowest of any decade since the 1960s.

Indermit Gill, the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, remarked, “Outside of Asia, the developing world is becoming a development-free zone.” He noted a steady decline in growth rates for developing economies, dropping from 6 percent annually in the 2000s to 5 percent in the 2010s, to below 4 percent in the 2020s. This decline mirrors the downturn in global trade, which has seen averages drop from 5 percent in the 2000s to about 4.5 percent in the 2010s, and under 3 percent in the current decade.

Investment growth has also faltered, while debt levels have soared to unprecedented heights. The report suggests that amidst escalating trade barriers, developing economies should pursue a broader liberalization strategy, forging strategic trade and investment partnerships while diversifying trade—particularly through regional agreements.

Given constrained government resources and increasing development demands, policymakers are advised to focus on enhancing domestic revenue mobilization, prioritizing fiscal spending for vulnerable populations, and reinforcing fiscal frameworks, as recommended by the report.

Business

Gold Prices Decline Slightly on January 16

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices witnessed a mild decline in the domestic bullion market on January 16, 2026. The price of 24-carat gold was recorded at ₹143,080 per 10 grams. This marked a fall of ₹360 compared to its previous closing price, indicating a soft trend in the precious metal market.

Similarly, the price of 22-carat gold also moved lower. It was trading at ₹131,157 per 10 grams during the day. The decline in gold prices reflects cautious sentiment among investors amid changing global economic signals.

Market experts said gold prices were affected by fluctuations in international markets and movements in the US dollar. Profit booking by investors at higher levels also contributed to the marginal drop in prices.

Despite the decline, demand for gold remains steady in the domestic market. Jewellers reported moderate buying interest, especially for 22-carat gold used in jewellery. Industry participants are now closely watching global inflation data, interest rate trends, and geopolitical developments.

Gold prices are expected to remain volatile in the coming days. Investors are advised to keep an eye on global cues and currency movements before making fresh investments.

Business

Silver Crashes ₹12,500 to ₹2.43 Lakh per kg; Gold Declines ₹900

Published

1 week ago

January 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Silver prices fell sharply from record levels in the national capital on Thursday due to global profit-booking. The price of silver dropped by ₹12,500 to ₹2,43,500 per kilogram.

According to the All India Sarafa Association, the white metal had touched a record high of ₹2,56,000 per kilogram in the previous trading session on Wednesday. Silver had surged by ₹5,000 in that session amid strong global cues.

Gold prices also weakened on Thursday. The yellow metal declined by ₹900 per 10 grams in the local market. Traders attributed the fall to selling pressure after recent gains.

Market experts said that a rise in global prices earlier had encouraged investors to book profits. This selling pressure impacted both silver and gold prices in the domestic market.

They added that movements in international bullion prices and a stronger dollar also influenced the decline. Investors are now closely watching global economic signals for further direction in precious metal prices.

Business

India Should Boost Silver Processing, Diversify Imports

Published

2 weeks ago

January 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

India should strengthen its silver processing capabilities and diversify its import sources, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).GTRI said silver is not just a precious metal. It is also a critical input for industries and the clean energy transition.

The report highlighted the growing importance of silver in sectors such as electronics, solar energy, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. GTRI said India should secure long-term mining supplies from overseas to ensure a stable flow of raw silver.

It also recommended boosting domestic refining capacity to reduce dependence on imported finished silver. The think tank stressed the need to expand silver recycling within the country to meet rising demand.

GTRI warned that heavy reliance on a few countries for processed silver could pose supply risks. It noted that China is currently the world’s dominant processor of silver. The report advised India to diversify its import sources to improve supply security and reduce vulnerability to global disruptions.

GTRI said these measures would support India’s industrial growth and energy transition goals.