Author: Team Admin

New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday held its key repo rate at 5.50% for the second consecutive policy review, as it assesses the effects of earlier rate cuts and recent tax reductions amid global trade uncertainties. The six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) voted unanimously to maintain the rate and continue with a “neutral” policy stance. The central bank had cut the repo rate by 100 basis points in the first half of 2025 but paused at its previous meeting in August. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the panel preferred a “wait-and-watch” approach to allow the…

New Delhi: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday said that while tariff-related developments may slow growth in the second half of FY26, recent structural reforms announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including GST rationalisation, are expected to cushion the impact of external headwinds. Speaking during the fourth bi-monthly monetary policy review of FY26, Malhotra noted that the domestic economy remains resilient, supported by a favourable monsoon, low inflation, and continued monetary easing. The central bank has revised its GDP forecast for FY26 upwards to 6.8% from the earlier estimate of 6.5%, reflecting sustained momentum in domestic economic activities…

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday ruled out any alliance with the BJP to expedite the restoration of statehood for the Union Territory, stating he would rather step down than compromise on principles. Speaking at an event in Achabal, Anantnag district, Abdullah emphasised that he would not trade political expediency for statehood. “If you want statehood at the cost of bringing the BJP into government, accept my resignation and install any MLA as chief minister I will not be part of that,” he said. Abdullah acknowledged that including the BJP might have accelerated…

New Delhi: India’s ambitious plan to develop its first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has moved closer to reality, with seven Indian defence firms submitting bids to design and build prototypes. Two companies will be shortlisted and allocated ₹15,000 crore between them to produce five prototype models, after which full-scale manufacturing rights will be awarded to the chosen partner. The AMCA project, with an estimated investment of ₹2 lakh crore, aims to deliver over 125 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, though induction into service is not expected before 2035. Once operational, India will…

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described it as a privilege to witness the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), praising the organisation for its resilience and unwavering commitment to the nation despite decades of challenges. Speaking at the Sangh’s 100-year celebrations, the Prime Minister said the organisation endured false cases, attempts to ban it, and other hurdles, yet never responded with hostility. “The RSS has never been bitter, despite repeated attempts to impose bans or frame false cases. We are part of a society that accepts both the good and the bad,” he said. Modi…

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the Election Commission of India (ECI) released the final electoral roll for Bihar following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR). BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused the Congress of double standards, pointing out that the party had not filed a single objection or complaint during the voter list revision. “As the Election Commission concludes the SIR exercise in Bihar and publishes the final voter roll, let it be noted the Congress party did not file a single complaint or objection in…

New Delhi: Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, calling it a “realistic pathway” to end years of bloodshed, dismantle Hamas’s control, and pave the way for sustainable peace and reconstruction. Azar described the proposal as a decisive moment for the region. “Either Hamas agrees diplomatically, or military operations will continue this time with international consensus,” he said, stressing that the goal is “a better future not only for us but also for our neighbours.” Trump unveiled the plan earlier this week, giving Hamas a 72-hour deadline to return Israeli hostages…