UNDER 100 OCT

1. IMF Revises India’s 2025 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.6%

The IMF raised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.6% citing strong domestic demand and resilience in key sectors. However it cut the 2026 projection due to risks from escalating US tariffs and weaker global manufacturing. The report highlighted India’s stable inflation trends and robust services output but warned of external headwinds tied to geopolitical uncertainty and trade disruptions. Despite global pressures, India remains the fastest-expanding major economy with the IMF urging continued fiscal caution and export-market diversification.

2. RBI Says Indian Economy Resilient Room for Rate Cut

The Reserve Bank of India stated that India’s economy remains resilient amid global volatility supported by strong domestic consumption and improved credit growth. RBI officials signaled potential room for future rate cuts depending on inflation trends and global financial conditions. They cautioned however, that geopolitical risks and weak external demand could influence monetary decisions. The central bank emphasised that banking-sector stability and steady investment momentum continue to anchor India’s macroeconomic performance despite challenging global conditions.

3. RBI Governor Describes India as “Anchor of Stability”

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said India has emerged as an “anchor of stability” in an uncertain global economy marked by trade tensions and slowing growth. He noted that strong foreign-exchange reserves robust growth indicators and controlled inflation have helped the country withstand external shocks. Das warned that aggressive global trade policies could cause permanent economic damage and urged coordinated international responses. He added that India’s reforms and expanding digital ecosystem position it favorably for sustained medium-term growth.

4. KPMG Survey Shows Indian CEOs Remain Optimistic

A KPMG CEO Outlook survey showed that 83% of Indian CEOs remain optimistic about the country’s growth prospects despite global uncertainty tariff tensions and sluggish international demand. Most leaders expect increased investments in technology supply-chain diversification and infrastructure over the next three years. The survey highlighted confidence in India’s economic stability and regulatory environment even as global CEOs expressed caution. Indian executives also identified geopolitical risks and inflation as challenges but said long-term fundamentals remain strong.

5. India-US Trade Discussions Amid Tariff Tensions

Trade tensions escalated as the US considered additional tariffs on Indian goods, prompting renewed discussions between both countries. The issue gained attention after former US President Trump claimed he had earlier threatened steep tariffs during a regional conflict. India emphasized that stable trade relations are essential for supply chains and economic growth. Analysts said both nations must address disputes over market access, services mobility and manufacturing incentives. Talks are expected to continue as tariffs affect multiple export sectors.

6. World Bank Warns US Tariffs Could Slow South Asia’s Growth

A World Bank assessment warned that rising US tariffs on India could slow South Asia’s economic growth by reducing export competitiveness and increasing supply-chain costs. The report said India may face challenges in sectors such as engineering goods, textiles, and machinery due to shifting trade dynamics. However strong domestic demand and government capital expenditure are expected to cushion the impact. The Bank urged South Asian economies to diversify markets and invest in logistics efficiency to manage external shocks.

7. Indian Office Space Demand Remains Strong Despite Global Tensions

India’s office real-estate market showed strong momentum even as global trade tensions and tariff pressures affected business confidence worldwide. Major cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai reported steady leasing activity driven by technology, finance, and consulting firms expanding operations. Analysts said India remains a preferred destination for global capability centers due to cost advantages and a large skilled workforce. Despite external headwinds, occupancy levels remain high, reflecting corporate confidence in India’s long-term economic environment.

8. RBI Keeps Repo Rate at 5.5% Markets Steady

The RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.5% in its October review citing easing inflation and stable macroeconomic conditions. The central bank said it would monitor geopolitical events monsoon-linked food prices and global financial movements before making future moves. With inflation projected to remain moderate experts expect room for rate cuts in upcoming quarters. The RBI highlighted strong domestic demand, improved bank balance sheets and consistent investment flows as key drivers supporting stable economic performance.

9. Retail Inflation Falls to 0.25% Record Low

India’s retail inflation dropped to 0.25% in October, the lowest rate recorded driven by easing food prices and GST-related rationalisation. Economists said the sharp decline strengthens the case for monetary easing though risks from crop volatility and global commodity fluctuations remain. The government said low inflation supports consumer spending and stabilises purchasing power. The reading marks a rare period of ultra-low inflation, providing macroeconomic flexibility at a time of global price uncertainty and geopolitical disruptions.

10. Trump–Xi South Korea Summit Amid Global Tensions

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in South Korea for a high-stakes dialogue on trade rare-earth exports and strategic security issues. Both leaders discussed the impact of tariffs tensions in the South China Sea and technology-transfer restrictions. Although no major breakthrough occurred they agreed to resume negotiations at working levels. Observers said the meeting aimed to de-escalate global uncertainty as markets awaited clarity on bilateral relations and supply-chain disruptions.

11. Omar Abdullah Says J&K Statehood Hopes Are Fading

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he is losing faith that the Centre will restore the region’s statehood soon. He explained that repeated delays have created confusion for both the administration and the public. Omar said the uncertainty is hurting governance and weakening trust in the democratic process. His comments sparked political debate. Opposition parties blamed the Centre for the delay while BJP leaders said the government is still reviewing the matter. The issue remains a key concern in J&K politics.

12. NC and BJP Vote Together to Block PDP’s Anti-Bulldozer Bill

In an unexpected move the National Conference and the BJP joined together in the J&K Assembly to reject the PDP’s anti-bulldozer bill. The bill aimed to regularise long-term encroachments on government land and protect affected families. PDP leaders criticised the vote, saying it goes against public interest. The cooperation between NC and BJP surprised many as the parties are usually rivals. Analysts said the incident shows shifting political equations in J&K and growing uncertainty in regional alliances.

13. Congress Refuses to Contest ‘Unsafe’ Rajya Sabha Seat

Before the Rajya Sabha elections the Congress announced it would not contest a fourth seat in J&K calling it too risky based on its numbers. The decision caused tension with its ally the National Conference which expected Congress to contest as part of their seat-sharing plan. The move raised doubts about the strength of the opposition bloc especially with the BJP working to expand its influence in the region. Political analysts said the decision could weaken the opposition’s overall strategy.

14. Rahul Gandhi Says India’s Democracy Is Under Attack

During a visit to Colombia Rahul Gandhi said India’s democratic institutions are facing a “wholesale attack.” He pointed to pressure on the media, opposition voices and civil society. His statement drew strong criticism from the BJP, which accused him of harming India’s image abroad. Rahul defended his remarks saying it is important to speak openly about threats to democracy. The exchange added to rising political tension as several states prepare for elections with both sides using the issue to rally supporters.

15. Amit Shah Predicts Big NDA Win in Bihar Elections

During a campaign visit to Bihar Home Minister Amit Shah said the NDA is likely to win the upcoming assembly elections by a large margin. He argued that the opposition’s promises on jobs and welfare schemes are unrealistic and would strain the state’s finances. Shah highlighted development work done by the Centre as proof of the NDA’s strong performance. Opposition parties dismissed his claims as campaign rhetoric. The comments signaled a more aggressive election phase in the state.

16. Jairam Ramesh Says BJP Undermined OBC Reservation History

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of betraying the OBC cause by helping bring down the Karpoori Thakur government in 1979 which had introduced early OBC reservation policies. His comments came after the Prime Minister’s visit to Thakur’s birthplace which the Congress said was driven by election politics in Bihar. Ramesh argued the BJP cannot claim to support OBCs while denying its past actions. BJP leaders rejected the charge accusing Congress of twisting history to gain votes.

17. Congress Says Centre Is Weakening the RTI Act

On the 20th anniversary of the RTI Act the Jharkhand Congress accused the central government of weakening the law. The party said delays in responses and increasing control over information commissioners are reducing transparency. They argued that this has made it harder for citizens to access important public information. The BJP denied the allegations, saying digitisation has improved the RTI system and made access faster. The exchange revived discussion on how to improve transparency and accountability in government.