Macro

The Iran-US standoff in the Strait of Hormuz may be more damaging than the war itself, as oil at reclaims $100 a barrel for the first time in over two weeks, trade disruption and market risks weigh on India

India has approved the first withdrawal of Rs 30 billion under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework to assist Maldives with economic and financial support.

The decline in demand will primarily be in the Middle East and Asia in the April-June period.

Services activity also firmed, with the HSBC India Services PMI climbing to 57.9 from 57.5 monthonmonth, reflecting sustained demand in the sector.

The refund process opened on April 20 after a court ruling invalidated a group of tariffs imposed during President Donald Trump's trade agenda.

LPG cylinder sold to domestic households fell 8.1% in March to 2.219 million tonne while those sold to non-domestic users was down almost 48%.

Emergency measures can buy time; lasting stability demands structural reform.

The highlight of the coming week will be Parliament special session on April 16 to deliberate on the landmark Women's Reservation Bill.

India has sharply increased the windfall tax on fuel exports, raising the levy on diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre from Rs 21.5 per litre and on aviation turbine fuel to Rs 42 per litre from Rs 29.5 per litre.

From oil to mangoes, a weekly decode of the hidden economics shaping what you use, eat and pay for.

Most officials worried a protracted war could hurt the labor market and warrant lower interest rates

RBI MPC Meeting Today: Governor Sanjay Malhotra-led Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.

In a widely expected move, RBI announced no change in the repo rate amid heightened global uncertainty due to the US-Iran tensions.

To support small businesses, the RBI proposed easing onboarding requirements for MSMEs on trade platforms, aimed at improving access to financing and reducing compliance burden.

Here's how to watch RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra's speech live after the conclusion of a three-day Monetary Policy Committee meeting.

Economists expect the RBI to keep rates unchanged as rising oil prices lift inflation risks, growth momentum softens and external volatility intensifies.

The RBI MPC meeting is expected to focus on the potential inflationary impacts of the US-Iran war.

The projected outcome for FY26 points to continued resilience in India's exports amid a challenging global trade environment, although risks from geopolitical tensions and protectionist trends remain.

The government is preparing a large credit support plan to cushion sectors facing emerging stress, signalling a pre-emptive move to manage potential economic impact due to Iran war.

Officials said the GST Council is likely to convene only after the new state governments are in place.