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Union Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> highlighted India's significant progress in electrification, <keyword id="23692737" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-accessibility" source="keywords">water accessibility</keyword>, and <keyword id="20879840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-empowerment" source="keywords">economic empowerment</keyword> during a fireside chat with John J Hamre, President and CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in Washington, DC. Highlighting the progress made in <keyword id="23003732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-electrification" source="keywords">rural electrification</keyword>, <keyword id="19916494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sitharaman" source="keywords">Sitharaman</keyword> highlighted that every village in India now has access to electricity. She noted that in 2014, many villages across India, including those near state capitals, lacked even basic infrastructure for electrification. She said "I don't think any village in India is unelectrified today. Households have received the connections. So, if I remember the situation in 2014, there were still many villages in many parts of India, some even very close to the state capital, provincial headquarters, without even a pole to receive the electric wires. Now, all that has been overcome. Houses have got their electricity." The Finance Minister also discussed the <keyword id="19971121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jal-Jeevan-Mission" source="keywords">Jal Jeevan Mission</keyword>, a program initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide tap water connections to every household. She explained, "Earlier, one tap water connection was provided to a village, from where everyone would take water to their home. But under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission,' each and every house gets a tap water connection." Sitharaman emphasized the positive impact of this initiative on health, sanitation, and convenience for millions of Indian families. Turning to the economic empowerment of <keyword id="20101496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="municipalities" source="keywords">municipalities</keyword> and urban centers, Sitharaman noted that these local governments are receiving increased autonomy and financial support. She explained that municipalities receive a portion of taxes collected by the central government, along with additional funds based on the Finance Commission's recommendations. "Over and above, today, we are enhancing their capacities to raise resources from the market. Municipalities are a very powerful instrument of economic development and they, on their own, are raising a lot of resources," she added. Sitharaman also expressed confidence in India's economic growth and its appeal to <keyword id="20632552" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-investors" source="keywords">global investors</keyword>. "The policies are working, reforms are happening, and they shall continue to happen," she stated, adding that "greater liberalisation of the economy will be there and, in a way, we are accessing newer markets and speaking about the <keyword id="19948184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-economy" source="keywords">Indian economy</keyword> in more avenues and platforms that will attract more investors." With ongoing reforms and increased global engagement, Sitharaman noted, India is solidifying its position as a significant player on the world stage, expanding its economic reach and inviting foreign investment.

No village in India left without access to electricity, claims FM Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi: The <keyword id="20072894" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-economy" source="keywords">Rural economy</keyword> of <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> has emerged as a significant driver of <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword>, outpacing urban areas largely due to increased <keyword id="20155204" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-spending" source="keywords">government spending</keyword> in the recent quarters, highlighted a report by <keyword id="20548750" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Anand-Rathi" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Anand Rathi" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Anand Rathi">Anand Rathi</keyword>, a financial service company. "<keyword id="20109648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-india" source="keywords">Rural India</keyword> continues to outpace urban areas in growth, largely due to a significant rise in government spending in rural regions in the last quarter," said the report. For the coming months, the report stated that the growth trend in the rural economy is expected to continue, although a moderation in growth may occur. It also added that the favourable monsoon conditions and improved sowing data are anticipated to sustain the upward trajectory in <keyword id="19931574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-demand" source="keywords">rural demand</keyword>, providing a buffer against potential economic uncertainties. "We expect this growth to moderate following the elections, favourable monsoon conditions and improved sowing data should sustain the upward trend in rural demand". The report also highlighted that the government's ambitious capital expenditure plans, amounting to Rs 11.1 trillion, are expected to stimulate infrastructure development, further enhancing rural economic prospects The rural economy plays a crucial role in the development of the country because a majority of the population still resides in rural areas. As per the Economic Survey of 2022-2023 around 65 per cent of India's population lived in rural areas in 2021. The report also highlighted that India stands out among emerging economies due to its strong GDP growth. Last year, India grew by more than 8 per cent, and the <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="RBI" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="RBI">RBI</keyword> expects a 7.2 per cent growth rate for FY25. The financial outlook is positive, with efforts to cut the fiscal deficit to 4.5 per cent. The report also noted that India's credit rating may improve because of the strong tax revenue and a large dividend from the RBI which will lead to a lower fiscal deficit than expected. "The fiscal outlook appears promising, with continued focus on reducing the fiscal deficit toward the 4.5 per cent target. Strong tax collections and a substantial RBI dividend may enable the fiscal deficit to come in lower than expected, which could potentially lead to an improved sovereign rating" said the report.

Rural economy is driving India's growth, Govt capex in infra will stimulate it: Anand Rathi report

<keyword id="19934680" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Amul" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Amul" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Amul">Amul</keyword>, India's iconic <keyword id="23447066" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dairy-cooperative" source="keywords">dairy cooperative</keyword>, is looking forward to enter the <keyword id="20845418" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="European-market" source="keywords">European market</keyword> after the successful launch of its milk in the US, according to <keyword id="20457579" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jayen-Mehta" source="keywords">Jayen Mehta</keyword>, Managing Director of Amul and the <keyword id="22666811" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gujarat-Co-operative-Milk-Marketing-Federation" source="keywords">Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation</keyword> Ltd (GCMMF). As per a PTI report, Mehta made the announcement while delivering the 11th <keyword id="23447068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dr-Verghese-Kurien" source="keywords">Dr. Verghese Kurien</keyword> Memorial Oration at XLRI, Jamshedpur, saying that this move would mark a historic milestone for the brand. Mehta framed dairy as more than a business, describing it as "a lifeline for rural India," a statement that reflects the deep cultural and economic significance of milk in the country. He credited Amul’s success to its focus on offering protein-rich, organic, and chemical-free products that consumers trust, while continually expanding its production capacity and infrastructure. Amul’s journey is rooted in the cooperative model pioneered by Dr. Verghese Kurien, often referred to as the "Milkman of India," whose vision turned India from a milk-deficient country into the world’s largest <keyword id="23447069" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="milk-producer" source="keywords">milk producer</keyword>. Mehta added, "If India could offer a gift to the world, it would be the cooperative working system-a gift Dr Kurien gave us. His belief in cooperation has sparked a new revolution in India." Amul’s daily collection of 310 lakh litres of milk, processed across 107 dairy plants in India, has turned it into a global powerhouse, with over 50 products and an annual sale of 22 billion packs. With a turnover of ₹80,000 crore, the brand is now ranked as the strongest dairy and food brand globally, owned by 3.6 million farmers. Amul’s entry into the European market would solidify India’s growing influence in the <keyword id="23447067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-dairy-sector" source="keywords">global dairy sector</keyword>, as well as honour the cooperative system that has powered Amul’s success. Nirmala Kurien, daughter of Dr. Verghese Kurien, echoed these sentiments, highlighting her father’s vision that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to a self-sufficient one. India’s deep connection to Amul goes beyond mere consumption. The cooperative’s rise is tied to the country’s rural development and empowerment of farmers, making it a symbol of economic self-reliance. As Amul prepares to conquer new markets, it carries with it the legacy of Dr. Kurien, whose commitment to making a difference continues to inspire millions. (With PTI inputs)

Amul thinking to enter European market after US success, MD Jayen Mehta calls it the lifeline for rural India

In the Pindwara village of Rajasthan, a grassroots-level initiative led by local women has transformed the community's approach to nutrition. The women, part of a self-help group, began cultivating kitchen gardens to ensure a steady supply of diverse and nutritious food for their families. These gardens now yield various fruits and vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet and reducing the community's dependence on market-bought, often less nutritious food items. This initiative has improved health and empower women by giving them control over their family's nutrition. Similarly, in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, a collective effort by local community leaders has revitalized traditional agricultural practices. The community has reintroduced indigenous crops like millets and pulses, which are more resilient to the changing climate and require fewer resources to cultivate. These crops are rich in essential nutrients and have historically been part of the local diet. The community's efforts have not only preserved these traditional foods but also improved the nutritional status of the population, particularly children and women. These <keyword id="22748061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="community-led" source="keywords">community-led</keyword> initiatives are part of a broader pattern observed in a recent study on <keyword id="22747862" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diet-diversity" source="keywords">diet diversity</keyword> in <keyword id="20109648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-India" source="keywords">rural India</keyword>. The qualitative study by NGO Vitamin Angels India and supported by UNICEF, conducted across several states, found that communities with strong local leadership and grassroots initiatives showed significant improvements in diet diversity and nutritional outcomes. According to government data, about 17% of children in the age group of 0-5 years are underweight, while 36% are stunted and 6% are wasted (too thin for their height, indicating acute malnutrition). Stunted, wasted, and underweight are key indicators of malnutrition in children aged 0-5 years. The research highlighted that while government programs and interventions are essential, the involvement and initiative of the community are critical to the success and sustainability of these efforts. One of the key findings of the study was that communities with active local participation in nutrition-related activities, such as kitchen gardening and the cultivation of traditional crops, had a higher intake of diverse and nutritious food. The research, which employed a mix of focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and home observations, reveals how collective and individual contexts -- ranging from socio-cultural norms to economic challenges -- influence dietary practices across different communities like the brick-kiln workers, fishers, and salt pan workers among others. This was particularly evident in regions where women played a central role in these initiatives. The study also noted that these communities were more resilient to food insecurity and were better able to cope with economic and environmental challenges. For example, the study looked into the lives of salt pan workers in Jodhpur who prioritize their children's nutrition despite financial hardships. They ensure that their children never go hungry, even if it means offering biscuits or bread-milk. It suggested that while government initiatives provide the necessary framework and resources, real change happens when communities take ownership of these programmes and adapt them to their local contexts. To enhance the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for pregnant women and children under five, several key recommendations emerge from the study. First, there is a critical need to strengthen the role of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, who are often the primary source of health information in many communities. By providing these workers with advanced training that equips them to offer tailored advice based on the specific socio-cultural and economic contexts of the families they serve, the reach and impact of nutritional programs can be significantly increased. Subsidies for essential complementary foods are another vital measure to address the financial barriers that many families face. These subsidies would ensure that even in economically disadvantaged households, children receive the necessary nutrients during crucial developmental stages, the study recommended. Additionally, promoting a blend of legacy knowledge with modern nutritional insights can lead to more culturally acceptable and effective practices. Health education programs that respect and incorporate local beliefs while introducing scientifically backed practices are likely to be more successful in achieving sustainable behavioral change. Support for maternal health is also paramount. Implementing programs that provide additional food or rest for pregnant women, particularly during the last trimester, can have a positive impact on both maternal and child health outcomes. These programs should be designed with an understanding of local familial structures and dynamics, ensuring that they are accessible and acceptable within the community. Community-based nutritional programs should be developed to emphasize the importance of child nutrition and encourage collective action. Workshops and informational sessions led by trusted community members or healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and encouraging healthy practices. Finally, improving access to fresh and nutritious food, particularly in remote or economically disadvantaged areas, is essential. This could involve initiatives such as creating community gardens, improving market access, or providing transportation subsidies to reach markets with a wider variety of foods.

Community-led nutrition initiatives in rural India can boost diet diversity, empower women, says study

Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> on Tuesday announced <keyword id="20404375" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="income-tax-relief" source="keywords">income tax relief</keyword> for the <keyword id="20071167" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="middle-class" source="keywords">middle class</keyword>, a Rs 2 lakh crore outlay for <keyword id="22517841" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="job-creation-schemes" source="keywords">job creation schemes</keyword> over the next five years and a spending splurge for states run by her party's new coalition partners as she unveiled <keyword id="20509939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi-3-0" source="keywords">Modi 3.0</keyword> government's first budget after the general elections. With rural distress and unemployment being blamed for BJP losing its majority, Sitharaman in her seventh straight budget provided Rs 2.66 lakh crore for <keyword id="20027688" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-development" source="keywords">rural development</keyword> and maintained spending on long-term infrastructure projects at Rs 11.11 lakh crore to boost <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword>. She abolished 'angel tax' for all classes of investors in startups, cut customs duty on mobile phones and gold and simplified capital gains tax. She, however, raised the securities transaction tax (STT) on futures and options of securities, which led to tanking of stock markets. "India's economic growth continues to be the shining exception (in a world that is gripped by policy uncertainties) and will remain so in the years ahead," she said. "In this budget, we particularly focus on <keyword id="19898684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employment" source="keywords">employment</keyword>, <keyword id="20374219" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skilling" source="keywords">skilling</keyword>, MSMEs, and the middle class." Besides Rs 2 lakh crore provided over a five year period for schemes and initiatives to facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth, "I have made a provision of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment and skilling," she said. For Bihar, where assembly elections are due next year, the finance minister announced spending of Rs 60,000 crore on infrastructure projects like expressways, power plant, heritage corridors and new airports. The support to Bihar, whose ruling party and BJP's partner JD-U has been demanding an economic package and special category status for the state, is in the form of capital projects but not subsidy or cash dole. Similarly, for Andhra Pradesh, whose ruling TDP recently joined BJP-led NDA, she allocated Rs 15,000 crore in financial aid through multilateral agencies. A similar request for support to Bihar will be expedited, she said. For the middle class, she raised standard deduction -- a flat deduction from total salary earned by an employee in a year before calculating applicable income tax rate -- by 50 per cent to Rs 75,000 and tweaked tax slabs for taxpayers opting for the new income tax regime. This will lead to taxpayers under the new tax regime -- which offers lower rates of taxes but permits limited deductions and exemptions -- saving up to Rs 17,500 in tax annually, she said. To spur employment, the Budget provided for incentives for companies, including paying for one-month salary for first-time employees, incentive at specified sale to both employee and empower with respect to their retirement fund contribution in the first four years of employment and reimbursing employers up to Rs 3,000 per month for 2 years towards EPFO contribution of each additional employee. Also, a programme to improve skills as well internship for students and subsidised loans for higher education will be provided, she said. India's official unemployment rate in urban areas is pegged at 6.7 per cent but private agencies put it at much higher levels. Buoyed by robust tax collections and a higher-than-expected dividend receipt from the Reserve Bank, Sitharaman said the government's fiscal deficit -- the difference between the total revenue earned and total expenditure -- will be trimmed to 4.9 per cent of the GDP in 2024-25, below the 5.1 per cent figure estimated in the interim budget she presented in February. She reduced gross market borrowing marginally to Rs 14.01 lakh crore. The Budget for 2024-25 fiscal (April 2024 to March 2025) allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors, aid for building 3 crore affordable housing units in urban and rural areas, provided credit support to small and medium businesses, raised small loans to Rs 20 lakh for small business, proposed setting up 12 industrial parks, and provided for setting up a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund for space sector.

Modi 3.0 1st Budget: Tax relief for middle class, Rs 2 lakh cr job scheme

The <keyword id="23960239" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Leonid-Meteor-Shower" source="keywords">Leonid meteor shower</keyword>, one of the most iconic celestial events, is currently active. If you missed its peak on the nights of November 17-18, don’t worry; the shower should still retain some razzle dazzle over the next few days. For stargazers in India, this cosmic show promises a breathtaking experience if the skies remain clear and moonlight isn’t too bright. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14.0pt;margin-bottom:4.0pt;">What makes the <keyword id="24047570" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="leonids" source="keywords">Leonids</keyword> special?</h3>The Leonids are famous for their speed and brilliance, with meteors zipping through the atmosphere at an astonishing 70 km/s. They originate from debris left behind by <keyword id="24047566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Comet-55P/Tempel-Tuttle" source="keywords">Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle</keyword>, which orbits the Sun every 33 years. Occasionally, the shower transforms into a spectacular meteor storm, with thousands of meteors per hour. Though this phenomenon won’t occur this year, the Leonids remain a treat for skywatchers. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14.0pt;margin-bottom:4.0pt;">Best time and how to watch in India</h3>To watch the showers, you have to stay up somewhat late into the night, as the radiant point in the constellation Leo becomes visible after midnight. Under ideal conditions, observers might spot around 10 meteors per hour, disappearing sometime after dawn breaks the next day. However, the waning gibbous moon may reduce visibility, so patience is key. To view the shower effectively, find a dark spot away from city lights and allow your eyes to adjust to the dark for at least 30 minutes. Don’t focus directly on Leo (the radiant point), as meteors will streak across the entire sky. You can also use apps or star maps to locate Leo, marked by its bright star Regulus and a sickle-shaped pattern representing the lion’s mane. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14.0pt;margin-bottom:4.0pt;">Fun and practical tips for stargazing</h3>Pack warm clothing, a reclining chair, and a thermos of hot tea to stay cozy while watching. No binoculars or telescopes are needed — just the naked eye and a sense of wonder. If you're a photography enthusiast, a DSLR with a wide-angle lens can help you capture the meteor trails. The Leonids’ fiery streaks and occasional fireballs make them an unmissable celestial event. Even if the moonlight dims their intensity this year, the experience of lying under the stars and marveling at this cosmic spectacle is well worth it. For the best results, keep checking local weather forecasts for clear skies and head out to dark rural areas if possible. Happy stargazing!

Leonid Meteor Shower at peak: How to watch it in India

India's largest paint maker <keyword id="20026009" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Asian-Paints" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Asian Paints" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Asian Paints">Asian Paints</keyword>, reported a 24.5% dip in its net profits for the quarter, pushing it down to Rs 1,170 crore from Rs 1,383 crore in the same quarter last year. The company's net sales during the quarter also dipped by over 2% to touch Rs 8,970 crore, compared to Rs 9,182.31 crore in the year-ago period. In a statement, Amit Syngle, MD and CEO of Asian Paints attributed the below-expectation results to tough demand conditions during <keyword id="21159844" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="April-June" source="keywords">April-June</keyword>, which also saw severe heatwaves and general elections. However, he expected the demand to pick up soon, largely on the back of improving <keyword id="22447264" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-sentiment" source="keywords">rural sentiment</keyword> and monsoon making headway in the country. The company's international sales also took hit, down to Rs 679.1 crore from Rs 695.1 crore, mainly due to liquidity and forex crises it experienced in the key markets, namely Asia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Egypt. On the other hand, Ethiopia and <keyword id="19931726" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka" source="keywords">Sri Lanka</keyword> proved beneficial for the company's international growth during the quarter. In June 2024, the company paid out a final dividend of Rs 28.15 per equity share to its shareholders. The company also reported a 7% volume growth during the previous quarter. But its EBITDA margin during the quarter shrunk from 23.1% in the same quarter last year to 18.1% between April-June 2024. The company's consolidated profits before depreciation, interest, tax, income and exceptional items dipped to Rs 1,694 crore, as compared to Rs 2,121 crore in the year ago period. <h2>Bath fitting sales inch up </h2>The only segment within the business' umbrella that registered growth was the bath fitting segment, which grew by 10%, and <keyword id="6921293" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kitchen-fittings" source="Orion">kitchen fittings</keyword>, which jumped by 4.6%. The company's industrial business grew by 5.8% due to solid growth in auto original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and the powder coating segments. At close of markets on Tuesday, the paint maker's stock was trading at Rs 2,968.00, up by 0.39%. Over the last year, the company's share has fallen by as much as 14.23%, but it remains a solid catch for long-term investors, jumping up by 116.78% over the last 5 years.

Asian Paints Q1FY25 results: Net profit dips by 25%, revenue also misses market estimates

After years of navigating regulatory challenges, <keyword id="19903807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Elon-Musk" source="keywords">Elon Musk</keyword>'s <keyword id="20034982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="satellite-internet" source="keywords">satellite internet</keyword> project, <keyword id="20034452" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Starlink" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Starlink" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Starlink">Starlink</keyword>, is on the verge of officially entering the Indian market. A recent decision by the Indian government to allocate satellite spectrum through administrative means, rather than auctioning it, has paved the way for Starlink to expand its global reach into one of the largest untapped markets for satellite-based <keyword id="21433895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="broadband-services" source="keywords">broadband services</keyword>. <h2>What does the decision mean?</h2>Recently, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) decided to administratively allocate spectrum for satellite communication services. This move rebuffed demands from local <keyword id="22223051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="telecom-giants" source="keywords">telecom giants</keyword> like <keyword id="19896911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Jio" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reliance Jio" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reliance Jio">Reliance Jio</keyword> and Bharti Airtel, which lobbied for an auction-based approach, arguing it would create a level playing field. Instead, the government followed the global norm of administrative allocation, which Musk has publicly supported as the standard for satellite communications worldwide. This administrative route means Starlink and other satellite internet providers, such as <keyword id="20561894" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OneWeb" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="OneWeb" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="OneWeb">OneWeb</keyword> and <keyword id="20045803" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jio-Satellite-Communications" source="keywords">Jio Satellite Communications</keyword>, can now gain access to satellite spectrum without competing in costly auctions. The pricing of the spectrum will still be regulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), ensuring fairness. <h2>Starlink’s history in India</h2>Starlink has long been eyeing the Indian market due to the country’s large rural population, many of whom lack reliable internet connectivity. Initially, Starlink began offering pre-orders for its satellite-based internet services in 2021. However, the company ran into regulatory hurdles and was forced to refund customers after the Indian government instructed it to comply with local laws before accepting bookings. Since then, Starlink has been working behind the scenes to secure the necessary approvals. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114243497" title="India set to lead global 6G revolution: Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>This recent shift in policy could finally allow Starlink to enter the market officially, a significant victory after nearly three years of attempts. <h2>Musk’s comments</h2>Elon Musk has been vocal about his support for administrative <keyword id="20926400" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spectrum-allocation" source="keywords">spectrum allocation</keyword>, calling any move to auction satellite spectrum "unprecedented." He believes that auctioning spectrum reserved for satellite communications, as was lobbied for by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance, could limit the ability of satellite providers like Starlink to offer affordable services. The introduction of Starlink into India’s internet landscape is expected to revolutionise connectivity in rural and underserved areas. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites promise high-speed broadband services in regions where laying fiber or other traditional infrastructure is either impractical or too costly. This could significantly reduce the digital divide, offering millions of Indians access to reliable internet for the first time. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114250683" title="We&amp;#39;re about to enter the Digital Dark Ages" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>While the decision to allocate spectrum administratively is a win for Starlink, it faces competition from local satellite players like Jio Satellite Communications and Airtel-backed OneWeb, which have already received regulatory clearances. The pricing model set by TRAI will be crucial in determining how competitively Starlink can operate in India. Moreover, the company will need to navigate India's complex regulatory landscape, which includes securing further clearances from various government bodies. Overall, the stage is set for a transformative shift in India's internet connectivity landscape, with Starlink poised to play a central role in bringing high-speed internet to even the most remote corners of the country.

India sets stage for Elon Musk’s Starlink internet services to finally enter India with latest spectrum decision

Economists at the country's largest lender, SBI, today said they see India's Q2 real GDP growth slowing down further to 6.5% in the September quarter of this fiscal year. Amid concerns over the country's economic growth rate and whether it is slowing down, the analysts said they expect FY25 growth to come "closer to" 7%. SBI analysts join a long line of agencies like Fitch, ADB, IMF, Moody, World Bank, S&amp;P, and even RBI in forecasting India's GDP growth for FY25 in the range of 6.8% to 7.2% for FY25, driven by robust consumption and investment. SIP inflows have been at an all-time high, and so has QIP (qualified institutional placement) fundraising. As many as 71 companies raised Rs 88,678 crore this year through QIPs. Activity in Indian primary markets also remained robust, with 78 mainboard IPOs in 2024; this is a 111% rise from just 38 listings in FY23. Between April and June 2024, India's real GDP grew by 6.7%, the lowest growth seen in 15 quarters, pushing experts to believe that India is caught in a cycle of slowdown. "There is some incipient pressure evident on the domestic economy. Based on our analysis of 50 meaningful leading indicators (both consumption and demand-centric), a dip looks plausible across select cohorts of agriculture, industry, and services in Q2," the <keyword id="22337294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SBI-economists" source="keywords">SBI economists</keyword> added. Stating that they track 50 indicators to gauge economic activity, SBIs note said the proportion of indicators showing acceleration declined to 69% in Q2 FY25, as against 80% in Q2 FY24 and 78% in Q1 FY25. However, things might be changing now, given that rural demand has started looking up amidst muted urban demand. SBI also explained that the ongoing regulatory tightening on unsecured lending and roadblocks that are hindering rollover/refinancing of debt through unsecured credit are dismantling the unwarranted exuberance that had built up post-pandemic, especially in the urban areas. Madhu Lunawat, CIO &amp; Fund Manager, Bharat Value Fund states that the overall investment environment remains strong due to favorable economic conditions supporting government policies &amp; reforms. "The sustainable inflow from domestic investors is going to support the Indian equity market in any kind of correction. The long-term bullish structure of Indian economy will continue to attract new domestic &amp; global investors to participate in India’s growth story through various Investment avenues.” <h2>Rate cuts not on cards</h2>RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das clarified today that changing the monetary policy stance to 'neutral' does not mean a rate cut is imminent in the central bank's next policy announcement. Notably, RBI MPC is set to meet between December 4 and 6, 2024, to decide if the prevailing repo rate of 6.5%, which has stayed unchanged for the last 2 years, should be brought down or not. In its last meeting, The <keyword id="20501100" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI-monetary-policy" source="keywords">RBI monetary policy</keyword> committee had shifted its stance to 'neutral' indicating that it is open to adjusting interest rates based on economic conditions. "It should not be assumed that we have done this, so therefore the next step is a rate cut. A change in stance doesn't mean that the next step is a rate cut in the very next meeting. It's not so," Das said. Das also cautioned that inflation remains a key factor, and inflation and CPI prints for October are expected to stay high.

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