Indian Economy Updates for december 2008

Indian economy consistes of various sectors including finance sector, Agricultural sector, Policy sector(includes government policy updates), Foreign trade sector, Infrastructure updates. So i have tried to put all of the sectors together under particular date of the month of December in this post.

Following are the main economic updates for indian economy:
(click on the link to read full story)

What others are reading now:
-Plan for World Economy Revival
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

December 2008 India Economic Updates :

Govt plans Rs 350-cr export package
PC, PM’s panel favour more interest rate cuts
Vaghela seeks sops for textile industry
Sharad Yadav meets PM, seeks Rs 14,800 crore package for Bihar
Bill to raise capital of LIC to Rs 100 crore introduced in LS
Rise in donations abroad raises fresh questions
Swinging Re adds to woes of slowdown-hit exporters
GCC suspends EU free-trade talks
Textiles exports may fall short of target
Tatas, GMR, L&T in race for 60 NHDP projects
Reliance Infra bags Haryana road projects
Farmers fancy blue berries, to grow fruit here
Foreign trade policy to continue beyond March 2009
WTO chief postpones meeting on global trade deal
Govt approves 21 road projects: Finance Ministry

December 8, 2008 India Economic updates :

Infra cos say more funds needed to boost growth
RBI may further cut repo rate by 150 bps: Goldman
Power gear bidding must be wired to global tenders
Govt announces package including tax cuts to boost economy
RBI rate cuts unlikely to stem slowdown - Citi
Govt's stimulus may not be effective: JPMorgan
Fiscal package positive for market sentiment
WTO releases revised blueprints for Doha free trade talks
Oct tea exports fall 5 pc as demand dips
Rs 2,000-cr boost fails to cheer exporters
Infra cos say more funds needed to boost growth
Proposals to set up industrial units worth Rs 90,480 crore
NHDP's road stretches likely to be built on annuity model
Agricultural scientist stresses need for food security
Govt weighs sops for cotton sector
Spending on agriculture up 80 percent: Government


For knowing previous month's Indian economic updates (click here)

RBI cuts repo rate by 100 bps

The Reserve Bank of India on Saturday cut the repo rate - the rate at which RBI lends to banks - by 100 basis points to 6.5 per cent from 7.5 per cent and reverse repo - the rate at which banks park excess funds with RBI - by 100 basis points to 5 per cent from 6 per cent, effective from December 8.

However it has kept cash reserve ration (CRR) - the proportion of deposits banks must keep with the central bank - unchanged at 5.5 per cent. The 6.5 per cent repo rate is the lowest rate in 2-1/2 years, while the 5 per cent reverse repo rate is its lowest in more than three years.

The RBI has taken the steps to boost growth and shore up investor confidence amid signs of economic slowdown and in the wake of deadly attacks in Mumbai.

What others are reading now:
-Plan for World Economy Revival
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

"Industrial activity, particularly in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, is decelerating," RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao told a news conference.

Subbarao said the central bank would closely monitor developments in global and domestic financial markets and would take swift and effective action as appropriate.

"The Reserve Bank's policy endeavour will be to minimise the negative impact of the crisis and to ensure an orderly adjustment," he said.

Saturday's decision was the first change in the reverse repo rate since July 2006.

The cash reserve ratio, the proportion of deposits banks must keep with the central bank, was left unchanged at 5.5 per cent.

Expectations of rate reductions have mounted ever since last week's attacks in Mumbai in which gunmen brought the business district to a standstill as they holed up in two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre, killing 171 people.

What others are reading now:
-Plan for World Economy Revival
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

The benchmark 10-year bond yield fell 8 basis points to 6.76 per cent on Friday ahead of the central bank's decision, which had been well flagged by government officials, and the rupee gained against the dollar.

The government is also expected to announce fiscal measures to give impetus to the economy, which data show may be decelerating more rapidly than anticipated from an annual rate of 9 per cent in the fiscal year which ended last March.

Fiscal deficit set to sharply deteriorate from now on

India’s budget deficit for April-September 2008 may not compare very badly with the same period a year ago, but it threatens to deteriorate in the months ahead as the government may have to step up spending to stimulate the economy even while tax revenue growth is slackening amid slowing corporate activity.

The fiscal deficit for the six months to September 2008 was an estimated 4.1% of the nominal GDP compared to 3.8% at the end of the same period last year. Likewise, revenue deficit for the same period was 3.1% at the end of first half of the current fiscal compared to 2.9%, a year ago. These numbers will likely worsen as the arrears of the Sixth Pay Commission awards due to be paid this year are fully disbursed.

What others are reading now:
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

Already, data made public by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on November 28 point to further deterioration of the fiscal position. The fiscal deficit for the seven months to October was higher by 42% compared to a year ago, while it was only 26% higher at the end of September.
read full post (click here)

Economy of India to grow slower this year

"Companies across sectors have begun announcing plant shutdowns and delays in project implementation. The negative factors appear to more than offset the possible lagged impact of aggressive monetary easing and lower commodity
prices," Citi said in a report.

It said reduced domestic investment on the back of tighter credit standards and external weaknesses should slow GDP growth to 6.8 per cent in the current fiscal and 5.5 per cent in the next fiscal.

In its report on Financial Markets prospects in 2009, Citi said its forecasts factor in a further 200 basis point reduction in policy rates by the RBI.

What others are reading now:
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

With inflation down to 8.40 per cent, the Reserve Bank is expected to cut policy rates, repo and reverse repo, along with a fiscal stimulus package by the Government, to spur economic growth.

The Indian economy grew by 7.8 per cent in the first half of the fiscal from 9.3 per cent a year ago, and analysts predict further slowdown in the remaining period of this fiscal.

According to official sources, over 65,000 employees have lost jobs during the three-month period ending October in India on account of the economic slowdown.

"A sample survey of 21 companies found that 65,507 jobs were lost in the country in various sectors between August and October," a source said.

Besides, exporters have lost orders worth Rs 1,792 crore on account of the slowdown in global trade and lack of demand from the US and European markets, the main destinations of Indian products.

Citi further said that due the global recession, India's export growth would slow to 5.9 per cent in the next fiscal.

What others are reading now:
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

However, lower oil prices, coupled with new oil and natural gas discoveries, will likely result in an improvement in the trade and current account deficits in that year, it added.

India's exports declined by over 12 per cent to $12.8 billion in October against $14.5 billion a year ago.

As such, the export target for this year is expected to be cut to USD 175 billion this fiscal against the earlier projection of $200 billion.

- source www.economictimes.com

- posted under economy of india, india economy updates, india economy growth, economy of india 2008-09

RS v/s US $ - December updates - India economy

Indian economy trends are very important for those who are into economic analysis in India, Indian National rupee popularly known as INR in international market is following a downward trend due to global financial turbulance. As volume of US dollars (USD) in international markets is on a decline so the value of US $ is growing up, well indian IT industrycan feel better to some extent and is the only industry which would be getting a plus from current market scenario.

The post would include (US$ v/$ rupee) daily trends the rate shown of Indian rupee would be as displayed at time of stock markets closure(mainly BSE and NSE) you can also see daily Stock market live rates and closing rates.

INR(Indian National rupee) v/s US$ November trends/updates are as follows:

format for display of rs v/s $ would be in following order:

(date | RS v/s $ rate Daily trends updates | Remarks with respect to US $)

31/12/2008 | 48.50 | Up^0.26 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 26 paise wrto US $

30/12/2008 | 48.76 | Down(-0.87) | Rupee fell by 87 paise wrto US $

29/12/2008 | 47.89 | Up^1.10 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 110 paise wrto US $

17/12/2008 | 47.33 | Up^0.49 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 49 paise wrto US $

16/12/2008 | 47.98 | Up^0.58 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 58 paise wrto US $

15/12/2008 | 48.52 | Up^0.19 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 19 paise wrto US $

12/12/2008 | 48.52 | Up^0.60 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 60 paise wrto US $

10/12/2008 | 49.22 | Up^0.47 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 47 paise wrto US $

8/12/2008 | 49.69 | Up^0.10 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 10 paise wrto US $

6/12/2008 and 7/12/2008 saturday and sunday resp (8/12/2008 rates are wrto 7/12/2008)

5/12/2008 | 49.69 | Up^0.21 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 21 paise wrto US $

4/12/2008 | 49.90 | Up^0.62 | Rupee (INR) grew stronger by 62 paise wrto US $

3/12/2008 | 50.52 | Down(-0.43) | Rupee fell by 43 paise wrto US $

Mumbai Terrorist Attack - Do we need more for awakening our government??

It started with Bangalore Terrorist attack, Ahmadabad Terrorist attack, Delhi terrorist attack, Assam terrorist attack and the latest to the list is Mumbai Terrorist attack in which the encounter is still going on at iconic landmarks of Mumbai!! that's ridiculous , the question arises that are Indian intelligence agencies like RAW and other regional intelligence agencies of India sleeping?? the answer in present day context is that they are not sleeping but have died! so many terrorist attacks apart from Jammu and Kashmir (that comes as a default) along with such incidents, all happening in one year actually even less then that, i can say that Indian intelligence agencies have died.

Mumbai witnessed worst ever terrorist attack of the decade and all on major iconic tourist points which represented growing India, Mumbai which is also financial capital of Indian subcontinent witnessed terrorist operations for well over 48 hours (26th November 2008 - 29th morning in TAJ PALACE HOTEL) and government is unable to give any logical explanation for whole episode isn't it ? actually politicians, Cm do not actually know what the CM position, intelligence agencies are all about they are such an illiterate in knowing what does CM actually means , according to major CM's of all india majority knows only money making and giving some stupid condolence message after such episode every time , i have become sick of hearing such messages from PM, CM's of that state this year because i have already heard such nonsense for more then four times this year alone.

What others are reading now:
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

In a country where you don't know whether person standing next to you is from India itself or some illegal immigrant, no id's anything isn't that bullshit on government's face, one thing is worth mentioning is that in any of such terrorist attacks none of the minister has died(either of center government or state government) has died! so is life of stupid common man of no importance to this country, the casualities just becomes statistics for government and then the file is kept in some dark corner of government office and is opened after one year just to recall the episode and give one condolence message again (what a bullshit is it all around) .

So where stupid common man go from here? that's a big question which requires immediate answer from within ourselves because it's only that we'll will suffer the most from such inhuman acts, Taj Mahal palace hotel was considered one of the best hotel in whole world ( i saw it's episode on discovery channel series " Great hotel's of world") and the whole Marine Drive road is high profile road, and terrorist opted for the sea route this time, but how could a boat enter Indian shores laden with Ak 47's, rifles , hand grenades and tonnes of ammunition, other sophisticated arms , the whole operation continued for more then 48 hours with Indian Army, National Security Guards(NSG), Maharashtra police losing their top police brass. It's too ridiculous on part of Indian intelligence agencies and Indian government who had a clue that this time terrorists could use Indian coast line for attacking but didn't want to do anything for safety of common man, they are busy gathering money, bribes and all other stuff Icould write another post on bribe too but that will deviate me from this post.

What others are reading now:
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

I can't take it any more, Government can't repeat dialogues like " It's worst act by terrorists, but Indians will not be affected and will face it like they have shown it many times before and BLAH BLAH BLAH" I have become sick of listening to such dialogues on TV channels after such incident. These sentences have become a habit for government officials in media over and again. One political party said " Time has come to go above politics and their party will play no blame games this time" YUCK!! what a crap! let's see how they go against their this statement in few days, Left parties have always remained against Indian development with their anti US policies as seen in Indian US Nuclear deal which i have already mentioned in one of my previous post ( READ POST NOW) and still their blame game is on, I read in news they were saying "RR patil should resign", according to me they are the worst regional pary of whole india.

I know fight against terrorism will still move at snail's pace even after the whole Mumbai Terorist attack episode, Indian Government simply sucks all politicians are here for making fast bucks and giving condolence messages but not doing any thing to correct the system and make an independent anti terrorist front. After winning in elections the first work which a MP or MLA performs is collecting back the money which He/She has paid for getting ticket in the elections and you think that government does not know this then you are very wrong, Government knows everything but "ghar saaf karne mein haath kaun gande kare".

What others are reading now:
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

My friend who is from Maharashtra itself told to me that Indian Custom's Department in Mumbai has reserved area on Bombay coast which is used only for allowing smuggling of goods, i mean that good's are not checked at all, Making it more clear Indian Custom's Department takes bribe and allows the ship to go to the port on Indian shore and portion of this bribe goes to all the politicians with minister's getting their share, terrorists might have taken advantage of the fact and their ammunition entered Mumbai and what happened after that is in front of all of us.

During whole Mumbai terror operation around 150 people lost their life's (that's government figure actual casualties would be actually double)One militant was captured alive so do you think some thing will come out of his mouth or government will get any clue, actually nothing will happen a case will open and would run for at least 10 years and before that one more such attack and terrorist will demand to free him. and we can expect lot of cases in future.

What others are reading now:
-Indian Economic Summit Updates
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

So in my opinion and history it is very clear that Indian intelligence agencies whether at national level or at state level have died, they simply sucks and custom's department is busy in filling their pocket's by taking bribe from smuggler's on Mumbai coast, i wonder why don't they kill the terrorists which are inside the indian jails, if they do then Human Rights Activists come after a long sleep, So if we see from government's eyes we can expect such sentences in future too like " PEOPLE OF INDIA WOULD OVERCOME SUCH ATTACKS", "SUCH ATTACKS WOULD NOT CHANGE INDIAN SPIRITS" politicians around the country would never be able to go 2 steps ahead of terrorist activities.

The mob has to do something on their behalf without expecting anything from politicians this anything can be similar to one shown in movie "A WEDNESDAY" awesome movies a must watch for every true Indian, Rang De Basanti showed a very correct image of Indian politicians. One thing is sure that Indian politicians suck and ind India Common man is the m0st foolish of the whole lot.

- Himanshu Sharma
published under - Mumbai terrorist attack 2008, attack on mumbai, Taj palace hotel attack, Indian intelligence failure, Mumbai terror updates

Indian Economic Summit - Updates

Indian Economic summit being held at New Delhi has clearly reflected unease due to current economic crises which all started as mortgage crises in mid of this year when US financial institutions failed and became bankrupt especially Investment banks of USA. However Indian finance minister P. Chitambaram was hopeful for a revival of economic situation prevalent in world and would have more affect on Indian economy in 2009 as told by earlier post (read post now).

the highlights of Indian Economic Summit(24th edition) can be summed as below:

The ill-effects of a recession in the US and an overall global economic downturn weighed heavily in the minds of corporate leaders, even though many felt that India, with its high growth rate, even if slowing, was better equipped than many others to tide over the situation.

“This recession threatens to be a longer and deeper recession affecting most industrialised countries and we in India are experiencing the spill-over effects of what is happening in advanced countries,” Finance Minister said.

“While world output will decline - and to that extent affect our exports, affect some capital inflows, affect external credits - we must be able to quickly substitute or compensate for that by stimulating domestic demand and providing liquidity in the domestic market” Chidambaram said.

“Let us assume that for another month or two there will be further bad news, but even then we will grow at a satisfactory growth rate. Next year we will bounce back to a much better growth rate.”

The Indian economy is predicted by various think tanks and the central bank to grow at between 7-8 percent this year.

But the corporate sector remained apprehensive, having to contend with a demand slowdown, mounting inventories, higher input costs, rising cost of borrowings, depreciating rupee, volatile capital markets, lower profits if not losses, and resisting the unpleasant task of job cuts.

“There is a crisis of confidence,” said K.V. Kamath, president of the event's co-host, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and managing director of ICICI Bank, India's largest in the private sector.

“There is an urgent need to boost public confidence in the fundamentals of the economy for a recovery to take place,” said Kamath, adding: “I am also the first to concede that there is a change of mood to the other end of the spectrum."

Last year, the mood was entirely different. The Indian economy was racing ahead with the nine-percent-plus growth, exports were booming, inflation was moderate, the markets were on an upswing and corporate India was rolling in profits.

As a result, this year's event saw few participants talk about the need for the government to push ahead with reforms, the need to spruce up infrastructure or the need to liberalise foreign direct investment regime further.

Their focus was clear: The US economy was in recession, which had spilled over to some European counties as well, and that Japan, the world's second largest economy, was now adding to the depressing news with a confirmed recession.

Yet, not all participants agreed with the gloom and doom theory being propagated by some stakeholders, especially in the backdrop of a 50-percent-plus fall in a key equity market index and falling corporate profits.

“I'm hearing concern expressed here about six percent growth. In the West, that growth would be considered quite fantastic," said James Quigley, chief executive of the US-based accounting giant Deloitte, among an estimated 700 delegates from 35 countries.

From the managing director of Asian Development Bank Rajat M. Nag to World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, and from Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to India's Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, all maintained that the Indian economy was resilient enough to tide over the crisis.

And it was this underlying sentiment that Chidambaram sought to highlight while asking India Inc not to panic and assuring that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and the central bank would take all necessary steps to minimise the impact of global crisis on India.

"The classic response to demand slowdown is to cut prices for the short-term," he told participating industrialists, while calling specifically upon airlines, realtors, automobile makers and consumer durables companies to lower prices to stimulate demand.

“All I ask is, there are enough people to spread gloom and doom. Just have your chin up, and in six-nine months, or maybe 12, we will be back to normal growth rates that we are used to.”

- source Economictimes.com

Cheers!! Inflation down to single digit - November 2008

The inflation rate fell sharply to a near six-month low of 8.98% for the week ended November 1, a drop of almost 4% from its August peak.

The decline is due to less demand in the market for the commodities.The decline, helped by a steep drop in prices of some petroleum products and metals, will provide a welcome relief to the central government reeling under a raft of bad news on the economic front from falling exports and a drop in tax collections. Politically, this could help the government ahead of key state elections later this month.

What others are reading now:
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

Inflation as measured by the wholesale price index (WPI) — the most watched inflation measure — dropped 1.74% from 10.72% in the preceding week, official data from the Office of the Economic Advisor in the ministry of commerce and industry showed. It hit a peak of 12.91% in early August, but still remains more than double the 3.35% inflation seen in the same week last year.

“I was surprised by the quantum of fall in the fuel index. After consolidating around this level for coming weeks, I expect the inflation number to drop to the 8% territory by end-November,” said ICRA economist Saumitra Chaudhari and a member of the prime minister’s economic advisory council.

The fall in fuel prices, especially those which are not government-controlled, is expected to have a positive impact for the manufacturing sector, going forward since fuel is a key input cost for industry. For instance, the cost of jet fuel comprises almost 40% of the operational cost of an airline.

What others are reading now:
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

Food prices inched up marginally during the period, rising 0.1%, but analysts expected the food articles index to move down in coming weeks, given the forecasts for a robust winter harvest.

Crisil principal economist DK Joshi said that the slowdown in the economy meant that both demand-supply side pressures were easing and inflation would not emerge as a major concern until the overall economic growth revived.

We can also get a cut in fuel prices as government is thinking about a fuel price cut. It may be noted that Crude oil prices have come down to US$ 58 level when compared to $ 147 levels few months back. so more drop in inflation is predicted by me in coming future due to possible fuel price cut by indian government.

What others are reading now:
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

- with extracts from economictimes.com

India Economy would be hit more in 2009 - thanks to Global crises

The global downturn will pressurise the Indian economy more next year and the government has to speed up reforms and boost investment to sustain high growth rates.

The report jointly prepared by World Economic Forum and Confederation of Indian Industry also said India could see a sharp outflow of capital, and a fall in share and asset prices due to the global financial crises. The report was released ahead of the annual India Economic Summit starting Nov. 16 in New Delhi, where top government officials are expected to interact with heads of global firms.

What others are reading now:
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy


"India's dependence on capital flows to finance its current account deficit is a macroeconomic risk and the global crisis could generate a sharp increase in capital outflows and a reduction in the availability of finance,Clearly, the global economic picture will be harsher next year and there will be greater pressures on Indian economy." it said

"It (global crisis) could also weaken the balance sheets of the financial institutions, cause a further fall in share and asset prices, and challenge the macroeconomic situation due to shrinking global growth," WEF said.

Indian policymakers expect a moderation in economic growth to less than 8 percent in the year to March 2009, compared with 9 percent recorded in 2007/08 fiscal year.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cautioned that the global financial crisis could be more severe and prolonged, and the government would take all necessary steps monetary and fiscal to protect growth.

"A tighter environment may also help speed reforms and encourage greater efficiency," WEF said, adding a great deal of political will and dialogue with

What others are reading now:
-Rs v/s US$ latest updates
-World's Strongest economies list
-Trouble in Indian Forex
-Indian Agricultural Updates
-Effect of Recession on Indian economy

different stakeholders would be required to take reforms forward.

However India economy will be less affected when compared to global economies. The growth of Indian economy would be strong for coming decade that's for sure.

Rupee may return to strength by early to mid 2010

Worried over the sharp depreciation of the rupee? Here's some solace for you. Risk management consultancy major Mecklai Financial has predicted the rupee will begin to rise again by late 2009 and could return to strength by early to mid 2010.

In its latest research report, Mecklai has said that capital flows will take some time to return to 'normal'. However, "we believe that by late 2009, we should see investment flows resume, which should be the trigger for some modest strength in the rupee ...which could return to strength by early to mid 2010."

Even today "the silver lining for India is that the sharp depreciation of the rupee has rendered exports much more competitive. So, too, the dramatic fall in oil will make the trade balance much more manageable," the report says.

Of course, capital flows remain a major negative for the rupee. After having more than quadrupled to $108bn over the previous two years, capital inflows are expected to fall to $31bn in 2008-09. Portfolio flows are forecast to decrease by $10bn, as compared to an increase of $29bn in the previous fiscal, while borrowings are expected to fall from $41bn to $15bn. FDI has been the only bright spot this year, doubling to $10bn for Apr-Aug 2008; despite the crisis, the net figure should easily surpass last year's level of $15bn.

However, with equity prices having fallen 60% this year, as a result of which many, many companies are cheap even compared to their cash assets, and the credit market slowly on its way to normalcy, "we would expect capital flows to begin to show improvement by the second half of 2009," the report says.

The RBI's recent decision to reverse all restrictions it had placed on ECBs, NRI deposits, and FII flows through participatory notes is timely and will boost flows as and when the environment improves. Interestingly, one of the fallouts of this crisis is that "we will have a more liberal external account when the smoke clears."

Of course, the overall balance of payments is expected to be negative in fiscal 2009 and has already resulted in a substantial drawdown of reserves. However, in view of the factors listed above, "we believe fiscal 2010 should see a surplus of around $20bn, which should support a return to a modestly stronger rupee," the report says.

Rs v/s US $ - November 2008 - daily updates

Indian economy trends are very important for those who are into economic analysis in India, Indian National rupee popularly known as INR in international market is following a downward trend due to global financial turbulance. As volume of US dollars (USD) in international markets is on a decline so the value of US $ is growing up, well indian IT industrycan feel better to some extent and is the only industry which would be getting a plus from current market scenario.

The post would include (US$ v/$ rupee) daily trends the rate shown of Indian rupee would be as displayed at time of stock markets closure(mainly BSE and NSE) you can also see daily Stock market live rates and closing rates.

INR(Indian National rupee) v/s US$ November trends/updates are as follows:

format for display of rs v/s $ would be in following order:
(date RS v/s $ rate Daily trends updates Remarks with respect to US $)

(November 28,2008) | RS v/s $ | 49.85 | Up^0.12 | grew stronger by 12 paise/US $

(November 25,2008) | RS v/s $ | 50.09 | Down(-0.06) | weaker by 6 paise/US$

(November 24,2008) | RS v/s $ | 50.03 | Up^0.49 | grew stronger by 0.49 paise

(November 21,2008) | RS v/s $ | 50.52 | Down(-0.78) | weaker by 78 paise/US$

(November 20,2008) | RS v/s $ | 49.74 | Down(-0.06) | weaker by 06 paise/US$

(November 19,2008) | RS v/s $ | 49.68 | Down(-0.69) | weaker by 69 paise/US$

(November 18,2008) | RS v/s $ | 48.99 | Up^0.47 | grew stronger by 0.47 paise

(November 17,2008) | RS v/s $ | 49.46 | Up^0.67 | grew stronger by 0.67 paise

(November 14,2008) | RS v/s $ | 48.79 | - | No change wrto previous day

(November 13,2008) | RS v/s $ | 48.79 | Down(-1.20) | weaker by 120 paise/US$

(November 12,2008) | RS v/s $ | 47.59 | Down(-0.27) | weaker by 27 paise

(November 11,2008) | RS v/s $ | 47.32 | Up^0.44 | grew stronger by 0.44 paise

(November 7,2008) | RS v/s $ | 47.68 | Down(-0.50) | weaker by 50 paise

(November 6,2008) | RS v/s $ | 47.18 | Up^1.44 | grew stronger by 144 paise

(November 5,2008) | RS v/s $ | 48.62 | Up^0.34 | grew stronger by o.34 paise

(November 4,2008) | RS v/s $ | 48.96 | Up^0.29 | Rupee became stronger by 2%

(November 3,2008) | RS v/s $ | 49.25 |Up^0.00 | No change

Also see:
October 2008 Rs v/s US $ trends

India Economy Updates-November 2008

Agriculture Updates, Infrastructure updates, updates on foreign trade, india economy updates, indian rupee updates all in one post.
India Economy Updates November 2008 are as follows:(just click on the link to read full story) Foreign trade updates, Infrastructure updates, India Agriculture updates, India Economy updates, India Economic Policy updates, Finance sector updates all in a single post now isn't that great post on India Economy updates!!


Latest India Economy, India business news updates:
US recession and effect on India - never told before
Live BSE, NSE, DJIA, NASDAQ rates
World's rchest and strongest economy list


25th-November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
New telecom operators can't sell stakes for three years: Government
Government imposes curbs on import of more steel items
Light Is Right: Reforms to rid corporates of bulky statements
Govt says RBI's bias towards growth may deepen
Russia bundles Imperial buy with SAIL orders
Breakthrough in WTO talks possible this year: US official
Canada and Colombia sign a free trade agreement
Transport sop hits dead end
C&C Constructions bags order worth Rs 635 cr
Agriculture growth likely to stay at 4%: Sharad Pawar


22nd,23rd,24th-November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
Govt readies Rs 50,000 crore for infrastructure projects
Govt may not opt for financial package
Investment firms may get FDI push
Govt says RBI's bias towards growth may deepen
Subbarao to meet bank CEOs
RBI to open Rs 20,000 cr special refinance window for SMEs
Breakthrough in WTO talks possible this year: US official
Canada and Colombia sign a free trade agreement
Logjam in global trade: Ports become parking lots
C&C Constructions bags order worth Rs 635 cr
IVRCL Infra bags orders worth Rs 530 cr
Akzo Nobel to invest Rs 90 cr in new plant in India
Agriculture growth likely to stay at 4%: Sharad Pawar
Agri sector may not create more jobs
Farmers turning entrepreneurs for greener pastures


20th,21st-November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
Eco adviser says reforms needed to sustain growth
Indira Gandhi's vision saved us from current financial crisis: Sonia Gandhi
Will employ all policy tools to fight crisis: PM
Foreign borrowings aplenty for India Inc despite turmoil
Adopt uniform definition for policy lapsation: IRDA
FDI in credit info cos likely to go up to 49%
India Tajikistan ink DTAA
WTO meet to begin next week
Malaysia, India to develop mutual capital market investment
Metro man Sreedharan putting India on fast track
Alternative network for defence to be completed by 2011: DoT


19th,November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
RBI asks banks to seek refinance credit to fund small units
Govt to raise spending on infrastructure
Government changes customs duty on steel, soyoil
Better deal soon for prospective miners
Grim outlook for FDI: OECD
NHB may help construct more roofs for aam aadmi
Malaysia, India to develop mutual capital market investment
UK companies look to India to help offset economic gloom
Shield jobs to get bigger export incentive shield


18th,November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
India sees growth accelerating to 9 pc next year
Govt won't shy away from taking more steps: Montek
Govt imposes 5% import duty on steel
New urea policy loses sheen with sharp fall in global prices
RBI watching economy, to act at right time: Subbarao
RBI may consider fresh liquidity steps to propel growth: Mohan
Cut excise duties, interest rates to drive demand: CII
Financial crisis: Calling for unity in adversity
PM panel reviews export incentive pack
Exporters to UK feel the heat of falling British currency
Cane crushing begins on sour price note
Crisis forces SEZ developers to review plans


17th,November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
PE inflows dip 72 pc amid global credit crisis
RBI allows housing finance cos to raise funds from overseas
RBI committed to maintaining liquidity flow
LIC may get to invest more in corporate debt
Crisis forces SEZ developers to review plans
Shanghai to invest $73 bn on development


15th,November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
Govt feels outsourcing won't be an issue in ties with US
Ahluwalia calls for coordinated fiscal stimulus
Hypothetical tax paid abroad not income: ITAT
Cement, steel included in focus market scheme
Treat Repo, Reverse Repo as borrowed & lent: RBI
Recession in West, Australia reaches out to India
Govt feels outsourcing won't be an issue in ties with US
Edible oil imports jump 19% on lower global price
'Delayed mega infra projects are sub-standard, not NPAs'
PM approves Rs 300 cr special grant for IGCC Vijaywada plant

14th,November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
Oil slips below $58 despite stock rally
D&B expects RBI to cut key rates by 50 bps
Long way for China, India to shield world from downturn
Centre puts brakes on edible oil import for PDS after prices crash in global mkts
GVKPIL to sell 49% in SPV to Macquarie for Rs 465 cr
Seed farming for jatropha may be banned

13th,November-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
Oil prices steady after fall to near 50 dollars
Emerging economies more vulnerable to credit crisis: Lamy
Govt likely to clarify stand on KG-D6 gas price tomorrow
Govt should re-impose import duty on steel: Roongta
India to strengthen rural tourism
Banks want to have a LAF as liquidity woes continue
India Inc warms up to Japanese cos
Traders hit as short-term credit rates stay high
GVKPIL to sell 49% in SPV to Macquarie for Rs 465 cr


November 12-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
Govt to consider fuel price cut if crude stabilises: Deora
Govt may cut fuel price if crude, currency stabilise
RBI may cut rates again by March: ICICI Securities
EPFO defers plans to withdraw SDS deposits
RBI offers Rs 50,650 crore at special repo
PSUs protest parking 60% fund in PSBs
Traders hit as short-term credit rates stay high
Right policy paradigm for natural assets abroad
Reliance SEZ to be built on Mumbai debris
Financial crisis to hit agricultural production: FAO


November 10,11-2008 India Economy Updates are as follows:
Oil prices tumble under 57 dollars
Government CPSEs to park 60% surplus funds with PSU banks
Govt watching cheap steel imports; decision on import duty soon
FIPB no to treaty shopping clamp on FDI
Govt may ask cos to set up grievance redressal panel
RBI sells state loans for 35.95 bn rupees
Govt asks firms to keep funds with govt-run banks
Pre-paid cards, meal vouchers under RBI lens
Right policy paradigm for natural assets abroad
Exports plunge to five-year low in October
Stainless steel importers oppose import duty; seek FM's help
Maha govt to build 10 lakh houses in two years: Deshmukh
Monmohan Singh seeks infra investments from Qatar
Rs 9521.27 crore paid to farmers for paddy in Punjab
Let wheat export ban stay for now as global prices’re low
Debt-relief package for coffee industry on the anvil



November 8,9-2008 India Economy updates:
Population of employed Asians in US falls
PM confident India will grow between 7-7.5 pc next year
Relax ECB norms for infrastructure NBFCs: Srei
AIAI asks for slashing key rates
Foreign cos' services under brand names to be taxable: ITAT
Govt asks RIL to supply LNG to Dabhol power project
After lifting export ban,Govt extends sops on maize export
Slowdown to keep India's exports 20 pc below target: Study
Govt slashes duty on garment imports from Nepal upto 75%
Karnataka eyeing more IT destinations
Financial turmoil may hit farmers: FAO
Area under wheat cultivation up 5%
September infrastructure output up 5.1 pct year/year
Relax ECB norms for infrastructure NBFCs: Srei

November 7,2008 India Economy updates:
Govt levies 8% export tax on iron ore fines
RBI issues guidelines for pre-paid instruments
Social security agreements help remove dead-cost phenonenon
Govt constitutes experts panel to address financial crisis
RBI offers forex liquidity to Indian banks abroad
RBI cuts interest rates on floating housing loans
US financial crisis may hit India's exports in Q4: Deloitte
September infrastructure output up 5.1 pct year/year
Global reputation will help Indian firms grow: Gates
ArcelorMittal approaches West Bengal govt for land

November 5,2008 India Economy updates:
Oil prices slump before US stockpiles data
US economy has dragged down planet's markets: Medvedev
India cbank offers 507.8 bn rupees at special repo
Global crisis could badly hit textile industry
India Inc bargains hard for more on bulk deposits in crunch time
Global cotton exports may fall by over 6 pc in 2008-09
Govt turns major cotton buyer as polls draw near

November 4,2008 India Economy updates:
PM sets up panel on financial crisis impact
Overseas loans may get costlier next year
PSBs to thaw credit lifeline for NBFCs
Indian firms' profit, margin woes seen continuing
India to ease foreign direct investment rules: Kamal Nath
India to provide Rs 49.17 mn assistance to Nepal
PSU banks agree to cut rates; shares soar

November 3 India economy updates:
Chidambaram assures industry of cheaper bank loans
OPEC oil output falls in Oct: Reuters survey
ICICI Bank to review rates in a few days - CEO
Global crisis impacts India; do everything to push growth:PM
Bharti says no immediate foreign targets
ArcelorMittal approaches West Bengal govt for land
IT SEZs must wait for 100% tax exemption
Foreign firms may get to invest in fertiliser units revival
Bank deposits safe, says Prime Minister
Consumers have to wait for softer interest rates
Manmohan Singh to meet business and corporate leaders
RBI cuts rates to induce Rs 85,000 cr; signals interest cut
RBI cuts CRR, SLR and Repo; lending and deposit rates to fall
Loan waiver could have been handled better: Plan panel member
RBI allows NBFCs to raise up to USD 10 mn in foreign currency
Cabinet clears way for 49% FDI in insurance
WTO ruling on wine duty is a damp squib
Duty cuts to benefit miners, steel companies
IT SEZs must wait for 100% tax exemption
Maharashtra, UP to drag down sugar production
Few takers for FCI wheat tender
Pricey rice to feed on shortage-hit world

Inflation down at 10.68%

Inflation fell below 11% to 10.68% during the week ended October 18 from 11.07% a week earlier.Earlier, a poll showed that the inflation rate was expected to have eased below 11% in mid-October for the first time in almost five months, thanks to falling commodity prices.

Eleven economists forecast a median 10.82% rise for wholesale price index based inflation rate in the 12 months to October 18, compared with 11.07% a week earlier, the slowest annual rise since late May.

also read:
DJIA, NASDAQ, BSE, NSE october closing rates
World's Strongest and largest economies list

"Everything has fallen," said Kaushik Das, an economist with Kotak Mahindra Bank. "Oil prices fell sharply, the manufacturing index has come down and even the food and commodity prices which were pushing up inflation have started coming down."

The wholesale price index rose 11.07% in the 12 months to October 11, below the earlier week's annual rise of 11.44%. Inflation for the week ended August 16 was revised up to 12.82% from 12.40%.

In early August, the inflation rate had hit 12.91%, the highest reading since annual numbers in the current data series became available in April 1995. It jumped into double digits after a hike in government-controlled retail fuel prices in June.

Also read:
DJIA, NASDAQ, BSE, NSE october closing rates
World's Strongest and largest economies list


Commenting on the current economic scenario, the finance minister recently said that although inflation was still high, the rate of price rise would moderate further as global commodities and fuel prices continue to soften.

The government will also continue to take steps to moderate inflation and cut wasteful expenditure as it expects its fiscal deficit to swell beyond the 2008/09 target, the finance ministry said.

-source economictimes.indiatimes.com

India to face 2.5 M tonne diesal shortage

India is likely to face a shortage of 2.5 million tonne of diesel during the November-March period, which would have to be met either through imports or from Reliance Industries' only-for-exports refinery.

"The companies have told us that they will have a deficit of 2.5 million tonne from now till March," Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Additional Secretary S Sundareshan said here.

State-run Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have projected a cumulative diesel requirement of 1.05 million tonne for December to March, comprising 2,40,000 tonne of Euro-III diesel and 8,10,000 tonne of Euro-II grade fuel.

If these quantities are not tied up with Reliance, the oil companies would have to turn to imports in order to meet the demand in the country.

However, diesel from Reliance's Jamnagar refinery can be bought only if government does away with double taxation, he said.

Since Jamnagar has turned into an Export-Oriented Unit, any supplies to domestic tariff area was levied with dual basic customs duty and a double levy of special additional excise duty. These duties are over-and-above the normal excise duty payable by any other refinery in the country.

For diesel these work out to Rs 6 a litre more in duties, which the oil companies say they cannot absorb given the fact that they already are losing over Rs 7 a litre on the sale of the fuel.

"The matter is under examination and we hope a decision will be taken (in time)," Sundareshan said.

- source economictimes.indiatimes.com