Economists urge RBI to cut interest rates as global markets decline ahead of April 9 policy decision
New Delhi: With global markets witnessing a sharp downturn, several economists have called on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to consider cutting interest rates in its upcoming monetary policy meeting scheduled for April 9.
In an interaction with ANI, experts highlighted that current global and domestic economic trends present an opportune moment for the central bank to take bold measures to support growth.
Debopam Chaudhuri, Chief Economist at Piramal Group, suggested that the RBI should front-load rate cuts. “A 50-basis-point cut in April can be a good pre-emptive move. Domestic inflation is low, global yields are declining, and the rupee has regained some ground against the dollar. These trends offer a strong case for aggressive rate cuts,” he said.
However, not all economists are in favour of such a sharp cut. Sonal Badhan, Economics Specialist at Bank of Baroda, advocated a more cautious approach. “We expect a 25-basis-point rate cut, as the RBI will wait for greater clarity on the monsoon. That said, the policy stance is likely to shift to ‘accommodative’, which could pave the way for additional cuts based on macroeconomic developments,” she noted.
Globally, central banks are facing increasing pressure due to economic uncertainties, intensified by recent tariff announcements from U.S. President Donald Trump. These protectionist moves have raised concerns about their impact on global trade and inflation control.
The RBI’s monetary policy committee began its meeting on Monday in Mumbai. The final decision on policy rates will be announced on April 9.
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Prasidh, Kuldeep limit South Africa to 270 after De Kock's hundred
Visakhapatnam (PTI): India fought back gallantly through Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav after Quinton de Kock struck his 23rd hundred, keeping South Africa to a manageable 270 in the third and series-deciding final ODI, here Saturday.
India won the toss after judging the spin of the coin incorrectly 20 times in a row. They had little hesitation in inserting the Proteas into bat, a clear indication of dew factor dominating the thought.
After Arshdeep Singh sent back Ryan Rickelton early, De Kock (106, 89b, 8x4, 6x4) struck his seventh century against India and put on 113 runs off 124 balls with skipper Temba Bavuma (48, 67b) as the visitors moved to a healthy position.
De Kock was severe on Prasidh (4/66), who erred on length continuously in his first spell (2-0-27-0). The left-hander biffed the pacer for 6, 6, 4 in his second over to milk 18 runs.
The 32-year-old quickly pounced on anything that was short, and pacers Prasidh and Harshit offered him plenty of feed on his pet areas.
Bavuma was more sedate, and made runs through those typical dabs and jabs, occasionally unfurling a drive of elan.
De Kock moved to fifty in 42 balls, and never let the tempo down reaching his hundred in 79 balls.
India found temporary relief when Ravindra Jadeja induced a false slash from Bavuma to get caught by Virat Kohli at point.
The tourists got another move on through a 54-run partnership between De Kock and Matthew Breetzkle for the third wicket, and at 168 for two in 28 overs they were in a good position to press on.
But Breetzke's punishment of part-time spinner Tilak Varma forced a rethink in the Indian camp, as skipper KL Rahul brought back Prasidh for a second spell.
What a masterstroke it turned out to be! The Karnataka man broke the back of South Africa’s top and middle order in an exceptional second spell (4-0-11-3).
Breetzke was the first man to go, trapped plumb in front with a straight one and four balls later Aiden Markram uppishly chipped a fuller delivery to Kohli at short covers.
Prasidh soon castled De Kock, whose ugly cross-batted swipe failed to connect a full length delivery from the pacer.
All of a sudden, SA found themselves at a shaky 199 for five, losing three wickets in the space of three overs.
Once Prasidh was done away with the top and middle-order, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep (4/41) took over and mopped up the tail as SA fell short of even a par total on this track.
