RBI likely to cut repo rate by 25 bps in Dec amid low inflation, strong growth: Report
Kolkata (PTI): The RBI could announce a 25-basis point repo rate cut in its upcoming December monetary policy meeting, driven by a sharp decline in inflation and strong growth momentum, a report by credit rating agency CareEdge said on Tuesday.
It said inflation has eased to a decadal low of 0.3 per cent in October, well below the RBI's 4 per cent target threshold, creating policy space for rate cuts.
The current repo rate stands at 5.5 per cent.
"Factors such as stable Brent crude prices, healthy reservoir levels supporting rabi sowing, and muted price pressures arising from excess capacity in China should help prevent any sharp rise in inflation," the report stated.
While GDP growth has accelerated to 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal, CareEdge projects a moderation to around 7 per cent in the second half of the financial year, as the boost from front-loaded exports fades and post-festival consumption moderates.
For the full fiscal, the report forecasts GDP growth at 7.5 per cent.
It said that with CPI inflation expected to average around 3.7 per cent over the next 12 months, the real policy rate at current levels would be roughly 1.8 per cent – above the estimated neutral range of 1-1.5 per cent – indicating scope for a rate cut.
Despite external headwinds, including prolonged trade negotiations with the US and geopolitical tensions, India's external sector remains resilient with foreign exchange reserves rising by USD 27 billion to USD 693 billion as of mid-November, it noted.
CareEdge expects the RBI to revise its FY’26 inflation projections to around 2.1 per cent and growth forecast to around 7.5 per cent in the December policy meeting.
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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
