Latest news with #Hajra
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Economists hail RBI's 50 bps rate cut and CRR cut to give a strong push to growth
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Economists across the board have welcomed the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) latest policy decision, terming the 50 basis points (bps) repo rate cut as a pro-growth move that is expected to significantly boost liquidity and economic activity in the country. On Friday, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), stating that the policy repo rate has been reduced from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent. This larger-than-expected cut in the repo rate was accompanied by a 100 bps cut in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), now reduced to 3 per cent, aimed at enhancing liquidity by Rs 2.5 lakh crore. Reacting to the development, Sonal Badhan, Economics Specialist at Bank of Baroda, told ANI that the policy is strongly pro-growth. 'RBI has announced a very pro-growth policy by announcing a 50bps repo rate cut. This along with 100 bps cut in CRR will provide significant boost to liquidity and lead to faster transmission of rate cuts,' she said. However, Badhan also noted a cautious tone in RBI's outlook. 'As the stance has been changed to neutral and the policy signals that there remains limited room for monetary policy to support growth, we expect status quo by RBI in the next 2-3 meetings. The decision will be data dependent. More rate cuts will be expected if there is significant downside seen to growth,' she added. Debopam Chaudhuri, Chief Economist at Piramal Group, said the RBI's move was in line with their expectations. 'While we were among the few institutions anticipating a 50 bps rate cut, it is highly encouraging to see MPC members aligning with this view, united by the objective of revitalizing India's domestic economic growth,' he told ANI. Chaudhuri pointed out that the February rate cut had limited impact due to tight liquidity. 'The additional 25 bps cut now helps offset that earlier lag in impact,' he said, adding that another 50 bps cut may follow in FY26, possibly bringing the terminal repo rate down to 5 per cent. He also expects a moderation in the RBI's liquidity operations via Variable Rate Repos (VRRs) and Open Market Operations (OMOs) as the CRR cut ensures sufficient liquidity. Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist and Executive Director at Anand Rathi, said the rate and CRR cuts exceeded both market and institutional expectations. 'This frontloading of monetary easing reflects a clear intent to support growth while inflation remains benign,' Hajra said. However, Hajra cautioned about the shift in policy stance. 'Although this change from 'accommodative' to 'neutral' might be read as a signal that the rate cut cycle is nearing its end, we believe it is aimed at tempering any potential 'irrational exuberance' in the financial markets,' he added. With inflation currently under control, the RBI's bold policy shift has boosted market confidence and underlined its commitment to supporting economic growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability. (ANI)
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘No time to pack, leaving in slippers': Bride, new mom face deportation
Attari: Pakistani national Hajra arrived in India just a few days ago on a visitor visa, hoping to begin a new life after marrying Aamir, a resident of Srinagar. However, her plans took an unexpected turn when she was directed to leave the country in the wake of the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 innocent lives A heartbroken Aamir said that his wife arrived in India just 10 to 15 days ago. "We got married two days ago, and the very next day, police came to our home and asked her to leave the country," he said. "One day, I brought my wife home with joy, and the next, she was told to leave — it all happened so suddenly." Aamir described the emotional toll on his family, saying, "There was so much happiness and celebration in the house, but now everyone is in mourning. My mother still believes her son will return with his dulhan (bride)." He added that not only his wife, but also members of his cousin Nadeem Qureshi's family, were asked to leave the country under the same directive. Anjum Tanveer, a distraught father of a two-year-old girl, Ayeza Anjum, married for four years to Attiya Aslam from Gujranwala, Pakistan, shared his anguish after being directed to deport her. "She was summoned for verification on April 28, and we were told her visa stands revoked," said Anjum, breaking down as he described the impact on their daughter. "Punish the terrorists, yes, but why must innocent families suffer?" Sara Khan, a mother of two including a 14-day-old infant, was also among those directed to return to Pakistan. A resident of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, she had been living in India on a valid Long-Term Visa (LTV) until July 2026 after marrying Aurangzeb Khan in 2017. "I had a C-section recently; my stitches haven't healed. Doctors advised me not to travel," she said in tears at the Attari border. "I wasn't even given time to pack — I'm leaving in washroom slippers." Sara pleaded with authorities to allow her to stay, citing her newborn's citizenship and her deteriorating health. "Please let me stay with my family," she appealed. MSID:: 120770111 413 |
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
As equities wobble, bonds shine brighter: why is fixed income regaining favor with risk-averse investors
RBI's easing cycle: A tailwind for fixed income Live Events A safe haven amid uncertainty Investor Takeaway: Balance is back (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel As global and domestic equity markets turn choppy amid geopolitical tensions, rate uncertainties, and trade disruptions, a growing number of investors are turning their gaze towards stability—and fixed income is quickly emerging as the answer.'For many investors, especially those with a lower risk appetite, the recent equity market swings have been unsettling,' said Kush Gupta, Director at SKG Investment & Advisory. 'This is a good time to look at bonds and fixed income instruments as a way to bring balance and stability to your portfolio.'According to Gupta, fixed income instruments such as corporate bonds, debt mutual funds, and debentures are becoming especially attractive in the current macroeconomic setup. 'We always tailor debt allocations based on the client's age, income, and risk profile. But today, even for aggressive investors, the market is signaling a need to rethink asset allocation,' he told added that with expectations of further rate cuts and continued geopolitical risks, locking into fixed return opportunities for 24–36 months makes strategic sense. 'India's strong fiscal discipline and RBI's effective currency management are making Indian bonds more appealing—both to domestic and foreign investors.'Backing this trend, Avnish Jain, Head – Fixed Income at Canara Robeco Mutual Fund, pointed out that the RBI's recent 25 bps rate cut and shift to an 'accommodative' stance mark the beginning of a meaningful monetary easing cycle.'With inflation softening and growth moderating, the policy environment is becoming favorable for debt instruments,' Jain said. 'In the short term, ultra-short and short-duration funds offer attractive opportunities as shorter yields are expected to decline faster. For long-term investors, gilt funds, dynamic bond funds, and income funds are well-positioned to benefit from the falling interest rate trend.'Jain emphasized that with a projected 75–100 bps of rate cuts in the coming quarters, duration strategies are especially well-suited for those seeking capital appreciation with manageable another layer of perspective, Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist and Executive Director at Anand Rathi Group, said that while fixed income may not always offer the highest returns, its role in reducing overall portfolio volatility cannot be overstated.'For conservative investors or those nearing retirement, fixed income provides much-needed predictability and peace of mind,' Hajra said. 'Running yields in the bond market could hover between 7% and 9% over the next year, which is quite attractive considering the current environment.'That said, Hajra added a note of caution: 'While fixed income brings stability, investors focused on long-term wealth creation should still have exposure to equities, which offer higher returns over time—even after adjusting for risk.'Whether you're a retiree looking for regular income, a first-time investor seeking safety, or a market-weary equity investor in search of stability, now may be the time to give fixed income another Kush Gupta sums it up: 'When markets are volatile and uncertainty is high, fixed income offers a much-needed anchor for your portfolio. It's not just about safety—it's about making smart, strategic choices in changing times.': Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Two honey trap gangs busted
In a major crackdown, Rawalpindi police dismantled two organised criminal networks involved in honey trap extortion schemes, arresting 16 individuals, including five serving police officers of the Rawalpindi police. The first gang, led by Marina Khana Pakistani-origin woman holding Malawian citizenshipand her husband Bilal, used social media platforms to lure victims into compromising situations and blackmail them for money. Police arrested six members of this group and recovered Rs250,000 in cash along with weapons. The suspects confessed to multiple cases of blackmail and extortion. The second group included five serving police personnel from Rawalpindi police, ranging in rank from constable to head constable. This 10-member gang, led by Aftab alias Tabi, was operating similar honey trap scams. The police arrested all members of the gang and recovered Rs500,000 in cash, weapons, and incriminating digital evidence. Two women, Hajra and Uzma, were also among those arrested. Hajra allegedly lured victims through a specific social media application and arranged meetings where victims were recorded and later blackmailed. SSP Operations Rawalpindi, Kashif Zulfiqar, alongside SP Rawal, briefed the media on Tuesday, stating that the crackdown was part of the police's zero-tolerance policy against such crimes. "This disturbing trend involving women and police personnel is deeply concerning," said Zulfiqar. "We are taking strict departmental and legal action against the involved officers. They will face both judicial proceedings and dismissal from service." He emphasised that the issue, once thought to be limited to the riverine Kacha regions, has now spread to urban areas like Rawalpindi and the twin cities. The arrests were carried out by Saddar, Baironi, and Sadiqabad police stations.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hajra Yamin talks YouTube's influence on local channels
In an interview on Talha Ahad's podcast, actor Hajra Yamin revealed that major channels profit markedly by uploading their drama serials on YouTube. The crew, however, is not given a cut. Maintaining that these channels earn around $8 million to $9 million from the video platform, Hajra said, "The actors, writers, director, crew, editors, and the marketing or promotional team all receive a one-time payment, and even that is difficult to get. Since Covid-19, things have been tough. Everyone suffered financially because of the cost cutdowns. Even after the one-time payment, I see people around me asking for due money." Despite these struggles in the digital age, the Noor Jahan actor believes that OTT platforms are favourable to the world of showbiz. "I love this new wave because it has given me a lot of opportunity, especially because of Pinky Memsaab. It's been about five years since the film became available to stream on Netflix. It's given me a lot, and even now, it continues to reward me," she admitted. Hajra credited the significant influx of her international fan-following to this shift. "I can carry that film as an audition for myself everywhere," she said. Challenging the perception that Pakistani media isn't shifting to OTT platforms, Hajra said, "No, it's definitely happening. There are certain technicalities to this. For example, I recently did a series, and it aired on a channel that isn't available in Pakistan since it's an Indian one. That is just not possible. So, there are a lot of problems like this." But the Nijaat actor is able to look past the shortcomings. "As an actor, though, I can tell you that it has been beneficial since it created an international portfolio for me. That's how it'll keep giving me something," she said. "In Pakistan, it is indeed happening. But I would say that it is still sort of a startup. It hasn't been established the way it's meant to be." Hajra also weighed in on how Pakistan is responding to the progressing digital landscape. "The world may be shifting to AI, but we have our own jugaar (tricks) that we rely on. These tricks might even surpass AI," she joked. "But on a serious note, a good thing about all this is that it has introduced financial stability in a strata of artists that was always struggling in getting work and money," she said. "Now, so many avenues have opened up that everyone is able to find a place for themselves."
