The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 per cent marks a turning point in the country’s monetary policy after nearly five years of a steady stance. With economic growth projected to slow to 6.4 per cent in the current fiscal year, the rate cut signals an attempt to inject fresh momentum into the economy. However, given persistent inflationary pressures and global uncertainties, the central bank’s move is both timely and measured.

The decision to ease rates follows concerns over sluggish economic growth, particularly in manufacturing and corporate investment. The central bank’s own projections indicate only a modest recovery, with growth expected at 6.7 per cent next year. Yet, inflation remains a challenge. While retail inflation dipped to 5.22 per cent in December, it remains well above the RBI’s medium-term target of 4 per cent. The new........

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