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Scams in UPA regime dragged down GDP growth rate to 5.6pc in 2012-13: BJP

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New Delhi, Feb 7: The BJP has slammed the Congress for its primary claim of enabling “7.6 per cent growth”, pointing out that this was effectuated by the global economic boom between 2004-08 and conceals the decline to 5.6 per cent in 2012-13, caused by corruption and fiscal mismanagement.

The BJP’s factsheet highlights that the average growth rate during the 10 years of UPA (2004-2014) was restricted to 6.8 per cent compared to NDA’s 8.4 per cent average (2014-2024).

The UPA relied on reckless borrowing, leading to a ballooning current account deficit and 9.3 per cent inflation. On the other hand, despite the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India’s GDP growth for 2024-25 is projected at 6.4 per cent, the highest among major economies, the factsheet states.

It cites the Economic Survey 2024-25 projection of a 6.3-6.8 per cent growth rate for FY25-26, in line with other financial bodies such as the IMF.

The rise in digital transactions from 2.2 billion in 2013-14 to over 208.5 billion in 2024, driven by Digital India, and the opening of 500 million bank accounts under PMJDY showcase inclusive economic growth, according to the BJP factsheet

It also mentions the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile Network) ensured DBT payments of Rs 27,442.08 crore were made between March 24 and April 17, 2020 (24 days) during peak Covid-19 to 11.42 crore beneficiaries.

It also cites the Economic Survey 2024-25 for showing Financial Inclusion Index rose from 53.9 in 2021 to 64.2 in 2024 as an indicator of growth with equity.

The factsheet states that in “a resurgent India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, as many as 24.82 crore people have risen out of multidimensional poverty between 2014-15 and 2022-23”.

In contrast, the UPA government triggered one of India’s worst non-performing asset (NPA) crises in the banking sector. The ‘phone-a-loan’ scam under UPA led to a surge in bad loans, crippling businesses and financial institutions, the factsheet states.

By 2018, NPAs reached a staggering 11.6 per cent of gross advances, with the root cause traced back to bad lending decisions made between 2008-2014. High-profile defaulters like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya, and Mehul Choksi flourished under the lax regulatory environment of the UPA era, it observes.

Besides, the lack of a robust bankruptcy framework left struggling businesses with no structured exit mechanism, which was only brought in in 2016 with Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016, the BJP factsheet added.

Business

Commercial LPG cylinder prices reduced across metros from November 1

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New Delhi, Nov 1: State-run oil marketing companies have reduced commercial LPG cylinder prices across metros, offering a slight relief to businesses, starting from Saturday.

The move will provide marginal relief to thousands of small and medium-sized businesses.

According to the latest revision announced by state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs), the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder will now cost Rs 1,590.50 in Delhi, reflecting a Rs 5 cut from the previous rate of Rs 1,595.50.

With the highest drop of Rs 6.50 per cylinder among the metros, the charge in Kolkata will now be Rs 1,694 per cylinder. Chennai will now charge Rs 1,750 (down Rs 4.50), while Mumbai now charges Rs 1,542 (down Rs 5).

For businesses that depend significantly on LPG for their everyday operations, like restaurants, hotels, and catering services, the most recent revision provides a small reprieve following a hike of Rs 15.50 that was put into effect late in September.

However, domestic LPG prices have not changed and are the same in every city.

Earlier in September, OMCs had reduced the price of commercial LPG gas cylinders by Rs 51.50. Following the revision, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi was available at Rs 1,580.

Earlier, OMCs had reduced the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG gas cylinder by Rs 33.50. Before that, prices had been reduced by Rs 58.50 on July 1.

Earlier in June, oil firms had announced a Rs 24 cut for commercial cylinders, setting the rate at Rs 1,723.50. In April, the price stood at Rs 1,762. February saw a small Rs 7 reduction, but March reversed this slightly with a Rs 6 increase.

Meanwhile, the Centre had announced to provide 2.5 million free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) during the festival season.

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Business

Nifty, Sensex end 4-week winning streak amid profit booking

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Mumbai, Nov 1: Indian equity benchmarks ended their four-week winning streak, closing marginally lower this week amid profit-booking and mixed global cues.

Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex dipped 0.65 and 0.55 per cent during the week to close at 25,722 and 83,938, respectively.

Market optimism was bolstered during the first three sessions by positive domestic economic data and China’s approval for few Indian companies to import rare earth magnets.

However, sentiment turned cautious after the US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to the 3.75 per cent–4 per cent range.

“India’s industrial output rose 4 per cent YoY in September 2025, supported by strong manufacturing activity. The US Federal Reserve hinted that the 25-bps cut might be the final one in 2025, which dampened hopes of further near-term easing,” said Ajit Mishra- SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.

Further, steady corporate earnings and continued FII inflows through October helped cushion the downside, he added.

Metals, energy and realty stocks were the major contributors to the rally, while auto, pharma and IT stocks experienced profit-taking.

“While PSU banks surged on reports of a potential hike in foreign investment limits, metal counters gleamed on renewed optimism after China’s pledge to rein in steel overcapacity and signs of progress in US-China trade talks,” added Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

Analysts said that capital market stocks lost momentum as SEBI’s proposed overhaul of TER structures weighed on sentiment.

Support for the Nifty is currently located close to the 25,600 zone and the 25,400 zone, while resistance is seen around 26,100, analysts said.

In the upcoming holiday-shortened week, investors are looking for cues from the final readings of the HSBC Manufacturing PMI and HSBC Services and Composite PMI data.

Investors are also keen on the India-US trade deal and trends in developed markets, while on the earnings front, several index heavyweights are set to announce their quarterly results.

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Business

India aims 300 million tonnes of crude steel production capacity by 2030

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New Delhi, Oct 31: India aims to achieve 300 million tonnes of crude steel production capacity by 2030, Union Minister of State for Steel, Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma, said on Friday.

In a meeting with Sara Modig, State Secretary to Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, Sweden, here, in presence of Swedish Ambassador to India Jan Thesleff and other officials, the minister highlighted India’s growing steel sector, driven by visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notably, India’s domestic steel demand is growing at an impressive 11-13 per cent, fuelled by large-scale infrastructure projects, while global demand faces a slowdown, according to Steel Ministry.

The discussions were held to explore collaboration opportunities in the field of research and development in Green Steel production and other advanced technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

Varma reaffirmed the invitation extended to Sweden to participate in Bharat Steel 2026, an International Conference-cum-Exhibition dedicated to the steel industry, scheduled to be held on April 16–17, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Meanwhile, the growth rate of India’s eight core industries was recorded at 3 per cent in September this year compared to the same month of the previous year, with the steel and cement sectors recording strong growth during the month, data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry showed.

Steel production surged by a robust 14.1 per cent in September compared to the same month of the previous year on the back of increased demand from big-ticket infrastructure projects being carried out by the government. The cumulative growth of steel during April to Sept of 2025-26 increased by 11 per cent over the corresponding period of the previous year.

The government imposed a 12 per cent temporary safeguard duty on certain steel imports in April 2025 to protect the domestic market. These measures follow previous actions and are part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the industry while promoting self-reliance under initiatives like ‘Make in India’.

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