Summaries by Rajrishi Singhal

2 summaries by this author.

Critical

The rich must do their bit—the middle class and poor mustn't bear the brunt of India's austerity drive

PM Modi's austerity appeal signals India's economic troubles: inflation and external sector stress. The author argues the burden shouldn't fall on the poor, citing privilege and high gold imports. Weak FDI, FPI, and a widening trade deficit contribute. The piece criticizes affluent sections—industrialists, bankers, politicians—for not setting examples, especially on private jet use. It proposes increasing aviation fuel costs for private operators and advocates "austerity for the rich" and a safety net for the vulnerable, linking corporate overseas investment to stagnating domestic demand.

LiveMint · Rajrishi Singhal · May 17, 2026 at 8:30 AM

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Balanced

India’s CBDC has got off the ground but where it goes next will depend on how deftly it’s managed

India's e-rupee is undergoing domestic pilot tests with increasing adoption, though its local monetary impact is limited. The RBI prioritizes its strategic role as a cross-border payment tool to challenge dollar dominance, not extensive domestic retail use given UPI's efficiency. Challenges include privacy with programmable CBDCs and intermediary oversight. The central bank carefully navigates technological and regulatory complexities, balancing trust and privacy. Its true test lies in international interoperability through various bilateral and multilateral projects, amidst rising crypto usage risks.

LiveMint · Rajrishi Singhal · May 3, 2026 at 10:31 AM

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