The Signal: The Week & More

1. National Monetization Pipeline

 National Monetization Pipeline estimates aggregate monetization potential of Rs. 6 lakh crores through core assets of central government over a 4-year period from FY 2022 to FY 2025. Under the plan the government will continue to hold the ownership. Projects have been identified across sectors such as highway stretches, power transmission network, freight corridors, airports, ports, gas pipelines and warehousing facilities.

The asset monetization model will help in value unlocking of a lot of assets which have been lying dormant or can be put into better use with the help of financing. The model is aimed at increasing the private participation, if implemented well will lead to better financing structure

2. Foreign direct investments rise to $12.1 billion in May

 Foreign Direct Investment into the country stood at USD 12.1 billion in May. India has received highest ever FDI inflow in 2020-2021 at USD 81.72 billion which is 10% higher than the previous year.

Amongst the developing countries in the world, India has been at the top of charts when talking about the FDI inflows. A third of the FDI Inflows have been due to acquisition of shares through secondary transactions. The rise in forex reserves can also be attributable to this fact. 

3. India jumps to 2^nd spot in a list of most attractive manufacturing hub globally

 India has overtaken the United States (US) to become the second-most sought-after manufacturing destination globally, driven mainly by cost competitiveness. The rankings in the report are determined based on four key parameters, including the country’s capability to restart manufacturing, business environment (availability of talent/labor, access to markets), operating costs, and the risks

This indicates the growing interest shown by manufacturers in India as a preferred manufacturing hub over other countries, including the US. The growing focus on India can be attributed to India’s operating conditions and cost competitiveness. 

4. Wheat, rice prices showing declining trend

Wheat and rice prices in wholesale and retail markets in the country showed a declining trend till August 16 this year compared to the month-ago period on market intervention. The retail price of rice declined by 1.78 per cent to Rs 35.28 per kg on August 16 from Rs 35.92 per kg a month ago.

The fall in prices of wheat and rice augurs well for the economy going ahead as it will put less pressure on the food inflation. The inflation in certain food products remained high on account of supply side restrictions. 

5. Government approves highest ever FRP for sugarcane farmers

The Centre, in August 2020, increased the fair & remunerative price by Rs 10, bringing the amount to Rs 285 per quintal. The central government had fixed Sugarcane FRP at Rs 275 per quintal for the 2019-2020 marketing year.

The increase in the FRP provides a boost to the rural wages in the country and will prove beneficial for an all round economic development. The increase comes at a time when the use of ethanol blending has been increasing in petrol, and is further stated to go up to 20% over the next couple of years.