CPI Inflation Rises to 4.45% in July 2026; Food Inflation at 5.2% and Fuel Costs Surge

CMS-E 2025: Govt School Education Costs ₹4,757/yr; Private Coaching Largest at ₹1,855

This article reveals that while government school education is nominally 'free', families spend an average of ₹4,757 per child annually, with private coaching (₹1,855) being the largest component. Only 27% of students take coaching, but it accounts for 40% of total costs. The RTE Act's narrow definition of 'free' only covers the course fee (₹324), leaving the bulk of expenses unaddressed. This data is critical for understanding the real cost of education and the limitations of current policy.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

IIP Growth Hits 7.3% in June 2026, Highest in 23 Months; Consumer Demand Weak

India's IIP grew 7.3% YoY in June 2026, the highest in 23 months. However, the growth is driven by capital and infrastructure goods due to government spending, while consumer goods (especially non-durables) show weakness, highlighting a demand-side slowdown amid high prices.

RBI MPC Status Quo at 5.25% as CPI Inflation Rises to 4.8%, WPI at 9.92%

Retail inflation rose to 4.8% in August 2026, with food inflation at 5.95% and WPI at 9.92%. Broad-based price pressures strengthen the case for an RBI rate hike, despite the MPC keeping repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in August. This is critical for understanding monetary policy direction and the inflation targeting framework.

India's July Retail Inflation Rises to 4.45%, RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25%

India's July retail inflation rose to 4.45%, the highest in 19 months, driven by food and transport costs. The RBI's MPC held the repo rate at 5.25% for the fourth consecutive meeting, balancing persistent supply-side inflation against weakening economic momentum. This is critical for exams as it tests your understanding of inflation dynamics, MPC decision-making, and the interplay between global disruptions (Ukraine-Russia) and domestic prices.

RBI Worried as Aug 2026 CPI Inflation Hits 8-Month High of 4.82%; Sugar & Chip Prices Surge

India's August 2026 retail inflation rose to 4.82% (8-month high), driven by a 24% YoY jump in sugar prices and rising memory chip costs ('chipflation'). This puts pressure on the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee to hike the repo rate for the first time in 3.5 years. For exam aspirants, this is a classic case of supply-shock inflation testing central bank credibility.

Japan Credit Rating Agency Upgrades India to A- Sovereign Rating After 36 Years

Japan Credit Rating Agency upgraded India's sovereign rating from BBB+ to A- on September 2, 2026, ending a 36-year gap. This unsolicited upgrade validates India's structural reforms and macroeconomic stability, and pressures other agencies like S&P, Moody's, and Fitch to follow. The upgrade can lower risk weights for banks under Basel III, boosting bond demand and FDI.

CPI Inflation Rises to 4.82% in August, RBI MPC to Meet Oct 5-7 for Rate Decision

India's CPI inflation rose to a 8-month high of 4.82% in August, driven by food price spikes in sugar (19% MoM) and onion (22% MoM). This strengthens the case for a repo rate hike at the upcoming RBI MPC meeting (Oct 5-7), which would be the first increase in 3.5 years. The news is critical for exam aspirants as it directly tests monetary policy tools, inflation targeting framework, and current economic data.