The five year term of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with an inflation target of 4 per cent and band of 2 to 6 per cent is ending in March 2021. The government in consultation with the RBI, will decide the new inflation band for the MPC for next 5 years. While some suggest the existing 4 per cent target should be continued, others are insisting on a higher band. Some are also asking to review the benchmark itself from CPI to core inflation or WPI. However, there are many other critical factors which also need equal attention from the RBI as well as the government. Anand Adhikari, Executive Editor, Business Today explains in detail.Also Read: Bonds jitters setting markets in 'completely new light': BIS

There are expectations government will continue with existing 4 per cent target with a 2 per cent band on either side for any short term slippages, change the target upward to support growth or change the benchmark itself from CPI to core inflation or wholesale price index (WPI)

As per the RBI, headline CPI inflation averaged 3.9 per cent in India during October  2016  to  March  2020 (excluding Covid-19 period) with a decline in inflation  volatility, which shows the success of flexible inflation targeting

RIL's backing has come after some of Kalaari's portfolio firms, like Urban Ladder and Zivame, were acquired by units of Reliance Industries

The central bank has taken a number of liquidity measures outside the MPC, which means a dilution of the MPC's role. The new arrangement agreed between the government and the RBI means a review of the inflation target and not the entire framework

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As per MPC minutes, Governor Shaktikanta Das said the sharp correction in food inflation has improved the near-term headline inflation outlook, although core inflation pressures persist

The growth momentum, however, needs to strengthen further for a sustained revival of the economy and for a quick return of the level of output to the pre-COVID trajectory, Das said.

Although banks have bolstered their capital buffers in comparison to the global financial crisis, the stress in the financial sector's balance sheets could intensify, noted MPC member Michael Debabrata Patra

Taxes levied by the Centre and states constitute more than half of petrol and diesel prices, accounting for 60 per cent of the retail cost of the former and 54 per cent of the latter

The RBI working paper co-authored by RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra,  who is also a member of the six-member monetary policy committee has recommended that maintaining the inflation target at 4 per cent is appropriate for the country

The inflation target could be tweaked to accommodate the government's higher borrowing plan of Rs 12 lakh crore in 2021-22

As debt-laden distressed companies fall by the wayside, some cash-rich large companies are practically monopolising their sectors

According to Indian Oil Corporation data, the retail price of non-premium petrol at Ganganagar touched Rs 100.13 per litre on February 17, and in MP's Nagarabandh it is at Rs 100.40 per litre

Fuel price updates: In Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, petrol surged to Rs 99.49 per litre and in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh petrol soared to Rs 99.45 and Rs 99.23 per litre on Tuesday

Inflation in food basket almost halved to 1.89 per cent in January as compared to 3.41 per cent recorded in December on the back of 15.84 per cent decline in vegetable prices

RBI's database, reports and other evidence show India is credit surplus; large industrial houses have high debt stress, and that easy credit poses serious macro-financial risks to the economy

SBI also retained its forecast for 11 per cent growth in India's GDP in financial year 2021-22.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech announced Rs 12 lakh crore of central government's gross borrowing in FY22 and an additional Rs 80,000 crore in rest of FY21

Reserve Bank says the decision was taken after reviewing current liquidity and financial conditions, and that the move will foster \"congenial financial conditions\"