Lead · Reserve Bank
RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%, raises its growth forecast
Unanimous decision at the third bi-monthly meeting. FY27 GDP forecast lifted from 6.6% to 6.7%; inflation projection cut from 5.1% to 5.0%.
5 August 2026 · Monetary Policy Committee · Governor Sanjay Malhotra
The Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee has left the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25% at its third bi-monthly meeting of FY 2026. The Standing Deposit Facility stays at 5.00%, and the Marginal Standing Facility and Bank Rate at 5.50%. The committee retained its neutral stance — both a cut and a hike remain on the table.
The vote was unanimous. The Governor said the domestic economy remains resilient despite global geopolitical uncertainty. On that confidence the committee raised its FY27 GDP growth forecast from 6.6% to 6.7% and lowered its CPI inflation projection from 5.1% to 5.0%. The next MPC meeting is scheduled for 5–7 October 2026 — which means rates stay where they are through the entire festive season.
What this means for youRates are fixed for the next two months, so there is nothing to gain by delaying a capex or working-capital decision in the hope of a cut. Get your CC/OD limit sanctioned now for Diwali inventory — the bank's processing queue lengthens well before festive demand does.
Tax Desk · Income Tax · Urgent
ITR-3 and ITR-4 due 31 August — 22 days left for business owners and professionals
CBDT · AY 2026-27
The CBDT has extended the return filing date for non-audit business and professional income from 31 July to 31 August 2026. The relief covers small business owners, professionals and proprietorship firms filing ITR-3 and ITR-4.
Note that this is not a blanket extension. The Board has made clear the relief applies only to classes of assessee whose accounts are not liable to audit under the Income Tax Act. ITR-1 and ITR-2 were due on 31 July, and audit cases remain due on 31 October 2026.
What this means for youIf you file presumptively under 44AD or 44ADA, this date is yours. Send us bank statements, the purchase-sale summary and your GST turnover reconciliation by 20 August — the portal slows to a crawl in the final week.