The budget for 2024-25 completely ignores the crisis afflicting the Indian railways, undermines not just the efficiency of its operations or of safety, but thwarts the potential positive spinoffs that may have been available for the wider economy.

In a cynical attempt to avoid culpability for one of India’s worst-ever rail disasters at Balasore, the Modi government is peddling conspiracy theories.

The RBI appears to admit, without any embarrassment whatsoever, that once the purpose of inflating the value of currency in circulation has been served, there is no further need for the denomination.