<h1>Finance Minister Highlights Inflation Control, 8.9% Growth Amid Global Crisis; Calls for Innovation, Education, and SME Investment.</h1> The Union Finance Minister highlighted measures to control inflation, noting a decline in food item inflation to 9.97% in October 2010. He emphasized the need for high investment in research, innovation, and skilled manpower development to sustain growth. The Indian economy showed resilience, recovering from the global financial crisis with a growth rate of 8.9% in the first half of 2010-11. Concerns include trade imbalances, FDI reduction, and Eurozone impacts. The Minister stressed improving the public distribution system and enhancing agriculture's GDP share. Members called for increased investment in education, health, infrastructure, and SME credit.