<h1>Central Bank Maintains Key Rates; Global Growth Uneven, Domestic Demand Strong, Inflation Pressures Rise Due to Food Prices.</h1> The Second Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement for 2016-17, announced by the central bank governor, maintains the policy repo rate at 6.5%, the cash reserve ratio at 4.0%, and the reverse repo rate at 6.0%. The statement highlights uneven global growth, with strong consumer spending in the Euro area but weak industrial activity in the US and Japan. Domestic growth is improving, driven by consumption demand and public sector investment, though private investment remains weak. Inflation pressures have increased due to food prices, but normal monsoon expectations and supply management may moderate this. The bank remains accommodative, monitoring for further policy action.