Food prices have remained highly volatile in recent years, driving sharp swings in headline inflation & contributing to repeated forecast misses by RBI.
Widening conflict in West Asia has pushed global oil prices, and that could fan inflation in India, which is the third-largest oil importer and consumer.
Global rice prices soared to their highest level in over 15 years following India's decision last year to ban the export of white rice and impose a 20% duty on parboiled rice exports.
Global media also reports on Opposition 'largely holding together' despite pressures, sustained inflation & rising food prices, and role of freebies in ongoing general election.
Haryana saw 2nd-highest inflation rate in India last month. State govt pegs it on ‘purchasing power’, opposition on ‘mismanagement’, and economists on food prices & poor supply chains.
Data shows retail inflation eased in August as food prices moderated, but remained above upper end of RBI’s target band for a 2nd consecutive month, keeping policymakers watchful.
India's retail inflation in July rose to 7.44%, its highest in 15 months, breaching the RBI's upper tolerance level of 6% for the first time since February 2023.
A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.
This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.
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