International media also reports on the warning from Canadian intelligence agencies about the possibility of India & China meddling in the country's elections.
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.
Rice stocks at the Food Corporation of India on 1 September stood at 32.3 million metric tons, 38.6% higher than last year, encouraging the government to consider export relaxation.
With Red Sea, critical to enter and exit Suez Canal, under attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, exporters are having to pay more than double to send goods to Middle East, Europe & US.
India, which accounts for 40% of world rice exports, sells the staple to more than 150 countries, including a few poor and vulnerable countries in Africa and Asia.
The ban will cut availability of rice on world markets by about a fifth, and could lead to importers seeking more govt-to-govt deals to overcome shortages and tame spiraling prices.
India has strategic interest in Nepal and Bangladesh so it is possible that export of white non-basmati rice to these countries will be allowed on diplomatic considerations.
Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas noted that these types of rice restrictions could lead to 'retaliatory measures.' He also said that global grain prices could rise by 10-15% this year.
Forget comparing it with classics like Hrithik’s Ek Pal Ka Jeena or the slick title track of Dhoom 2, Janaab-e-Aali does not even come close to Ghungroo.
India’s industrial output growth saw a 10-month low in June, with Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growing by mere 1.5% as against 1.9% in May 2025.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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