Urban Indian Households Struggle To Cope With Rising Food Prices
Indian households in large cities and nearby suburbs are feeling the strain of higher food prices even as they adapt in creative ways, according to a report. About six in 10 households can pay their bills and save a little, but roughly four in 10 say they are either barely coping or financially insecure. Food inflation and volatile vegetable prices have made cost of living the top risk Indians see for the coming year.
What the Inflation Rate Doesn’t Tell You About Everyday Struggles
The official inflation rate is released every month and is used by policymakers and the media as an indicator of whether life is becoming more expensive for citizens. But a paper by the World Inequality Lab shows that this average number hides big gaps in how rising prices affect people at different income levels, especially the poor.
Why Indian Rupee Declined to 85.80 Per US Dollar
The Indian rupee fell to 85.80 per U.S. dollar on Dec. 27. While this decline significantly affects various groups in India, including importers, consumers, investors, financial markets, and the government, it should also be a concern for ordinary Indian citizens. Here’s why.
Raghuram Rajan Warns Against Excluding Food Prices from Inflation Calculations
Raghuram Rajan, a former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), says in a media interview that he is opposed to the idea of excluding food prices from the calculation of headline inflation—essentially the overall change in prices. His concern stems from the importance of maintaining the trust and credibility of the central bank in the eyes of the public, as well as its effects on the economy and society.
A 10-Year Report Card on Inflation in India
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its 2014 election manifesto highlighted the issue of high inflation under the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and promised to control it. The manifesto critiqued the UPA’s approach and promised corrective actions. However, the subsequent 2019 BJP manifesto did not even mention inflation, suggesting a possible reprioritisation of this issue despite earlier commitments.
Survey Reveals Indians’ Concerns Over Economic Well-Being
A nationwide survey paints a picture of deep economic anxiety and dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of employment, inflation and economic policies, suggesting a perceived alignment with the interests of big business over the broader populace.
India’s Retail Inflation Rises, Industrial Production Dips
Retail inflation in India climbed to a four-month high in December 2023, accompanied by a decline in industrial production, as revealed by data from the National Statistical Office. We have analysed these figures to explain their impact on you.
How Are Businesses in India Doing?
In a country where economic narratives often paint a picture of resilience and growth, recent findings from the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) serve as a stark contrast, revealing a reality that the government seems reluctant to acknowledge: the economic challenges confronting Indian businesses.