India's food price index rose 12.92 per cent in the year to June 19, while the fuel price index climbed 12.90 percent, government data released on Thursday showed. The pace of increase in food prices slowed from the previous week's annual rise of 16.90 percent, while fuel price inflation eased from last week's annual rise of 13.18 per cent. The primary articles index was up at 14.75 per cent. Wholesale price...

Sonia-led council to discuss “procedures” and Food Security Bill The Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council (NAC), in its second avatar, is looking to expand its mandate. On Thursday, when its members assemble for its first substantive meeting, the NAC will discuss “procedures,” alongside the crucial — and now controversial — Food Security Bill, while a sub-committee will tackle the Communal Violence Bill. The Communal Violence Bill will come up before the NAC...

SAMBALPUR: In order to tide over prevailing food crisis, Agriculture Department has embarked on an ambitious plan to boost farm output in the district during the ensuing kharif. As per available data, paddy will be cultivated on 1,04,500 hectares of land during the forthcoming kharif against 99,533 hectares last time. The department will give special emphasis for cultivation of high-yielding variety (HYV) of paddy to augment production. As per plan, high-yielding variety...

Indicating a new-found determination to stay the course on politically sensitive reform measures, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh not only defended the recent decontrol of petrol prices but also said diesel rates would also be freed of government control. In comments while returning from the G20 summit in Toronto, the PM seemed to be in an assertive mood despite the Opposition calling a bandh to protest fuel price hikes. "The fact...

India’s annual monsoon rains should revive in two days after a 10-day lull, the weather office said on Monday, raising hopes for a pick-up in soybean planting in the world’s biggest edible oils buyer. The June-September rainfall, which irrigates 60% of the country’s farms and drives rural incomes, is vital for the trillion-dollar economy. A healthy rainfall despite the slow progress could help Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tame high double-digit food...