India's wholesale inflation has surged to 11.39 percent, exposing the country's vulnerability to rising energy prices, international conflict and mounting production costs. The larger question is whether India's economic resilience can protect households from a global crisis they did not create.India's economy continues to demonstrate considerable growth. But beneath the headline indicators, a different economic challenge is emerging.Wholesale inflation accelerated to 11.39 percent in September 2026, up from 9.92 percent in August, according to government data released on Wednesday.The increase exceeded economists' expectations and marked the highest reading under the country's new wholesale inflation series.The figures reveal mounting pressure across energy, food and manufacturing, raising concerns about how much of the increase businesses can absorb before passing additional costs to consumers.&nbsp;<h2>The energy shock behind the numbers</h2>&nbsp;Perhaps the most striking figure is the 57.32 percent annual increase in wholesale crude petroleum and natural gas prices.Inflation in the broader fuel and power category reached 25.85 percent, reflecting the consequences of persistent disruption in global energy markets.The conflict involving Iran has contributed to uncertainty over energy supplies, while elevated international crude prices have increased costs for oil-importing economies.India is particularly exposed because of its dependence on imported crude.A rise in international oil prices does not remain confined to the energy sector.It can increase the cost of transporting goods, manufacturing products, operating agricultural machinery and distributing food.In an interconnected economy, expensive energy can gradually become expensive everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-energy-crisis-hits-indian-economy-1791993940847/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-energy-crisis-hits-indian-economy-1791993940847/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>When wholesale pressure reaches households</h2>&nbsp;Wholesale inflation and retail inflation measure different stages of the economy.The Wholesale Price Index tracks price changes at the wholesale level, while the Consumer Price Index measures prices paid by households.That distinction matters.An 11.39 percent increase in wholesale prices does not mean every Indian household is paying 11.39 percent more for its purchases.Nevertheless, persistent wholesale price increases can create pressure on businesses to raise retail prices.India's retail inflation has already accelerated to 5.54 percent in September, approaching the Reserve Bank of India's upper tolerance threshold of 6 percent.Wholesale food inflation has also risen to 8.66 percent.For families, food and energy costs are particularly significant because they account for essential spending that cannot easily be postponed.Higher prices can reduce disposable income and force households to reconsider other expenses.The burden can be especially difficult for lower-income consumers, whose budgets have less room to absorb unexpected increases.&nbsp;<h2>The government's difficult balancing act</h2>&nbsp;India's policymakers face competing priorities.Protecting consumers from the full impact of global energy prices may help limit immediate inflation.But such measures can impose financial costs on fuel retailers or the government, depending on how they are structured.Allowing prices to adjust more freely could reduce those pressures, but risks transferring more of the burden to consumers.Monetary policy presents another dilemma.The Reserve Bank of India has raised its benchmark policy rate to 5.50 percent as inflationary pressures broaden.Higher interest rates can help restrain inflation by moderating demand and inflation expectations.However, borrowing can also become more expensive for businesses and households.That creates difficult choices for companies planning investments and consumers considering major purchases.&nbsp;<h2>India's growth story faces a new test</h2>&nbsp;India's economic growth remains an important source of strength.Domestic demand, investment, infrastructure development and a large consumer market provide resilience against international uncertainty.But strong growth does not eliminate vulnerability to imported inflation.Manufactured products recorded wholesale inflation of 9.76 percent in September, suggesting that higher costs are spreading beyond volatile food and energy categories.Basic metals, chemicals, textiles and electrical equipment are among the sectors experiencing increased price pressures.These are important inputs across manufacturing and construction.If higher production costs persist, businesses may face narrower profit margins, higher selling prices or difficult decisions about investment and employment.The economic consequences therefore extend beyond the immediate inflation figures.&nbsp;<h2>Can India shield itself from global instability?</h2>&nbsp;India's energy security has long required a careful balance between affordability, supply reliability and international relationships.The latest inflation figures reinforce the importance of that challenge.Diversifying energy sources, strengthening domestic infrastructure and improving efficiency can reduce exposure to future shocks.But those measures take time.In the immediate term, policymakers must respond to an international environment in which energy supplies, geopolitical tensions and financial conditions remain unpredictable.There are limits to what domestic policy alone can accomplish when the original shock comes from outside national borders.That makes effective crisis management essential.&nbsp;<h2>The Verdict</h2>&nbsp;India's latest wholesale inflation figures are not evidence that its growth story has ended.They are a warning that economic growth and economic security are not the same thing.A country can expand rapidly while households face increasing pressure from essential expenses.The challenge for the government and the Reserve Bank is to prevent temporary international disruptions from developing into persistent domestic inflation.The challenge for businesses is to manage higher costs without undermining investment and employment.And for households, the concern is simpler: how much further will everyday expenses rise?India's economic strength will be measured not only by its growth rate, but by its ability to withstand external shocks without leaving ordinary people to absorb an unsustainable burden.Because a growing economy is important. But making that growth count for its people is what matters most.

India's wholesale inflation figures reveal mounting pressure across energy, food and manufacturing, raising concerns about how much of the increase businesses can absorb before passing on to consumers. Higher prices can reduce disposable income and force households to reassess other expenses.

India's wholesale inflation has surged to 11.39 percent, exposing the country's vulnerability to rising energy prices, international conflict and mounting production costs. The larger question is whether India's economic resilience can protect households from a global crisis they did not create. India's economy continues to demonstrate considerable growth. But beneath the headline indicators, a different economic challenge is emerging. Wholesale inflation accelerated to 11.39 percent in September 2026, up from 9.92 percent in August, according to government data released on Wednesday. The increase exceeded economists' expectations and marked the highest reading under the country's new wholesale inflation series. The figures reveal mounting pressure across energy, food and manufacturing, raising concerns about how much of the increase businesses can absorb before passing additional costs to consumers. The energy shock behind the numbers Perhaps the most striking figure is the 57.32 percent annual increase in wholesale crude petroleum and natural gas prices. Inflation in the broader fuel and power category reached 25.85 percent, reflecting the consequences of persistent disruption in global energy markets. The conflict involving Iran has contributed to uncertainty over energy supplies, while elevated international crude prices have increased costs for oil-importing economies. India is particularly exposed because of its dependence on imported crude. A rise in international oil prices does not remain confined to the energy sector. It can increase the cost of transporting goods, manufacturing products, operating agricultural machinery and distributing food. In an interconnected economy, expensive energy can gradually become expensive everything. https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-energy-crisis-hits-indian-economy-1791993940847/embed When wholesale pressure reaches households Wholesale inflation and retail inflation measure different stages of the economy. The Wholesale Price Index tracks price changes at the wholesale level, while the Consumer Price Index measures prices paid by households. That distinction matters. An 11.39 percent increase in wholesale prices does not mean every Indian household is paying 11.39 percent more for its purchases. Nevertheless, persistent wholesale price increases can create pressure on businesses to raise retail prices. India's retail inflation has already accelerated to 5.54 percent in September, approaching the Reserve Bank of India's upper tolerance threshold of 6 percent. Wholesale food inflation has also risen to 8.66 percent. For families, food and energy costs are particularly significant because they account for essential spending that cannot easily be postponed. Higher prices can reduce disposable income and force households to reconsider other expenses. The burden can be especially difficult for lower-income consumers, whose budgets have less room to absorb unexpected increases. The government's difficult balancing act India's policymakers face competing priorities. Protecting consumers from the full impact of global energy prices may help limit immediate inflation. But such measures can impose financial costs on fuel retailers or the government, depending on how they are structured. Allowing prices to adjust more freely could reduce those pressures, but risks transferring more of the burden to consumers. Monetary policy presents another dilemma. The Reserve Bank of India has raised its benchmark policy rate to 5.50 percent as inflationary pressures broaden. Higher interest rates can help restrain inflation by moderating demand and inflation expectations. However, borrowing can also become more expensive for businesses and households. That creates difficult choices for companies planning investments and consumers considering major purchases. India's growth story faces a new test India's economic growth remains an important source of strength. Domestic demand, investment, infrastructure development and a large consumer market provide resilience against international uncertainty. But strong growth does not eliminate vulnerability to imported inflation. Manufactured products recorded wholesale inflation of 9.76 percent in September, suggesting that higher costs are spreading beyond volatile food and energy categories. Basic metals, chemicals, textiles and electrical equipment are among the sectors experiencing increased price pressures. These are important inputs across manufacturing and construction. If higher production costs persist, businesses may face narrower profit margins, higher selling prices or difficult decisions about investment and employment. The economic consequences therefore extend beyond the immediate inflation figures. Can India shield itself from global instability? India's energy security has long required a careful balance between affordability, supply reliability and international relationships. The latest inflation figures reinforce the importance of that challenge. Diversifying energy sources, strengthening domestic infrastructure and improving efficiency can reduce exposure to future shocks. But those measures take time. In the immediate term, policymakers must respond to an international environment in which energy supplies, geopolitical tensions and financial conditions remain unpredictable. There are limits to what domestic policy alone can accomplish when the original shock comes from outside national borders. That makes effective crisis management essential. The Verdict India's latest wholesale inflation figures are not evidence that its growth story has ended. They are a warning that economic growth and economic security are not the same thing. A country can expand rapidly while households face increasing pressure from essential expenses. The challenge for the government and the Reserve Bank is to prevent temporary international disruptions from developing into persistent domestic inflation. The challenge for businesses is to manage higher costs without undermining investment and employment. And for households, the concern is simpler: how much further will everyday expenses rise? India's economic strength will be measured not only by its growth rate, but by its ability to withstand external shocks without leaving ordinary people to absorb an unsustainable burden. Because a growing economy is important. But making that growth count for its people is what matters most.

India's wholesale inflation figures reveal mounting pressure across energy, food and manufacturing, raising concerns about how much of the increase businesses can absorb before passing on to consumers. Higher prices can reduce disposable income and force households to reassess other expenses.

The Verdict | India’s inflation shock: A growing economy, but who pays the price?

India’s wholesale inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), dropped to a 14-month low of 0.39 per cent in May 2025, down from 0.85 per cent in April, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on June 16.&nbsp;This marks the third consecutive month of declining wholesale inflation, primarily driven by slowing demand and moderating food prices, with prices of key kitchen staples such as vegetables, pulses, and potatoes falling sharply.<h2>Food prices lead the decline</h2>The significant deceleration in food inflation was the major factor contributing to the decline in overall WPI. Food inflation fell to 1.72 per cent in May, down from 2.55 per cent in April. This was largely due to a sharp decline in vegetable prices, which contracted by 21.62 per cent compared to 18.26 per cent in the previous month.&nbsp;Other food items such as onions and potatoes also saw considerable price reductions, with onion inflation easing to 14.41 per cent in May from 0.20 per cent in April and potato inflation plunging by 29.42 per cent. This is indicative of easing demand pressures, rather than supply shortages or disruptions.Notably, protein-rich food items like eggs, meat, and fish saw a price decline of 1.01 per cent, marking the second consecutive month of deflation in this category. However, the prices of fruits (up 10.17 per cent) and milk (up 2.66 per cent) continued to rise, pointing to mixed trends within the broader food category.<h2>Fuel and power prices continue to fall</h2>The fuel and power segment, which has a significant impact on inflation, also saw a continued fall in prices. Fuel and power inflation contracted by 2.27 per cent in May, slightly worse than the 2.18 per cent drop in April.&nbsp;The decline was largely driven by lower mineral oil prices, with petrol prices falling by 8.5 per cent and high-speed diesel prices by 5.61 per cent. However, the price of cooking gas rose by 0.25 per cent, reflecting volatility in global energy markets.<h2>Manufactured products show slower price growth</h2>Inflation in manufactured products, which makes up the largest portion of the WPI basket, slowed to 2.04 per cent in May from 2.62 per cent in April. The deceleration in this category is further evidence of softening demand across the economy.&nbsp;Key categories such as food products, basic metals, rubber and plastics, and chemical products saw price reductions, while certain sectors, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles, recorded price increases.<h2>Declining inflation reflects weak demand</h2>The overall trend of falling wholesale inflation can be attributed to weakening demand across key sectors, rather than any major supply disruptions or shortages. This is evident from the broader cooling seen in both food and non-food items.&nbsp;While inflation in primary articles declined by 2.02 per cent year-on-year, the deceleration in prices was not driven by any major disruptions in supply chains but rather by weaker demand pressures.This cooling in wholesale inflation follows the same trend seen in retail inflation, which eased to a 75-month low of 2.82 per cent in May, largely due to the decline in food prices. With inflation remaining subdued, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has room to continue its accommodative monetary policy.&nbsp;In fact, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) recently cut the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5 per cent, signalling that it expects the low inflation environment to persist.<h2>RBI’s outlook and future expectations</h2>The cooling of both wholesale and retail inflation suggests that the RBI could take further steps to ease monetary policy in the second half of 2025, supporting economic growth while keeping inflation under control.&nbsp;The central bank has already lowered its inflation forecast for FY26 to 3.7 per cent, from an earlier projection of 4 per cent, in light of the ongoing disinflationary trends.Economists also point out that as food inflation continues to ease, the country may see further benefits from a favourable monsoon season and improved agricultural output. However, risks remain in the form of global volatility and unpredictable weather patterns, which could affect inflation trends in the coming months.The latest WPI data underscores a broader trend of falling inflation driven by slowing demand rather than supply-side factors. With food prices and fuel costs continuing their decline, India’s wholesale inflation outlook remains subdued, providing the RBI with the flexibility to maintain its policy stance and support economic recovery in the months ahead.

This is the third consecutive month of declining wholesale inflation, primarily driven by slowing demand and moderating food prices, with prices of key kitchen staples such as vegetables, pulses, and potatoes falling sharply.

India’s wholesale inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), dropped to a 14-month low of 0.39 per cent in May 2025, down from 0.85 per cent in April, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on June 16. This marks the third consecutive month of declining wholesale inflation, primarily driven by slowing demand and moderating food prices, with prices of key kitchen staples such as vegetables, pulses, and potatoes falling sharply. Food prices lead the decline The significant deceleration in food inflation was the major factor contributing to the decline in overall WPI. Food inflation fell to 1.72 per cent in May, down from 2.55 per cent in April. This was largely due to a sharp decline in vegetable prices, which contracted by 21.62 per cent compared to 18.26 per cent in the previous month. Other food items such as onions and potatoes also saw considerable price reductions, with onion inflation easing to 14.41 per cent in May from 0.20 per cent in April and potato inflation plunging by 29.42 per cent. This is indicative of easing demand pressures, rather than supply shortages or disruptions. Notably, protein-rich food items like eggs, meat, and fish saw a price decline of 1.01 per cent, marking the second consecutive month of deflation in this category. However, the prices of fruits (up 10.17 per cent) and milk (up 2.66 per cent) continued to rise, pointing to mixed trends within the broader food category. Fuel and power prices continue to fall The fuel and power segment, which has a significant impact on inflation, also saw a continued fall in prices. Fuel and power inflation contracted by 2.27 per cent in May, slightly worse than the 2.18 per cent drop in April. The decline was largely driven by lower mineral oil prices, with petrol prices falling by 8.5 per cent and high-speed diesel prices by 5.61 per cent. However, the price of cooking gas rose by 0.25 per cent, reflecting volatility in global energy markets. Manufactured products show slower price growth Inflation in manufactured products, which makes up the largest portion of the WPI basket, slowed to 2.04 per cent in May from 2.62 per cent in April. The deceleration in this category is further evidence of softening demand across the economy. Key categories such as food products, basic metals, rubber and plastics, and chemical products saw price reductions, while certain sectors, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles, recorded price increases. Declining inflation reflects weak demand The overall trend of falling wholesale inflation can be attributed to weakening demand across key sectors, rather than any major supply disruptions or shortages. This is evident from the broader cooling seen in both food and non-food items. While inflation in primary articles declined by 2.02 per cent year-on-year, the deceleration in prices was not driven by any major disruptions in supply chains but rather by weaker demand pressures. This cooling in wholesale inflation follows the same trend seen in retail inflation, which eased to a 75-month low of 2.82 per cent in May, largely due to the decline in food prices. With inflation remaining subdued, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has room to continue its accommodative monetary policy. In fact, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) recently cut the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5 per cent, signalling that it expects the low inflation environment to persist. RBI’s outlook and future expectations The cooling of both wholesale and retail inflation suggests that the RBI could take further steps to ease monetary policy in the second half of 2025, supporting economic growth while keeping inflation under control. The central bank has already lowered its inflation forecast for FY26 to 3.7 per cent, from an earlier projection of 4 per cent, in light of the ongoing disinflationary trends. Economists also point out that as food inflation continues to ease, the country may see further benefits from a favourable monsoon season and improved agricultural output. However, risks remain in the form of global volatility and unpredictable weather patterns, which could affect inflation trends in the coming months. The latest WPI data underscores a broader trend of falling inflation driven by slowing demand rather than supply-side factors. With food prices and fuel costs continuing their decline, India’s wholesale inflation outlook remains subdued, providing the RBI with the flexibility to maintain its policy stance and support economic recovery in the months ahead.

This is the third consecutive month of declining wholesale inflation, primarily driven by slowing demand and moderating food prices, with prices of key kitchen staples such as vegetables, pulses, and potatoes falling sharply.

India’s wholesale inflation eases to 14-month low in May, driven by slowing demand

Japan's wholesale inflation experienced a notable deceleration, falling below 1 per cent for the first time in over two and a half years, signalling a shift away from the cost-push pressures that had been driving up prices across various sectors, Reuters reported on Monday.

Reuters quoted Takeshi Minami, the Chief Economist at Norinchukin Research Institute, as saying, "Wholesale inflation seems to have cooled as past declines in raw material and energy costs filter through domestic business-to-business prices."

This slowdown aligned&nbsp;with the Bank of Japan's expectations, raising questions about whether increased wages and household spending will generate a demand-driven rise in consumer prices.

The Corporate Goods Price Index (CGPI), reflecting the prices companies charge each other for goods and services, rose 0.8 per cent in October from a year earlier, slightly below the median market forecast of a 0.9 per cent gain. This marked the 10th consecutive month of slowing wholesale inflation, with the year-on-year growth rate falling below 1 per cent for the first time since February 2021.

The cooling trend was attributed to declining prices of wood, chemical, and steel products, emphasising the impact of diminishing global commodity costs.

Takeshi Minami argued that government subsidies aimed at curbing gasoline and utility bills might lead to a slowdown in consumer inflation by the close of the fiscal year ending March 2024.

"The pace of slowdown in consumer inflation will be modest as labour shortages and higher wages will underpin service prices,” he said, anticipating a modest deceleration.

The spike in wholesale inflation had prompted Japanese firms to pass on higher costs to households, prompting the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to revise its inflation forecasts. The BOJ, anticipating a dissipation of cost-push inflation, emphasises the need for price rises driven by robust domestic demand to consider ending ultra-low interest rates.

BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated progress toward sustainably achieving the bank's two&nbsp;per cent target, signalling conditions for exiting ultra-easy policy were gradually falling into place.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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Japan's wholesale inflation experienced a notable deceleration, falling below 1 per cent for the first time in over two and a half years, signalling a shift away from the cost-push pressures that had been driving up prices across various sectors, Reuters reported on Monday.

Japan's wholesale inflation experienced a notable deceleration, falling below 1 per cent for the first time in over two and a half years, signalling a shift away from the cost-push pressures that had been driving up prices across various sectors, Reuters reported on Monday. Reuters quoted Takeshi Minami, the Chief Economist at Norinchukin Research Institute, as saying, "Wholesale inflation seems to have cooled as past declines in raw material and energy costs filter through domestic business-to-business prices." This slowdown aligned with the Bank of Japan's expectations, raising questions about whether increased wages and household spending will generate a demand-driven rise in consumer prices. The Corporate Goods Price Index (CGPI), reflecting the prices companies charge each other for goods and services, rose 0.8 per cent in October from a year earlier, slightly below the median market forecast of a 0.9 per cent gain. This marked the 10th consecutive month of slowing wholesale inflation, with the year-on-year growth rate falling below 1 per cent for the first time since February 2021. The cooling trend was attributed to declining prices of wood, chemical, and steel products, emphasising the impact of diminishing global commodity costs. Takeshi Minami argued that government subsidies aimed at curbing gasoline and utility bills might lead to a slowdown in consumer inflation by the close of the fiscal year ending March 2024. "The pace of slowdown in consumer inflation will be modest as labour shortages and higher wages will underpin service prices,” he said, anticipating a modest deceleration. The spike in wholesale inflation had prompted Japanese firms to pass on higher costs to households, prompting the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to revise its inflation forecasts. The BOJ, anticipating a dissipation of cost-push inflation, emphasises the need for price rises driven by robust domestic demand to consider ending ultra-low interest rates. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated progress toward sustainably achieving the bank's two per cent target, signalling conditions for exiting ultra-easy policy were gradually falling into place. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Cost pressures ease as Japan's wholesale inflation takes a dive

Japan's wholesale inflation hovered near a 13-year high in August as raw material imports continued to rise on solid global demand, putting pressure on companies to pass on higher costs to households.

World Business Watch: Japan's wholesale inflation hovers near 13-year high as material costs rise

India's annual wholesale price inflation eased to a 10-month low of 2.76 per cent in January, helped by a smaller increase in prices of manufactured goods and fuel products, government data showed on Thursday.

Annual wholesale price inflation last month was lower than a provisional 3.80 per cent rise in December, and below a 3.65 per cent increase forecast by economists in a Reuters poll.

Wholesale food prices in January rose 1.84 per cent year-on-year, compared with a 0.07 per cent rise a month earlier, data showed.

India's annual wholesale price inflation eased to a 10-month low of 2.76 per cent in January, helped by a smaller increase in prices of manufactured goods and fuel products, government data showed on Thursday.

India's annual wholesale price inflation eased to a 10-month low of 2.76 per cent in January, helped by a smaller increase in prices of manufactured goods and fuel products, government data showed on Thursday. Annual wholesale price inflation last month was lower than a provisional 3.80 per cent rise in December, and below a 3.65 per cent increase forecast by economists in a Reuters poll. Wholesale food prices in January rose 1.84 per cent year-on-year, compared with a 0.07 per cent rise a month earlier, data showed.

January wholesale inflation eases to 10-month low of 2.76 per cent

India's annual wholesale price inflation slightly eased in March, helped by a fall in food prices, government data showed on Monday.

Annual wholesale price inflation last month eased to 2.47 percent from a year earlier, a shade lower than a provisional 2.48 percent rise in February, and below a 2.58 percent increase forecast by economists in a Reuters poll.

Wholesale food prices in March fell 0.07 percent year-on-year, compared with a 0.07 percent rise a month earlier, data showed.

Wholesale inflation was at 2.48 per cent in February

India's annual wholesale price inflation slightly eased in March, helped by a fall in food prices, government data showed on Monday. Annual wholesale price inflation last month eased to 2.47 percent from a year earlier, a shade lower than a provisional 2.48 percent rise in February, and below a 2.58 percent increase forecast by economists in a Reuters poll. Wholesale food prices in March fell 0.07 percent year-on-year, compared with a 0.07 percent rise a month earlier, data showed.

WPI inflation down slightly to 2.47% in March

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-results-2017-bjp-to-retain-gujarat-overthrow-congress-in-himachal-pradesh-26751">Exit poll results 2017: BJP to retain Gujarat, overthrow Congress in Himachal Pradesh</a>

Voting in the second and final phase of Gujarat assembly elections has ended and poll predictions for the state and Himachal Pradesh have started coming in.

Almost every pollster has predicted that the BJP is likely to retain Gujarat, but with a reduced number of seats. According to Republic-C Voter exit polls, the BJP is likely to get 108 seats, whereas Times Now-VMR Exit Poll data says BJP will get 109 seats out of a total of 182 seats.

The Congress will give the BJP a fight in Gujarat. While the Times Now-VMR exit poll gives Rahul Gandhi&#39;s party 70 seats, Republic-C-Voter predicts it will get 74 seats.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-directs-its-high-commission-in-delhi-to-issue-visas-to-jadhavs-family-26746">Pakistan directs high commission in Delhi to issue visas to Jadhav&#39;s mother, wife</a>

Pakistan today directed its High Commission in New Delhi to issue visas to the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav, official sources said.

The directive was issued by the Foreign Ministry following its decision last week to allow Jadhav&#39;s family to meet him on December 25 in Islamabad, they said.

An Indian high commission official will be allowed to accompany Jadhav&#39;s family during their meeting.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-pronounce-interim-order-on-mandatory-linking-of-aadhaar-tomorrow-26747">Supreme Court to pronounce interim order on mandatory linking of Aadhaar tomorrow</a>

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its interim order on a clutch of pleas seeking a stay on the government&#39;s decision to link Aadhaar with various welfare schemes.

The order will be pronounced tomorrow.&nbsp;

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the final hearing on petitions challenging the Aadhaar scheme itself would start from January 17 next year.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-inflation-rises-to-eight-month-high-in-november-26724">India&#39;s wholesale inflation rises to eight-month high in November</a>

India&#39;s wholesale price based inflation rose to 3.93 per cent in November, as against 3.59 per cent in October.

The annual wholesale price inflation accelerated in November to an eight-month high, driven by faster rises in prices of food and fuel products, government data showed.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-to-centre-ensure-courts-deciding-cases-against-mps-mlas-start-from-march-1-26739">SC to Centre: Ensure courts deciding cases against MPs, MLAs start functioning from March 1</a>

The Supreme Court told the Centre Thursday to ensure that the fast-track courts that will decide pending cases against MPs and MLAs start functioning from March 1, 2018.&nbsp;

The court directed the Centre to allocate Rs 7.8 crore proportionally to the states where the 12 special courts will be set up.

The court added that the courts will be set up by the state governments in consultation with high courts.&nbsp;

Exit poll results 2017: BJP to retain Gujarat, overthrow Congress in Himachal Pradesh Voting in the second and final phase of Gujarat assembly elections has ended and poll predictions for the state and Himachal Pradesh have started coming in. Almost every pollster has predicted that the BJP is likely to retain Gujarat, but with a reduced number of seats. According to Republic-C Voter exit polls, the BJP is likely to get 108 seats, whereas Times Now-VMR Exit Poll data says BJP will get 109 seats out of a total of 182 seats. The Congress will give the BJP a fight in Gujarat. While the Times Now-VMR exit poll gives Rahul Gandhi's party 70 seats, Republic-C-Voter predicts it will get 74 seats. Pakistan directs high commission in Delhi to issue visas to Jadhav's mother, wife Pakistan today directed its High Commission in New Delhi to issue visas to the wife and mother of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav, official sources said. The directive was issued by the Foreign Ministry following its decision last week to allow Jadhav's family to meet him on December 25 in Islamabad, they said. An Indian high commission official will be allowed to accompany Jadhav's family during their meeting. Supreme Court to pronounce interim order on mandatory linking of Aadhaar tomorrow The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its interim order on a clutch of pleas seeking a stay on the government's decision to link Aadhaar with various welfare schemes. The order will be pronounced tomorrow. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the final hearing on petitions challenging the Aadhaar scheme itself would start from January 17 next year. India's wholesale inflation rises to eight-month high in November India's wholesale price based inflation rose to 3.93 per cent in November, as against 3.59 per cent in October. The annual wholesale price inflation accelerated in November to an eight-month high, driven by faster rises in prices of food and fuel products, government data showed. SC to Centre: Ensure courts deciding cases against MPs, MLAs start functioning from March 1 The Supreme Court told the Centre Thursday to ensure that the fast-track courts that will decide pending cases against MPs and MLAs start functioning from March 1, 2018. The court directed the Centre to allocate Rs 7.8 crore proportionally to the states where the 12 special courts will be set up. The court added that the courts will be set up by the state governments in consultation with high courts.

WION evening news brief, December 14, 2017

Wholesale inflation fell to 2.60 per cent in September as prices of food articles, led by vegetables, softened.

Inflation, based on the wholesale price index (WPI), had soared to a four-month high of 3.24 per cent in August 2017. It was 1.36 per cent in September 2016.

The government data released today showed that inflation in food articles tapered to 2.04 per cent in September, as against 5.75 per cent in August on a yearly basis.

Inflation in vegetable prices cooled to 15.48 per cent in September, as against a high of 44.91 per cent in the previous month.

Onion prices, however, continued to rule high with 79.78 per cent increase in September. In egg, meat and fish segment the rate of price rise was 5.47 per cent.

Inflation in manufactured products witnessed a slight increase at 2.72 per cent, against 2.45 per cent in August.

In fuel and power segment, inflation cooled to 9.01 per cent, against 9.99 per cent in August.

Fuel inflation has remained high in the past two months as petrol and diesel prices continued to rule high relentlessly on global crude oil rates, while power tariffs shot through the roof on lower domestic production.

Pulses continued to witness deflation at 24.26 per cent, likewise in potato at 46.52 per cent and wheat at 1.71 per cent.

The final print of July WPI inflation remained unchanged from provisional estimate of 1.88 per cent.

Data released earlier this week showed retail inflation at 3.28 per cent in September, unchanged from August, even as vegetable and cereal prices softened.

Besides industrial production grew at a nine-month high of 4.3 per cent in August, mainly on account of robust performance of mining and power sectors coupled with higher capital goods output.

Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank kept benchmark interest rate unchanged on fears of rising inflation while lowering growth forecast to 6.7 per cent for the current fiscal.

It also raised its inflation forecast to a range of 4.2 to 4.6 per cent during the remainder of current fiscal as against 4 to 4.5 per cent previously.

WPI was at a four-month high of 3.24% in August

Wholesale inflation fell to 2.60 per cent in September as prices of food articles, led by vegetables, softened. Inflation, based on the wholesale price index (WPI), had soared to a four-month high of 3.24 per cent in August 2017. It was 1.36 per cent in September 2016. The government data released today showed that inflation in food articles tapered to 2.04 per cent in September, as against 5.75 per cent in August on a yearly basis. Inflation in vegetable prices cooled to 15.48 per cent in September, as against a high of 44.91 per cent in the previous month. Onion prices, however, continued to rule high with 79.78 per cent increase in September. In egg, meat and fish segment the rate of price rise was 5.47 per cent. Inflation in manufactured products witnessed a slight increase at 2.72 per cent, against 2.45 per cent in August. In fuel and power segment, inflation cooled to 9.01 per cent, against 9.99 per cent in August. Fuel inflation has remained high in the past two months as petrol and diesel prices continued to rule high relentlessly on global crude oil rates, while power tariffs shot through the roof on lower domestic production. Pulses continued to witness deflation at 24.26 per cent, likewise in potato at 46.52 per cent and wheat at 1.71 per cent. The final print of July WPI inflation remained unchanged from provisional estimate of 1.88 per cent. Data released earlier this week showed retail inflation at 3.28 per cent in September, unchanged from August, even as vegetable and cereal prices softened. Besides industrial production grew at a nine-month high of 4.3 per cent in August, mainly on account of robust performance of mining and power sectors coupled with higher capital goods output. Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank kept benchmark interest rate unchanged on fears of rising inflation while lowering growth forecast to 6.7 per cent for the current fiscal. It also raised its inflation forecast to a range of 4.2 to 4.6 per cent during the remainder of current fiscal as against 4 to 4.5 per cent previously.