Inflation in Pakistan has caused textbook prices to increase by 95%, making education unaffordable for low-income families. The rise in prices of other essential goods, such as gas, wheat flour, rice, and sugar, has further impacted the common man. Urgent action from the government is needed to stabilize textbook prices and ensure access to education for all. (50 words)

Pakistan’s rice export volume has dropped by 27.06% in the first two months of FY 2021-22, resulting from reduced demand in traditional markets. Basmati rice accounted for 41.85% of total exports and non-basmati rice accounted for 58.15%. The decline in exports raises concerns, prompting the government to focus on exploring new markets, improving quality, and supporting small and medium-sized exporters.

In September, agricultural exports, including basmati rice, declined to 17.93 lakh tonnes from the previous month’s 27.94 lakh tonnes, due to restrictions on rice varieties. The export value of farm items also dropped to Rs 14,153 crore from Rs 18,128 crore in August.

India’s Central Bank, the RBI, has decided to keep interest rates unchanged at 6.50% to address inflationary pressures and maintain stability in the economy. Despite challenges like climate change impact, the RBI remains optimistic about India’s economic resilience with revised GDP growth forecasts and strong fundamentals. [Source: Dawn]

Flour mills in Punjab are mixing maize and broken rice with wheat to generate illegal profits, resulting in complaints of adulterated flour and poor quality bread. The issue remains unaddressed by the Punjab Food Authority, prompting concerns from the Pakistan Flour Mills Association about the increase in adulteration complaints. The government and relevant authorities must take immediate action to combat this problem and ensure the supply of quality flour to consumers.

Archaeologists in Zhejiang Province, China, have discovered a prehistoric rice paddy dating back 5,300 to 5,500 years, providing insights into ancient rice cultivation practices. This find in the Hemudu culture region also unearthed irrigation systems and a connecting road, offering significant research material for studying the local agricultural history.

Pakistan’s leading rice exporter, HAS Rice Pakistan, offers a wide range of high-quality rice products, including Basmati and non-Basmati varieties. With state-of-the-art rice mills and strong relationships with suppliers, they ensure consistent quality and a steady supply. Their expertise, competitive pricing, and commitment to sustainability make them a trusted partner in the industry. Visit www.hasrice.com for more information.

India’s Central Bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), keeps interest rates unchanged at 6.50 percent, citing a stable economic outlook. Inflation has eased to 5 percent, and the RBI has revised its GDP growth forecast to 7 percent. The decision reflects optimism in India’s economy.

Inflation in Pakistan rises due to higher food and energy costs, with the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) showing a 1.16% increase in the week ended December 7, 2023, reversing the previous downward trend. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported a 42.68% surge in inflation compared to the same week last year.

Short-term inflation in Pakistan surges by 42.68%, driven by soaring gas and electricity prices. The increase in prices has taken a toll on consumer purchasing power, putting financial strain on households. Additionally, various items such as gas, cigarettes, and wheat flour have experienced substantial price hikes, while onions and tomatoes have witnessed significant decreases.