Indian Monsoon

The IMF warns that rising oil prices from West Asia tensions and an El Nino-hit monsoon pose key downside risks to India's 2026-27 economic growth outlook

This happened even as the monsoon entered a weak phase, as the rains in the previous fortnight provided sufficient soil moisture to start planting

This year's monsoon opened with India's fifth-driest June on record and rainfall almost 40% below normal levels, followed by a sudden deluge early this month

Jammu and Kashmir bore the brunt of monsoon fury on Sunday, accounting for 12 out of 17 deaths reported in rain-related incidents across northern and eastern India. The death toll in Jammu and Kashmir rose to 12 as torrential rains unleashed landslides and flash floods across the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, causing widespread damage to public and private infrastructure including roads and houses. The devastation prompted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to skip National Conference's proposed statehood protest in Delhi on Monday and rush to Jammu to take stock of the emerging situation and oversee relief efforts. Abdullah reached the Civil Secretariat here at 6 pm and chaired a high-level meeting. The worst devastation was reported from Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where most of the fatalities occurred, while rescue teams raced against time to trace the missing persons, the officials said. A police official said one more body was recovered in Surankote area of .

ISMA and NFCSF said India has adequate sugar stocks to meet domestic demand and urged traders and buyers to avoid speculative purchases and hoarding

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said inflation risks remain elevated due to West Asia tensions, rising oil prices and the possibility of a weak monsoon, even as supply-side pressures dominate

While Delhi is expected to remain hot and humid under partly cloudy skies, the IMD has forecast widespread heavy rainfall over eastern and northeastern states, with extremely heavy showers over Odisha

Keeping in mind the factors on crop prospects, it stands to reason that rate cuts are out, and an unchanged position can be expected.

The recent acceleration in rainfall has provided a sentiment lift, but from a fundamental standpoint, it has only partially mitigated D-Street's underlying anxieties.

AM Karthik of ICRA Ltd said that NBFCs slow down disbursements, tighten their credit norms and prioritise collections and loan quality over loan growth when macroeconomic headwinds intensify.

Tractor sales, the JM Financial study said, were most sensitive to El Nino conditions, recording weaker sales growth during the La Niña period, which is associated with excess rainfall.

Analysts said the impact of a weak monsoon would depend more on the distribution of rainfall across key agricultural regions rather than the overall national rainfall figure.

Analysts said concerns over agri stocks are justified due to the rainfall deficit, but suggested investors to stay selective rather than avoid the sector altogether.

Divya S of Capri Global said that a weak monsoon often increases gold loan demand, as rural households monetise jewellery to finance the next crop cycle or bridge working capital gaps.

Six weeks into India's first rainfall derivative, the numbers have more to say than the launch-day press release did

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said there is a possibility to compensate shortfall in acreage under Kharif crops as sowing operations continue till August 15. He asserted that the government is keeping a close watch on the rainfall situation and the ongoing sowing operations. "There is still time for sowing of Kharif crops. Sowing happens till August 15. There was less rain during June but there has been good rainfall in the first week of July. There is a possibility of good rainfall after July 20," Chouan told reporters on the sidelines of a conference organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). At present, the area under coverage for Kharif crops is less than the year-ago period, the minister said. "We are keeping a close eye on the situation," Chouhan said, adding that the Centre is ensuring that farmers receive all inputs, including seeds and fertilisers, on time. Asked whether the sowing would improve going forward to make up for

The IMD has forecast a week-long break in the southwest monsoon. Here's why the monsoon takes a pause every year, why this year's break seems unusual, and what it could mean for paddy cultivation

June inflation rose above the RBI's 4% target, with food, oil prices and monsoon risks clouding the outlook, making a status quo on rates the likely policy choice

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the poor category amid hot and humid weather, while an active monsoon pattern is set to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds to several states

Uttarakhand remained on yellow alert after heavy rain-triggered landslides blocked 126 roads in the state, including two national highways