Normal to above normal rainfall is most likely during the 2021 southwest monsoon season (June – September) over most parts of South Asia, according to an authoritative seasonal forecast from the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) released this week. Geographically, above-normal rainfall is most likely over some areas of the North West, along the foothills of […]
Copper climbed to the highest in almost a decade as the global recovery from the pandemic extended a rally in metals markets. Aluminum is surging and iron ore jumped to a fresh high as commodities advance toward the highs of the last supercycle. Metals are benefiting as the world’s largest economies announce stimulus programs and climate pledges […]
With the expected rebound in the demand for coal to meet the rising electricity requirement, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the country in 2021 will be 1.4 per cent, or 30 million tonnes (MT) higher than the levels recorded in 2019, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a recent report. The expected rise in […]
The International Grains Council (IGC) has raised the forecast for world total grains production, including upgrades for wheat and maize, in 2020/21 by 9 million tons month-on-month to 2.224 billion, an increase of 2% y/y (year-on-year). “Because of increased consumption, projected total grain carryover stocks at the end of 2020/21 are 2m t lower m/m, at […]
The world’s smallholder farmers produce around a third of the world’s food, according to detailed new research by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Five of every six farms in the world consist of less than two hectares, operate only around 12 percent of all agricultural land, and produce roughly 35 percent of […]
World Steel Association (worldsteel), which represents 64 producing countries, said on Thursday that global crude steel production was 169.2 million tonnes (Mt) in March 2021, a 15.2% increase compared to the same month last year. China produced 94.0 Mt in March 2021, up 19.1% on March 2020, while India’s output rose 23.9% to 10.0 Mt, […]
In the history of Indian exports the year 2020-21 was undoubtedly the most topsy turvy with the first wave of Corona massively destabilising the goods flow particularly in the first quarter. After a low pick later, there was, however, a case of smart recovery in the last two quarters which had triggered the expectation of […]
Commodity prices continued their recovery in the first quarter of 2021 and are expected to remain close to current levels throughout the year, lifted by the global economic rebound and improved growth prospects, according to the World Bank’s semi-annual Commodity Markets Outlook. However, the outlook is heavily dependent on progress in containing the COVID-19 pandemic as […]
Amid the second wave of Covid-19 and localised lockdown announced by some states that has triggered a return of migrants; Uttarakhand, Kerala and Rajasthan have requested the Centre to consider releasing free food grains to all the 81 crore ration card holders, similar to the one under PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) last year […]
Partial lockdowns, curfews and other restrictions in many parts of India to battle a fresh surge of the Covid-19 pandemic could see a sharp increase in the closure of restaurants, a worried industry said as it demanded fresh support for survival from the government. India’s massive restaurant industry, which provides jobs to millions, was devastated […]
