Sagari Gupta

From Gulf conflict to floods and extreme heat, disasters are squeezing Indian household budgets. A family does not need to live in a flood zone or beside a war to pay for a disaster. In 2026, three shocks have reached Indian households through higher prices, lost earnings and pressure on public finances. Conflict in the Gulf has raised energy and fertiliser costs. Monsoon floods have destroyed homes and livelihoods. Extreme heat has exposed the vulnerability of millions dependent on outdoor...

India’s three satellite internet licensees remain stuck in security assessments, with spectrum allocation, tariffs and launch dates still out of reach. Last week, the Ministry of Communications said three companies hold licences for satellite communication services in India and all three are still in security assessment. A licensee seeks spectrum only after its assessment ends. The ministry put all three at broadly the same regulatory stage. The statement, issued through the Press Information...

Food and electronics are rising for very different reasons, but households pay for both. AI Generated Image India’s consumer price inflation rose to 4.82 percent in August 2026 from 4.45 percent in July, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reported on September 14. Food inflation rose faster, to 5.95 percent from 5.52 percent. Both figures are provisional and use the new series with 2024 as the base year. September data is due on October 12, so August remains the...