MUMBAI: The southwest monsoon in India is off to the weakest start since 2014. The India Meteorological Department’s latest monsoon reading shows that till 26 June, cumulative rainfall was 36% below normal. “A 36% deficient monsoon till now is significant relative to historical trends. Economists say that rural incomes and consequently rural demand are linked to how the monsoon pans out. “Even if the monsoon was to disappoint, I don’t expect it to have a disastrous effect on inflation.

Source: Mint June 30, 2019 18:00 UTC