“Food prices to be controlled, critical imports uncertain.”

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman predicts food prices to remain under control in the coming year, based on advance crop output estimates.

• The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed price rise eased to 4.31% in January from 5.22% in December, close to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) target of 4%.

• The decline in pulses inflation, supported by tariff-free imports, is expected to average only 4.2% for 2025-26.

• Food inflation is triggered by adverse weather conditions and supply chain disruptions. A Group of Ministers (GoM) oversees the situation to ensure timely imports when there is a supply shortfall.

• The budget aims to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investments, uplift household sentiments, and enhance the spending power of the rising middle class.

• The budget has been made during a difficult time with severe external challenges, but the government aims to keep assessments as close as possible to what can develop.