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Zimbabwe is considering culling elephants for the first time since 1988 in order to address a severe drought that has caused food shortages. The country has an elephant population of 100,000, the second-largest in the world, and the government believes that it exceeds what the forests can sustain. The plan is to use the meat from the cull to provide protein to communities in need. The large elephant herd has been damaging the country's natural habitat, and the government is also seeking to sell its ivory stock, which is currently prohibited by international regulations. [Extracted from the article]

Colombia's government has reached an agreement with truckers to end a strike that had paralyzed the country for five days. The agreement involves a smaller increase in diesel prices than originally planned, with a gradual increase of 800 pesos ($0.20) this year. Negotiations will continue to discuss additional increases next year. The truckers have started to clear the road blockades, which had caused concerns about food and fuel shortages. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Weather Meteorological Organization states that climate change is negatively impacting African economies. Countries in Africa are losing an average of 2-5% of their GDP annually due to climate extremes, with some spending up to 9% of their GDP to combat these issues. Africa is warming up faster than the global average, with North Africa experiencing the most rapid increase in temperature. The impacts of climate change are widespread, including reduced crop yields, water shortages, droughts, floods, and the threat of food shortages. The report estimates that climate adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa will cost $30-50 billion per year over the next decade. [Extracted from the article]

Protesting Colombian truckers have been blocking roads for four days, leading to warnings of food and fuel shortages across the country. The capital, Bogotá, has only four days of jet fuel and six days of regular gasoline left. The blockades are also preventing other supplies from reaching markets, impacting industries such as egg production, poultry, pork, and dairy. The government's decision to phase out expensive diesel subsidies has caused unrest among truckers, who rejected the offer to gradually increase fuel prices. The disruption is also affecting the operations of the state-controlled oil company, Ecopetrol SA. [Extracted from the article]

Protesting Colombian truckers have been blocking roads for four days, leading to warnings of food and fuel shortages across the country. The capital, Bogotá, has only four days of jet fuel and six days of regular gasoline left. The roadblocks are also preventing other supplies from reaching markets, impacting industries such as egg production, poultry, pork, and dairy. The government's decision to phase out diesel subsidies has caused the increase in fuel prices, leading to protests from truckers. The disruption is causing food price increases, and the impact on inflation will depend on how long the situation lasts. [Extracted from the article]

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stated that he plans to step down from office when his tenure ends in 2028, despite calls from some members of the ruling party for him to extend his term. Mnangagwa emphasized that he is a constitutionalist and will not seek a third term. This comes after provincial ruling-party officials expressed their desire for him to extend his rule to 2030. Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after the removal of long-time ruler Robert Mugabe, and the country is currently facing a drought that has resulted in food shortages for over half of the rural population. [Extracted from the article]

Ghana has implemented a ban on the export of rice, corn, and soy in order to prevent a potential food shortage caused by drought conditions. The affected regions, mainly in the north, account for 62% of Ghana's grain production, putting approximately 1.8 million hectares of land at risk. The government plans to raise $500 million, including funding from the World Bank, to address the grain shortage by compensating affected farmers and importing grain. However, these imports may lead to currency depreciation and increased food inflation. [Extracted from the article]

Ghana has implemented a ban on the export of rice, corn, and soy in order to prevent a potential food shortage caused by drought conditions. The affected regions, primarily in the northern part of the country, account for 62% of Ghana's grain production. The government plans to raise $500 million, including funding from the World Bank, to address the grain shortage and provide compensation to affected farmers. However, importing grain to make up for the shortfall may lead to currency depreciation and increased food inflation. [Extracted from the article]

Zimbabwe's monthly inflation rate reached its highest level since the introduction of its new currency, the ZiG. In August, consumer prices rose by 1.4%, with food and non-alcoholic beverages being the main contributors to the surge. While the ZiG has provided some stability against the dollar, a severe drought has led to food shortages and increased food inflation. The country is facing a need for $400 million to secure corn supplies, and efforts to import grain may put pressure on the exchange rate. [Extracted from the article]

Crops in South Africa's Limpopo province have been damaged by black frost, leading to concerns of potential food shortages in the region. The TLU SA farmers' organization has reported significant losses and damage to infrastructure, such as water pipes. The affected areas include the Soutpansberg mountain region, Levubu, Marble Hall, Arabie, and Bela-Bela. The country is currently experiencing a cold snap, with snow in the south and west, freezing conditions throughout, and high seas and damaging winds along the coastline. [Extracted from the article]

Israel's military conducted a raid on Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, targeting Hamas activities. The military claimed that intelligence indicated the use of the hospital by senior Hamas terrorists for terrorist activity. This incursion comes after a previous operation at the hospital four months ago, where underground tunnels and military infrastructure were discovered. While international attention has focused on the possibility of a cease-fire and the situation in Rafah, fighting continues across the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and a looming famine, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 31,000 Palestinian deaths. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the campaign against Hamas, despite global pressure for a cease-fire. [Extracted from the article]

A powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula on Japan's northwest coast, resulting in the death of at least 48 people. The city of Wajima was particularly affected, with a fire engulfing around 200 homes and shops. Rescue efforts are underway, with Japan dispatching 1,000 troops to assist. The earthquake did not impact the safety of nearby nuclear plants. The region is facing challenges such as landslides, shortages of food and water, and damaged infrastructure. The Japanese government has set up a task force to aid in rescue and repair operations. Major companies in the affected areas are assessing the impact on their facilities. Train services, power plants, roads, and mobile phone services have been disrupted. The US has offered assistance to Japan. Emperor Naruhito canceled a public appearance out of consideration for those affected by the quake. [Extracted from the article]

The price of eggs in Russia has significantly increased, leading to concerns about shortages and prompting government action. Egg prices have risen by over 4% for four consecutive weeks and have become 42% more expensive since the beginning of the year. Reports of long lines and limited quantities of eggs being sold have emerged, reminiscent of Soviet-era food shortages. President Vladimir Putin criticized the government for not taking timely steps to address the issue. The government has responded by instructing regional officials to inspect egg producers, proposing limits on mark-ups, and approving a suspension of duties on egg imports. The increase in egg prices highlights the impact of inflation on consumers and comes at a crucial time before the New Year, Christmas holidays, and the upcoming presidential elections. The central bank attributes the inflation to excess demand and a lack of supply expansion. [Extracted from the article]

Israel and Hamas are preparing for another day of hostage releases from Gaza, following a dispute that briefly threatened the truce. The releases are part of a deal brokered by Qatar and Egypt, which has brought a four-day pause in the fighting and allowed for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel has released 78 Palestinian women and children, while Hamas has released 26 Israelis, 14 Thai nationals, and one Filipino citizen. The truce is contingent on Hamas releasing a total of 50 hostages and Israel freeing 150 women and minors. The United Nations has reported that the humanitarian pause has largely held, but there are still concerns about food shortages and the operation of bakeries in northern Gaza. Israeli forces have also arrested Palestinians traveling along the designated safe corridor. [Extracted from the article]

Israel and Hamas are preparing for a third day of hostage releases from Gaza, following a last-minute dispute that almost derailed the fragile truce. The releases are part of a deal brokered by Qatar and Egypt, which has brought a pause in the fighting and allowed for the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. So far, Hamas has released 26 Israelis, as well as Thai and Filipino citizens, while Israel has released 78 Palestinian women and children. Talks are ongoing to extend the current truce, and the United Nations has been able to increase the delivery of aid into Gaza. However, there are still concerns about food shortages and nutrition in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Israel and Hamas are preparing for a third day of hostage releases from Gaza, following a last-minute dispute that threatened to disrupt a fragile truce. The releases are part of a deal brokered by Qatar and Egypt, which has brought a four-day pause in fighting and allowed for the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel has released 78 Palestinian women and children, while Hamas has freed 26 Israelis, 14 Thai nationals, and one Filipino citizen. The truce is contingent on Hamas releasing a total of 50 hostages and Israel freeing 150 women and minors. The United Nations has been able to increase aid delivery in Gaza during the pause, but concerns remain about food and fuel shortages. Israel's defense forces have warned that civilians in Gaza are prohibited from entering the sea or approaching within 1 kilometer of the border with Israel. The US has been involved in resolving any holdups to the deal, with President Joe Biden speaking with Qatari leaders and senior US officials maintaining regular contact with relevant parties. Qatar's minister for international cooperation also made a rare visit to Gaza. [Extracted from the article]

Israel's military has stated that its offensive in the Gaza Strip may extend to the southern part of the territory, where many Palestinians have sought refuge from the heavy fighting in the north. The telecom operator in Gaza has restored services to part of the strip after Israel eased restrictions on fuel delivery. US President Joe Biden has spoken with the ruler of Qatar about efforts to release captives held in Gaza. Hamas officials claim that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 12,000. The White House has offered condolences to the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East over the deaths of 103 staff members. The main telecommunications provider in Gaza has been able to restore services in part of the strip after receiving fuel from the UN aid agency. Israel's war cabinet has approved the entry of two diesel tankers per day into Gaza to support the water and sewage system. Israel's army has stated that its attack on Hamas may extend to southern Gaza, where many civilians have sought refuge. President Biden has discussed efforts to release hostages in Gaza with the ruler of Qatar. Hamas officials claim that the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 12,000. The Israeli government has stated that there is no food shortage in Gaza and that more aid will be allowed in as requested by the UN. The Gaza healthcare system has collapsed, with many hospitals out of service and medical teams cut off. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli military positions. A Gaza hospital has reported that 40 patients have [Extracted from the article]

Mexico's lower house of Congress has approved the spending portion of the 2024 budget without allocating additional funds for the recovery of hurricane-hit Acapulco. The budget, which includes the largest deficit in President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's term, received 266 votes in favor, 204 against, and one abstention. President Lopez Obrador expressed satisfaction with the budget, stating that there would be sufficient funding to assist Acapulco. The city has been grappling with water and food shortages since Hurricane Otis struck on October 25, and the government has pledged to rebuild and restock over 200,000 affected homes, with estimated recovery costs of 100 billion pesos ($5.7 billion). [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- India's rice export ban is boosting prices around the world, increasing the risk of political instability in Asia and Africa, according to the head of a United Nations agency. "Export bans have a lot of impact, especially on the most vulnerable, by raising prices and having a shock on prices", he said. [Extracted from the article]

Rwanda's corn consumption is at 500,000 tons of corn annually, with imports at almost 120,000 tons, according to Sihlobo. (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwe plans to sell 40,000 tons of corn to Rwanda, marking its first export of the crop since 2001. [Extracted from the article]

North Korea Holds Mass Rally to "Annihilate" US and Defy Biden One banner shown by North Korea's propaganda machine said, with a colorful image depicting multiple missiles targeting what seemed to be a map of the US. (Bloomberg) -- North Korea held one of its biggest anti-US rallies in years where more than a 100,000 people carried banners that pledged to "pulverize the American empire" and denounced Washington as it seeks talks with Pyongyang. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The price of a basket of English breakfast items soared past £35 ($43) as vegetable shortages in supermarkets fueled a surprise jump in UK inflation. Tomato prices rose 6.4% in February compared with the previous month, the second-biggest riser in the latest Bloomberg Breakfast Index behind bread. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Foxconn Technology Group, which assembles most iPhones for Apple Inc., is easing most anti-Covid restrictions at its factory in Zhengzhou, China, a significant step forward for the facility that had become a flashpoint in the country's efforts to contain infections. Apple and Hon Hai warned that they would lose some iPhone production because of the troubles in Zhengzhou, which makes all of Apple's high-end Pro models. Foxconn Ends Most "Closed-Loop" Restrictions in iPhone City. [Extracted from the article]

The statement cited a United Nations Assembly resolution adopted in March that "deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and demands its complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine." (Bloomberg) -- A majority of Group of 20 nations condemned Russia's war in Ukraine, according to a joint declaration issued Wednesday after a summit that showed Vladimir Putin's government becoming more isolated on the world stage. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Canada and its allies want Russia out of Ukraine, with the northern nation also pushing for it to be ejected from the international community entirely. Pressed on what Canada can do to remove Russia from the IMF or the Group of 20, she conceded that at this point all it can do is publicly call out President Vladimir Putin's government for its decision to go to war with its neighbor. Canada Wants "Arsonist" Russia to Be Barred From IMF and G-20. [Extracted from the article]

Last month Pakistan had denied India's request to send the wheat because of the fractious relationship between the two South Asian nations. Keywords: ALLTOP; ASIA; BUSINESS; CMD; CONS; CONSS; COS; INDIA; INDUSTRIES; IRAN; MARKETS; MIDEAST; WORLD EN ALLTOP ASIA BUSINESS CMD CONS CONSS COS INDIA INDUSTRIES IRAN MARKETS MIDEAST WORLD Pakistan will allow India to send 50,000 tons of wheat through its territory to neighboring Afghanistan, which is reeling under a severe hunger crisis as its economy has stalled since the Taliban took over in August, according to an Afghan government official. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The world is now facing a food crisis at least as serious as the one experienced more than a decade ago, with food insecurity about to get worse, the International Monetary Fund warned, urging a decisive and coordinated approach. This food crisis is at least equal to that seen in 2007-08, which spurred severe food shortages and many deaths, and led to social and political unrest, it said. [Extracted from the article]

Merkel Urges Continued Engagement With Putin (7:30 a.m.) Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for engagement with Putin to help create "room for maneuver." (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine's European allies are considering how to respond to disruption of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline as Russia threatened to cut off the last gas supplies to them via Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

The government on Sunday said the typhoon could affect 76% of the nation's standing rice crops. (Bloomberg) -- Typhoon Noru has damaged swaths of farmland in the Philippines, posing further risks to food supply and inflation. [Extracted from the article]

"It's Russia's war that is worsening food insecurity, and only Russia can end it." (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden announced $2.9 billion in fresh US government assistance to address global food insecurity during his speech Wednesday to the United Nations General Assembly. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- A Covid outbreak at one of China's top media schools should be stamped out in the "shortest period of time", Beijing government officials said Sunday, as the capital reported 15 new infections. Meantime, authorities in Xinjiang have apologized for shortages of food and medicine in areas that have been locked down for a month to contain a Covid-19 outbreak. [Extracted from the article]

"Refrigeration and cooling are very energy intensive, as is the heating of greenhouses", said Pekka Pesonen, secretary general at Brussels-based farm lobby Copa-Cogeca. (Bloomberg) -- European farm and food groups said that energy prices could threaten shortages in fruit and vegetables, as more companies are forced to shut or reduce production because of high utility bills. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- European politicians are maneuvering ahead of a key meeting on Friday that aims to tame the impact of the energy crisis and prevent a financial meltdown. DZ Bank Warns of German "Slow De-Industrialization" (10:13 a.m.) Soaring energy prices raise the risk of "slow de-industrialization" for Germany, one of the country's most senior bankers said. [Extracted from the article]

Prior to CTG Duty Free, the year's largest listing in thecity was Tianqi Lithium Corp.'s $1.7 billion share sale last month. (Bloomberg) -- China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp. is tellingprospective investors it plans to price its Hong Kong share sale in theupper half of its marketed range, according to people familiar with thematter, in what could be this year's biggest listing in the Asianfinancial hub. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The United States has provided additionalfunding for hunger relief in South Sudan, taking its totalcontribution through the United States Agency for InternationalDevelopment to $223 million. The US government provided $106 million to the World FoodProgram from its Ukraine Supplemental Fund for immediatesupport to 2.4 million severely food insecure women, children,and men in the East African country, according to a statement onthe WFP's website. [Extracted from the article]

They accounted for just over half of Ukraine's seaborne grain exports in the 2020-21 season. (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine finally secured a deal aimed at restarting crucial Black Sea grain exports that have been crippled by Russia's invasion. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Ukraine finally secured a deal aimed at restarting crucial Black Sea grain exports that have been crippled by Russia's invasion. Ukraine faces the task of clearing a pathway in mined seas, finding enough ships to carry the backlogged grain and re-routing trains and trucks that are now being used elsewhere. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine faces the task of clearing a pathway in mined seas, finding enough ships to carry the backlogged grain and re-routing trains and trucks that are now being used elsewhere. (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine is about to finally secure a deal aimed at restarting crucial Black Sea grain exports that have been crippled by Russia's invasion. [Extracted from the article]

Li was reprimanded in January by Xi'an authorities for "malpractice,"though the government statement didn't provide details at the time. (Bloomberg) -- A health-care official has been kicked out of China'sruling Communist Party for offenses including "long-term addiction tomobile games" following an uproar over a woman who suffered amiscarriage because she was refused care while the city of Xi'an waslocked down. [Extracted from the article]

Two port workers in Wuhan came down with asymptomatic Covid infections, authorities said Friday. (Bloomberg) -- Covid-19 has returned to the central Chinese city where it first emerged, with two cases reported in Wuhan and a swelling outbreak in a neighboring province that's already seen counties locked down. [Extracted from the article]

Two port workers in Wuhan came down with asymptomatic Covid infections, authorities said Friday. (Bloomberg) -- Covid-19 has returned to the central Chinese city where it first emerged, with two cases reported in Wuhan and a swelling outbreak in a neighboring province, just as Beijing and Shanghai appear to have quelled the virus once again. [Extracted from the article]

As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed fought a civil war with rebellious soldiersin the northern Tigray region last year, he was also implementing anationwide wheat planting campaign designed to wean the country offforeign imports by 2023. (Bloomberg) -- Ethiopia's wheat output will jump 70% this year as thepopulous Horn of Africa nation ramps up production to shelter itselffrom supply chain woes linked to the war in Ukraine and a drought athome, according to the agriculture ministry. [Extracted from the article]

President Vladimir Putin compared his invasion of Ukraine to Czar Peter the Great's 18th century conquest of territory from Sweden. (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine's top finance official said the country urgently needs a new International Monetary Fund loan program as efforts to fight off invading Russian forces stretch its budget to the limit. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Ukraine's top finance official said the country urgently needs a new International Monetary Fund loan program as efforts to fight off invading Russian forces stretch its finances to the limit. President Vladimir Putin compared his invasion of Ukraine to Czar Peter the Great's 18th century conquest of territory from Sweden. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Turkey backed Russia's call for relief from sanctions limiting its exports of fertilizer and farm products but the two nations showed no sign of progress on a deal to unblock shipments of Ukrainian grain that have contributed to global food-supply fears. Along with Turkey, the Netherlands has expressed willingness to send warships to escort grain supplies stuck in Ukrainian ports. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine is the leading exporter of sunflower oil as well as a major shipper of grains like barley, corn and wheat. Ukraine Plays Down Grains Corridor Hope, Warns of "Catastrophe" (Bloomberg) -- Ukraine is working with partners to establish a humanitarian corridor for grain shipments but it is early to talk about a deal, Agriculture Minister Mykola Solskyi told a Turkish newspaper, warning that failure to open up exports from his nation will lead to "catastrophic" global price increases. [Extracted from the article]

"By commenting in advance on reaching the deal, Russia is seeking to shift responsibility to Ukraine" for disrupting supplies, Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Economy Minister, said in a text message. (Bloomberg) -- Turkey and Russia have reached a tentative deal to restart shipments of Ukraine's agricultural products from a key Black Sea port, but Kyiv remains skeptical of the proposed pact, according to people familiar with the discussions. [Extracted from the article]

"By commenting in advance on reaching the deal, Russia is seeking to shift responsibility to Ukraine" for disrupting supplies, Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Economy Minister, said in a text message. (Bloomberg) -- Turkey and Russia have reached a tentative deal to restart shipments of Ukraine's agricultural products from a key Black Sea port, but Kyiv remains skeptical of the proposed pact, according to people familiar with the discussions. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Turkey and Russia have reached a tentative deal to restart shipments of Ukraine's agricultural products from a key Black Sea port, but Kyiv remains skeptical of the proposed pact, according to people familiar with the discussions. "By commenting in advance on reaching the deal, Russia is seeking to shift responsibility to Ukraine" for disrupting supplies, Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Economy Minister, said in a text message. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Turkey and Russia have reached a tentative deal to restart shipments of Ukraine's agricultural products from a key Black Sea port, but Kyiv remains skeptical of the proposed pact, according to people familiar with the discussions. "By commenting in advance on reaching the deal, Russia is seeking to shift responsibility to Ukraine" for disrupting supplies, Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Economy Minister, said in a text message. [Extracted from the article]