Consumer Defensive

The price of olive oil, a staple in many kitchens worldwide, has experienced a significant increase due to drought conditions in Spain, the world's largest producer. This has led to a surge in demand for alternative cooking oils that offer similar functionality and flavor profiles at a more affordable price.

Bodybuilders, known for pushing their bodies to the limit, are increasingly turning to semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and obesity, to manage the intense hunger they experience after competitions. While semaglutide can be effective in curbing appetite, its use among bodybuilders raises ethical concerns about fairness in competitions where drug testing is not conducted.

Extreme weather conditions have been causing fluctuations in vegetable prices, which have been a significant factor driving retail inflation. A report by Crisil highlighted the rising intensity and recurrence of weather disturbances leading to volatility in vegetable prices, with items like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger experiencing substantial inflation rates.

MDH Spices has denied allegations that its products contain traces of the cancer-causing agent ethylene oxide (ETO), calling them "untrue" and "lacking any substantiating evidence." The company's statement came in response to reports that the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) in Hong Kong had flagged the presence of ETO in samples of pre-packaged spice mix products from MDH and Everest Spices.

The Delhi Police has registered a case over a doctored video of Amit Shah advocating for the abolition of reservation quotas, while US customs rejected 31% of MDH spice shipments due to salmonella contamination. Additionally, over 200 individuals were arrested in US protests expressing solidarity with Palestine.