Cigarette tax hike: Experts warn of surge in illicit trade; fear major revenue losses for government

A sharp increase in taxes on cigarettes, along with a new excise duty structure on tobacco products, could trigger a surge in illicit trade and lead to significant revenue losses for the government, experts have warned.Earlier this week, the finance ministry notified amendments to the Central Excise Act, introducing a fresh excise duty ranging from…

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Govt clears 22 electronics parts projects at Rs 42,000 crore investment

NEW DELHI: In a major boost for electronics manufacturing, the Centre has cleared 22 new proposals – including from Samsung, Foxconn, Tata Electronics and Dixon – for component manufacturing entailing investments of nearly Rs 42,000 crore.The investments under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) are projected to result in domestic production of Rs 2.6 lakh…

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Internet melts as Women’s World Cup winner Smriti Mandhana, Palash Muchhal share cute Haldi moment — Watch | Cricket News

Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal snapped at their Haldi ceremony. (Images via X/Screengrabs) The wedding celebrations of India batter Smriti Mandhana and composer-filmmaker Palash Muchhal have begun, with the Haldi ceremony setting the tone for the final stretch toward their November 23 wedding. The festivities, held two days before the big day, unfolded in a…

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‘Will have a beer tonight’: England coach blames ‘too much training’ for Ashes defeat | Cricket News

England coach Brendon McCullum during an England nets session at Perth Stadium on November 19, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo/Getty Images) England head coach Brendon McCullum said his team “trained too much” in the build-up to their heavy defeat in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane on Sunday. England’s preparation for the series has been…

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