Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench expressed anger as most Vidarbha districts ignored its order to publish public notices on banned nylon manja. The court has now ordered immediate action. Read the full story.
Rebel Star Prabhas' horror film 'The Raja Saab' gets UA certificate from censor board. The 190-minute movie, directed by Maruthi, releases on January 9, 2026. Read details.
Women government employees in Nagpur face a clash as EVM distribution on Makar Sankranti, Jan 14, coincides with key festival rituals. Read how they are managing their dual responsibilities.
Despite a nationwide ban, deadly Chinese manja is being sold on e-commerce and social media sites ahead of Sankranti, causing severe injuries to birds, animals, and humans. Authorities vow action.
Tobacco growers in Karnataka protest against the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill-2025, citing a massive tax hike that threatens their survival. They demand a rollback to protect farmer livelihoods.
West Bengal unveils a tech-driven plan for Gangasagar Mela 2026, featuring AI surveillance, QR wristbands for safety, and a major sustainability push. Read about the green transformation.
Explore the essence of Lohri, the North Indian winter festival. From traditional foods like gachak to its spiritual meaning of 'Lo Hari', discover how it blends warmth, family, and self-offering. Join the celebration!
Tobacco farmers in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh warn the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 will devastate livelihoods and boost illegal trade. Read their urgent plea to the government.
Nashik police have externed 519 criminals for 15 days to ensure free & fair civic elections and prevent the sale of banned nylon manja during Makar Sankranti. Read more.
Mysuru tobacco growers face price uncertainty as new taxes on tobacco products loom. While current prices hover around Rs 320/kg, fears of a crash clash with hopes of a post-Sankranti surge to Rs 400/kg. Explore the market divide.
Ahead of Sankranti, chicken prices in Andhra Pradesh have skyrocketed, with country chicken now costing more than mutton. Traders warn of further hikes from January 10. Read more.
West Champaran's aromatic Marcha Chura sees a price surge & national demand spike after its GI tag. Discover how this Makar Sankranti staple is transforming local farming. Read more!
Megastar Chiranjeevi's upcoming film 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu' trailer is here. The comedy-action drama, co-starring Nayanthara, releases on January 12 for Sankranti. Watch now!
A sharp increase in excise duty on cigarettes, effective Feb 1, 2026, may trigger a surge in illicit trade and cause revenue losses, experts caution. Read more.
BJP's Nitin Nabin is expected to be formally elected party president before the January budget session, marking a significant organizational overhaul and generational change. Get the full details here.
Cigarettes to cost more as new excise duty and 40% GST kick in from February 1. Check the new price slabs and tax changes for all tobacco products.
Jaipur's traditional kite markets are buzzing with colours but sales await a boost. Traders expect a rush despite a 25-40% price hike and weather challenges. Read more.
Major brokerages downgrade ITC and cut target price by up to 26% following a proposed sharp hike in taxes on tobacco products. The stock fell over 13% in two sessions. Read more.
Jaipur Municipal Corporation launches a major drive against tobacco sales near schools, confiscates products and issues warnings. Read about the new enforcement rules.
Several injured as bull runs wild during an unpermitted Jallikattu event in Tirupati's Chandragiri mandal. Police question organisers for flouting rules. Read the full report.
Thousands of tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh protest against the Centre's steep tax increase, warning it will destroy livelihoods and boost illegal smuggling. FAIFA demands a rollback.
APSRTC announces 1,500 special bus services from Visakhapatnam for Sankranti, connecting major cities and rural areas to curb private operator overcharging. Services run from Jan 12.
Thousands of tobacco farmers protest in Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka against a steep GST hike, warning it will crush livelihoods and boost illegal smuggling. FAIFA demands a rollback to revenue-neutral rates.
ITC shares hit a 3-year low after a steep excise duty hike on tobacco, eroding ₹72,300 crore in shareholder wealth. LIC faces a massive ₹11,460 crore loss. Key brokerages downgrade the stock.
Plan your finances with the complete list of 16 bank holidays in January 2026 across India. Check city-wise closures for Republic Day, Makar Sankranti, and more.
ITC shares fell more than 5% on Friday, dragging down the broader tobacco sector. The sell-off follows a recent government report and ongoing regulatory pressures. Discover the key reasons and market impact.
A change in Sankranti festival dates has caused chaos for Andhra Pradesh's cockfight breeders, forcing them to scramble for roosters with specific colour combinations deemed lucky for the new days. Read how astrology and numerology dictate the high-stakes
Check the complete list of school holidays in January 2026, including Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and Republic Day. Plan your academic schedule around these closures.
India mandates CCTV installation in tobacco factories from Feb 1, 2026. Footage must be preserved for 24 months. New excise rules also clarify duty on tins and other forms. Details inside.
Prices of cigarettes, bidis, and other tobacco products will rise from February 1, 2026, after the government imposes a new excise duty. Find out the latest tax rates and impact on consumers.