Russia sends a submarine to escort the tanker Marinera, escalating tensions with the US over sanctions enforcement. The vessel, pursued by the US Coast Guard, changed its flag to Russian. Read the full details.
FCV tobacco farmers from Andhra Pradesh urge PM Modi & CM Naidu to review a steep excise hike, fearing a severe livelihood crisis and price crash. Read their urgent appeal.
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.
India's flurry of bilateral trade pacts with New Zealand, Oman & others is less about boosting exports & more a strategic hedge against global trade fragmentation under Trump. Analysis.
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.
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.
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.
Nicolas Maduro is out, but who leads Venezuela? US investigators reveal military officials profit from illicit trade, creating a dangerous power vacuum. Read the full report.
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 Municipal Corporation launches a major drive against tobacco sales near schools, confiscates products and issues warnings. Read about the new enforcement rules.
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.
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.
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.
The Centre introduces a new health and national security cess on tobacco, replacing the GST compensation cess from February 1. This tax overhaul aims to keep levies high and align with WHO benchmarks. Read more.
Kerala vigilance uncovers deep-rooted corruption in liquor trade. Raids reveal bribes, fake records, and collusion between bar owners and excise officials. Read the shocking details.
China updates its foreign trade policies, enhancing legal powers for trade disputes. New measures aim to bolster Beijing's capabilities against potential lawsuits from private firms. Read the full analysis.
Despite decades of graphic warnings, oral cancer rates in India continue to rise. Explore the complex factors behind this public health puzzle and what needs to change.
India is actively negotiating with the US to finalize a balanced trade agreement. Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu highlights progress and shared goals. Read the latest updates.
Mohali excise officials arrest a smuggler near Mataur village, seizing 25 cases of whiskey meant for illegal sale in Chandigarh. Read the full details of the crackdown.
Brazil's President Lula announces a delay in the landmark EU-Mercosur free-trade pact to January 2024, citing European opposition. The 26-year negotiation faces hurdles from France and Italy.
Brazil's President Lula da Silva aims to sign the long-delayed EU-Mercosur free-trade pact in January. The deal, 26 years in making, faces hurdles from European farmers and member states.
A PGIMER study reveals oral bacteria adapt to break down nicotine, potentially lowering dependence. This finding could lead to new microbiome-based cessation strategies for India's smokeless tobacco challenge.
Bokaro police raided an under-construction house in Kanjkiro village, arresting one man and seizing a large cache of illicit liquor, bottles, and manufacturing equipment. Read the full details of the crackdown.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner suspends inspector for negligence in major illicit liquor case. Raid uncovers 15,996 bottles worth Rs 77.54 lakh concealed in fruit cartons. Read the full details.
France's last-minute opposition and massive farmer protests threaten to derail the EU's 25-year Mercosur trade pact. Doubts grow over a 2024 signing. Read the full analysis.
A Noida court sentences a woman and her lover to life imprisonment for murdering her husband in 2014. The verdict follows testimonies revealing an illicit affair and a fatal altercation. Read the full details.
Chandigarh shines with just 13.7% adult tobacco users, among India's top 5 lowest. National rate is 28.6%. Data reveals a promising decline in youth tobacco consumption nationwide.
India and the US begin crucial negotiations for the first phase of a new trade pact on December 10, 2025. Key issues include market access and tariffs. Read the full story for details.
Jalandhar's Mass Media Wing launches a major campaign to create tobacco-free youth. Learn about the awareness drive, health risks, and community action.