India is considering increasing GST on tobacco products, including cigarettes, after the cessation of the compensation cess in 2026. A proposal to elevate GST to 40% plus additional excise duty aims to maintain tax revenue. A ministerial group will review post-2026 compensation cess scenarios.
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The Congress party reveals its promises for Delhi ahead of elections, including the Inflation Relief Scheme providing LPG cylinders at Rs 500 and free ration kits, and the Free Electricity Scheme offering 300 units of free electricity to households, aiming to alleviate financial burdens for citizens.
Prasun Dey, soon to be discharged from the hospital, will join his brother Pranay at NRS Medical College for questioning. Investigations focus on whether they force-fed poison to Priyamvada and details surrounding their planned suicide. Prasun's recovery is critical for the probe as police aim to fill gaps in the case.
Google's $32 billion acquisition of Wiz gained momentum after Trump's inauguration, with both companies confident in a favorable regulatory environment. The deal, one of the largest in tech history, includes a $3.2 billion termination fee, reflecting its high stakes amid antitrust scrutiny.
Following Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition, NIA is interrogating him about the 26/11 attacks and David Headley's role. Rana's disclosures may lead to NIA seeking further access to Headley, currently jailed in the US. Headley, according to former home secretary G K Pillai, was Rana's key link to the conspiracy, updating him on LeT's plans and reconnaissance.
Elon Musk praised the potential of Grok 3, a new AI chatbot, for its role in personal relationships. Bindu Reddy, the CEO of Abacus.AI, highlighted its capabilities. However, concerns about the chatbot's judgment arose after controversial responses to sensitive questions.
Pune residents Kaustubh Gunbote and Santosh Jagdale tragically lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam during their first family vacation together. The lifelong friends were shot in front of their families, leaving behind wives and children. Jagdale's daughter, Asawari, recounted the horrific event, stating terrorists shot her father after demanding he recite the kalma.
During the IPL match between KKR and PBKS, Sunil Narine's bat failed a live gauge test, highlighting the BCCI's crackdown on oversized bats. Anrich Nortje faced a similar issue later in the game. These mid-match checks, a new protocol, aim to prevent unfair advantages, with several players already scrutinised this season for bat dimensions exceeding ICC regulations.
Mahbabul Haque, chancellor of a private university and head of a foundation that runs schools in Assam, was arrested over alleged irregularities in CBSE exams at one of his schools. Several teachers, including the principal, were also detained. Authorities had been monitoring the situation for a while.
Desert Vipers secured their second win in ILT20 Season 3, defeating Gulf Giants by six wickets. Sam Curran's unbeaten 42 and Sherfane Rutherford's explosive 40 off 18 balls guided the Vipers to reach the target of 120 in 17.4 overs. Lockie Ferguson and Mohammad Amir's bowling limited the Giants to 119/9 despite James Vince's valiant 76.
Australia’s sweeping student visa reforms, aimed at reducing net migration, have sparked concern among Indian students and education stakeholders. Stricter rules and a sharp drop in approvals — with Indian visas falling by 48% — have raised fears of discrimination and policy opacity. The move also risks straining Indo-Australian ties and weakening Australia’s global education appeal.