Under the revised structure, the government will levy excise duty ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 cigarette sticks. The tax will vary based on cigarette length. This duty will apply in addition to the existing 40 percent Goods and Services Tax.

At present, cigarettes in India attract an overall tax burden of nearly 53 percent. This figure remains well below the World Health Organization’s recommended 75 percent benchmark. Officials believe the higher excise duty will help bridge this gap and discourage tobacco consumption.

The decision follows the approval of the Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025 in December 2024. The amendment removed the earlier temporary levy and introduced a permanent taxation framework for tobacco products.

The price hike will directly impact millions of smokers across the country. It may also affect cigarette manufacturers such as ITC and Godfrey Phillips India, as higher taxes could pressure sales and margins.

The government aims to reduce tobacco use and related health risks through stricter taxation, while also strengthening public health outcomes.

The post Cigarette Tax Increase to Make Smoking Costlier From February appeared first on India Podcast.

According to officials, protestors set fire to shops, torched vehicles, and even burned down the residence of the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. One of the deceased, a 25-year-old differently-abled man named Suresh Dey, was found dead inside a building that had been set ablaze. Another individual, Athik Timung, died during violent clashes.

To control the situation, authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions and suspended internet services in affected areas. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is closely monitoring the situation and assured that additional security forces would be deployed to restore peace. The Director General of Police confirmed that despite assurances of peaceful protest, mobs resorted to stone-pelting, bomb throwing, and arson.

Officials stated that dialogue with stakeholders is ongoing, but tensions remain high as both protestors and affected shop owners continue to demonstrate, highlighting the fragile law-and-order situation in the region.

The post Assam Karbi Anglong Violence: Why the District Erupted in Violence and How the Situation Escalated appeared first on India Podcast.

In the video, Lalit Modi sarcastically calls himself and Mallya “India’s biggest fugitives” while laughing and looking at the camera. Vijay Mallya is seen smiling and enjoying the moment. The remark has drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing the duo of mocking the Indian legal system and public sentiment.

Lalit Modi captioned the video with a birthday message for Mallya, saying he wanted to “break the internet in India again.” Reports suggest the party was hosted earlier this month in London to celebrate Mallya’s birthday. Several prominent personalities, including business leaders and celebrities, were reportedly present at the gathering.

Photographer Jim Riddell also shared images from the event on social media and thanked Lalit Modi for hosting the celebration. Lalit Modi later posted another message expressing gratitude to guests and referring to Mallya as a close friend.

Both men have lived abroad for years while facing serious financial and legal cases in India. The video has reignited debate over accountability and the delay in bringing economic offenders back to the country.

The post Lalit Modi Vijay Mallya Mock India in Viral Party Video appeared first on India Podcast.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office described the act as “very disturbing.” It said such behaviour hurts the dignity of Muslim women and advised leaders in India to show sensitivity towards religious beliefs. The statement spread widely on social media and drew global attention.

Inside India, the Nitish Kumar hijab controversy led to legal and political consequences. A senior Congress leader filed a complaint in a Muzaffarpur court, accusing the Chief Minister and a state minister of hurting religious sentiments. The court has scheduled a hearing for January 2026.

Political parties, activists, and citizens criticised the act and demanded an apology. Many leaders said public representatives must respect personal choice and women’s dignity at all times.

The issue continues to spark debate across the country, raising serious questions about conduct, accountability, and respect for religious freedom.

The post Nitish Kumar Hijab Controversy: Pakistan’s Sharp Reaction Triggers Fresh Political Storm appeared first on India Podcast.

Kolkata Police arrested three men for attacking the vendors at the Paanch Lokkho Konthe Gita Paath at Brigade Parade Ground on December 7. The victims, from Topsia and Arambagh, went to the venue to sell patties. The accused allegedly threw away their stock and forced them to do sit-ups while holding their ears. A viral video helped the police track down the attackers.

Speaking at a rally in Krishnanagar, Mamata Banerjee said, “This is West Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh. They beat patty sellers, and we arrested all of them last night.” She accused the BJP of using religious texts for political mobilisation and warned that such tactics aim to divide people.

She added that faith belongs in the heart, not on political stages. She urged citizens to protect Bengal’s inclusive culture and reject forces that try to stoke communal tension.

The post Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP Over Kolkata Assault appeared first on India Podcast.

Chief spokesperson Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kaler briefed the media in Chandigarh. He said the High Court accepted the issues raised in the public interest petition filed by former minister Dr Daljit Singh Cheema. He added that the court clearly noted the need for neutral policing and asked the SEC to issue firm instructions to all SHOs and officers to avoid acting for any political party.

Kaler said the court also directed the Punjab Government and the SEC to hand over the controversial viral audio clip involving Patiala Police to an external and neutral investigation agency. He added that the SEC failed to act when the audio surfaced, and the court highlighted that lapse.

He said the Punjab Government tried to argue that such petitions should not be allowed during the election process, but the court rejected that claim. Kaler stated that the ADGP SPS Parmar probe now holds little value and should end. He expressed hope that the SEC will now ensure transparent block samiti and zila parishad elections.

The post Akali Dal Urges SEC Action appeared first on India Podcast.

The Congress high command reacted quickly. It formed a high-level committee to probe Dr Kaur’s statement. Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel will lead the inquiry. The party has also asked Baghel for a detailed report. The leadership is unhappy that such controversy has erupted just before the 2027 Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, Sidhu has stayed silent in front of the media. Reports claimed he travelled to Amritsar and later Mumbai, but he avoided public comments. His silence has surprised many, as he usually voices his views on social media.

Party insiders say the high command wants clarity before deciding on any action. Sidhu hopes his meeting with Priyanka Gandhi will calm the situation and protect his political standing.

The post Navjot Sidhu Seeks Priyanka Gandhi Meeting appeared first on India Podcast.

The family waited almost two years for justice. They visited offices. They filed reminders. But the municipality did not release the ₹11.36 lakh compensation ordered earlier by the Additional District and Sessions Judge of Kuchaman.

Frustrated with the delay, petitioner Poonam Mal approached the court again. The judge responded firmly. He issued a seizure order for the Collector’s vehicle and the municipality office belongings. Court officials immediately reached the municipal building. Panic spread among the staff as news of the order circulated.

The Executive Officer rushed to the court and asked for 24 hours. He promised payment. The court accepted the request but kept the pressure on. The hearing will continue on 11 December, and officials now face strict judicial monitoring.

This case highlights growing public frustration with administrative delays.

The post Rajasthan Court Seizes Didwana Collector’s Car appeared first on India Podcast.

Relatives described the deaths as a tragic result of Assam’s weak livelihood options. They said their children had no choice but to travel to faraway states like Goa and Kerala for work. Manojeet and Rahul worked in the nightclub’s kitchen, while Diganta served as a cook.

The fire broke out shortly after midnight on Sunday. It spread fast and trapped workers inside. Six people survived with injuries.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief on social media and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the recovery of the injured.

Families alleged that officials did not inform them about arrangements to bring the bodies home. They also claimed that tea garden conditions in the Barak Valley have become worse, pushing youth to migrate. Diganta Patir’s mother said both her sons work outside Assam because Dhemaji’s flood-hit areas provide no stable income.

The post Goa Nightclub Fire Kills Three Assam Workers, Families Blame Lack of Jobs appeared first on India Podcast.

Governor Acharya emphasised that Kalpavas is much more than a religious ritual. He said it represents discipline, self-restraint, and inner purification. According to him, Kalpavas inspires a person to move from falsehood to truth, darkness to light, and mortality to immortality. The program began with Vande Mataram and a Swastik recital by Prayagwal Sabha.

During the symposium, Pt. Rama Shankar Shukla delivered an in-depth lecture on the spiritual and cultural importance of Kalpavas. Vice Chancellor Rajaram Yadav, Mayor Ganesh Kesarwani, and Chandradev Maharaj also highlighted its social and spiritual relevance.

The event was conducted by Rajesh Kesarwani, and Subhash Vaishya delivered the vote of thanks. Several dignitaries, including former Advocate General Neeraj Tripathi, MLA Deepak Patel, and many public representatives and citizens attended the program.

The post Assam Governor Says Kalpavas Marks the Beginning of a Spiritual Journey appeared first on India Podcast.