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DRDO Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of Two Pralay Missiles Off Odisha CoastIn December 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch(simultaneous firing) of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.The flight-test of these missiles was conducted as part of user evaluation trials.What? Successfully conducted salvo launch of two Pralay missilesConducted by: DRDOWhere? ITR Chandipur, Off coast of OdishaTest Part of: User Evaluation TrialsSpecifications:Derived from: Prahaar missileDeveloped by: RCI with other DRDO labsType: Short-range, solid propellant, quasi-ballistic, SSM;Strike Range: 150-500 kmPayload Capacity: 500-1000 kg .
DRDO Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of Two Pralay Missiles Off Odisha CoastIn December 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch(simultaneous firing) of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.The flight-test of these missiles was conducted as part of user evaluation trials.What? Successfully conducted salvo launch of two Pralay missilesConducted by: DRDOWhere? ITR Chandipur, Off coast of OdishaTest Part of: User Evaluation TrialsSpecifications:Derived from: Prahaar missileDeveloped by: RCI with other DRDO labsType: Short-range, solid propellant, quasi-ballistic, SSM;Strike Range: 150-500 kmPayload Capacity: 500-1000 kg .
DRDO Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of Two Pralay Missiles Off Odisha CoastIn December 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch(simultaneous firing) of two indigenously developed Pralay ...
Olympic Champion Andre De Grasse Named International Event Ambassador for 21st TMMIn December 2025, Seven-time Olympic Medallist sprinter Andre De Grasse (Canada) was named the international event ambassador for the 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM 2025), World Athletics Global Label Race, which is scheduled to take place on January 18, 2026 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.The international Event Ambassador programme, designed by Procam International since the inception of TMM in 2004.What? Announced of International Event AmbassadorFor : 21st Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM)Who? Canadian Sprinter Andre De GrasseEvent Schedule: January 18, 2026, MumbaiAbout Andre De Grasse:Olympic Career: De Grasse is among the elite of world athletics, winning 7 medals(2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze) at Olympic Games including two gold medals, one in the men’s 200 meter (m) category at 2020 Tokyo Games(Japan) and the other in 4✕100 m relay at 2024 Paris Games(France).World Championships: Other than Olympic Games, De Grasse has continued to dominate the World Championships, securing 6 medals(1 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze) across 5 editions, including Gold at the 2022 World Athletics Championships held in Eugene, Oregon in the United States of America (USA).
Olympic Champion Andre De Grasse Named International Event Ambassador for 21st TMMIn December 2025, Seven-time Olympic Medallist sprinter Andre De Grasse (Canada) was named the international event ambassador for the 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM 2025), World Athletics Global Label Race, which is scheduled to take place on January 18, 2026 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.The international Event Ambassador programme, designed by Procam International since the inception of TMM in 2004.What? Announced of International Event AmbassadorFor : 21st Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM)Who? Canadian Sprinter Andre De GrasseEvent Schedule: January 18, 2026, MumbaiAbout Andre De Grasse:Olympic Career: De Grasse is among the elite of world athletics, winning 7 medals(2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze) at Olympic Games including two gold medals, one in the men’s 200 meter (m) category at 2020 Tokyo Games(Japan) and the other in 4✕100 m relay at 2024 Paris Games(France).World Championships: Other than Olympic Games, De Grasse has continued to dominate the World Championships, securing 6 medals(1 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze) across 5 editions, including Gold at the 2022 World Athletics Championships held in Eugene, Oregon in the United States of America (USA).
Olympic Champion Andre De Grasse Named International Event Ambassador for 21st TMMIn December 2025, Seven-time Olympic Medallist sprinter Andre De Grasse (Canada) was named the international event ambassador for the 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Ma...
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Canara Bank Appoints Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as Interim MD & CEO In December 2025, Canara Bank, India’s leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), appointed Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as its interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from January 01, 2026.What? Appointment of Interim MD & CEO of Canara BankWho? Hardeep Singh AhluwaliaEffective From: January 01, 2026Predecessor: K. Satyanarayana Raju.Tenure: 3 months or until a regular MD & CEO is appointedKey Details of Appointment:Succession: He succeeds K. Satyanarayana Raju, whose tenure as MD & CEO ended on December 31, 2025.Tenure: He will serve as MD and CEO of the bank for a period of 3 months (until March 31, 2026), or until the appointment of a regular incumbent, whichever is earlier.About Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia:Banking Career: He started his banking career by joining the Allahabad Bank (now Indian Bank) as an Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) in March 1992.Experience: He has 30 years of banking experience across India and internationally, including Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China.Previous Role: He served as the Executive Director (ED) at Canara Bank.
Canara Bank Appoints Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as Interim MD & CEO In December 2025, Canara Bank, India’s leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), appointed Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as its interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from January 01, 2026.What? Appointment of Interim MD & CEO of Canara BankWho? Hardeep Singh AhluwaliaEffective From: January 01, 2026Predecessor: K. Satyanarayana Raju.Tenure: 3 months or until a regular MD & CEO is appointedKey Details of Appointment:Succession: He succeeds K. Satyanarayana Raju, whose tenure as MD & CEO ended on December 31, 2025.Tenure: He will serve as MD and CEO of the bank for a period of 3 months (until March 31, 2026), or until the appointment of a regular incumbent, whichever is earlier.About Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia:Banking Career: He started his banking career by joining the Allahabad Bank (now Indian Bank) as an Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) in March 1992.Experience: He has 30 years of banking experience across India and internationally, including Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China.Previous Role: He served as the Executive Director (ED) at Canara Bank.
Canara Bank Appoints Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as Interim MD & CEO In December 2025, Canara Bank, India’s leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), appointed Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as its interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effec...
Ashika Group Receives In-Principle Approval from SEBI to Launch MFAshika Group received in-principle approval from SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) on December 31, 2025 to act as sponsor and establish Ashika Mutual Fund(MF), enabling it to form an Asset Management Company (AMC) and prepare scheme launches subject to final registration.What? SEBI in-principle approval for Ashika GroupWhen? December 31, 2025Purpose: To establish Ashika Mutual FundNext? Form AMC, secure final registration, launch schemesAbout Ashika Group: Ashika Group, established in 1994, operates as a financial service platform, offering Retail & Institutional Broking, Investment Banking & Advisory, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Research & Advisory, Global Family Office Services, Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) operations, and distribution services.About SEBI: SEBI, established in 1988, was given statutory powers in 1992 under the SEBI Act 1992. It protects investors, regulates stock markets, MFs and intermediaries, and ensures fair and transparent trading.
Ashika Group Receives In-Principle Approval from SEBI to Launch MFAshika Group received in-principle approval from SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) on December 31, 2025 to act as sponsor and establish Ashika Mutual Fund(MF), enabling it to form an Asset Management Company (AMC) and prepare scheme launches subject to final registration.What? SEBI in-principle approval for Ashika GroupWhen? December 31, 2025Purpose: To establish Ashika Mutual FundNext? Form AMC, secure final registration, launch schemesAbout Ashika Group: Ashika Group, established in 1994, operates as a financial service platform, offering Retail & Institutional Broking, Investment Banking & Advisory, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Research & Advisory, Global Family Office Services, Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) operations, and distribution services.About SEBI: SEBI, established in 1988, was given statutory powers in 1992 under the SEBI Act 1992. It protects investors, regulates stock markets, MFs and intermediaries, and ensures fair and transparent trading.
Ashika Group Receives In-Principle Approval from SEBI to Launch MFAshika Group received in-principle approval from SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) on December 31, 2025 to act as sponsor and establish Ashika Mutual Fund(MF), enabling it ...
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India’s Maritime NBFC, SMFCL Commences Lending Operations and Sanctions Loans Worth Rs 4,300 CroreIn December 2025, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) focused on maritime financing, commenced its lending operations and sanctioned loans totaling approximately Rs 4,300 crore during its 51st Board Meeting.With this, the company has now formally entered into the maritime lending space in line with the strategy approved by its Board.What? SMFCL, India’s 1st Maritime NBFC started its lending operationsLoan Sanctions: Total Rs.4,300 crore approved at 51st Board MeetingKey Allocations:Greenfield Port Project: Rs.4,000 croreDredging Corporation of India (DCI): Rs.150 croreGoa Shipyard Limited (GSL): Rs.110 croreGreenfield Port Project: Rs.4,000 croreDredging Corporation of India (DCI): Rs.150 croreGoa Shipyard Limited (GSL): Rs.110 croreKey Allocations:Port Development: SMFCL has allocated Rs 4,000 crore for a Greenfield Port Project, reaffirming the Government of India (GoI)’s commitment for port-led development.Maritime Infrastructure: Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has received Rs 150 crore, while Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has secured Rs 110 crore from the same loan tranche, aimed to support dredging capacity and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities of India.Strategic Roadmap: SMFCL’s board approved a Rs.25,000 crore borrowing limit and an Rs.8,000 crore lending target for Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM).About SMFCL: Launched in June 2025, SMFCL has been appointed nodal agency for the Rs.25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF).
India’s Maritime NBFC, SMFCL Commences Lending Operations and Sanctions Loans Worth Rs 4,300 CroreIn December 2025, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) focused on maritime financing, commenced its lending operations and sanctioned loans totaling approximately Rs 4,300 crore during its 51st Board Meeting.With this, the company has now formally entered into the maritime lending space in line with the strategy approved by its Board.What? SMFCL, India’s 1st Maritime NBFC started its lending operationsLoan Sanctions: Total Rs.4,300 crore approved at 51st Board MeetingKey Allocations:Greenfield Port Project: Rs.4,000 croreDredging Corporation of India (DCI): Rs.150 croreGoa Shipyard Limited (GSL): Rs.110 croreGreenfield Port Project: Rs.4,000 croreDredging Corporation of India (DCI): Rs.150 croreGoa Shipyard Limited (GSL): Rs.110 croreKey Allocations:Port Development: SMFCL has allocated Rs 4,000 crore for a Greenfield Port Project, reaffirming the Government of India (GoI)’s commitment for port-led development.Maritime Infrastructure: Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has received Rs 150 crore, while Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has secured Rs 110 crore from the same loan tranche, aimed to support dredging capacity and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities of India.Strategic Roadmap: SMFCL’s board approved a Rs.25,000 crore borrowing limit and an Rs.8,000 crore lending target for Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM).About SMFCL: Launched in June 2025, SMFCL has been appointed nodal agency for the Rs.25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF).
India’s Maritime NBFC, SMFCL Commences Lending Operations and Sanctions Loans Worth Rs 4,300 CroreIn December 2025, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) focused on maritime financing, comme...
RBI Issues Guidelines on Risk Weighting Framework for Exposure of NBFC to Infrastructure LoansIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the final guidelines relaxing the risk-weight norms for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) involved in the infrastructure financing.The relaxation follows feedback received from the industry and is aimed at facilitating investment in the Infrastructure sector.What? Risk weights relaxed for NBFC in infrastructure financingWho released it? RBIEffective: April 1,2026Grace Period: March 31, 2027Repayment threshold: 75% RW – 2% debt repaid; 50% RW – 5% debt repaidHigh Quality Infrastructure: Expanded to include more projects as high qualityKey HighlightsIssue Addressed: Initially, the RBI had proposed a stricter framework for risk weights on infrastructure loans provided by NBFCs.A higher risk weight necessitates a larger capital buffer, potentially limiting lending capacity.Following industry consultations, the RBI has now relaxed these proposed norms.Effective From: The Amendment Directions shall be applicable from April 1, 2026, or from an earlier date when these Directions are adopted by a NBFC in entirety.Grace Period: In case of exposures attracting a lower risk weight under the extant guidelines but will be subject to higher risk weights under these Directions, NBFCs can continue to maintain the extant risk weights till the next review / renewal or March 31, 2027, whichever is earlier.Repayment threshold: Under the revised guidelines, the NBFC exposures will now become eligible for 75% risk weight once 2% of the originally sanctioned project debt has been repaid.This is significantly lower than the 5% repayment threshold proposed in the draft norms.Similarly, the 50% risk weight will be applied once 5% of the project debt is repaid, compared with the earlier 10% threshold
RBI Issues Guidelines on Risk Weighting Framework for Exposure of NBFC to Infrastructure LoansIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the final guidelines relaxing the risk-weight norms for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) involved in the infrastructure financing.The relaxation follows feedback received from the industry and is aimed at facilitating investment in the Infrastructure sector.What? Risk weights relaxed for NBFC in infrastructure financingWho released it? RBIEffective: April 1,2026Grace Period: March 31, 2027Repayment threshold: 75% RW – 2% debt repaid; 50% RW – 5% debt repaidHigh Quality Infrastructure: Expanded to include more projects as high qualityKey HighlightsIssue Addressed: Initially, the RBI had proposed a stricter framework for risk weights on infrastructure loans provided by NBFCs.A higher risk weight necessitates a larger capital buffer, potentially limiting lending capacity.Following industry consultations, the RBI has now relaxed these proposed norms.Effective From: The Amendment Directions shall be applicable from April 1, 2026, or from an earlier date when these Directions are adopted by a NBFC in entirety.Grace Period: In case of exposures attracting a lower risk weight under the extant guidelines but will be subject to higher risk weights under these Directions, NBFCs can continue to maintain the extant risk weights till the next review / renewal or March 31, 2027, whichever is earlier.Repayment threshold: Under the revised guidelines, the NBFC exposures will now become eligible for 75% risk weight once 2% of the originally sanctioned project debt has been repaid.This is significantly lower than the 5% repayment threshold proposed in the draft norms.Similarly, the 50% risk weight will be applied once 5% of the project debt is repaid, compared with the earlier 10% threshold
RBI Issues Guidelines on Risk Weighting Framework for Exposure of NBFC to Infrastructure LoansIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the final guidelines relaxing the risk-weight norms for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) inv...
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Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026Bulgaria has adopted the Euro(EUR) as its official currency with effect from January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after more than two decades following approval by the Council of the European Union(EU) on July 8, 2025.Which confirmed that the country met all Maastricht convergence criteria and set the irrevocable conversion rate at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN,What? Bulgaria adopted the Euro as its CurrencyEffect from: January 1, 2026Replaced: Bulgarian levConversion Rate? 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGNBulgaria’s adoption of the Euro:Eurozone Member: With the adoption of the euro, Bulgaria became the 21st member of the Eurozone, the group of European countries that use the euro as their official currency, marking a major milestone in Bulgaria’s deeper economic integration with the European Union.Currency Transition: During January 2026, both the BGN and the EUR will be accepted for payments across Bulgaria, with change provided only in euros. From February 1, 2026, the euro will become the sole legal tender, and the Bulgarian lev will be fully withdrawn from daily circulation, completing the currency transition.Joined Euro system: The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has joined the Eurosystem, becoming part of the European Central Bank (ECB) framework. As a result, Bulgarian banks will now fall under the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), strengthening financial stability and banking oversight.
Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026Bulgaria has adopted the Euro(EUR) as its official currency with effect from January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after more than two decades following approval by the Council of the European Union(EU) on July 8, 2025.Which confirmed that the country met all Maastricht convergence criteria and set the irrevocable conversion rate at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN,What? Bulgaria adopted the Euro as its CurrencyEffect from: January 1, 2026Replaced: Bulgarian levConversion Rate? 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGNBulgaria’s adoption of the Euro:Eurozone Member: With the adoption of the euro, Bulgaria became the 21st member of the Eurozone, the group of European countries that use the euro as their official currency, marking a major milestone in Bulgaria’s deeper economic integration with the European Union.Currency Transition: During January 2026, both the BGN and the EUR will be accepted for payments across Bulgaria, with change provided only in euros. From February 1, 2026, the euro will become the sole legal tender, and the Bulgarian lev will be fully withdrawn from daily circulation, completing the currency transition.Joined Euro system: The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has joined the Eurosystem, becoming part of the European Central Bank (ECB) framework. As a result, Bulgarian banks will now fall under the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), strengthening financial stability and banking oversight.
Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026Bulgaria has adopted the Euro(EUR) as its official currency with effect from January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after more than two decades following approval by the Council of ...
Union Minister J.P.Nadda Launches Integrated e-Bill System to Digitalize Fertilizer Subsidy ClaimsOn January 1, 2026, Union Minister Jagat Prakash (J.P.) Nadda, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F), launched an Integrated electronic (e)-Bill system at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi (Delhi) to digitally process fertilizer subsidies worth about Rs.2 lakh crore.What? Launch of Integrated e-Bill SystemLaunched by: Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda (MoC&F)Developer: iFMS (MoC&F) & PFMS (MoF)Purpose: To digitally process fertilizer subsidies worth about Rs.2 lakh croreAbout Integrated e-Bill System:Digital Workflow: It replaces manual, paper-based processes with a fully digital workflow, eliminating the need for physical bill movement.Developer: It was developed in collaboration between the Integrated Financial Management System (iFMS) of Department of Fertilizers(DoF), MoC&F, and the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance (MoF).Key Features: It includes end-to-end digital workflow, transparency and accountability, efficiency and accuracy, real-time oversight and governance, and user convenience.
Union Minister J.P.Nadda Launches Integrated e-Bill System to Digitalize Fertilizer Subsidy ClaimsOn January 1, 2026, Union Minister Jagat Prakash (J.P.) Nadda, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F), launched an Integrated electronic (e)-Bill system at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi (Delhi) to digitally process fertilizer subsidies worth about Rs.2 lakh crore.What? Launch of Integrated e-Bill SystemLaunched by: Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda (MoC&F)Developer: iFMS (MoC&F) & PFMS (MoF)Purpose: To digitally process fertilizer subsidies worth about Rs.2 lakh croreAbout Integrated e-Bill System:Digital Workflow: It replaces manual, paper-based processes with a fully digital workflow, eliminating the need for physical bill movement.Developer: It was developed in collaboration between the Integrated Financial Management System (iFMS) of Department of Fertilizers(DoF), MoC&F, and the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance (MoF).Key Features: It includes end-to-end digital workflow, transparency and accountability, efficiency and accuracy, real-time oversight and governance, and user convenience.
Union Minister J.P.Nadda Launches Integrated e-Bill System to Digitalize Fertilizer Subsidy ClaimsOn January 1, 2026, Union Minister Jagat Prakash (J.P.) Nadda, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F), launched an Integrated electronic (e)-...
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MoF Notifies New Tax Structure for ‘Sin Goods’ from February 1, 2026On December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), notified a revised tax framework for ‘sin goods’ such as tobacco, pan masala and others, introducing an additional excise duty and a health cess to replace the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Compensation Cess, effective from February 1, 2026.What? New tax structure on ‘Sin Goods’ tobacco and pan masala replacing GST compensation cessNotified by: Ministry of Finance (MoF)Effective from: February 1, 2026Purpose: To improve compliance, plug revenue leakages, and boost tax collectionGST Rates: Pan masala, cigarettes, other tobacco – 40%; biris – 18%New Levies: Extra excise duty on tobacco; Health & National Security Cess on pan masala, both over GSTKey Details of the Revised Sin Goods Tax Structure:Objective: The move seeks to rationalize GST rates on sin goods while balancing government revenue and public health goals.GST Rates: Pan masala, cigarettes, and other tobacco products continue to attract 40% GST, while biris remain taxed at 18%.New Levies: From 1 February 2026, tobacco products will have an extra excise duty, and pan masala will incur a Health and National Security Cess, in addition to the existing GST.Additional excise duty is set at 91% for gutkha, 82% for chewing tobacco and jarda scented tobacco, 33% for hookah, and Rs. 2,050–Rs. 8,500 per 1,000 sticks for cigarettes based on length and filter.Valuation Rules: An Maximum Retail Price (MRP)-based valuation and machine-capacity-linked levy will apply to smokeless tobacco and gutkha under the 2026 packing machine rules.
MoF Notifies New Tax Structure for ‘Sin Goods’ from February 1, 2026On December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), notified a revised tax framework for ‘sin goods’ such as tobacco, pan masala and others, introducing an additional excise duty and a health cess to replace the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Compensation Cess, effective from February 1, 2026.What? New tax structure on ‘Sin Goods’ tobacco and pan masala replacing GST compensation cessNotified by: Ministry of Finance (MoF)Effective from: February 1, 2026Purpose: To improve compliance, plug revenue leakages, and boost tax collectionGST Rates: Pan masala, cigarettes, other tobacco – 40%; biris – 18%New Levies: Extra excise duty on tobacco; Health & National Security Cess on pan masala, both over GSTKey Details of the Revised Sin Goods Tax Structure:Objective: The move seeks to rationalize GST rates on sin goods while balancing government revenue and public health goals.GST Rates: Pan masala, cigarettes, and other tobacco products continue to attract 40% GST, while biris remain taxed at 18%.New Levies: From 1 February 2026, tobacco products will have an extra excise duty, and pan masala will incur a Health and National Security Cess, in addition to the existing GST.Additional excise duty is set at 91% for gutkha, 82% for chewing tobacco and jarda scented tobacco, 33% for hookah, and Rs. 2,050–Rs. 8,500 per 1,000 sticks for cigarettes based on length and filter.Valuation Rules: An Maximum Retail Price (MRP)-based valuation and machine-capacity-linked levy will apply to smokeless tobacco and gutkha under the 2026 packing machine rules.
MoF Notifies New Tax Structure for ‘Sin Goods’ from February 1, 2026On December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), notified a revised tax framework for ‘sin goods’ such as tobacco, pan masala and others, introducing an additional excise duty an...
Union MoS Pemmasani Launches Land Stack Pilot in Chandigarh, TNIn December 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), launched the ‘Land Stack’ portal, a 1st-of-its-kind national digital land governance initiative, in the Pilot locations of Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh and Tamil Nadu (TN), marking a significant stride towards modernising land administration under the Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).He also released the ‘Glossary of Revenue Terms (GoRT)’ during a hybrid launch event held in New Delhi, Delhi.What? Launch of ‘Land Stack’ Pilot ProjectLaunched by: Union MoS Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, MoRDPilot Locations: UT Chandigarh and TNObjective: To create a unified digital platform, integrating all land recordsOther Key Launch: Release of GoRTGoRT Prepared by: DoLR(MoRD) and CoE-LAMPurpose: Provide Meaning of various land-related terms in different languagesAbout Land Stock Portal:Overview: It integrates property and parcel-level land information on a Geographic Information System(GIS)-based digital portal, which enables the users to make informed decisions by accessing comprehensive land-related data through a single interface.Data Access : Through this portal, users will be also able to access property details, ownership information, deed records, encumbrance details and litigation status for each individual land parcel.Coverage: The portal also includes areas traditionally classified as villages in Chandigarh, offering access to hadbast, khewat, mustil, and khasra numbers.About GoRT:Prepared by: It was prepared by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under MoRD, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence in Land Administration and Management (CoE-LAM) at Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) (Pune, Maharashtra).Purpose: It helps in understanding the meanings of various land-related revenue terms in Vernacular, Hindi, English, and Roman scripts.About Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) (DILRMP):Overview: It is is a Central Sector Scheme(CSS) of the Government of India(GoI) aimed at modernising and digitising land records to improve transparency, accessibility, and accuracy of land information across the country.Revamp & Funding: It was revamped and renamed in 2016 from the earlier National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) and is fully funded (100%) by the Central Government.Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN): The ULPIN, also called “Bhu-Aadhaar”, assigns a 14-digit alphanumeric code to each land parcel using its geographical coordinates.
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