eznews.in
India is set to implement a new excise duty on cigarettes and tobacco products, alongside a health cess on pan masala, effective February 1, 2026. This move replaces the existing 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on these items, which has been in place since the GST's introduction in July 2017. The new tax structure will impose excise duties based on cigarette length, with rates ranging from Rs 2.05 to Rs 8.50 per stick, while pan masala will see a total tax incidence of 88%. The changes aim to align India with global tobacco taxation practices, as current tax levels are significantly below the World Health Organization's recommended benchmark of 75%. The revenue generated will be shared with states for health-related initiatives, addressing public health concerns and creating a sustainable funding stream for health and national security, as emphasized by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 
Published: Jan 31 2026, 12 pmeznews.inIn a significant policy shift, the Indian government has mandated that Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from the 2011 batch and onwards must possess a minimum of two years' experience at the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level on central deputation to be eligible for empanelment as Inspector General (IG) at the Centre. This requirement, which aligns IPS officers with existing standards for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, aims to ensure that senior police officials have substantial ground-level experience before taking on high-ranking positions. The official order, issued by the ministry, emphasizes the importance of practical experience in enhancing the effectiveness of senior officers within Central Armed Police Forces and other central organizations. This move reflects a broader effort to strengthen the operational capabilities of India's police leadership.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 1 pmeznews.inIndia's sugar production has surged by 18.35% to 19.50 million tonnes as of January 31 in the 2025-26 season, according to the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA). This increase is attributed to higher output from key producing states, with production in Maharashtra, the largest producer, rising by 42% to 7.87 million tonnes. Uttar Pradesh, the second-largest producer, reported a 5% increase to 5.51 million tonnes, while Karnataka saw a 15% rise in production. The number of operational sugar mills across the country has also increased, with 515 mills currently active compared to 501 at the same time last year. ISMA projects that total sugar production for the season will reach 30.95 million tonnes, an 18.6% increase from the previous season's 26.1 million tonnes. The sugar season runs from October to September.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) will host its sixth National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo on February 5-6 at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai, focusing on the theme “Converge, Collaborate & Co-create.” The event aims to address policy, industry, and innovation in crop nutrition, positioning India as a global hub for agricultural input manufacturing. Maharashtra's Minister of Marketing & Protocol, Shri Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, will inaugurate the summit, with Agriculture Commissioner Dr. P. K. Singh discussing government reforms and the role of specialty fertilizers. IMMA President Rahul Mirchandani emphasized the need for collaboration among government, industry, and research institutions to enhance farmer welfare and sustainable growth. The summit will also highlight rising demand for micronutrients and biological inputs, with participation from key stakeholders, including policymakers and industry leaders, and will feature discussions on regulatory reforms and export-friendly policies.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe United States has indicated to India that it can soon resume purchasing Venezuelan oil, which was previously restricted due to tariffs imposed last year for buying from Caracas. This shift comes as India commits to reducing its Russian oil imports, which have been significant since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Following a 25% tariff on Venezuelan oil purchases introduced by the Trump administration in March 2025, India is now on track to cut its Russian oil imports from around 1.2 million barrels per day to approximately 500,000-600,000 barrels per day. Indian refiners are diversifying their crude sources, increasing imports from the Middle East, Africa, and South America. The U.S. aims to diminish Russian oil revenues while potentially facilitating Venezuelan crude supplies to India, although details on the marketing of this oil remain unclear. The White House and U.S. Treasury have declined to comment on the matter.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 11 ameznews.inAs India prepares for the 2026–27 Union Budget, agriculture is highlighted as a crucial driver of development, employing 46.1% of the workforce yet contributing less than 20% to GDP. Despite significant nominal increases in budget allocations for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, its share of the total Central Plan outlay has declined, indicating a diminishing relative priority. While initiatives like PM-KISAN have improved income predictability, the sector faces persistent productivity challenges due to weak seed systems, inefficient water use, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure. Current budgetary focus on income support and subsidies does not adequately address these structural issues. Experts argue for a strategic shift in budget priorities towards enhancing productivity and value-chain integration, rather than merely managing distress. To truly position agriculture as an engine of growth, the upcoming budget must emphasize coherent strategies and targeted investments rather than just increased spending.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 9 ameznews.inThe Indian Railways has made a significant advancement in rail safety with the commissioning of the automatic train protection system, Kavach, across 472.3 route kilometres on key corridors, including the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes. This deployment, which spans three sections—Vadodara-Virar (344 km), Tuglakabad Junction Cabin-Palwal (35 km), and Manpur-Sarmatanr (93.3 km)—marks the highest-ever rollout of Kavach on a single day and month. With this latest addition, Kavach Version 4.0 has now been implemented over a total of 1,306.3 route kilometres across five railway zones. The system aims to enhance operational safety and reliability, with successful tests demonstrating its effectiveness, including a head-on collision test during the inaugural run of the Sasaram Intercity Express. Future expansions are planned, with ongoing work on additional sections expected to be completed by 2026.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 10 ameznews.inIndia's livestock sector has evolved into a vital economic driver, significantly contributing to rural livelihoods, food security, and trade. With milk production projected to reach nearly 248 million tonnes in 2024-25, India maintains its status as the world's largest milk producer. The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹3,880 crore Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme to enhance animal health and productivity, while the ongoing 21st Livestock Census aims to provide crucial data for policy planning. However, challenges such as high feed costs, which account for 60-80% of production expenses, persist. Infrastructure investments, particularly through the ₹29,610 crore Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, are essential for improving export competitiveness, with livestock exports reaching $5.1 billion in FY25. Enhanced credit access and skill development initiatives are also critical for transforming livestock farming into profitable enterprises. Coordinated efforts are needed to balance smallholder support with high-value export growth, positioning India as a global leader in livestock productivity.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 9 ameznews.inAgriculture is undergoing a profound transformation as climate change increasingly disrupts traditional farming practices. Record-breaking heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events in 2024 and 2025 have heightened uncertainty in crop yields, with heat stress and unseasonal conditions damaging productivity and increasing pest threats. Farmers are now compelled to adapt by diversifying crops and adopting innovative technologies, such as precision farming and weather-based advisories, to mitigate risks. This shift is not merely reactive; it reflects a broader evolution in agricultural strategies, emphasizing resilience, sustainability, and adaptability over mere yield. As policies evolve to support climate-smart agriculture, the focus is shifting towards building a more robust agricultural system capable of thriving amid uncertainty. The challenge lies in ensuring that this transition is inclusive, backed by research, responsive policies, and accessible technology, ultimately redefining agricultural success in the face of climate extremes.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 8 ameznews.inIndia's fertiliser trade is at a pivotal moment as it approaches the Union Budget 2026, necessitating a digitally enabled and climate-aligned policy for sustainable growth. As one of the world's largest fertiliser importers and producers, India faces challenges in maintaining food security and farmer affordability. Key recommendations for the upcoming budget include rationalising the subsidy structure to promote efficiency and innovation, investing in logistics and port infrastructure to reduce costs, and securing diverse raw material partnerships to mitigate supply risks. Additionally, incentivising green ammonia production and alternative fertilisers can help reduce carbon emissions and enhance nutrient security. Streamlining taxation and facilitating trade through a unified digital platform are also crucial for improving competitiveness. These strategic measures aim to bolster India's position in the global fertiliser market while ensuring long-term resilience for its agricultural sector.
Published: Jan 31 2026, 9 am
For the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact