Farmer body FAIFA has criticised the government’s decision to raise excise duty on tobacco products, warning it will hurt farmers’ incomes and worsen smuggling. FAIFA, representing growers across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat, said the duty increase contradicts the government's assurances of revenue-neutral tax reform
02 January,2026 12:30 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTI
A severe cold wave and dense fog disrupted daily life and transport across large parts of India, while heavy snowfall continued in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. In Uttarakhand, the holy city of Haridwar woke up to a thick layer of fog amid intensifying cold conditions
02 January,2026 12:16 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an inspirational New Year message, urging people to move forward with determination, clarity of purpose, and confidence. PM Modi also shared a Sanskrit shloka: “Success is certain, make a strong resolve and rid your mind of remorse, with an alert mind move ahead on the path to prosperity.”
02 January,2026 10:28 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
The rupee appreciated by 6 paise to 89.92 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday amid thin liquidity and RBI’s intervention keeping the currency range-bound. Forex traders said the USD/INR pair is expected to trade in a narrow range as the 90 level is being protected by the Reserve Bank of India
02 January,2026 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai (Maharashtra) | PTIADVERTISEMENT
