Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025 to Reshape Tax Structure on Tobacco & Pan Masala

The Union government is preparing to introduce the Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025, a move expected to redefine the taxation landscape for tobacco and related demerit products. With the GST compensation cess scheduled to end in March 2026, the legislation aims to ensure continued high tax incidence on products such as cigarettes, hookah tobacco, gutka and chewing tobacco—sectors traditionally taxed to discourage consumption.

Kuwait Opens First Geological Park: A Milestone in Geo-Tourism and Environmental Education

Kuwait has officially opened its first geological park, marking a defining moment for the country’s environmental, educational and tourism sectors. The new GeoPark presents an immersive outdoor learning space designed to highlight Kuwait’s natural landforms, geologic history and early human heritage. The initiative aligns with the country’s broader transition toward sustainable development and diversified economic growth beyond petroleum dependence.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 Begins December 2: Strengthening Civilisational Unity

The fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 2025 is set to begin on 2 December, reaffirming the spiritual and cultural bridge between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi). Organised by the Ministry of Education, the event celebrates India’s continuous civilisational exchange, anchored in the national vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The programme focuses on language learning, heritage exploration and knowledge linkage across regions.

Meghalaya Hosts First Northeast India Organic Week

Meghalaya has inaugurated the first-ever Northeast India Organic Week, a four-day convergence designed to position the region as a global hub for premium organic produce. The event marks a strategic shift toward export-driven agriculture and highlights the potential of the Northeast as a biodiversity powerhouse with strong community-based farming systems.

Tom Stoppard, Oscar-Winning Playwright, Dies at 88

Tom Stoppard, celebrated as one of the most inventive and influential playwrights of the last century, has died at the age of 88. His passing brings to a close an extraordinary literary life that reshaped modern theatre and elevated dramatic language to global acclaim. Known for blending philosophy, politics, comedy and emotional resonance, Stoppard leaves behind a body of work that remains central to contemporary performance studies.