Cutting Tobacco Tax May Widen Budget Deficit Amid Rising Illegal Cigarette Sales in Australia

December 11, 2025

Cutting Tobacco Tax May Widen Budget Deficit Amid Rising Illegal Cigarette Sales in Australia

Australia's booming illegal cigarette market and high tobacco taxes have slashed excise revenue by half since 2019. Experts warn cutting excise may deepen budget deficits without boosting legal sales. Treasurer Jim Chalmers faces a $12.7bn cost surge while calls grow for stronger enforcement and a new tobacco strategy.

Telangana Pushes Smart Finance to Boost Credit and Women Entrepreneurs

December 11, 2025

Telangana Pushes Smart Finance to Boost Credit and Women Entrepreneurs

Telangana is shifting from traditional microfinance to a smart finance system focused on transparency and individual credit. With 6.1 lakh SHGs and 68% households accessing formal credit, the state aims to empower women-led businesses and create a fully digital credit ecosystem.

ED Files ₹26.7 Crore Bank Fraud Case Against Kolkata Firms Under PMLA

December 11, 2025

ED Files ₹26.7 Crore Bank Fraud Case Against Kolkata Firms Under PMLA

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a ₹26.7 crore bank fraud case against P.K. Enterprises and others in Kolkata. They are accused of forging export bills and laundering money through onion exports to Bangladesh.

IndiGo Offers ₹10,000 Vouchers for December Flight Disruptions

December 11, 2025

IndiGo Offers ₹10,000 Vouchers for December Flight Disruptions

IndiGo will give ₹10,000 travel vouchers to passengers hit by cancellations or long delays from December 3 to 5. This is extra compensation beyond government-mandated payouts.

Maaden and AMAK Swap Mining Licences to Boost Saudi Minerals Drive

December 11, 2025

Maaden and AMAK Swap Mining Licences to Boost Saudi Minerals Drive

Saudi mining firms Maaden and AMAK swap exploration licenses to speed up mineral discovery. This strategic swap supports Vision 2030's mining growth, unlocking new jobs and boosting efficiency.