Excise duty rate changes: standard central excise and CENVAT raised to 12% with targeted sectoral reclassifications and exemptions. General central excise revisions increase the standard CENVAT/central excise rate to 12% and adjust related concessionary slabs; sectoral changes amend ad valorem and specific duties, expand targeted exemptions (including certain food preparations, lifesaving drugs and aircraft parts), impose new levies and slab realignments for tobacco and cigarettes, and modify valuation and abatement rules for branded garments and jewellery, with several measures provisional pending enactment and cross-referenced to notifications dated 17 March 2012.