Assam government to transfer state GST from Zubeen Garg's film to his foundation and expedite prosecution.
The state will transfer Rs 2.90 crore of state GST from the late singer's final film to the Kalaguru Foundation, and will appoint a Special Public Prosecutor and seek a fast-track court to expedite the ongoing criminal prosecution. Trial has commenced at the District and Sessions Court following a charge sheet alleging murder, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and criminal breach of trust against various accused.

Rupee falls to 89.98 as foreign fund outflows and elevated dollar demand pressure the currency in early 2026.
The rupee fell to 89.98 against the US dollar on the first trading day of 2026 amid sustained foreign fund outflows and heightened dollar demand from importers; intraday trade remained in a tight range and the currency continued pressure after a roughly 5% decline in 2025, with market sentiment influenced by a firmer US dollar index and mixed support from easing crude oil prices.

GST collections rose 6.1% to Rs 1.74 lakh crore in December; rate cuts and cess narrowing altered revenue mix.
Gross Goods and Services Tax collections rose 6.1% to over Rs 1.74 lakh crore in December 2025, with net GST receipts after refunds up 2.2% to over Rs 1.45 lakh crore; domestic transaction revenue grew 1.2% to ~Rs 1.22 lakh crore, import receipts rose 19.7% to Rs 51,977 crore, refunds increased 31% to Rs 28,980 crore, and cess receipts declined to Rs 4,238 crore. A regulatory change effective 22 September 2025 cut GST rates on about 375 items and limited the compensation cess to tobacco and related products, affecting revenue composition.

Manufacturers of pouch-packed chewing tobacco must install CCTV, preserve footage 24 months, and disclose machine capacities to excise authorities.
Manufacturers packing chewing tobacco, jarda scented tobacco and gutkha in pouches must install and preserve footage from a functional CCTV system covering all packing machines for at least 24 months, disclose machine numbers and specifications and retail price details to excise authorities, and submit to physical inspection for determination of annual production capacity. Abatement for non-operation is available for continuous non-function of at least 15 days subject to three working days advance notification and sealing by excise officials; de-sealing, resumption, and machine removal each require three working days prior notice.

Machine-based levy on tobacco pouches charges duty by packing-machine capacity, with mandatory declarations and departmental verification.
A machine-based capacity levy applies to pouches of chewing tobacco, jarda scented tobacco and gutkha from 1 February 2026. Duty is charged on deemed annual capacity of each packing machine; manufacturers must file Form CE DEC-01 within seven days. Initial monthly duty is calculated using machine maximum rated speed and retail sale price pending departmental verification; annual capacity is fixed after physical inspection. Differential duty and interest apply where departmental capacity exceeds self-declaration, payable from installation or relevant change, and payment is required during appeals.