Most states now levy greater tax on petrol than the central government, without having to share the subsidy burden. After last week’s increase in prices, state sales tax/VAT on petrol is more than central excise in most cases. The central government levies a fixed excise duty of Rs 14.78 on every litre of petrol. But, states levy an ad valorem tax which, in absolute terms, increases with every price increase of...

Books, cartoons and judgments are being discussed thoroughly from highest bodies of liberal democracy like Parliament to constituents of public sphere i.e. print to media artefacts. Primarily, there are two standpoints regarding inclusion/exclusion of cartoons in NCERT Books (political science). Inclusionary argument is based on idea of deliverance of great service to B.R.Ambedkar while emphasising his teachings, ideas and place in the book. Exclusionary argument is based on cartoon itself...

C Rangarajan, chairman of the PM's economic advisory council, on Friday hinted at price corrections in both diesel and cooking gas over the next few months to send a strong signal to foreign investors and to ensure adequate capital flows. "I think it is necessary to act on prices of other petroleum products also," he told TOI. Rangarajan, a former RBI governor, said there was a proposal on dual pricing...

A day after the steepest ever petrol price hike of Rs. 7.54 sparked protests by UPA allies and Opposition parties in several parts of the country on Thursday, there were strong indications that the government would cushion the blow for the common man. Petrol prices may come down by Rs. 3-4 a litre in the next few days as state governments readied plans to slash local taxes and oil companies...

-The Economic Times   The Centre's interlocutors panel on Jammu and Kashmir has recommended setting up of a constitutional committee to review all central Acts and Articles of the Constitution extended to Jammu and Kashmir. The purpose is to determine how the application of these laws has dented the special status of J&K and curtailed the state government's powers to cater to welfare of its people.  The report of the interlocutors - Dileep...