Bhubaneswar, Jan. 1 -- A major development comes from the Ministry of Finance as tobacco products are set to become costlier from the beginning of February, following a decision by the Central Government to impose higher taxes. The Ministry of Finance has announced that a 40 per cent tax will be levied on pan masala, cigarettes and other tobacco products, leading to a rise in retail prices nationwide.

According to official information, the decision to raise taxes on tobacco products had already been taken earlier by the Centre. In December, Parliament approved a new Health and National Security Cess aimed at generating additional revenue and addressing public health concerns.

As part of this move, two separate Bills were passed in Parli...