China taxes condoms, drugs to spur birth rate
Hindustan Times Punjab
|January 03, 2026
China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices from January 1 in new steps to spur a flagging birth rate.
Condoms and contraceptive pills now incur value-added tax of 13%, the standard rate for most consumer goods.
This story is from the January 03, 2026 edition of Hindustan Times Punjab.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Hindustan Times Punjab
Hindustan Times Punjab
Nuclear power critical to AI future: Vaishnaw
Union minister for electronics and IT (MeitY) Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said the recently passed Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI Bill was crucial to preparing India for a new Al-driven industrial economy, arguing that nuclear power will be central to meeting the massive energy needs of future data centres.
2 mins
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
SRK under fire as KKR's IPL 2026 roster includes Bangladeshi player
Kolkata Knight Riders' decision to sign Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction on December 16 has drawn criticism in India, with several leaders linking the move to recent reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
1 min
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
HOME MINISTRY RESTORES POWERS OF LADAKH L-G TO CLEAR PROJECTS
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday restored the delegation of powers to the lieutenant governor of Ladakh for appraisal and approval of projects costing up to ₹100 crore under the delegation of financial powers rules (DFPRS).
1 min
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
WILL SMITH AND HIS COMPANY SUED FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Hollywood actor Will Smith and his company have been sued by a musician who was part of the actor's 2025 tour for sexual harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation, NBC News, People and The Guardian reported on Friday.
1 min
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
RUSSIA, UKRAINE TRADE BLAME FOR NEW YEAR CIVILIAN DEATHS
Russia and Ukraine accused each other of targeting civilians over the New Year, with Moscow reporting a deadly strike on a hotel in territory it occupies in southern Ukraine while Kyiv said there had been another broad attack on its power supplies.
1 min
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
{ RESTRICTED DRUGS LIST } Indians visiting Saudi need clearance for meds
SAUDI ARABIA HAS LAUNCHED AN ONLINE PLATFORM TO OBTAIN PRIOR PERMISSION TO CARRY DRUGS FOR PERSONAL USE
1 min
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
Glow up, please
2026 is looking good for Vir Das. He's directing a movie, touring, crafting new comedy. It can get even better, he believes. Less GRWM, more cuddling: less AI, more IRL moments. Here's what he's manifesting (and skipping) in the New Year
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
7 killed in Yemen as Saudis strike UAE-backed forces
Air strikes killed seven separatist fighters in Yemen on Friday, according to an official with the group, as a Saudi-led coalition hit back against a sweeping advance by the UAE-backed Southern Transition Council, threatening a major confrontation.
1 mins
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
SA retain 7 from 2024 T20 WC team
Hard-hitting middle-order batter Tristan Stubbs was one of the biggest names to miss out on selection as South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, retained seven players from the 2024 edition, in its provisional squad of 15 for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
1 min
January 03, 2026
Hindustan Times Punjab
Between strategic autonomy and global opportunity
India stands at an inflection point — a country aspiring all-round growth navigating stormy global currents while staying true to an increasingly self-defined vision of national purpose.
4 mins
January 03, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
