How to save for a 50 lakh house on a 40,000 rupee salary using the 50-50 method

FSSAI has made significant changes to the regulations concerning paan masala packaging, under which it can no longer be sold in plastic pouches. According to the new guidelines, companies are mandated to use plastic-free alternatives such as paper, tin, or glass.

According to the government notification, this change will affect all sizes of pouches available in the market. Companies now only have natural options remaining, including paper, paperboard, or cellulose without any plastic mixture. Additionally, paan masala can also be sold in tin containers and glass vials. Under the new rules, customers will now receive this product in completely eco-friendly packaging, replacing the old plastic pouches.

The rules explicitly state that the use of polythene, polyester, PVC, or any type of synthetic plastic in packaging is prohibited. A complete ban has also been placed on pouches that have a plastic or shiny aluminum foil layer beneath the outer paper; meaning there should be no hidden plastic or metal layer inside the paper.

FSSAI has included paan masala in the special list of packaging regulations for the first time, clearly defining suitable and unsuitable materials for packing. This amendment was made under the Food Safety and Standards Amendment Rules, 2026. The main reason for this decision is the serious threat posed by small plastic packets thrown on the streets to the environment, as they clog drains and do not decompose for years. It is expected that using paper, tin, or glass instead of plastic will significantly reduce waste. Furthermore, it will control the risk of product quality deterioration due to prolonged contact with plastic.

It is important to note that this decision does not mean a ban on paan masala; it is only related to packaging. Companies must only stop the old method and prepare packets according to the new rules. Strict action will be taken against companies that do not comply with the rules.

This decision was not taken suddenly. FSSAI had released a draft in April and invited suggestions from the general public and traders for 60 days. After taking into account the opinions of all stakeholders, the final rules were prepared, which came into effect across the country as soon as they were published in the government gazette on August 10.

In the state of Himachal Pradesh, a levy known as the 'cess for orphans and widows' has been increased, which is now applied to gasoline and high-octane diesel fuel. This decision will take effect at midnight on Wednesday, after which the prices of gasoline and diesel fuel will rise.

Ram is promoting a campaign called Ram Power Day, valid until August 31st at all dealerships in Brazil, offering a financial incentive to consumers.

According to the proposal released on Monday (10th), customers who take a test drive of the Dakota pickup truck and subsequently choose to purchase a vehicle from a competing brand will receive a gift voucher worth R$ 2,000. The manufacturer has not yet specified which documents will be required to claim the benefit or if there is a participation limit per dealership.

This initiative comes at a time when the Dakota has a modest presence in the pickup segment. In July, the model registered 527 sales, ranking sixth among mid-size trucks, according to Fenabrave data. In the same month, the Ford Ranger led the category with 3,402 units, followed by the Toyota Hilux with 3,369, and the Chevrolet S10 with 2,810.

The Dakota was introduced to the Brazilian market in March, marking the arrival of Ram's first mid-size pickup since the brand's independence in 2009. The available model line comprises four configurations: Laramie Night Edition, Laramie, Warlock, and Big Horn, with the latter being the entry-level version launched in June. The manufacturer reports that prices start at R$ 249,990 under direct sales.

All models are equipped with the 2.2 turbodiesel engine, which generates 200 hp and 45.9 kgfm, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The traction is 4x4 Auto, allowing switching between 4x2 and 4x4 low modes via a selector on the center console, in addition to having a mechanical lock on the rear differential. Manufactured in Córdoba, Argentina, the pickup shares the technical platform with the Fiat Titano.

The interior features a 7-inch digital dashboard positioned next to the 12.3-inch multimedia center, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver assistance features include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning.

In terms of capacity, the pickup supports a load of 1,020 kg, has a bed capacity of 1,210 liters, and can tow up to 3,500 kg. According to Inmetro, fuel consumption is 9.7 km/l in the city and 10.8 km/l on the highway.