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India strengthens global enforcement to crack down on smuggling
CBIC ramps up tech-driven inspections and international partnerships to stop illicit trade
NEW DELHI: India is ramping up its battle against cross-border smuggling, with 42 Mutual Customs Cooperation Agreements already in place and 21 more in the pipeline with major trading partners, said Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Speaking at Ficci Cascade’s 5th Anti-Smuggling Day, Singh described smuggling as a sophisticated, technology-fuelled crime that threatens both the economy and national security.
“CBIC’s customs teams and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence are stepping up efforts. In just the first three quarters of this year, we seized around 500 kilograms of gold, nearly 150 million illicit cigarettes, over 20 tonnes of red sanders, and substantial quantities of cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and cannabis. We also uncovered more than 100 wildlife trafficking cases, along with illegal arms, drones and counterfeit currency,” said CBIC member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Singh added that modern smuggling networks are flexible and tech-savvy, mixing old-school concealment with digital anonymity and complex financial schemes. “We are moving from simply intercepting shipments to dismantling the networks behind them. Advanced cargo screening, AI-driven analytics and risk-based inspections help us stop illegal goods before they hit the domestic market,” said CBIC member – compliance management Mohan Kumar Singh.
Highlighting recent Union Budget initiatives, Singh noted that AI-powered image analysis and expanded container scanning will further boost enforcement, while GST simplification and customs reforms make legal trade easier and illicit trade harder.
Emphasising the need for global collaboration, Anil Rajput said, “Ficci Cascade, chairman, Anil Rajput, Strong partnerships, intelligence sharing and coordinated action are key. An International Anti-Smuggling Day recognised by the United Nations could give this fight a worldwide platform, and India is ready to lead.”
P C Jha added, “Ficci Cascade, advisor, P C Jha, Anti-Smuggling Day is more than a symbolic event. Smuggling thrives on organised networks and digital platforms. Effective enforcement must dismantle these networks and the financial flows that sustain them.”
Ficci Cascade research shows the economic impact is huge. A 2024 study estimates India’s illicit market at nearly Rs 8 lakh crore in 2022–23, with millions of legitimate jobs lost to unlawful trade.
The event featured two expert panels. The first focused on protecting the economy and borders through coordinated intelligence and technology, while the second explored international partnerships with representatives from Undoc, US Customs and the Indian enforcement community.
The day also celebrated young talent through the “Stand Against Smuggling” digital art competition, which drew over 10,000 entries nationwide, highlighting growing awareness and civic responsibility among youth.
Launched in 2022, Anti-Smuggling Day has quickly become a major platform for government, industry, international bodies and civil society to unite against illicit trade.
eNews
Swiggy sees record orders during India vs New Zealand T20 final
Chicken biryani tops match-day menu as fans order 7,500 times per minute at peak.
MUMBAI: India’s T20 final didn’t just break stumps, it broke Swiggy’s delivery records, proving cricket fans celebrate victories with plates, not just flags. Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, reported a sharp spike in food orders during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. On 8 March 2026, overall orders rose 23.2 per cent year-on-year compared with the same date in 2025, driven by fans turning living rooms into mini stadiums complete with match-day feasts.
Key highlights from the evening:
- Orders during peak match hours (7–10 pm) were 2.1 times higher than pre-match levels.
- The highest order rate hit 7,500 orders per minute at 19:45.
- Chicken biryani reigned supreme as the most-ordered dish, followed by masala dosa, chicken fried rice, garlic breadsticks and paneer butter masala.
While metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad led volumes, the cricketing fever spread nationwide. Among emerging cities, Thiruvananthapuram, Surat and Rajkot recorded the strongest order growth. Smaller markets including Shillong, Agartala and Port Blair also showed significant appetite, underlining the expanding footprint of quick-commerce food delivery across India.
The surge reflects a growing trend of pairing major sporting events with doorstep delivery, turning big matches into shared, convenient celebrations. In a night where every boundary mattered, Swiggy proved the real MVP might just be the delivery partner who kept the snacks and the vibes flowing without missing a single wicket.
