Shares of Indian Tobacco Companies Slumped on Friday for the Second Consecutive Session After the Government Imposed a New Tax on Cigarettes. Starting February 1st, the New Excise Tax on Tobacco and Pan Masala Kicks in.


New Tobacco Tax Hits Shares of ITC & Godfrey Phillips India 

The Parliament approved a Bill to levy a higher excise duty on tobacco and related products once the GST compensation cess ends, with the Rajya Sabha returning the legislation to the Lok Sabha.


2026 to see sky-high taxes on tobacco in India

The Indian health ministry has instructed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) to prohibit all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, during the upcoming tournament starting March 22.
In a letter to IPL chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arun-dhumal">Arun Dhumal</a>, Director General of Health Services Atul Goel said that cricketers, who serve as role models for Indian youth, should not be linked&mdash;directly or indirectly&mdash;to the promotion of these products.
"IPL must strictly enforce regulations banning tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, both within stadium premises and during televised matches," Goel wrote. He further urged a ban on the sale of such products at all IPL-affiliated events and sports facilities.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-pakistan-to-protest-iccs-snub-during-closing-ceremony-pcb-chief-reacts-8839930">Champions Trophy: Pakistan to protest ICC&rsquo;s &lsquo;snub&rsquo; during closing ceremony; PCB chief reacts</a>
The directive also discourages sportspersons and commentators from endorsing any products associated with tobacco or alcohol, even indirectly.
With millions of viewers glued to their screens during the Indian Premier League, the tournament is a prime platform for advertisers. However, the health ministry has raised concerns about the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, which account for over 70% of annual deaths.
"India ranks second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 14 lakh fatalities annually. Alcohol, too, is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the country," Goel remarked.
He further highlighted that the Indian Premier League and its players have a social and moral responsibility to promote public health. "Cricketers are seen as fitness icons and must lead by example. Given IPL&rsquo;s massive influence, it should align with the government&rsquo;s health initiatives to encourage a healthier lifestyle."
This move reinforces India&rsquo;s commitment to curbing tobacco and alcohol consumption while using sports as a platform to drive positive health messaging.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of the tournament on March 22.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: The directive also discourages sportspersons and commentators from endorsing any products associated with tobacco or alcohol, even indirectly

The Indian health ministry has instructed the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prohibit all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate promotions, during the upcoming tournament starting March 22. In a letter to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, Director General of Health Services Atul Goel said that cricketers, who serve as role models for Indian youth, should not be linked—directly or indirectly—to the promotion of these products. "IPL must strictly enforce regulations banning tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, both within stadium premises and during televised matches," Goel wrote. He further urged a ban on the sale of such products at all IPL-affiliated events and sports facilities. Also Read: Champions Trophy: Pakistan to protest ICC’s ‘snub’ during closing ceremony; PCB chief reacts The directive also discourages sportspersons and commentators from endorsing any products associated with tobacco or alcohol, even indirectly. With millions of viewers glued to their screens during the Indian Premier League, the tournament is a prime platform for advertisers. However, the health ministry has raised concerns about the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, which account for over 70% of annual deaths. "India ranks second in tobacco-related deaths worldwide, with nearly 14 lakh fatalities annually. Alcohol, too, is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the country," Goel remarked. He further highlighted that the Indian Premier League and its players have a social and moral responsibility to promote public health. "Cricketers are seen as fitness icons and must lead by example. Given IPL’s massive influence, it should align with the government’s health initiatives to encourage a healthier lifestyle." This move reinforces India’s commitment to curbing tobacco and alcohol consumption while using sports as a platform to drive positive health messaging. Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of the tournament on March 22. (With inputs from agencies)

Government cracks down on tobacco, alcohol advertisements in Indian Premier League

The production, distribution, sale, and transportation of gutka and pan masala which include tobacco and nicotine are prohibited for a year in Telangana, effective immediately.

A notification has been issued by Telangana's Commissioner of Food Safety, outlawing the production, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of tobacco- and nicotine-containing products such as pan masala and gutka. According to the department, the order will be in place for one year, beginning Friday, May 24.

The prohibition is enforced&nbsp;in accordance with section 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction of Sales) Regulation 2011, and clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

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The Commissioner of Food Safety has issued a notification prohibiting the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of 𝐆𝐮𝐭𝐤𝐡𝐚 / 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚 which contains tobacco and nicotine, with effect from 24.05.2024.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HealthyTelangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HealthyTelangana</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NicotineBan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NicotineBan</a> <a href="https://t.co/IjucPX5HPa">pic.twitter.com/IjucPX5HPa</a>
— Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana (@cfs_telangana) <a href="https://twitter.com/cfs_telangana/status/1794618731655827541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“In exercise of the powers conferred under clause (a) of Subsection (2) of Section 30 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 read with 2.3.4 of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation 2011 and in the interest of public health, Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana State hereby prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of Gutkha / Pan masala which contains tobacco and nicotine as an ingredient which is packed in sachets/pouches/package/containers etc., or by whatever name it is called in the entire State of Telangana for a period of one year with effect from 24th May 2024,” the statement read.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/irs-officer-detained-by-up-police-after-live-in-partners-dead-body-found-in-his-noida-flat-725941" hreflang="en">IRS officer arrested by UP Police after live-in partner’s dead body found in his Noida flat</a>

Smokeless tobacco and nicotine products like pan masala and gutka are harmful and can have negative effects on one's health.

Gutka and pan masala consumption has been related to oral cancer, submucous fibrosis, and other health issues. Tobacco usage was responsible for 55% of cancer cases in Varanasi, India.

In India, the percentage of people who use smokeless tobacco is 21.4% (199.4 million), whereas the percentage of adults who use smoking tobacco is 10.7% (99.5 million). The Lancet study found that quit rates are low. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The production, distribution, sale, and transportation of gutka and pan masala which include tobacco and nicotine are prohibited for a year in Telangana, effective immediately.

The production, distribution, sale, and transportation of gutka and pan masala which include tobacco and nicotine are prohibited for a year in Telangana, effective immediately. A notification has been issued by Telangana's Commissioner of Food Safety, outlawing the production, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of tobacco- and nicotine-containing products such as pan masala and gutka. According to the department, the order will be in place for one year, beginning Friday, May 24. The prohibition is enforced in accordance with section 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction of Sales) Regulation 2011, and clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. The Commissioner of Food Safety has issued a notification prohibiting the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of 𝐆𝐮𝐭𝐤𝐡𝐚 / 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚 which contains tobacco and nicotine, with effect from 24.05.2024.#HealthyTelangana #NicotineBan pic.twitter.com/IjucPX5HPa — Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana (@cfs_telangana) May 26, 2024 × “In exercise of the powers conferred under clause (a) of Subsection (2) of Section 30 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 read with 2.3.4 of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation 2011 and in the interest of public health, Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana State hereby prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of Gutkha / Pan masala which contains tobacco and nicotine as an ingredient which is packed in sachets/pouches/package/containers etc., or by whatever name it is called in the entire State of Telangana for a period of one year with effect from 24th May 2024,” the statement read. Also read: IRS officer arrested by UP Police after live-in partner’s dead body found in his Noida flat Smokeless tobacco and nicotine products like pan masala and gutka are harmful and can have negative effects on one's health. Gutka and pan masala consumption has been related to oral cancer, submucous fibrosis, and other health issues. Tobacco usage was responsible for 55% of cancer cases in Varanasi, India. In India, the percentage of people who use smokeless tobacco is 21.4% (199.4 million), whereas the percentage of adults who use smoking tobacco is 10.7% (99.5 million). The Lancet study found that quit rates are low. (With inputs from agencies)

Telangana bans gutka and pan masala containing tobacco, nicotine for a year

New Zealand is set to repeal its law prohibiting tobacco sales to future generations. This decision comes despite concerns raised by experts regarding risks to public health.

New Zealand: Anti-tobacco law to be scrapped despite warnings, concerns raised

New Zealand's vaping crisis among children

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its latest report, revealed&nbsp;a declining trend in global tobacco use, with 150 countries successfully reducing consumption. However, the tobacco industry's efforts to undermine progress continue to raise concerns about the battle against tobacco use.

According to the WHO's tobacco trends report released on Tuesday (Jan 16), there are currently 1.25 billion adult tobacco users globally. "While the numbers have steadily decreased over the years the world will make it to a 25% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025, missing the voluntary global goal of 30 per cent reduction from the 2010 baseline," WHO said.&nbsp;Only 56 countries globally are projected to reach this goal.

Trends in 2022 indicate a continued decline in tobacco use rates worldwide, with approximately 1 in 5 adults consuming tobacco, compared to 1 in 3 in the year 2000.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-crow-sporting-peacock-feathers-vivek-ramaswamy-falls-to-neo-convert-overkill-680776">A crow sporting peacock feathers: Vivek Ramaswamy falls to neo-convert overkill</a>

Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of the WHO Department of Health Promotion, expressed both satisfaction and caution, stating, “Good progress has been made in tobacco control in recent years, but there is no time for complacency. I’m astounded at the depths the tobacco industry will go to pursue profits at the expense of countless lives.”

The report highlighted success stories in Brazil and the Netherlands, attributing their achievements to the implementation of MPOWER tobacco control measures.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-90-of-child-sexual-abuse-content-on-internet-is-now-self-generated-report-680783">Over 90% of child sexual abuse content on internet is now 'self-generated': Report</a>

Brazil has seen a relative reduction of 35 per cent since 2010, while the Netherlands is on track to reach its 30 per cent target. The report also identifies six countries where tobacco use is still rising - Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and the Republic of Moldova.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/red-sea-crisis-us-destroys-four-anti-ship-ballistic-missiles-in-yemen-680782">Red Sea Crisis: US destroys four anti-ship ballistic missiles in Yemen</a>

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"Country surveys consistently show that children aged 13–15 years in most countries are using tobacco and nicotine products. To protect the future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline, WHO will dedicate this year’s World No Tobacco Day to Protecting children from tobacco industry interference," WHO said in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>South-East Asian region</h2>

The report notes that the WHO South-East Asian Region currently has the highest percentage of the population using tobacco at 26.5 per cent, closely followed by the European Region at 25.3 per cent.

Disturbingly, The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023,&nbsp;published by STOP and the Global Centre&nbsp;for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, indicates a deterioration in efforts to protect health policy from increased tobacco industry interference worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its latest report, revealed a declining trend in global tobacco use, with 150 countries successfully reducing consumption.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its latest report, revealed a declining trend in global tobacco use, with 150 countries successfully reducing consumption. However, the tobacco industry's efforts to undermine progress continue to raise concerns about the battle against tobacco use. According to the WHO's tobacco trends report released on Tuesday (Jan 16), there are currently 1.25 billion adult tobacco users globally. "While the numbers have steadily decreased over the years the world will make it to a 25% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025, missing the voluntary global goal of 30 per cent reduction from the 2010 baseline," WHO said. Only 56 countries globally are projected to reach this goal. Trends in 2022 indicate a continued decline in tobacco use rates worldwide, with approximately 1 in 5 adults consuming tobacco, compared to 1 in 3 in the year 2000. Also Read | A crow sporting peacock feathers: Vivek Ramaswamy falls to neo-convert overkill Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of the WHO Department of Health Promotion, expressed both satisfaction and caution, stating, “Good progress has been made in tobacco control in recent years, but there is no time for complacency. I’m astounded at the depths the tobacco industry will go to pursue profits at the expense of countless lives.” The report highlighted success stories in Brazil and the Netherlands, attributing their achievements to the implementation of MPOWER tobacco control measures. Also Read | Over 90% of child sexual abuse content on internet is now 'self-generated': Report Brazil has seen a relative reduction of 35 per cent since 2010, while the Netherlands is on track to reach its 30 per cent target. The report also identifies six countries where tobacco use is still rising - Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and the Republic of Moldova. Watch | Red Sea Crisis: US destroys four anti-ship ballistic missiles in Yemen × "Country surveys consistently show that children aged 13–15 years in most countries are using tobacco and nicotine products. To protect the future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline, WHO will dedicate this year’s World No Tobacco Day to Protecting children from tobacco industry interference," WHO said in a statement. South-East Asian region The report notes that the WHO South-East Asian Region currently has the highest percentage of the population using tobacco at 26.5 per cent, closely followed by the European Region at 25.3 per cent. Disturbingly, The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023, published by STOP and the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, indicates a deterioration in efforts to protect health policy from increased tobacco industry interference worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

Global tobacco use drops, WHO urges fight against industry interference

New Zealand has made a U-turn on one of its praiseworthy policies - the government will scrap its smoking ban and this will be to fund tax cuts. New Zealand was levied as a nation for introducing legislation.

New Zealand's smoking ban scrapped to fund tax cuts, says govt; Big win for NZ's tobacco industry

In a&nbsp;case that has caught the attention of medical professionals, a newborn baby was transferred to a tertiary neonatal hospital in Ahmedabad, India, in a bid to save the child's life. Initially presumed to be a case of asphyxiation at birth, the child's symptoms proved to be atypical, according to a report by the Times of India. Upon further investigation, medical reports unveiled a startling revelation – the child's critical condition was a result of extremely high levels of nicotine found in the bloodstream.

Doctors investigating the case determined that the abnormally high nicotine levels in the child were directly linked to the mother's alleged addiction to chewing tobacco.

The child was born with an alarming 60 ng/ml nicotine level, which surpassed the permissible levels for adults by a staggering 3000 per cent. Dr Ashish Mehta, a senior neonatologist, who spoke to the Times of India, emphasised that the child's condition did not align with a typical asphyxia case.

As the medical team delved into the child and mother's medical history, they discovered a crucial clue from the gynaecologist involved in the mother's care. It was revealed that the mother had a history of asthma, and she admitted to occasionally chewing tobacco. Further investigations uncovered that the mother consumed tobacco in various forms, such as sachets or raw, readily available at local pan shops.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lost-for-a-century-blind-indian-painters-scroll-resurfaces-after-100-years-611230">Lost for a century: Blind Indian painter's scroll resurfaces after 100 years</a>

<h2>Mother's tobacco addiction impacts child's condition</h2>

Shockingly, the mother confessed to consuming tobacco between 10 to 15 times a day, unknowingly exposing her unborn child to high nicotine levels through her bloodstream.

Toxicology screenings confirmed the presence of elevated nicotine levels in the infant's body, prompting doctors to recommend a natural flushing-out process.

In a revealing statement, the mother admitted to consuming tobacco since the age of 15, shedding light on the long-standing addiction that inadvertently affected her child's health.

After receiving treatment for five days, the infant began displaying signs of recovery and was subsequently discharged from the hospital.

Also watch |&nbsp;Parliamentary committee meeting on Uniform Civil Code sparks debate in India

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This extraordinary case serves as a reminder of the detrimental effects of tobacco addiction and highlights the unforeseen consequences it can have on the most vulnerable members of society.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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In a case that has caught the attention of medical professionals, a newborn baby was transferred to a tertiary neonatal hospital in Ahmedabad, India, in a bid to save the child's life.

In a case that has caught the attention of medical professionals, a newborn baby was transferred to a tertiary neonatal hospital in Ahmedabad, India, in a bid to save the child's life. Initially presumed to be a case of asphyxiation at birth, the child's symptoms proved to be atypical, according to a report by the Times of India. Upon further investigation, medical reports unveiled a startling revelation – the child's critical condition was a result of extremely high levels of nicotine found in the bloodstream. Doctors investigating the case determined that the abnormally high nicotine levels in the child were directly linked to the mother's alleged addiction to chewing tobacco. The child was born with an alarming 60 ng/ml nicotine level, which surpassed the permissible levels for adults by a staggering 3000 per cent. Dr Ashish Mehta, a senior neonatologist, who spoke to the Times of India, emphasised that the child's condition did not align with a typical asphyxia case. As the medical team delved into the child and mother's medical history, they discovered a crucial clue from the gynaecologist involved in the mother's care. It was revealed that the mother had a history of asthma, and she admitted to occasionally chewing tobacco. Further investigations uncovered that the mother consumed tobacco in various forms, such as sachets or raw, readily available at local pan shops. Also read | Lost for a century: Blind Indian painter's scroll resurfaces after 100 years Mother's tobacco addiction impacts child's condition Shockingly, the mother confessed to consuming tobacco between 10 to 15 times a day, unknowingly exposing her unborn child to high nicotine levels through her bloodstream. Toxicology screenings confirmed the presence of elevated nicotine levels in the infant's body, prompting doctors to recommend a natural flushing-out process. In a revealing statement, the mother admitted to consuming tobacco since the age of 15, shedding light on the long-standing addiction that inadvertently affected her child's health. After receiving treatment for five days, the infant began displaying signs of recovery and was subsequently discharged from the hospital. Also watch | Parliamentary committee meeting on Uniform Civil Code sparks debate in India This extraordinary case serves as a reminder of the detrimental effects of tobacco addiction and highlights the unforeseen consequences it can have on the most vulnerable members of society. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Newborn's nicotine nightmare: Mother's tobacco addiction proves fatal for baby, here's how

Today on World No Tobacco Day, our next report gives you a glimpse of the growing tobacco crisis in Africa.

2023: World No Tobacco Day

British American Tobacco (BAT) was ordered to pay $635 million&nbsp;plus interest to US authorities, after admitting selling cigarettes to North Korea in breach of sanctions via a subsidiary.

The payment, according to US authorities, was linked to BAT activities in North Korea between 2007 and 2017, reported the BBC.&nbsp;

Jack Bowles, the CEO of BAT, said, "We deeply regret the misconduct."&nbsp;As a result of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, the US has imposed harsh sanctions on the country.

BAT and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control reached a settlement on Tuesday.

One of the top 10 largest firms in the UK and one of the biggest tobacco giants in the world is BAT. Major cigarette brands owned by this company include Lucky Strike, Dunhill, and Pall Mall.

In a statement, BAT said it had entered into a "deferred prosecution agreement with DOJ and a civil settlement agreement with OFAC, and an indirect BAT subsidiary in Singapore has entered into a plea agreement with DOJ".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-uk-government-funded-anti-lgbtq-group-in-uganda-586421">Report: UK government funded anti-LGBTQ+ group in Uganda</a>

According to the DOJ, BAT also planned to deceive financial institutions into processing transactions on behalf of North Korean entities&nbsp;by defrauding them.

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, is a well-known routine smoker. The US tried to get the UN Security Council to forbid the export of tobacco to North Korea last year, but Russia and China blocked the proposal.

The settlement was the "culmination of a long-running investigation," according to Matthew Olsen, assistant attorney general for the DOJ, who also called it "the single largest North Korean sanctions penalty in the history of the Department of Justice."

He said that BAT was engaged in an "elaborate scheme to circumvent US sanctions and sell tobacco products to North Korea" via subsidiaries.

"Between 2007 and 2017 these third-party companies sold tobacco products to North Korea and received approximately $428m."

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Tobacco giant British American Tobacco fined for North Korea deals, to pay $635 mn&nbsp;

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Sim Hyon-Sop, a 39-year-old banker from North Korea, and Qin Guoming, 60, and Han Linlin, 41, two Chinese intermediaries, were also named in criminal complaints for aiding the sale of tobacco to North Korea.

In addition to $500,000 in&nbsp;incentives for each of the other two suspects, a $5 million&nbsp;bounty was placed for any information that resulted in the capture or conviction of Sim.

They were charged with forging paperwork to deceive US banks into completing transactions totaling $74 million and purchasing leaf tobacco for North Korea's state-owned cigarette manufacturers. These agreements brought in around $700 million for North Korean enterprises, including one run by the military.

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British American Tobacco (BAT) was ordered to pay $635 million plus interest to US authorities, after admitting selling cigarettes to North Korea in breach of sanctions via a subsidiary.

British American Tobacco (BAT) was ordered to pay $635 million plus interest to US authorities, after admitting selling cigarettes to North Korea in breach of sanctions via a subsidiary. The payment, according to US authorities, was linked to BAT activities in North Korea between 2007 and 2017, reported the BBC. Jack Bowles, the CEO of BAT, said, "We deeply regret the misconduct." As a result of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, the US has imposed harsh sanctions on the country. BAT and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control reached a settlement on Tuesday. One of the top 10 largest firms in the UK and one of the biggest tobacco giants in the world is BAT. Major cigarette brands owned by this company include Lucky Strike, Dunhill, and Pall Mall. In a statement, BAT said it had entered into a "deferred prosecution agreement with DOJ and a civil settlement agreement with OFAC, and an indirect BAT subsidiary in Singapore has entered into a plea agreement with DOJ". ALSO READ | Report: UK government funded anti-LGBTQ+ group in Uganda According to the DOJ, BAT also planned to deceive financial institutions into processing transactions on behalf of North Korean entities by defrauding them. Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, is a well-known routine smoker. The US tried to get the UN Security Council to forbid the export of tobacco to North Korea last year, but Russia and China blocked the proposal. The settlement was the "culmination of a long-running investigation," according to Matthew Olsen, assistant attorney general for the DOJ, who also called it "the single largest North Korean sanctions penalty in the history of the Department of Justice." He said that BAT was engaged in an "elaborate scheme to circumvent US sanctions and sell tobacco products to North Korea" via subsidiaries. "Between 2007 and 2017 these third-party companies sold tobacco products to North Korea and received approximately $428m." ALSO WATCH | Tobacco giant British American Tobacco fined for North Korea deals, to pay $635 mn Sim Hyon-Sop, a 39-year-old banker from North Korea, and Qin Guoming, 60, and Han Linlin, 41, two Chinese intermediaries, were also named in criminal complaints for aiding the sale of tobacco to North Korea. In addition to $500,000 in incentives for each of the other two suspects, a $5 million bounty was placed for any information that resulted in the capture or conviction of Sim. They were charged with forging paperwork to deceive US banks into completing transactions totaling $74 million and purchasing leaf tobacco for North Korea's state-owned cigarette manufacturers. These agreements brought in around $700 million for North Korean enterprises, including one run by the military. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

British American Tobacco to pay $635 mn for violating North Korean sanctions

British American Tobacco, a multinational company, the world's second biggest tobacco group that makes Lucky Strike and Dunhill cigarettes has agreed to pay more than $635 million to the authorities in the United States.

Tobacco giant British American Tobacco fined for North Korea deals, to pay $635 mn | WION

A Japanese civil servant was penalised for smoking more than 4,500 times at work over the course of 14 years. He faced a $14,500 fine, according to the Straits Times.&nbsp;

The Osaka authorities each handed down the law to the 61-year-old civil officer and two of his coworkers in the finance department. In September 2022, an anonymous tip led the human resources department to discover of the group's secret tobacco stash. Following the incident, their manager called them and warned them of dire consequences if they were caught smoking again. Even so, the group didn't stop smoking.

In addition to his disciplinary pay cut, the 61-year-old director-level employee was also asked to repay a significant portion&nbsp;of his income, according to the Straits Times. He was found to have broken the Local Public Service Act's "duty of devotion."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/young-indias-heart-health-cardiologist-dispels-myths-around-cardiac-activity-570624">Young India's heart health: Cardiologist dispels myths around cardiac activity</a>

The man smoked on the job for 355 hours and 19 minutes, according to the prefectural government.&nbsp;

The smoking regulations in Osaka are among the harshest in the world. In 2008, it enacted a complete ban on smoking in all offices and public areas owned by the government. 2019 saw the end of the smoking ban for government workers.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/do-drugs-alcohol-make-us-more-creative-study-answers-the-age-old-question-576393">Do drugs, alcohol make us more creative? Study answers the age-old question</a>

The penalty has gotten sympathetic responses. Some thought the fine was excessive, claiming that one can waste time by drinking tea, eating snacks, or simply chatting, but those activities shouldn't be punished, and smoking tobacco shouldn't be any different. Some claimed that having to leave the premises for a puff would have meant losing more time. Others felt the fine was excessive.

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A Japanese civil servant was penalised for smoking more than 4,500 times at work over the course of 14 years. He faced a $14,500 fine, according to the Straits Times.

A Japanese civil servant was penalised for smoking more than 4,500 times at work over the course of 14 years. He faced a $14,500 fine, according to the Straits Times. The Osaka authorities each handed down the law to the 61-year-old civil officer and two of his coworkers in the finance department. In September 2022, an anonymous tip led the human resources department to discover of the group's secret tobacco stash. Following the incident, their manager called them and warned them of dire consequences if they were caught smoking again. Even so, the group didn't stop smoking. In addition to his disciplinary pay cut, the 61-year-old director-level employee was also asked to repay a significant portion of his income, according to the Straits Times. He was found to have broken the Local Public Service Act's "duty of devotion." ALSO READ | Young India's heart health: Cardiologist dispels myths around cardiac activity The man smoked on the job for 355 hours and 19 minutes, according to the prefectural government. The smoking regulations in Osaka are among the harshest in the world. In 2008, it enacted a complete ban on smoking in all offices and public areas owned by the government. 2019 saw the end of the smoking ban for government workers. ALSO READ | Do drugs, alcohol make us more creative? Study answers the age-old question The penalty has gotten sympathetic responses. Some thought the fine was excessive, claiming that one can waste time by drinking tea, eating snacks, or simply chatting, but those activities shouldn't be punished, and smoking tobacco shouldn't be any different. Some claimed that having to leave the premises for a puff would have meant losing more time. Others felt the fine was excessive. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japanese man fined over $14.5k for taking smoke breaks during work hours

Mexico imposed a total ban on smoking in public places. This also includes a ban on tobacco advertising. The step was initially approved in 2021.

Trending on WION: Mexico tightens ban on public smoking and tobacco advertising

New environmental legislation in Spain will require tobacco businesses to pay for cleaning up the millions of cigarette ends that consumers throw away each year, as reported by the Guardian. The decision, which takes effect this Friday, is one of a number of policies intended to lessen waste and boost recycling.

WION Climate Tracker: Tobacco companies to pay for clean up

While most of the western giants from McDonald's to Mercedes have quit Russia, the Russian tobacco companies have still not said goodbye to the country.

Russia: Tobacco companies pay over $7 billion taxes, lucrative market for global giants

New Zealand becomes the first country in the world to introduce legislation that will prevent the next generation from being able to legally purchase cigarettes, as the MPs have vowed to end the ‘disgusting and bizarre’ control of cigarette firms. The government unveiled new regulations in an effort to foster a generation free of tobacco use on Tuesday. The regulations include changing the smoking age to prevent teenagers from buying cigarettes. These new laws, discussed in the parliament are thought to be the first in the world, and have elicited a mix of praise for creativity and reservations over their lack of testing, The Guardian reported. <o:p></o:p>

These laws would significantly lower the amount of nicotine in cigarettes, limiting their availability to special tobacco shops and raising the age. <o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-proposed-to-ban-the-use-of-flavoured-heated-tobacco-products-492990">European Union proposed to ban use of flavoured heated tobacco products</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Ayesha Verrall, an associate minister of health introduced the law for the first time reading. She said, “For decades we have permitted tobacco companies to maintain their market share by making their deadly product more and more addictive. It is disgusting and it is bizarre. We have more regulations in this country on the safety of the sale of a sandwich than on a cigarette.” She continued, “Our priority in bringing this bill is protecting what is precious: our people, our whānau [families], our communities,” the Guardian reported.<o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-no-tobacco-day-2022-a-threat-to-environment-483731">World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment'</a>

<o:p></o:p>

The bill is currently in the first reading and has almost unanimous support from all the political parties. In 2023, the law is anticipated to take effect and the rules only apply to tobacco products; vaping is still permitted. <o:p></o:p>

The majority of the parties are in support. Matt Doocey, an MP for the opposition National party, stated that although the party support the bill at this time, they had reservations about its experimental nature. The Green party agreed that the bill should be sent to a select committee but expressed his worry that criminal prohibition would drive the sector underground. The only party that opposed it during the reading was the Libertarian Act party. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from agencies)<o:p></o:p>

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New Zealand becomes the first country in the world to introduce legislation that will prevent the next generation from being able to legally purchase cigarettes, as the MPs have vowed to end the ‘disgusting and bizarre’ control of cigarette firms.

New Zealand becomes the first country in the world to introduce legislation that will prevent the next generation from being able to legally purchase cigarettes, as the MPs have vowed to end the ‘disgusting and bizarre’ control of cigarette firms. The government unveiled new regulations in an effort to foster a generation free of tobacco use on Tuesday. The regulations include changing the smoking age to prevent teenagers from buying cigarettes. These new laws, discussed in the parliament are thought to be the first in the world, and have elicited a mix of praise for creativity and reservations over their lack of testing, The Guardian reported. These laws would significantly lower the amount of nicotine in cigarettes, limiting their availability to special tobacco shops and raising the age. Also read | European Union proposed to ban use of flavoured heated tobacco products Ayesha Verrall, an associate minister of health introduced the law for the first time reading. She said, “For decades we have permitted tobacco companies to maintain their market share by making their deadly product more and more addictive. It is disgusting and it is bizarre. We have more regulations in this country on the safety of the sale of a sandwich than on a cigarette.” She continued, “Our priority in bringing this bill is protecting what is precious: our people, our whānau [families], our communities,” the Guardian reported. Also read | World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment' The bill is currently in the first reading and has almost unanimous support from all the political parties. In 2023, the law is anticipated to take effect and the rules only apply to tobacco products; vaping is still permitted. The majority of the parties are in support. Matt Doocey, an MP for the opposition National party, stated that although the party support the bill at this time, they had reservations about its experimental nature. The Green party agreed that the bill should be sent to a select committee but expressed his worry that criminal prohibition would drive the sector underground. The only party that opposed it during the reading was the Libertarian Act party. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New Zealand to introduce tobacco laws in an effort to prevent next generation from buying cigarettes

The European Union (EU) proposed to ban the use of flavoured heated tobacco products in Europe on Wednesday because of concerns about their increasing popularity and health effects. "With nine out of ten lung cancers caused by tobacco, we want to make smoking as unattractive as possible to protect the health of our citizens and save lives," said EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides in a statement.

The European Commission, EU's executive arm, said the ban was part of its ambition to decrease tobacco use in the 27-country bloc to less than 5% of the population by 2040. Vaping products can come in a wide variety of flavours such as bubble gum, chocolate and cotton candy, which critics say help attract younger users. The defenders of the devices say vaping products are a valuable aid to quitting tobacco.

A recent Commission report decried an explosion in the sales of vaping devices in the EU, giving it the right to widen an existing law from 2014 on the prohibition of tobacco products. The report also said that a conservative estimate for 2020 put the share of retail sales for vaping products at 3.33% of all tobacco products in the EU.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-delhis-doctor-family-where-every-member-has-pursued-medical-profession-since-1920-492955">Meet Delhi’s ‘doctor’ family where every member has pursued medical profession since 1920</a>

The proposal, which focuses only on flavoured vaping products, will now undergo scrutiny by the EU's 27 governments as well as the European Parliament and come into force if it faces no objections.

In the US, a court on Friday put on hold the health regulator's decision to ban vaping products by industry giant Juul Labs over safety concerns. Juul came under fire for a surge in youth vaping over its marketing of fruit and candy-flavoured e-cigarettes, which it stopped selling in 2019.

In January 2020, US regulators said the sale of e-cigarettes in flavours other than tobacco or menthol would be illegal unless specifically authorised by the government.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The European Union (EU) proposed to ban the use of flavoured heated tobacco products in Europe on Wednesday because of concerns about their increasing popularity and health effects.

The European Union (EU) proposed to ban the use of flavoured heated tobacco products in Europe on Wednesday because of concerns about their increasing popularity and health effects. "With nine out of ten lung cancers caused by tobacco, we want to make smoking as unattractive as possible to protect the health of our citizens and save lives," said EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides in a statement. The European Commission, EU's executive arm, said the ban was part of its ambition to decrease tobacco use in the 27-country bloc to less than 5% of the population by 2040. Vaping products can come in a wide variety of flavours such as bubble gum, chocolate and cotton candy, which critics say help attract younger users. The defenders of the devices say vaping products are a valuable aid to quitting tobacco. A recent Commission report decried an explosion in the sales of vaping devices in the EU, giving it the right to widen an existing law from 2014 on the prohibition of tobacco products. The report also said that a conservative estimate for 2020 put the share of retail sales for vaping products at 3.33% of all tobacco products in the EU. Also Read: Meet Delhi’s ‘doctor’ family where every member has pursued medical profession since 1920 The proposal, which focuses only on flavoured vaping products, will now undergo scrutiny by the EU's 27 governments as well as the European Parliament and come into force if it faces no objections. In the US, a court on Friday put on hold the health regulator's decision to ban vaping products by industry giant Juul Labs over safety concerns. Juul came under fire for a surge in youth vaping over its marketing of fruit and candy-flavoured e-cigarettes, which it stopped selling in 2019. In January 2020, US regulators said the sale of e-cigarettes in flavours other than tobacco or menthol would be illegal unless specifically authorised by the government. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European Union proposed to ban use of flavoured heated tobacco products

The&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;charged Tuesday.

The World Health Organization accused the industry of causing widespread deforestation, diverting badly needed land and water in poor countries away from food production, spewing out plastic and chemical waste as well as emitting millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;

In its report released on World No&nbsp;Tobacco&nbsp;Day, the UN agency called for the&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry to be held to account and foot the bill for the cleanup.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-no-tobacco-day-2022-a-threat-to-environment-483731">World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment'</a>

The report, "Tobacco: poisoning our planet", looks at the impacts of the whole cycle, from the growth of plants to the manufacturing of&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;products, to consumption and waste.

While&nbsp;tobacco's health impacts have been well documented for decades -- with smoking still causing more than eight million deaths worldwide every year, the report focuses on its broader&nbsp;environmental&nbsp;consequences.

The findings are "quite&nbsp;devastating," Ruediger Krech,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;director of health promotion, told AFP, slamming the industry as "one of the biggest polluters that we know of."

The industry is responsible for the loss of some 600 million trees each year, while&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;growing and production uses 200,000 hectares of land and 22 billion tonnes of water annually, the report found.

It also emits around 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, it said.

4.5 trillion cigarette butts

In addition, "tobacco&nbsp;products are the most littered item on the planet, containing over 7,000 toxic chemicals, which leech into our environment when discarded," Krech said.

He pointed out that each one of the estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts that end up in our oceans, rivers, sidewalks and beaches every year can pollute 100 litres of water.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements

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And up to a quarter of all&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;farmers contract so-called green&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;sickness, or poisoning from the nicotine they absorb through the skin.

Farmers&nbsp;who&nbsp;handle&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;leaves all day consume the equivalent of 50 cigarettes worth of nicotine a day, Krech said.

This is especially worrying for the many children involved in&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;farming.

"Just imagine a 12-year-old being exposed to 50 cigarettes a day," he said.

Most&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;is grown in poorer countries, where water and farmland are often in short supply, and where such crops are often grown at the expense of vital food production, the report said.

Tobacco&nbsp;farming also accounts for about five percent of global deforestation, and drives depletion of precious water resources.

Plastic pollution&nbsp;

At the same time the processing and transportation of&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;with the equivalent of one-fifth of the global airline industry's carbon footprint.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-long-a-safe-haven-for-tobacco-ads-weighs-a-ban-452502">Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban</a>

In addition, products like cigarettes, smokeless&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;and e-cigarettes also contribute significantly to the global build-up of plastic pollution,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;warned.

Cigarette filters contain microplastics -- the tiny fragments that have been detected in every ocean and even at the bottom of the world's deepest trench&nbsp;and make up the second-highest form of plastic pollution worldwide, the report said.

And yet, despite&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry marketing,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;stressed that there is no evidence filters provide any proven health benefits over smoking non-filtered cigarettes.

The UN agency urged policy makers worldwide to treat cigarette filters as single-use plastics, and to consider banning them.

It also decried that taxpayers around the world had been covering the towering costs of cleaning up the&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry's mess.

Each year, China for instance dishes out around $2.6 billion and India around $766 million, while Brazil and Germany pay some $200 million each to clean up littered&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;products, the report found.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ancient-north-americans-used-tobacco-over-12000-years-ago-says-study-420073">Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study</a>

WHO&nbsp;insisted that more countries should follow the so-called Polluter Pays Principle, as in France and Spain.

It is important, Krech said, that "the industry pay actually for the mess that they are creating."

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The tobacco industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the WHO charged Tuesday.

The tobacco industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the WHO charged Tuesday. The World Health Organization accused the industry of causing widespread deforestation, diverting badly needed land and water in poor countries away from food production, spewing out plastic and chemical waste as well as emitting millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. In its report released on World No Tobacco Day, the UN agency called for the tobacco industry to be held to account and foot the bill for the cleanup. Also read | World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment' The report, "Tobacco: poisoning our planet", looks at the impacts of the whole cycle, from the growth of plants to the manufacturing of tobacco products, to consumption and waste. While tobacco's health impacts have been well documented for decades -- with smoking still causing more than eight million deaths worldwide every year, the report focuses on its broader environmental consequences. The findings are "quite devastating," Ruediger Krech, WHO director of health promotion, told AFP, slamming the industry as "one of the biggest polluters that we know of." The industry is responsible for the loss of some 600 million trees each year, while tobacco growing and production uses 200,000 hectares of land and 22 billion tonnes of water annually, the report found. It also emits around 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, it said. 4.5 trillion cigarette butts In addition, "tobacco products are the most littered item on the planet, containing over 7,000 toxic chemicals, which leech into our environment when discarded," Krech said. He pointed out that each one of the estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts that end up in our oceans, rivers, sidewalks and beaches every year can pollute 100 litres of water. Watch | 56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements And up to a quarter of all tobacco farmers contract so-called green tobacco sickness, or poisoning from the nicotine they absorb through the skin. Farmers who handle tobacco leaves all day consume the equivalent of 50 cigarettes worth of nicotine a day, Krech said. This is especially worrying for the many children involved in tobacco farming. "Just imagine a 12-year-old being exposed to 50 cigarettes a day," he said. Most tobacco is grown in poorer countries, where water and farmland are often in short supply, and where such crops are often grown at the expense of vital food production, the report said. Tobacco farming also accounts for about five percent of global deforestation, and drives depletion of precious water resources. Plastic pollution At the same time the processing and transportation of tobacco account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions with the equivalent of one-fifth of the global airline industry's carbon footprint. Also read | Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban In addition, products like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes also contribute significantly to the global build-up of plastic pollution, WHO warned. Cigarette filters contain microplastics -- the tiny fragments that have been detected in every ocean and even at the bottom of the world's deepest trench and make up the second-highest form of plastic pollution worldwide, the report said. And yet, despite tobacco industry marketing, WHO stressed that there is no evidence filters provide any proven health benefits over smoking non-filtered cigarettes. The UN agency urged policy makers worldwide to treat cigarette filters as single-use plastics, and to consider banning them. It also decried that taxpayers around the world had been covering the towering costs of cleaning up the tobacco industry's mess. Each year, China for instance dishes out around $2.6 billion and India around $766 million, while Brazil and Germany pay some $200 million each to clean up littered tobacco products, the report found. Also read | Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study WHO insisted that more countries should follow the so-called Polluter Pays Principle, as in France and Spain. It is important, Krech said, that "the industry pay actually for the mess that they are creating." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Big tobacco's environmental impact is 'devastating': WHO

The world is observing no tobacco day. WHO has outlined the negative impact of the tobacco industry. It said that smoking kills 8 million people every year.

WHO outlines the negative impact of the tobacco industry on world no tobacco day

The Swiss tobacco industry employs at least 11,000 people. However, 56% of people in Switzerland have voted to ban Tobacco advertisements.

56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements

&nbsp;The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man.

While many countries have long banned cigarette advertising, it has lived on in Switzerland, where loose regulations on the sale and marketing of tobacco products make the country an outlier in much of the Western world. The ads adorn billboards on city streets, are shown in movie theaters, and are ubiquitous at sports and cultural events like Montreux’s famed jazz festival.

But this weekend, much of that may start to fade away as Swiss voters decide whether to place restrictions on tobacco ads that would effectively ban them in public spaces.

The initiative, which is expected to pass in a referendum, according to polls conducted by Swiss media outlets, has been endorsed by health advocates who cite findings by bodies like the World Health Organization that the ads encourage young people to smoke and make it harder for smokers to quit.

“We want to protect young people and ensure tobacco prevention efforts are not undermined through advertising,” said Hans Stöckli, who is president of the committee behind the initiative.

The initiative has unsurprisingly been opposed by the tobacco industry, but also by the government, which has maintained unfashionably friendly relationships with tobacco companies that have set up regional and even global headquarters in Switzerland. A majority of members of Parliament have also come out against it. Many of them say jobs will be lost if the referendum passes, since cigarettes rank with chocolate and cheese as some of the country’s leading exports.

If voters approve the initiative, advertising for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, would no longer be allowed in places or on websites that are accessible to those under 18.

Even though it would not be a blanket ban, it would nonetheless represent a significant change. Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe that has not introduced a nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco-related products to minors. Although some parts of the country ban sales to children under the ages of 18 or 16, others have no minimum age, and in many places young people can be seen puffing away in public.

Switzerland has been unable to ratify the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, despite signing it in 2004, because of its insufficient restrictions on sponsorship and advertising. The United States has also not ratified the convention.

Stöckli said that even if voters approve the new legislation, Switzerland would still lag behind other countries on regulating tobacco. He said advocates had focused on protecting children and young people, instead of a blanket ban, to improve the chances of the law passing.

“It was a compromise,” he said, adding that he would keep pushing for tighter regulations and higher taxes on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine extracted from tobacco.

Switzerland has long courted multinational tobacco companies. Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco International have their international headquarters in the country, and British American Tobacco also has a strong presence. The sector employs about 4,500 people in Switzerland, according to the government, including in the production of high-tar cigarettes that are illegal to produce or sell in the European Union.

The referendum Sunday came out of a 2015 proposal by the Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive branch, for a Tobacco Products Act that would ban the sale of tobacco to minors nationwide and restrict advertising. Parliament eventually approved an amended bill that would leave most advertising intact.

In response to the weakening of the legislation, a group made up of more than 40 health organizations launched an initiative to make it tougher, and assembled the necessary signatures needed to put it to the voters.

If Swiss voters reject the initiative Sunday, the amended bill will come into effect without the broad restrictions on ads.

The initiative also includes restrictions on offering discounted or free tobacco products and on industry sponsorship of events that are accessible to minors.

Despite strong support from civil society organizations, the initiative has faced a lot of opposition from politicians in Switzerland.

Mike Egger, a member of the Swiss People’s Party and co-president of a group formed to encourage people to reject the initiative, said the proposed advertising restrictions were against Switzerland’s liberal values.

“The initiative calls for a ban on advertising a legal product,” he said.

Egger said that the harmful effects of smoking were well known in Switzerland, and that tobacco packaging already included warnings. Cigarette packs carry both written warnings and the gruesome pictures of diseased body parts that have become common in many countries.

“I trust that citizens can themselves decide whether they want to consume tobacco products or not, and there is no need for a superstate that regulates the sector more strongly,” he said.

Anti-smoking advocates have also accused the Federal Council of cozying up to the tobacco industry. They pointed to a statement in which the council said that the initiative was welcome from a public health perspective, but that it “had to weigh the public health interests against those of the economy” and supported limiting “advertising to an extent that is acceptable to the tobacco industry.”

In the statement, the council acknowledged that almost half of smokers started the habit as a minor, and that tobacco use was responsible for around 15% of the nation’s deaths.

Pascal Diethelm, an anti-tobacco campaigner and a proponent of the initiative, said the declaration by the Federal Council was shocking.

“This is smoking-gun proof that the government has put the tobacco control policy, which is a public health policy, under the tutelage of the tobacco industry,” he said.

“I don’t see any other country in the world which has done that,” said Diethelm, pointing to the council’s rejection of the initiative despite its acknowledgment that an advertising ban would not only benefit children, but also adults, and reduce the high costs associated with smoking.

Martin Kuonen, director of Swiss Cigarette, an association that includes Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco and British American Tobacco, said the tobacco industry was “fully in favor of the protection of minors” and agreed with the idea of setting a minimum age for buying its products.

But Kuonen said the tougher legislation proposed by the initiative went too far. “It is a de facto advertising ban,” he said, because children can potentially be exposed to advertisements anywhere. He said the industry strongly opposed this, as “adults will indirectly also be affected.”

Kuonen said that if the public votes in favor of the initiative, the tobacco companies “will have to think twice about whether they want to continue investing in Switzerland.”

But Diethelm said he doubted the industry would seriously consider uprooting and moving elsewhere.

“Where should they go?” he said. “I don’t see any decently governed country that would want them.”

The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man.

The images are jarring to visitors: happy, glamorous couples smoking together in a cafe, packs of cigarettes opened invitingly, rugged Western landscapes that evoke the Marlboro Man. While many countries have long banned cigarette advertising, it has lived on in Switzerland, where loose regulations on the sale and marketing of tobacco products make the country an outlier in much of the Western world. The ads adorn billboards on city streets, are shown in movie theaters, and are ubiquitous at sports and cultural events like Montreux’s famed jazz festival. But this weekend, much of that may start to fade away as Swiss voters decide whether to place restrictions on tobacco ads that would effectively ban them in public spaces. The initiative, which is expected to pass in a referendum, according to polls conducted by Swiss media outlets, has been endorsed by health advocates who cite findings by bodies like the World Health Organization that the ads encourage young people to smoke and make it harder for smokers to quit. “We want to protect young people and ensure tobacco prevention efforts are not undermined through advertising,” said Hans Stöckli, who is president of the committee behind the initiative. The initiative has unsurprisingly been opposed by the tobacco industry, but also by the government, which has maintained unfashionably friendly relationships with tobacco companies that have set up regional and even global headquarters in Switzerland. A majority of members of Parliament have also come out against it. Many of them say jobs will be lost if the referendum passes, since cigarettes rank with chocolate and cheese as some of the country’s leading exports. If voters approve the initiative, advertising for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, would no longer be allowed in places or on websites that are accessible to those under 18. Even though it would not be a blanket ban, it would nonetheless represent a significant change. Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe that has not introduced a nationwide ban on the sale of tobacco-related products to minors. Although some parts of the country ban sales to children under the ages of 18 or 16, others have no minimum age, and in many places young people can be seen puffing away in public. Switzerland has been unable to ratify the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, despite signing it in 2004, because of its insufficient restrictions on sponsorship and advertising. The United States has also not ratified the convention. Stöckli said that even if voters approve the new legislation, Switzerland would still lag behind other countries on regulating tobacco. He said advocates had focused on protecting children and young people, instead of a blanket ban, to improve the chances of the law passing. “It was a compromise,” he said, adding that he would keep pushing for tighter regulations and higher taxes on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine extracted from tobacco. Switzerland has long courted multinational tobacco companies. Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco International have their international headquarters in the country, and British American Tobacco also has a strong presence. The sector employs about 4,500 people in Switzerland, according to the government, including in the production of high-tar cigarettes that are illegal to produce or sell in the European Union. The referendum Sunday came out of a 2015 proposal by the Federal Council, Switzerland’s executive branch, for a Tobacco Products Act that would ban the sale of tobacco to minors nationwide and restrict advertising. Parliament eventually approved an amended bill that would leave most advertising intact. In response to the weakening of the legislation, a group made up of more than 40 health organizations launched an initiative to make it tougher, and assembled the necessary signatures needed to put it to the voters. If Swiss voters reject the initiative Sunday, the amended bill will come into effect without the broad restrictions on ads. The initiative also includes restrictions on offering discounted or free tobacco products and on industry sponsorship of events that are accessible to minors. Despite strong support from civil society organizations, the initiative has faced a lot of opposition from politicians in Switzerland. Mike Egger, a member of the Swiss People’s Party and co-president of a group formed to encourage people to reject the initiative, said the proposed advertising restrictions were against Switzerland’s liberal values. “The initiative calls for a ban on advertising a legal product,” he said. Egger said that the harmful effects of smoking were well known in Switzerland, and that tobacco packaging already included warnings. Cigarette packs carry both written warnings and the gruesome pictures of diseased body parts that have become common in many countries. “I trust that citizens can themselves decide whether they want to consume tobacco products or not, and there is no need for a superstate that regulates the sector more strongly,” he said. Anti-smoking advocates have also accused the Federal Council of cozying up to the tobacco industry. They pointed to a statement in which the council said that the initiative was welcome from a public health perspective, but that it “had to weigh the public health interests against those of the economy” and supported limiting “advertising to an extent that is acceptable to the tobacco industry.” In the statement, the council acknowledged that almost half of smokers started the habit as a minor, and that tobacco use was responsible for around 15% of the nation’s deaths. Pascal Diethelm, an anti-tobacco campaigner and a proponent of the initiative, said the declaration by the Federal Council was shocking. “This is smoking-gun proof that the government has put the tobacco control policy, which is a public health policy, under the tutelage of the tobacco industry,” he said. “I don’t see any other country in the world which has done that,” said Diethelm, pointing to the council’s rejection of the initiative despite its acknowledgment that an advertising ban would not only benefit children, but also adults, and reduce the high costs associated with smoking. Martin Kuonen, director of Swiss Cigarette, an association that includes Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco and British American Tobacco, said the tobacco industry was “fully in favor of the protection of minors” and agreed with the idea of setting a minimum age for buying its products. But Kuonen said the tougher legislation proposed by the initiative went too far. “It is a de facto advertising ban,” he said, because children can potentially be exposed to advertisements anywhere. He said the industry strongly opposed this, as “adults will indirectly also be affected.” Kuonen said that if the public votes in favor of the initiative, the tobacco companies “will have to think twice about whether they want to continue investing in Switzerland.” But Diethelm said he doubted the industry would seriously consider uprooting and moving elsewhere. “Where should they go?” he said. “I don’t see any decently governed country that would want them.”

Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban

Smoking is usually known as one of the hardest habits to quit and the New Zealand government has decided to help its citizens get rid of it.<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand has announced that the country will ban smoking for the future generation, meaning that everyone of the age 14 and below will not be allowed to buy and consume tobacco.<o:p></o:p>

Under the new legislation, the authorities will keep increasing the legal age of smoking every year. This, the government hopes, will help create a smoke-free generation and help citizens live a longer and healthier life.

<o:p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/obesity-killed-more-than-smoking-did-study-363567">&nbsp;Obesity killed more than smoking did: Study</a></o:p>

"We want to make sure young people never start smoking so we will make it an offence to sell or supply smoked tobacco products to new cohorts of youth. People aged 14 when the law comes into effect will never be able to legally purchase tobacco,"&nbsp;associate health minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said.<o:p></o:p>

This law comes at a time when the country has already been observing a drop in the daily smoking rates. Over time, the rate has dropped from 18 per cent a decade earlier to nearly 11.6 per cent in 2018. However, the daily smoking rates for Māori and Pacifika stayed high at 29 and 18 per cent respectively. Authorities hope that if the smoking rate drops in general, the same will follow for Māori and Pacifika and soon it will be below five per cent.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quitting-smoking-might-reduce-severe-coronavirus-infection-risk-says-study-299646">Quitting smoking might reduce severe coronavirus infection risk, says study</a></o:p>

Authorities are aiming to completely eradicate smoking in the country within the next four years. "In fact, we’re on track to for the New Zealand European population. The issue is, though, if we don’t change what we’re doing, we won’t make it for Maori – and that’s [what] the plan is really focused on," Verrall said.<o:p></o:p>

This decision was taken after experts observed that nearly 4,500 locals lose their life to tobacco consumption every year.&nbsp;"About 4,500 New Zealanders die every year from tobacco, and we need to make accelerated progress to be able to reach that goal [of Smokefree 2025]. Business-as-usual without a tobacco control program won't get us there," Verrall had said earlier.<o:p></o:p>

Smoking is usually known as one of the hardest habits to quit and the New Zealand government has decided to help its citizens get rid of it. New Zealand has announced that the country will ban smoking for the future generation, meaning that everyone of the age 14 and below will not be allowed to buy and consume tobacco.

Smoking is usually known as one of the hardest habits to quit and the New Zealand government has decided to help its citizens get rid of it. New Zealand has announced that the country will ban smoking for the future generation, meaning that everyone of the age 14 and below will not be allowed to buy and consume tobacco. Under the new legislation, the authorities will keep increasing the legal age of smoking every year. This, the government hopes, will help create a smoke-free generation and help citizens live a longer and healthier life. Also read | Obesity killed more than smoking did: Study "We want to make sure young people never start smoking so we will make it an offence to sell or supply smoked tobacco products to new cohorts of youth. People aged 14 when the law comes into effect will never be able to legally purchase tobacco," associate health minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said. This law comes at a time when the country has already been observing a drop in the daily smoking rates. Over time, the rate has dropped from 18 per cent a decade earlier to nearly 11.6 per cent in 2018. However, the daily smoking rates for Māori and Pacifika stayed high at 29 and 18 per cent respectively. Authorities hope that if the smoking rate drops in general, the same will follow for Māori and Pacifika and soon it will be below five per cent. Also read | Quitting smoking might reduce severe coronavirus infection risk, says study Authorities are aiming to completely eradicate smoking in the country within the next four years. "In fact, we’re on track to for the New Zealand European population. The issue is, though, if we don’t change what we’re doing, we won’t make it for Maori – and that’s [what] the plan is really focused on," Verrall said. This decision was taken after experts observed that nearly 4,500 locals lose their life to tobacco consumption every year. "About 4,500 New Zealanders die every year from tobacco, and we need to make accelerated progress to be able to reach that goal [of Smokefree 2025]. Business-as-usual without a tobacco control program won't get us there," Verrall had said earlier.

To healthier life: New Zealand lays out plan to ban smoking

Around 12,500 to 12,000 years ago, ancient North Americans started using tobacco. This is roughly 9,000 years before the oldest indications that they smoked the plant in pipes, said a new study. &nbsp;

The new discovery replaces the pipe-smoking report as the oldest evidence for the human use of tobacco across the world. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/197-billion-years-old-moon-rocks-set-new-record-for-youngest-lunar-material-419893" hreflang="en">1.97 billion years old Moon rocks set new record for youngest lunar material</a>

At the Wishbone site in Utah’s Great Salt Lake Desert, excavations uncovered four charred seeds of wild tobacco plants in a small fireplace, said archaeologist Daron Duke from Far Western Anthropological Research Group in Henderson, Nevada and colleagues. &nbsp;

It is highly likely that the seeds came from plants gathered on foothills or mountains located 13 kilometers or more from the Wishbone area. Three of these seeds were radiocarbon dated by the scientists, the team reported on October 11 in ‘Nature Human Behavior’. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-unearth-secret-of-no-star-formation-in-some-early-galaxies-419676" hreflang="en">Astronomers unearth secret of no star formation in some early galaxies</a>

At the time of its occupation, the site was located in a sprawling marshland. It’s still unclear how ancient North American hunter-gatherers used the tobacco, said Duke. &nbsp;

Wads of tobacco leaves, stems and other plant fibers are likely to have been converted into balls and chewed or sucked, and seeds were finally discarded. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Around 12,500 to 12,000 years ago, ancient North Americans started using tobacco. This is roughly 9,000 years before the oldest indications that they smoked the plant in pipes, said a new study.

Around 12,500 to 12,000 years ago, ancient North Americans started using tobacco. This is roughly 9,000 years before the oldest indications that they smoked the plant in pipes, said a new study. The new discovery replaces the pipe-smoking report as the oldest evidence for the human use of tobacco across the world. Also Read: 1.97 billion years old Moon rocks set new record for youngest lunar material At the Wishbone site in Utah’s Great Salt Lake Desert, excavations uncovered four charred seeds of wild tobacco plants in a small fireplace, said archaeologist Daron Duke from Far Western Anthropological Research Group in Henderson, Nevada and colleagues. It is highly likely that the seeds came from plants gathered on foothills or mountains located 13 kilometers or more from the Wishbone area. Three of these seeds were radiocarbon dated by the scientists, the team reported on October 11 in ‘Nature Human Behavior’. Also Read: Astronomers unearth secret of no star formation in some early galaxies At the time of its occupation, the site was located in a sprawling marshland. It’s still unclear how ancient North American hunter-gatherers used the tobacco, said Duke. Wads of tobacco leaves, stems and other plant fibers are likely to have been converted into balls and chewed or sucked, and seeds were finally discarded. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study

Bhutan has temporarily lifted ban on the sale of tobacco amid Coronavirus pandemic after a Bhutanese worker handling import from India tests positive. Ban to be restored when the pandemic is over.

Due to risk of cross-border contagion, Bhutan temporarily banned sale of tobacco

The remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, known for embracing gross national happiness and outlawing television until 1999, has now made the unusual decision to reverse a ban on the sale of tobacco, blaming coronavirus.

The decision comes even though smoking is considered a sin in the mostly Buddhist country, where a tobacco control law was first passed in 1729 and the plant is believed to have grown from the blood of a demoness.

The country of about 750,000 banned the sale, manufacture and distribution of tobacco in 2010 but allowed smokers to import controlled amounts of tobacco products after paying hefty duties and taxes -- sparking a thriving black market for cigarettes smuggled over the border from India.

When Bhutan closed its frontier with India earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic -- India has more than 3 million confirmed cases, while Bhutan has fewer than 200 -- under-the-counter tobacco prices soared fourfold as the traffickers found it harder to get into the country.

Some continued to sneak in however, and on August 12 a Bhutanese worker handling goods coming in from India tested positive for coronavirus in the border town of Phuentsholing.

This prompted a rethink from the government of Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, a qualified doctor who still practises at weekends.

His administration lifted the decade-old ban on tobacco sales to temper demand for the smuggled cigarettes and, in theory, lessen the risk of cross-border contagion.

Tshering insists the reversal is temporary.

The decision allows smokers to buy tobacco products from state-owned duty-free outlets, and adds them to the list of essential products available in the country's pandemic lockdown.

The government further argued that keeping it from those who are addicted and stuck inside might lead to tensions in the home.

"This is the wrong time to rehabilitate a person or to change their habits," Tshering told a local newspaper.

At one duty-free shop in the capital Thimphu, branch manager Dechen Dema said she gets about 1,000 calls a day and works from 8:00 am until midnight catering to orders.

"We get so many desperate calls and don't even get proper time to eat," Dema said.

Long-term smoker Regyal Chophel, 35, who works for the state media, was relieved to get his fix.

"Old habits die hard and I was getting quite desperate. I am thankful for the government to have come up with this arrangement," he said.

The remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, known for embracing gross national happiness and outlawing television until 1999, has now made the unusual decision to reverse a ban on the sale of tobacco, blaming coronavirus.

The remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, known for embracing gross national happiness and outlawing television until 1999, has now made the unusual decision to reverse a ban on the sale of tobacco, blaming coronavirus. The decision comes even though smoking is considered a sin in the mostly Buddhist country, where a tobacco control law was first passed in 1729 and the plant is believed to have grown from the blood of a demoness. The country of about 750,000 banned the sale, manufacture and distribution of tobacco in 2010 but allowed smokers to import controlled amounts of tobacco products after paying hefty duties and taxes -- sparking a thriving black market for cigarettes smuggled over the border from India. When Bhutan closed its frontier with India earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic -- India has more than 3 million confirmed cases, while Bhutan has fewer than 200 -- under-the-counter tobacco prices soared fourfold as the traffickers found it harder to get into the country. Some continued to sneak in however, and on August 12 a Bhutanese worker handling goods coming in from India tested positive for coronavirus in the border town of Phuentsholing. This prompted a rethink from the government of Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, a qualified doctor who still practises at weekends. His administration lifted the decade-old ban on tobacco sales to temper demand for the smuggled cigarettes and, in theory, lessen the risk of cross-border contagion. Tshering insists the reversal is temporary. The decision allows smokers to buy tobacco products from state-owned duty-free outlets, and adds them to the list of essential products available in the country's pandemic lockdown. The government further argued that keeping it from those who are addicted and stuck inside might lead to tensions in the home. "This is the wrong time to rehabilitate a person or to change their habits," Tshering told a local newspaper. At one duty-free shop in the capital Thimphu, branch manager Dechen Dema said she gets about 1,000 calls a day and works from 8:00 am until midnight catering to orders. "We get so many desperate calls and don't even get proper time to eat," Dema said. Long-term smoker Regyal Chophel, 35, who works for the state media, was relieved to get his fix. "Old habits die hard and I was getting quite desperate. I am thankful for the government to have come up with this arrangement," he said.

Bhutan lifts tobacco ban due to coronavirus

Just about every business in town, from the gas station and auto-body shop to Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen, is accepting the wooden scrip in the small city of Tenino, Washington. The currency is about the thickness, size and flexibility of an index card and printed on the same 1890s-era press once printed the Depression currency and the local newspaper. It can't be used for alcohol, tobacco or marijuana.

Wash. town resurrects wooden money to aid economy

Over 25 states and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Delhi, have banned the use of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places in view of COVID-19, official sources in the Union health ministry said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plasma-therapy-to-treat-serious-covid-19-patients-at-rajasthan-hospital-shows-promising-results-297770" hreflang="en">Plasma therapy to treat serious COVID-19 patients at Rajasthan hospital shows 'promising' results</a>

The ministry had on April 1 asked all states to prohibit the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"Chewing smokeless tobacco products, paan masala and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the COVID-19 virus," the ministry had said in a letter to chief secretaries of all states and UTs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/82-per-cent-people-who-lost-their-lives-to-covid-19-were-above-50-years-arvind-kejriwal-297760" hreflang="en">82 per cent people who lost their lives to COVID-19 were above 50 years: Arvind Kejriwal</a>

"22 states and six UTs have banned the use of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places during the COVID-19 epidemic," an official source said.

Public health experts have welcomed the move by the central government to ban the use of tobacco products and spitting in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection.

"We applaud the government of India for taking the timely step of imposing a ban on the use of tobacco products and spitting in public places to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 virus," said Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, Chief Executive, Voluntary Health Association of India.

"To protect their health and reduce risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, we urge all smokers and tobacco users to quit, especially at this critical time," Mukhopadhyay said.

There is a growing evidence that smoking increases risk of contracting COVID-19, Prof Pratima Murthy, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences said, adding?smoking worsens lung function and reduces immunity.

"Smokers who develop COVID-19 infection have more complications and greater risk of fatality. Even if a person is not affected by coronavirus infection it is a good time to stop smoking. This improves immunity and can improve lung function within a few months," Murthy said.

States like Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jharkhand,&nbsp;Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh among others are also penalising violators for spitting tobacco in public places.

"The ministry of health and state health departments should promote quitting tobacco maximally through electronic and social media to take advantage of the situation in which tobacco users are away from their usual triggers to use tobacco- shop, co-workers, stress, etc. And being at home, majority have the social support needed to quit," said Dr Rakesh Gupta, Consultant working for Tobacco Cessation.

"Hence, an opportunity exists to increase the quit rate for the country amid COVID-19 crisis,"he said.

Over 25 states and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Delhi, have banned the use of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places in view of COVID-19, official sources in the Union health ministry said.

Over 25 states and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Delhi, have banned the use of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places in view of COVID-19, official sources in the Union health ministry said. Also read: Plasma therapy to treat serious COVID-19 patients at Rajasthan hospital shows 'promising' results The ministry had on April 1 asked all states to prohibit the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus. "Chewing smokeless tobacco products, paan masala and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the COVID-19 virus," the ministry had said in a letter to chief secretaries of all states and UTs. Also read: 82 per cent people who lost their lives to COVID-19 were above 50 years: Arvind Kejriwal "22 states and six UTs have banned the use of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places during the COVID-19 epidemic," an official source said. Public health experts have welcomed the move by the central government to ban the use of tobacco products and spitting in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection. "We applaud the government of India for taking the timely step of imposing a ban on the use of tobacco products and spitting in public places to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 virus," said Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, Chief Executive, Voluntary Health Association of India. "To protect their health and reduce risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, we urge all smokers and tobacco users to quit, especially at this critical time," Mukhopadhyay said. There is a growing evidence that smoking increases risk of contracting COVID-19, Prof Pratima Murthy, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences said, adding?smoking worsens lung function and reduces immunity. "Smokers who develop COVID-19 infection have more complications and greater risk of fatality. Even if a person is not affected by coronavirus infection it is a good time to stop smoking. This improves immunity and can improve lung function within a few months," Murthy said. States like Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh among others are also penalising violators for spitting tobacco in public places. "The ministry of health and state health departments should promote quitting tobacco maximally through electronic and social media to take advantage of the situation in which tobacco users are away from their usual triggers to use tobacco- shop, co-workers, stress, etc. And being at home, majority have the social support needed to quit," said Dr Rakesh Gupta, Consultant working for Tobacco Cessation. "Hence, an opportunity exists to increase the quit rate for the country amid COVID-19 crisis,"he said.

Coronavirus: 28 states, Union Territories ban smokeless tobacco products, spitting

A group of researchers have found that our lungs have a magical capability to repair some of the damages caused by smoking if a person quits the habit.&nbsp;

As per the study published in the journal Nature, lungs cells that escape the damage can help repair other damaged cells in the organ.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the results were positive in people who smoked earlier but had quit. The study indicated positive results even in people who used to smoke a complete pack of cigarettes earlier before calling it quits.&nbsp;

The study's joint senior author, Peter Campbell of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said the results should give new hope to smokers who want to quit.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hawaii-lawmaker-proposes-law-that-can-raise-legal-smoking-age-to-100-195228">Hawaii lawmaker proposes law that can raise legal smoking age to 100</a>

"People who have smoked heavily for 30, 40 or more years often say to me that it's too late to stop smoking -- the damage is already done," he said in a statement issued by the institute.

"What is so exciting about our study is that it shows that it's never too late to quit," he said as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The study even consisted of participants who had smoked over 15,000 packs of cigarettes in their life but after quitting, just within a few years, "many of the cells lining their airways showed no evidence of damage from tobacco".

The study was conducted by analysing lung biopsies from 16 people, a group which included current smokers, ex-smokers and people who had never smoked including some children.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-teen-developed-popcorn-lung-type-injury-from-vaping-report-263565">Canadian teen developed 'popcorn lung' type injury from vaping</a>

Campbell explained how healthy cells begin to gradually proliferate and take place of damaged cells once a person quits smoking.&nbsp;

Smoking is one of the primary causes of lung cancer. US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention classifies cigarette smoking as the number one risk factor for lung cancer.

"In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths," the CDC website reads.&nbsp;

World Health Organisation describes tobacco use as "the most important risk factor for cancer, s responsible for approximately 22% of cancer deaths".&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A group of researchers have found that our lungs have a magical capability to repair some of the damages caused by smoking if a person quits the habit. As per the study published in the journal Nature, lungs cells that escape the damage can help repair other damaged cells in the organ.

A group of researchers have found that our lungs have a magical capability to repair some of the damages caused by smoking if a person quits the habit. As per the study published in the journal Nature, lungs cells that escape the damage can help repair other damaged cells in the organ. Interestingly, the results were positive in people who smoked earlier but had quit. The study indicated positive results even in people who used to smoke a complete pack of cigarettes earlier before calling it quits. The study's joint senior author, Peter Campbell of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said the results should give new hope to smokers who want to quit. Also read: Hawaii lawmaker proposes law that can raise legal smoking age to 100 "People who have smoked heavily for 30, 40 or more years often say to me that it's too late to stop smoking -- the damage is already done," he said in a statement issued by the institute. "What is so exciting about our study is that it shows that it's never too late to quit," he said as reported by news agency AFP. The study even consisted of participants who had smoked over 15,000 packs of cigarettes in their life but after quitting, just within a few years, "many of the cells lining their airways showed no evidence of damage from tobacco". The study was conducted by analysing lung biopsies from 16 people, a group which included current smokers, ex-smokers and people who had never smoked including some children. Also read: Canadian teen developed 'popcorn lung' type injury from vaping Campbell explained how healthy cells begin to gradually proliferate and take place of damaged cells once a person quits smoking. Smoking is one of the primary causes of lung cancer. US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention classifies cigarette smoking as the number one risk factor for lung cancer. "In the United States, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths," the CDC website reads. World Health Organisation describes tobacco use as "the most important risk factor for cancer, s responsible for approximately 22% of cancer deaths". (With inputs from AFP)

Scientists claim lungs magically repair damage from smoking if one quits

Bangladesh plans to prohibit the sale and use of electronic cigarettes and vaporisers, a health official said on Sunday, as countries around the world move to ban devices that have been linked to health risks and teen addiction.

"We are actively working to impose a ban on the production, import and sale of e-cigarettes and all vaping tobaccos to prevent health risks," Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Secretary at the health education and family welfare division of the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, told Reuters.

The health ministry had taken into consideration the recent spate of deaths and illnesses linked to e-cigarette use in the United States, he said.

A ban on e-cigarettes and vaporisers will be incorporated in the tobacco control policy 2019, now being drawn up by the government, he added. It will then be submitted to parliament for approval.

E-cigarettes are available everywhere in Bangladesh from small street corner shops to e-commerce sites.

India, which has the second-largest population of adult smokers in the world, banned the sale of e-cigarettes in October as it warned of a vaping "epidemic" among young people.

Public health officials in the United States recommended against using e-cigarettes after 12 deaths and 805 cases of illnesses linked to e-cigarette use were reported.

The global market for e-cigarettes was worth $15.7 billion in 2018, according to data from Euromonitor International, and is projected to more than double to $40 billion in 2023.

Bangladesh plans to prohibit the sale and use of electronic cigarettes and vaporisers, a health official said on Sunday, as countries around the world move to ban devices that have been linked to health risks and teen addiction.

Bangladesh plans to prohibit the sale and use of electronic cigarettes and vaporisers, a health official said on Sunday, as countries around the world move to ban devices that have been linked to health risks and teen addiction. "We are actively working to impose a ban on the production, import and sale of e-cigarettes and all vaping tobaccos to prevent health risks," Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Secretary at the health education and family welfare division of the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, told Reuters. The health ministry had taken into consideration the recent spate of deaths and illnesses linked to e-cigarette use in the United States, he said. A ban on e-cigarettes and vaporisers will be incorporated in the tobacco control policy 2019, now being drawn up by the government, he added. It will then be submitted to parliament for approval. E-cigarettes are available everywhere in Bangladesh from small street corner shops to e-commerce sites. India, which has the second-largest population of adult smokers in the world, banned the sale of e-cigarettes in October as it warned of a vaping "epidemic" among young people. Public health officials in the United States recommended against using e-cigarettes after 12 deaths and 805 cases of illnesses linked to e-cigarette use were reported. The global market for e-cigarettes was worth $15.7 billion in 2018, according to data from Euromonitor International, and is projected to more than double to $40 billion in 2023.

Bangladesh plans to ban e-cigarettes amid growing health concerns

Chinese government bodies have jointly called for a ban on consuming e-cigarettes in public, as the country gradually works to regulate its fast-growing vaping industry.

In a document dated October&nbsp;29 and published online on Thursday, China's National Health Bureau, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the domestic tobacco monopoly China Tobacco, and five other bureaus urged local governments to curb both tobacco consumption among young people, as well as e-cigarette consumption.

The regulators state that e-cigarette use in China "has shown a clear upward trend among the youth population", and add that the composition of e-cigarette liquid and its second-hand smoke are "unsafe".

"There is no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes can help to effectively quit smoking," the regulators state.

The agencies add that China "must actively promote the prohibition of electronic smoking in public places".

China produces an overwhelming majority of the e-cigarettes sold on the global market, though only a tiny fraction are purchased by domestic buyers.

That is changing quickly as dozens of Chinese start-ups, inspired by the potent e-cigarette made by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/special-report-juul-disregarded-early-evidence-it-was-hooking-teens-260137">Juul Labs Inc </a>that grew popular in the United States, have flooded the market with products of their own targeting local consumers.

At present there are no national-level regulations providing standards for the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes in China. Industry insiders expect that such regulations will be released in the near future.

China's tobacco industry is controlled by China Tobacco, a state monopoly that doubles as the tobacco market's regulator. In 2018, China Tobacco generated 5.45 per cent&nbsp;of China's tax revenue, amounting to 10.8 trillion yuan.

Chinese government bodies have jointly called for a ban on consuming e-cigarettes in public, as the country gradually works to regulate its fast-growing vaping industry.

Chinese government bodies have jointly called for a ban on consuming e-cigarettes in public, as the country gradually works to regulate its fast-growing vaping industry. In a document dated October 29 and published online on Thursday, China's National Health Bureau, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the domestic tobacco monopoly China Tobacco, and five other bureaus urged local governments to curb both tobacco consumption among young people, as well as e-cigarette consumption. The regulators state that e-cigarette use in China "has shown a clear upward trend among the youth population", and add that the composition of e-cigarette liquid and its second-hand smoke are "unsafe". "There is no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes can help to effectively quit smoking," the regulators state. The agencies add that China "must actively promote the prohibition of electronic smoking in public places". China produces an overwhelming majority of the e-cigarettes sold on the global market, though only a tiny fraction are purchased by domestic buyers. That is changing quickly as dozens of Chinese start-ups, inspired by the potent e-cigarette made by Juul Labs Inc that grew popular in the United States, have flooded the market with products of their own targeting local consumers. At present there are no national-level regulations providing standards for the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes in China. Industry insiders expect that such regulations will be released in the near future. China's tobacco industry is controlled by China Tobacco, a state monopoly that doubles as the tobacco market's regulator. In 2018, China Tobacco generated 5.45 per cent of China's tax revenue, amounting to 10.8 trillion yuan.

Chinese government bodies call for prohibition on vaping in public

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