Read articles from India

June 05, 2024 by who.int

Tobacco industry targets youth with harmful products and marketing tactics, leading to premature deaths. WHO highlights industry's strategies on World No Tobacco Day to attract new users, with 37 million youth worldwide already addicted. India's youth tobacco survey reveals alarming statistics. The industry promotes addictive products, posing severe health risks. WHO urges protective policies to combat industry interference and protect children. Governments, organizations, and individuals must unite to eliminate tobacco's dangers and addiction threats. India has banned e-cigarettes, taking steps to reduce tobacco harm. Supporting WHO's campaign can help raise awareness and shield the youth from tobacco industry deceit.

May 27, 2024 by gfn.tv

When India's government added nicotine replacement therapies to its list of essential medicines, tobacco harm reduction advocates celebrated a win for smokers looking to quit. But was this success short lived, and has India returned to an anti-nicotine frame of mind? Joining us today to discuss India's track record with nicotine is journalist Samrat Chowdhery.

May 06, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

India banned e-cigarettes in 2019 following WHO guidelines, influenced by tobacco control groups and economic factors. Despite court challenges, the ban was supported by the government, significant tobacco donations, and lack of local research. The decision was driven by political and financial interests rather than public health, denying over 100 million smokers access to safer nicotine consumption methods. The regulatory pathway favored by courts was ignored, leading to a ban that benefitted the tobacco industry. Juul's entry into India and foreign expertise also played a role in the outcome, as local industry voices were absent from the debate.

April 23, 2024 by indiatimes.com

India failed to differentiate between traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Despite acknowledging these differences for taxation, the ban on e-cigarettes remained uniform. The country, grappling with a high number of smokers, should consider harm reduction strategies like other nations. India's focus on tobacco control has had limited success, with a significant burden of tobacco-related diseases. The government must explore safer alternatives and tailor regulations based on toxicant levels.

April 04, 2024 by filtermag.org

The Indian states of Karnataka and Rajasthan were the first to ban vapes, motivated by political gain. Despite bans, vapes are easily accessible and the government's focus on revenue from tobacco sales impedes real health concerns. The ban lacks enforcement, pushing vapes into an unregulated market with risks to consumers, especially vulnerable groups. Advocates stress regulation over prohibition for public health and economic benefits. The prediction is that in about three years, India may legalize vapes, tapping into manufacturing potential and tax revenue. A plea is made to the government to regulate rather than ban, promoting a healthier India.

March 27, 2024 by filtermag.org

Rizwan, a former tobacco user turned vape seller in Mumbai, shares his journey of quitting tobacco after his mother's death from cancer. Despite the ban on vapes in India, Rizwan advocates for harm reduction. Exploring the city's diverse tobacco habits, he highlights the challenges faced in promoting safer alternatives. In impoverished areas like Dharavi, tobacco harm reduction is a luxury due to limited access to basic needs. Rizwan's advocacy stems from personal experiences and witnessing the devastating effects of tobacco. Despite obstacles, he seeks to raise awareness and provide alternatives in a tobacco-dependent society shaped by government restrictions.

March 19, 2024 by filtermag.org

Vapes have taken JK on a remarkable journey. From smoking multiple packs of cigarettes a day, he switched suddenly and entirely. He helped pioneer India’s first organized vapers group. In reaction to the country’s prohibitionist stance, he became a licensed online vendor, then an e-liquid connoisseur. And amid the country’s ban on sales and possession of vapes, he continues to preach their harm reduction efficacy with evangelical zeal.

February 29, 2024 by bnnbreaking.com

India's PECA 2019 legislation bans e-cigarettes comprehensively, addressing addiction and health risks, setting a standard for global action. 'Mothers Against Vaping' supports the ban, emphasizing public health and demand reduction. The law aims to eliminate e-cigarettes from the supply chain to protect citizens. While some advocate for vaping in smoking cessation, the group highlights risks to youth and calls for a balanced approach. India's ban exemplifies prioritizing public health over immediate gains, offering a model for other nations.

February 22, 2024 by business-standard.com

The Karnataka government recently passed the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Bill, 2024, increasing the age limit for purchasing cigarettes from 18 to 21 years. The bill also prohibits the sale of cigarettes to those under 21 and restricts sales near schools. Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao emphasized the new regulations, mentioning fines for violations. Furthermore, hookah bars were banned in all establishments, with penalties of imprisonment and substantial fines for unauthorized operations.

January 19, 2024 by gfn.tv

A vaping literacy problem may lie at the heart of India's hardline approach to vaping. Could improved tobacco harm reduction education amongst medical professionals and policy makers help shift India away from the WHO's prohibitionist anti-vaping stance? Samrat Chowdhery joins us to discuss this and more!