Read articles from India

September 16, 2025 by newsbytesapp.com

Tobacco is a major health issue in India, causing 1.35 million deaths annually. Treating tobacco-related diseases costs over ₹1.77 lakh crore each year. Only 7% of smokers quit without assistance. Healthcare experts recommend smoke-free nicotine alternatives to reduce harm, with studies showing they are significantly safer than cigarettes. Nicotine pouches, now available in 34 countries, including India, could help smokers switch from cigarettes. Public Health England states these alternatives are up to 95% less harmful than smoking. Dr. Soni from AIIMS-CAPFIMS suggests regulating these products to aid smokers in transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

August 19, 2025 by filtermag.org

India's vape ban has lasted six years, despite over 1 million smoking-related deaths yearly. Doctors from AIIMS advocate for a reevaluation, suggesting e-cigarettes aid cessation. They challenge the ban despite AIIMS' support. With high tobacco use, advocates call for harm reduction policies like those in the UK. The ban failed, leading to a booming illicit market. Public health experts urge a review for a safer approach. Doctors witness smoking's harm daily, supporting a reevaluation for better public health. Researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based policies to combat smoking's devastating impact.

August 18, 2025 by gfn.tv

In India, hundreds of millions of tobacco users are kept in the dark about safer nicotine products, while the government bans popular alternatives like vaping and stays silent on even basic NRTs. Shot on location at GFN 2025 in Warsaw, Poland, Jagannath Sarangapani exposes how prohibition and the absence of relative risk messaging have shaped the country’s tobacco control strategy.

April 16, 2025 by theopinionpages.com

The World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, ratified in 2005, aims to reduce tobacco use but has become influenced by Michael R. Bloomberg's agenda. The FCTC, aligned with Bloomberg Philanthropies' MPOWER strategy, focuses on taxation and advertising bans, neglecting harm-reduction tools like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products that have successfully lowered smoking rates. Bloomberg-funded groups push for bans, contradicting their support for harm reduction in drug policy. This inconsistency affects global tobacco control, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence shows harm reduction works, but Bloomberg's policies often overlook local contexts, exacerbate illicit trade, and lack scientific basis, highlighting the need for balanced, evidence-based tobacco control strategies.

March 28, 2025 by thehindu.com

India has banned e-cigarette sales to protect its young population, with 27% of Indians using tobacco. The misconception that e-cigarettes help quit smoking is false. The ban restricts production, sale, and advertisement of e-cigarettes, aiming to address health concerns. Vaping exposes users to harmful substances like nicotine and metals. Contrary to belief, vaping does not produce water vapor but an aerosol with health risks. The effects of vaping on lungs can be severe, causing EVALI and potentially fatal consequences. Quitting smoking is more effectively achieved through approved methods like patches and counseling, rather than vaping.

March 18, 2025 by mediaindia.eu

E-cigarettes remain readily available in India despite a ban, fueling concerns among doctors about their popularity with the youth. The ongoing issue highlights enforcement challenges as illicit sales persist online and offline, exposing regulatory gaps. Despite health risks, including addiction and serious illnesses, e-cigarette consumption remains widespread, especially among young people. Factors driving their appeal include attractive flavors, peer pressure, and lack of awareness about the ban. Poor enforcement has led to a thriving illegal market, with sales continuing through various clandestine channels. Increased public awareness and stricter monitoring are necessary to curb the growing illicit trade of e-cigarettes in India.

March 12, 2025 by thesouthfirst.com

Experts discuss the effectiveness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in aiding smoking cessation. NRT helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increasing success rates. However, prolonged reliance on NRT can hinder quitting smoking altogether. Alternative methods like cold turkey and Champix are mentioned. While temporary aid with NRT can be beneficial, the ultimate goal is complete nicotine cessation. Using NRT during pregnancy is discouraged. Substituting cigarettes with candies is not advised due to the addictive nature of sugar. Quitting smoking requires willpower, understanding health risks, and support. Compared to alcohol withdrawal, cigarette withdrawal is less severe. Successful quitting depends on motivation, support, and awareness of risks.

January 17, 2025 by thestatesman.com

While vaping offers a safer alternative to smoking with fewer health risks, it faces disproportionate restrictions compared to products like fast food, alcohol, and cigarettes. These discrepancies reveal biases influenced by politics and vested interests, hindering harm reduction efforts in public health. Advocates argue for fair regulation that ensures product safety without impeding consumer choice. By acknowledging vaping as a tool for harm reduction and promoting informed decision-making, policymakers can create a balanced approach that respects individual autonomy and fosters a healthier society.

January 10, 2025 by hindustantimes.com

The Rajasthan High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the online sale of e-cigarettes, describing the enforcement mechanisms as inadequate despite existing laws prohibiting their sale. A bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Uma Shanker Vyas issued directives for authorities to file an affidavit outlining the steps taken to address the issue. While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), the court noted the significant challenge posed by the online availability of e-cigarettes and highlighted the lack of tangible results from enforcement efforts. The central government informed the court that implementing the ban is the responsibility of state governments and that instructions had been issued to them accordingly.

December 04, 2024 by firstpost.com

The Group of Ministers proposed raising the tax on aerated drinks, cigarettes, and tobacco to 35% from the current 28% under the GST. The decision aims at revising tax rates for 148 items, impacting prices while aiming to increase revenue. Recommendations will be reviewed by the GST Council, impacting companies like ITC and Varun Beverages. The GoM also suggested changes for ready-made garments, luxury items, and health insurance premiums, aligning tax rates with product prices. Prior recommendations in October included lowering tax rates for packaged drinking water and bicycles, while raising them for expensive shoes and watches. The GST Council will discuss these proposals on December 21.