India on Wednesday banned sale, production, import and distribution of electronic cigarettes.
Making the announcement on Wednesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted how e-cigarettes are being used as a "style statement".
The ban was necessary to ensure e-cigarettes don't become an "epidemic" among children and young adults, she added.
Health officials have proposed jail terms of up to three years, with a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh (around AED 25,700), for repeat offenders.
Rubio says Iran deal could take days as US launches fresh strikes
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday negotiating a deal with Iran could "take a few days," quashing hopes for an imminent end to the conflict a day after US forces conducted what Washington called defensive strikes in southern Iran.
4 killed after train collides with school bus in Belgium
A train crashed into a school van at a level-crossing in the Belgian town of Buggenhout on Tuesday, killing four people, including two special needs pupils, authorities said.
Philippines ends rescue efforts as hope fades for victims of building collapse
Authorities have called off search and rescue operations on Monday evening after emergency crew, using life locator equipment, determined there were no longer signs of life beneath the rubble of the building that collapsed in north Manila.
'Not far away': rescue team confident of reaching 7 trapped for days in Laos cave
A rescue team racing to save seven people trapped for days in a cave in Laos is getting closer to reaching them, the head of the operation said, after breaking through 15 metres of obstacles in a day.
Latest With Hit
Akhil Kavalayoor live on Radio Active
Latest With Hit
Watch Dona & Jean as they grove to SakkathaGavle !
Latest With Hit
Ted X speaker, AI trainer Raul John Aju giving us AI lessons.
