Latest news with #NationalTobaccoControlProgramme
United News of India
4 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
E-cigarettes readily available in India, nicotine devices continue to target youths
Kochi, May 31 (UNI) Despite ban, E-cigarettes are readily available unabated in India where iIIegal promotion of vapes, e-cigarettes and other new-age nicotine devices continues targeting adolescents and youths. Sharing insights and raising serious concern on this issue on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), in his investigative scientific report, pointed out how, despite a nationwide ban, the promotion and sale of nicotine devices remain rampant through digital loopholes, influencer marketing and surrogate advertising. "The ICMR's White Paper on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems , May 31, 2019, emphasised that e-cigarettes were highly addictive and, posed severe risks to the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, similar to conventional smoking, while also endangering infant and child development," he averred. "E-cigarettes are highly addictive and harm the lungs, heart, and brain" the noted public health expert added. He revealed that social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are flooded with content that glamourises vaping, often through popular influencers portraying it as harmless and fashionable. It highlights how young users are being misled through subtle, stylised videos ranging from smoke tricks to lifestyle Vlogs, that present vaping as aspirational, trendy and even humorous. "This form of stealth marketing is particularly dangerous because it circumvents direct advertising bans while still delivering targeted messaging to minors," he added. He warned about the serious health risks associated with e-cigarettes, including increased lung infections, lung damage, asthma, heart attacks, changes in heart rhythm and addiction. Acclaimed neuro-physician raised alarms over a potential link between e-cigarettes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), emphasising their highly addictive nature, which can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. According to him, the widespread appeal of e-cigarettes can be attributed to the availability of attractive flavours, the persistence of an illegal market, and a lack of awareness about the ban. These factors have played a significant role in fuelling interest and continued usage despite regulatory restrictions. "The peer pressure misconception that e-cigarettes have no harmful effects and addiction remain key factors driving their preference, especially among the youth." he told UNI. 'Local vendors, including small paan shops, discreetly stock them, and in social circles where vaping is common, getting devices and refills is effortless. The variety of flavours and smooth taste make it appealing, especially for first-time users. E-cigarette brands are still widely available in the country,' he pointed out. He emphasised the importance of mass public awareness, saying, 'Public involvement is important, but for that to happen, citizens need to be aware that these devices are banned in India. Therefore, it is critical that the government launch strong awareness campaigns to inform people about the illegality and dangers of these devices.' UNI DS ARN
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Health
- India Gazette
J-K: Health department organises walkathon on World No Tobacco Day in Srinagar
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], May 31 (ANI): In a strong message against tobacco use, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), organised a Walkathon at the scenic Dal Lake in Srinagar to mark World No Tobacco Day. The event aimed to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and promote a healthier, tobacco-free society. The Walkathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from doctors, students, and health professionals who marched together, holding placards and banners bearing anti-tobacco messages. The walkathon highlighted the growing concern over tobacco-related diseases and the urgent need for preventive measures, especially among the youth. According to Shabbir Hussain, a member of DHSK, the walkathon aimed to give a message to the youth regarding the harmful effects of tobacco and how it is hampering the present generation. 'Today is No Tobacco Day. This is a big issue in society because the young generation is falling prey to it the most. Through this initiative, we want to tell them that this is not a good thing because it is destroying our generation', he told ANI. Another participant of the walkathon, Aftab Ahmed, said that tobacco contains harmful chemicals that can cause lung and kidney-related diseases. 'Today we celebrated No Tobacco Day. It contains harmful chemicals like nicotine and it has a bad effect on us. It causes lung cancer and many other diseases. It also contains many other substances which are responsible for lung and kidney diseases', he said. World No Tobacco Day, observed every May 31, serves as a global platform to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption and engage communities in the fight against the tobacco epidemic. (ANI)
Euronews
5 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Constitutional revision 'not a priority', says Portuguese PM
Portugal's newly reappointed Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has ruled out constitutional reform in the near future, something demanded by the far-right Chega party which finished second in the country's elections earlier this month. On Thursday, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa confirmed Montenegro as the leader of Portugal's 25th government, following the end of the vote counting process. Montenegro's Democratic Alliance (AD) won 91 seats, while Chega came second with 60 and the Socialist Party (PS) finished third with 58. "The appointment and inauguration of the government will take place after the publication of the final election results and the constitutive meeting of the new legislature of the Assembly of the Republic," the president said in a statement. Speaking shortly after his appointment, Montenegro said he would dedicate himself in the coming days to forming a minority government. The prime minister, who also led the last government, confirmed that constitutional revision "is not a government priority". "Later on, we'll be able to discuss this issue. We're not going to do it any time soon and so we're not prepared to entertain that discussion," he told journalists. Instead, his new government would focus on plans to grow the economy, improve public services and transform the national health service, he said. Speaking to the media after meeting with the president, both Carlos César, from the PS, and André Ventura, from Chega, guaranteed that they would make an AD government viable. César noted that "the will of the people must be respected", while Ventura said he "will not support a motion to reject the government's programme". Montenegro's appointment came after the final results of the parliamentary elections were released late on Wednesday, once the votes cast by Portuguese citizens abroad had been counted. By finishing second, Chega upset the traditional dominance of the centre-right and the centre-left in Portuguese politics. French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin announced on Thursday that a new smoking ban in outdoor public spaces where children are present will come into force from 1 July. Speaking to French newspaper Ouest France, Vautin said, "wherever there are children, smoking must disappear", adding that "a smoke-free generation is possible, and it starts now." A breach of the ban — which is part of France's wider National Tobacco Control Programme, announced in November 2023 — could be punishable with a €135 fine. In practice, smoking cigarettes will be outlawed in a range of public places — including beaches, parks, gardens, sports facilities, but also bus shelters and areas surrounding schools. Although the ban will not apply to the terraces of cafes and bars, France's health minister refused to rule out future similar bans in these spaces. Under the plan, electronic cigarettes will still be permitted in these spaces, but Vautrin emphasised that the government wanted to "lower the permitted nicotine content" in these devices, as well as reduce the variety of flavours available on the market by mid-2026. The detailed remit of the ban, which is being decided upon with France's Council of State (Conseil d'État) — the French advisory body tasked with advising the government on prospective bills and decrees — has not yet been revealed. The French Health Minister said the government was counting on"elected representatives to implement (the ban) pragmatically." The French government has made tackling the number of deaths caused by smoking one of its key missions. Every year, 75,000 people are estimated to die from tobacco-related complications in France. In 2023, France's National Tobacco Control Programme set out to develop 26 measures — which included raising the price of tobacco, introducing plain packaging and banning the sale of vaping products — in a bid to reduce smoking-related deaths. According to a survey conducted by NGO "La Ligue contre le cancer", nearly eight out of 10 of those questioned were in favour of a ban, while 83% backed similar legislation for electronic cigarettes. The measures unveiled by France follow Thursday's announcement from the Spanish government, revealing its plans to ban smoking in a wide range of places — including bar and restaurant terraces, university campuses, vehicles used for work purposes and outdoor sporting events.
Euronews
5 days ago
- Health
- Euronews
France to enact smoking ban in public spaces with children from 1 July
French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin announced on Thursday that a new smoking ban in outdoor public spaces where children are present will come into force from 1 July. Speaking to French newspaper Ouest France, Vautin said, "wherever there are children, smoking must disappear", adding that "a smoke-free generation is possible, and it starts now." A breach of the ban — which is part of France's wider National Tobacco Control Programme, announced in November 2023 — could be punishable with a €135 fine. In practice, smoking cigarettes will be outlawed in a range of public places — including beaches, parks, gardens, sports facilities, but also bus shelters and areas surrounding schools. Although the ban will not apply to the terraces of cafes and bars, France's health minister refused to rule out future similar bans in these spaces. Under the plan, electronic cigarettes will still be permitted in these spaces, but Vautrin emphasised that the government wanted to "lower the permitted nicotine content" in these devices, as well as reduce the variety of flavours available on the market by mid-2026. The detailed remit of the ban, which is being decided upon with France's Council of State (Conseil d'État) — the French advisory body tasked with advising the government on prospective bills and decrees — has not yet been revealed. The French Health Minister said the government was counting on"elected representatives to implement (the ban) pragmatically." The French government has made tackling the number of deaths caused by smoking one of its key missions. Every year, 75,000 people are estimated to die from tobacco-related complications in France. In 2023, France's National Tobacco Control Programme set out to develop 26 measures — which included raising the price of tobacco, introducing plain packaging and banning the sale of vaping products — in a bid to reduce smoking-related deaths. According to a survey conducted by NGO "La Ligue contre le cancer", nearly eight out of 10 of those questioned were in favour of a ban, while 83% backed similar legislation for electronic cigarettes. The measures unveiled by France follow Thursday's announcement from the Spanish government, revealing its plans to ban smoking in a wide range of places — including bar and restaurant terraces, university campuses, vehicles used for work purposes and outdoor sporting events. French President Emmanuel Macron said France's newly signed partnership with Singapore will serve as a "tangible roadmap to innovate together" in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and technology to nuclear energy and defence. "Our defence cooperation, shared support of multilateralism, and joint investment in breakthrough technologies are all paving the way for future generations," Macron said during a state lunch with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Speaking to journalists at a joint presser with Macron, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said both countries strongly believe in multilateralism and a rules-based global order. "We know that this global order is shifting. What we have seen before in the decades past is starting to change. No one knows what the new order will be in the coming years. So we are in a period of transition," Wong noted, emphasising the importance of cooperation between "like-minded countries" during this transitional period. Macron's state visit to Singapore is part of his week-long tour of Southeast Asia, where he focused on strengthening regional ties. On Wednesday, the French president met with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto to discuss boosting defence and trade cooperation between the two nations. The French leader is expected to deliver the keynote speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security conference, later on Friday. The summit will focus on China's growing assertiveness, the global impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the flare-ups of conflicts in Asia. The French leader is expected to touch on all those issues, as well as the sweeping tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump's administration that are looming over its Asian allies. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will also be present this weekend among the world leaders, diplomats and top defence officials attending the Asian security summit, which is hosted by the International Institute for Security Studies. Hegseth, who is attending the forum for the first time, will give a speech on Saturday, where he is likely to discuss how the Trump administration plans to tackle security challenges in Asia and attempt to convince Asian leaders that the US is a more reliable partner than China. The defence secretary met with Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong prior to the conference, where he described the extent of the two nations' military cooperation as "unprecedented". "The amount of, the hospitality that you show to our troops, the rotational forces, our ships that are here, but then also the over a thousand members of your military over in the United States," Hegseth told Wong. The summit is taking place against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington, triggered by the Trump administration's threat to impose triple-digit tariffs on China. There is also uncertainty regarding the United States' commitment to defending Taiwan, which it has also threatened with tariffs of 32%. Before boarding his plane for Singapore, Hegseth reiterated his administration's stance on Taiwan's defence. 'We seek no conflict with anybody, including the communist Chinese,' he said. "We will stay strong for our interests. And that's a big part of what this trip is all about.'
