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Wednesday, February 18, 2026
TopicTobacco

Topic: tobacco

In cess Bill, govt plans new levy on some tobacco products

The Bill, to be introduced during the Winter Session of Parliament, proposes a levy on the machines installed for production of pan masala.

Lighting up debate: AIIMS distances self from oncologists calling for review of e-cigarette ban

Experts say even manufacturers don’t claim e-cigarettes are cessation devices, and no amount of ‘harm reduction’ rhetoric can obscure evidence that these devices inflict serious damage.

WHO releases first-ever tobacco cessation guideline

Comprehensive interventions to help over 750 million quit.

Drug regulator’s plan to bring all nicotine replacement therapies under prescription gets ICMR nod

Doctors & experts are divided on the move's efficacy. Some believe this could help ensure responsible use, while others feel it could reduce access for those benefiting from it.

New Zealand govt to repeal world’s toughest anti-tobacco rules, draws heavy criticism

By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand will repeal on Tuesday a world-first law banning tobacco sales for future generations, the government said, even while researchers and campaigners

WHO urges Southeast Asian countries to step up efforts to control the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes

According to the WHO South-East Asia Region, the use of tobacco has decreased slightly from 68.9 per cent in 2000 to around 43.7 per cent in 2022. However, the region still accounts for the highest number of people using tobacco worldwide.

ITC announces spin-off of hotels business from cigarettes and food divisions

If approved, the cigarettes-to-hotels conglomerate would hold 40% stake in the newly formed entity, to be named ITC Hotels Ltd, with the remaining 60% held by shareholders of ITC.

World Anti-Tobacco Day: Tobacco consumption lowest in Punjab & other India stats on deadly habit

Punjab has lowest rate of tobacco consumption in India, according to NFHS-5 survey. Paan masala and gutka most common form of tobacco consumed in India.

1.7 lakh tonnes of waste per year — ICMR-AIIMS study calculates environmental toll of tobacco use

The study, ‘The Environmental Burden of Tobacco Products Wastes in India’, was released Tuesday. It was conducted by ICMR's National Institute of Cancer Prevention & Research and AIIMS Jodhpur. 

Govt set to amend tobacco laws to tighten control on evolving products, widen regulatory norms

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is currently working on bringing in amendments to regulate tobacco products in India, secretary...

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

Venezuela crude returns to India’s oil basket. But only as ‘supplementary’ supply

Indian refiners are testing Venezuelan barrels again as Russian supply sinks, but analysts say volumes will remain limited due to refinery constraints & supply capacity.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.