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.
Kuwait cuts Iran embassy staff, declares two diplomats 'persona non grata'
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs has handed a formal protest note to Iran’s acting chargé d’affaires in the country, addressing the continued Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Kuwait suspends flights, activates emergency plan after Iranian attack on airport
An Iranian drone and missile attack struck Kuwait's international airport, forcing authorities on Wednesday to suspend air traffic and divert flights to nearby airports until further notice.
Five countries elected to UN Security Council; Germany misses out
The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to the 15-member UN Security Council for two-year terms starting on January 1, 2027.
Three crewmembers killed in UK Navy helicopter crash
Three British Royal Navy crewmembers have died in a helicopter crash in southwest England, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Wednesday.
Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel, testing US-mediated deal
The Israeli military said it had intercepted rockets fired by Hezbollah into Israel on Wednesday, while Lebanese security sources said an Israeli strike hit a car near Beirut, testing a US-mediated deal that aims to get the sides to curb attacks.
