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.
Trump says operation to reopen Strait of Hormuz will be 'paused'
US President Donald Trump has announced on Tuesday that he would briefly pause the operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, dubbed "Project Freedom", citing "great progress" towards an agreement with Iran, while the blockade remains in force.
Hantavirus-hit cruise ship to head to Spain after being granted permission
A luxury cruise ship that has been hit by an outbreak of the deadly hantavirus was preparing to travel from Cape Verde towards Europe on Wednesday after the Spanish government gave permission for it to dock in the Canary Islands.
Russian attacks kill 27 before deadline for ceasefire proposed by Kyiv
Russian attacks throughout eastern Ukraine have killed at least 27 people on Tuesday, including 12 in one of the worst strikes so far this year, hours before a midnight deadline ushering in an open-ended ceasefire proposed by Kyiv.
Eight dead in fire at shopping centre west of Tehran, Iranian media say
At least eight people died and 36 were hurt after a fire broke out in a shopping centre west of Tehran on Tuesday, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported.
Trump says Iran should wave the white flag of surrender
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed Iran's military capability and said Tehran "should wave the white flag of surrender" but is too proud to do so.
