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.
Nepal flood death toll crosses 1,000, rescuers reach remote areas
The death toll in Nepal's flood crossed 1,000 on Tuesday, as rescuers used heavy machinery, helicopters and excavators to reach the thousands still missing, nearly a week after the catastrophic Himalayan disaster left a trail of destruction across towns and valleys.
Israeli strikes kill four in Gaza as military says it arrests Hamas fighter
An Israeli-backed raid to detain a Hamas official in Gaza City was discovered during the operation on Tuesday, prompting airstrikes to cover their withdrawal that killed at least three Palestinians, Gaza officials said.
Trump vows to 'hit Iran hard' after first exchanges of fire in a month
US President Donald Trump has threatened further strikes against Iran on Monday after the first exchange of direct attacks in a month.
Russian air attacks kill 12 in Kyiv region on sixth day of strikes
Russian air attacks killed 12 people and injured many more in Kyiv and the surrounding region early on Tuesday, authorities said, in the sixth consecutive day of intense strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
South Korea to send 44-member disaster relief team to Nepal after floods
South Korea will send a 44-member emergency relief team to Nepal to support search-and-rescue operations after flooding in the Rasuwa region, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
