UK Approves Lifetime Smoking Ban For Under-18s

By BPN News Desk April 23, 2026

International

British lawmakers have approved a landmark tobacco law that will permanently ban today’s under-18s from legally buying cigarettes, marking one of the most sweeping anti-smoking measures in the country’s history. The legislation also introduces tighter controls on vaping and other nicotine

Op-Eds Opinion

Public Health Victory or Policy Gamble? Odisha’s Tobacco Ban Explained

By BPN News Desk January 24, 2026

Odisha’s decision to impose a complete ban on gutkha, pan masala, and all tobacco products deserves clear recognition as a public health-first move. In a political environment where revenue considerations often dilute health policy, the state has chosen to prioritise long-term societal well-being over short-term economic convenience. That choice matters. But while the

Business Industry

India Tobacco Stocks Fall After New Excise Duty

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

Shares of Indian tobacco companies fell sharply after the government announced a new excise duty on cigarettes, adding to the existing goods and services tax regime. The duty, which will come into effect from February 1, 2026, applies per 1,000 cigarette sticks and varies by cigarette length. This move effectively reintroduces a central levy on […]

Business

New Tax Bills Target Tobacco, Pan Masala as GST Cess Nears End

By BPN News Desk December 2, 2025

The Union government has introduced two key bills in the Lok Sabha to overhaul the tax structure on tobacco, pan masala and related products. The move comes ahead of the scheduled expiry of the GST compensation cess that currently applies to these items. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and […]