(Image source from: Ndtv.com)

Indian Government Bans the Usage of E-cigarettes:- The Indian Union Cabinet approved the ban of e-cigarettes after it felt that the effects have been bad. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the habit affected the youth the most. The production, manufacturing, import/export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertising of e-cigarettes will be banned in the country with immediate effect. Sitharaman said that the decision was taken after they considered the health of the people. The Government is in plans to pass the ordinance in the Parliament sessions soon.

The shares of the makers surged on Wednesday after the cabinet approved the ban on e-cigarettes. Shares of ITC Ltd rose 1.8%, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd soared 7.8%, VST Industries Ltd gained 1% and Golden Tobacco Ltd climbed 4.5%. Health officials proposed jail up to three years with a penalty up to Rs 5 lakhs for using e-cigarettes. They are already banned in 12 states and now the ban has been expanded for the whole country.