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.
Thailand and Cambodia sign truce to halt fierce border conflict
Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Saturday to halt weeks of fierce border clashes, the worst fighting in years between the Southeast Asian countries that has included fighter jets sorties, exchange of rocket fire and artillery barrages.
World's longest expressway tunnel opens in China
The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened to traffic, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Malaysia ex-PM Najib jailed for 15 more years in 1MDB case
Malaysia's former premier Najib Razak was jailed on Friday for a further 15 years and fined $2.8 billion for power abuse and money laundering in the biggest trial of the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, a ruling that could have big political ramifications.
US launches strike against ISIS in northwest Nigeria
The United States has carried out a strike against IS targets in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, President Donald Trump and the US military said on Thursday, claiming the group had been targeting Christians in the region.
Israel formally recognises Somaliland as independent state
Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday - a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia’s long standing opposition to its secession.
The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Dubai authorities say they are fully prepared to deliver a safe, world-class New Year’s Eve celebration across the emirate.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Islamabad on an official visit to Pakistan.
