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.
US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
The US military has attacked Iran in response to an Iranian drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, with each country accusing the other of violating terms of a ceasefire agreed on last week.
Israel, Lebanon sign framework peace deal after US-mediated talks
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington on Friday following several days of talks to secure an end to fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Rescuers comb Venezuelan quake rubble, thousands reported missing
Rescuers worked through the night on Friday to save hundreds of Venezuelans trapped in rubble and find thousands more missing after two of the biggest earthquakes in Latin America's modern history smashed areas in and around the capital Caracas.
Traffic through Strait of Hormuz slows after attack on ship
Fewer vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Friday than earlier this week, hours after a Taiwanese-operated ship was fired on by Iran, ship tracking data showed.
Europe on high alert as killer heat spreads
Health authorities across Europe were on high alert on Friday as a killer heatwave progressed across the continent.
The UAE has allocated $10 million in emergency humanitarian aid to support people affected by two earthquakes off Venezuela's northern coast.
The UAE's National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) says a technical issue in the early warning system has been resolved after it led to the sending of incorrect alert messages.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has held a phone call with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the latest regional developments.
