CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -In an important anti-tobacco move, the state government of Maharashtra has banned the sale, display, manufacture, and distribution of gutka and paan masala, two very popular chewable tobacco based products.

Detailed explanation-2: -“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has reimposed the ban on manufacture, storage, distribution, transport and sale of tobacco and gutka, paan masala and supari that is either flavoured, scented or mixed with additives.

Detailed explanation-3: -Gutka, a form of chewing tobacco flavored with spices and sweeteners, is a major cause of oral cancer in India. In recent years, all states in India have banned the manufacturing, sale and distribution of gutka in an effort to address the astounding public health impacts caused by this deadly product.

Detailed explanation-4: -Given the health risks associated with these, the Maharashtra government first prohibited consumption, production, sale, distribution, and storage of gutkha, pan masala, and related products in 2012.

Detailed explanation-5: -COTPA regulates the trade, sale and distribution of tobacco is which is subject to certain restrictions however it does not prohibit it. “It has never been the intention of the Parliament to impose an absolute ban on manufacture, sale, distribution and storage of tobacco and/or tobacco products.