The smoking ban that came into effect in England in 2007 appears to have led to 1,500 fewer stillbirths and newborn deaths in just four years.

In what could be a further push to introducing “bolder” pictorial warnings on tobacco products, the ministry of agriculture has come out in full support to the proposal.

Parliament — MPs yesterday passed the Tobacco Control bill, 2014, into law with several changes, bringing an end to a debate that in most cases was as controversial as it has been embarrassing.

CM Devendra Fadnavis had last week announced extension of the three-year ban on gutkha, pan masala, and floured scented tobacco/supari for another year.

According to a Government Resolution (GR), school heads will have to sign and fill up an undertaking with their picture.

It said that "too few" governments levy appropriate levels of tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products and miss out on a proven, low-cost measure to curb demand for tobacco and save lives

Fiji has been recognized and commended by the World Health Organization in the Pacific island country's efforts to combat the consumption of tobacco products.