The Indian government has approved draft legislation banning all tobacco advertising, including sponsorship of sporting events. Proposals will be introduced in parliament in about two weeks' time on February 19th. Critics of the law, however, say that more measures will be needed to make it effective. They point out that a similar ban imposed by authorities in the Indian capital, Delhi three years ago continue to be violated.
Officials say India accounts for nearly a third of all tobacco-related deaths in the world.
They point out that the cost of treating such diseases is much higher than the revenue generated by the tobacco industry.