New health warning images for tobacco product packs
New Delhi, Aug 20 : The government on Monday announced to replace the existing health warning images on the packs of cigarettes and other tobacco products with new sets of images for all tobacco product packs, which will be effective from September 1.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released two sets of specified health warning images, of which the first one will be valid for a period of 12 months starting September and the second one will come into effect after that.
"Any person engaged directly or indirectly in production, supply, import or distribution of cigarettes or any tobacco products shall ensure that all tobacco product packages have the specified health warnings exactly as prescribed," it said in a statement.
Those found violating the prescribed norms, the Ministry said, will face punishment as laid out in Section 20 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003.
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K'taka Minister demands international status for Hubballi, Belagavi airports after Madurai move
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil on Wednesday expressed displeasure over the Centre declaring Madurai airport as an international airport while not extending a similar status to Hubballi and Belagavi airports in Karnataka, calling the move "discriminatory and unacceptable".
The minister said the central government may have taken this decision keeping the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections in mind.
However, its indifferent attitude towards Karnataka’s demand is questionable, he added.
"The Narendra Modi-led central government has declared Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport but has not taken a similar decision regarding Hubballi and Belagavi airports in Karnataka. This reflects a discriminatory approach and is not acceptable. How can it be butter for them and lime for us?” he questioned in a statement.
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The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposal to declare Madurai airport as an international airport.
Madurai is a prominent city in Tamil Nadu, and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the decision was taken keeping in view the aspirations of the people of that city.
Patil recalled that a letter had been written on June 24, 2025, to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, requesting that Hubballi and Belagavi airports be upgraded to international status, as this would greatly benefit the North Karnataka region.
"In this context, Union Minister and Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi, Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, and Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai should raise their voices and stand firmly for the interests of the State," he urged.
The minister stressed that at least one of the two airports — Hubballi or Belagavi — should be declared an international airport.
"If both are upgraded, it would be even more welcome. The central government must recognise the State’s requirement," Patil added.
