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Media Highlights of International News 2026

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This section acts as a resource channel for tobacco control and health related media releases by CTC-Pak and contributed by other sources

News Excerpts of January-2026

⇨Published Feb 16, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: asianews.network

Bhutanese lawmakers to review tobacco act as vaping spikes

The amendments seek to enhance protection for children and young people by providing clear regulatory guidance on emerging products such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices and by promoting product safety and quality standards.
For detail: asianews.network

⇨Published Feb 15, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: theguardian.com

Treasury considering changes to Australia’s contentious tobacco excise, as calls grow for a freeze

Experts say a freeze on the federal government’s contentious tobacco excise should be considered, after the Treasury revealed it was modelling the impacts of cigarette prices on demand amid a booming black market.
For detail: theguardian.com

⇨Published Feb 15, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: businessreport.co.za

British American Tobacco's strategy: Building a 'smokeless world' while cigarette sales fall

JSE and London listed British American Tobacco sold over 465 billion cigarette sticks in 2025, and there remain an estimated one billion cigarette smokers globally.
For detail: businessreport.co.za

⇨Published Feb 14, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: sokodirectory.com

Why the Tobacco Bill Risks Harming Retailers And Consumers

Kenya has witnessed an unprecedented surge in laws and regulations over the past year.
For detail: sokodirectory.com

⇨Published Feb 14, 2026
[Vaping]

Source: rfi.fr

French watchdog flags heart, lung and cancer risks as vape use grows

Vaping poses possible heart, lung and cancer risks, France’s national health agency warned on Wednesday, as it raised concerns about long-term use and the growing appeal of e-cigarettes among teenagers.
For detail: rfi.fr

⇨Published Feb 14, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: futura-sciences.com

Archaeologists Discover a Previously Unknown Effect of Tobacco on the Human Body

The harmful effects of tobacco on human health are well established, yet researchers continue to uncover new and unexpected consequences.
For detail: futura-sciences.com

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[Smoking]

Source: vapingpost.com

Nicotine Pouches and Smoking Cessation: The Undeniable Evidence Some Policymakers Are Choosing to Ignore

Emerging research shows nicotine pouches reduce smoking rates, challenging policymakers to embrace evidence-based tobacco harm reduction strategies.
For detail: vapingpost.com

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: theindependent.sg

Singaporeans applaud immediate 20% increase in tobacco tax, but ask if more should be done to curb smoking

SINGAPORE: During the rollout of the national Budget on Thursday (Feb 12), Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that taxes on all tobacco products would increase by 20%, effective that day.
For detail: theindependent.sg

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[Vaping]

Source: theguardian.com

Vaping in cars carrying children to be banned in England

Vaping in cars carrying anyone under 18 will be banned in England under government plans to reduce the harm caused by smoking and e-cigarettes.
For detail: theguardian.com

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[Smoking]

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Labour to ban parents from vaping with children in the car

Smoking or vaping will not be allowed in playgrounds, outside schools or in cars carrying youngsters under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is subject to consultation.
For detail: telegraph.co.uk

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[E-Cigarette]

Source: reuters.com

China regulator orders e-cigarette makers to halt new plants

A saleswoman holds an e-cigarette as she demonstrates vaping at the Vape Shop that sells e-cigarette products in Beijing, China January 30, 2019.
For detail: reuters.com

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: rappler.com

Global watchdog says tobacco industry may have fueled illicit trade

The tobacco industry may have contributed to the illicit trade of tobacco in the Philippines, a new report by international watchdog Stopping Tobacco Organizations and Products (STOP) showed.
For detail: rappler.com

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[Smoking]

Source: gov.uk

Children to be better protected from second-hand smoking and vaping

The government is launching a consultation on extending smoke-free places and introducing vape-free and heated tobacco-free spaces.
For detail: gov.uk

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[FCTC Tobacco]

Source: exposetobacco.org

Leading by Example: 4 Ways Countries Are Fighting Tobacco Industry Interference

According to the 2025 Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index, many countries made notable progress in standing up to tobacco industry interference.
For detail: exposetobacco.org

⇨Published Feb 13, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: bbc.com

Dogs sniff out £100k of illicit tobacco

LCC Hugo, a brown male three-year-old Cocker Spaniel in a high vis harness looking at the camera with his pink tongue out.
For detail: bbc.com

⇨Published Feb 12, 2026
[Vaping]

Source: truthinitiative.org

New study shows that mental health messaging resonates with young e-cigarette users

Young e-cigarette users that indicated they wanted to quit within the next year were more likely to agree that vaping nicotine can worsen feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, according to a new study from Truth Initiative.
For detail: truthinitiative.org

⇨Published Feb 12, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: russiaspivottoasia.com

Russia Increases Exports Of Beer, Cooking Oil and Tobacco To North Korea

Russia expanded its exports of agricultural products to North Korea in 2025 with beer, rapeseed oil, and tobacco products, the Agroexport federal center has stated.
For detail: russiaspivottoasia.com

⇨Published Feb 12, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: reuters.com

BAT signals possible job cuts from AI plan as Velo nicotine pouch boosts profit

A woman poses with a cigarette in front of BAT (British American Tobacco) logo in this illustration taken July 26, 2022.
For detail: reuters.com

⇨Published Feb 12, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: newswire.lk

CLEARING THE SMOKE ABOUT NICOTINE

Hot dogs, bacon, a cool alcoholic beverage, and some nice hot sunlight sets the tone for a wholesome weekend morning or a nice Sunday afternoon barbeque.
For detail: newswire.lk

⇨Published Feb 12, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: filtermag.org

Mexico’s Vape Prohibition Is Already Biting

A mandate to ban nicotine vapes was enshrined in Mexico’s constitution in early 2025—a step described as “essential” by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
For detail: filtermag.org

⇨Published Feb 12, 2026
[Smoking]

Source: euronews.com

examining the impact of the UK’s smokefree generation law.

Smoking among young people in England could fall to extremely low levels within a generation and lead to major health gains, according to new research Last year, the United Kingdom’s government proposedan anti-tobacco bill to "break the cycle of addiction.
For detail: euronews.com

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[PHW Tobacco]

Source: who.int

WHO supports BPOM to adopt code of conduct against tobacco industry interference

Tobacco remains a major behavioral risk factor contributing substantially to mortality and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in Indonesia.
For detail: who.int

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[FCTC Tobacco]

Source: vapingpost.com

As The WHO Blurs Smoking

The World Health Organization has taken its unacceptable bias up a notch, sidelining evidence-based harm reduction, and raising concerns about global tobacco policy direction.
For detail: vapingpost.com

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

Manufacturers Tell FDA They Need Benchmarks, Communication

During yesterday’s (Feb. 10) afternoon session of the U.S.
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: reuters.com

Exclusive: India sticks to e-cigarette ban in snub for Philip Morris

Electric tobacco heating system IQOS of cigarette maker Philip Morris Switzerland is displayed after a news conference in Bern The charger and the holder (top) of the electric tobacco heating system IQOS of cigarette maker Philip Morris Switzerland are displayed after a news conference in Bern, Switzerland November 19, 2019.
For detail: reuters.com

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[Smoking]

Source: news-medical.net

Smokefree generation law could slash youth smoking decades earlier

New research, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that smoking prevalence among 12 to 30-year-olds in England could drop below 5% decades earlier than expected, if the government progressively raises the age of tobacco sale.
For detail: news-medical.net

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: investing.com

Philip Morris CEO calls India’s e-cigarette ban ’illogical’

Investing.com -- Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM), the world’s most valuable tobacco company, wants to sell its IQOS heated tobacco devices in India despite the country’s ban on such products since 2019.
For detail: investing.com

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[FCTC Tobacco]

Source: gktoday.in

India Upholds E-Cigarette Ban, Rejects Philip Morris Push

India has reaffirmed its decision to maintain the nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, rejecting calls for relaxation that would have opened the market to devices such as IQOS.
For detail: gktoday.in

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: bbc.com

Dora the dog sniffs out secret cigarette stash

Trafford Council Small brown spaniel, Dora, looks at camera with mouth slightly open. She wears a high-visibility harness.
For detail: bbc.com

⇨Published Feb 11, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: asianews.network

India’s tobacco board urges review of cigarette tax hike, warns of illicit trade and farmer distress

According to the Board, Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers have raised serious concerns that the sharp tax hike will lead to a significant reduction in procurement by the legal cigarette industry, the primary domestic buyer of FCV tobacco.
For detail: asianews.network

⇨Published Feb 10, 2026
[Vaping]

Source: filtermag.org

How to Dispose of the Environmental Argument Against Vapes?

One of the many controversies around vaping nicotine is the impact on the enviroment—particularly of disposable, single-use vapes.
For detail: filtermag.org

⇨Published Feb 10, 2026
[Vaping]

Source: cedars-sinai.org

What Parents Should Know About Teen Vaping

Vaping comes with eye-catching accessories and fruity scents that have helped make it increasingly popular with preteens and teenagers.
For detail: cedars-sinai.org

⇨Published Feb 10, 2026
[Vaping]

Source: britannica.com

Britannica AI Icon

Vaping is the act of using e-cigarettes battery-powered devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol vapor for inhalation.
For detail: britannica.com

⇨Published Feb 09, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: www2.fundsforngos.org

CFPs: Tobacco Industry Interference Grants for Civil Society Action

The Tobacco Industry Interference Grants provide short-term funding of up to USD 30,000 for civil society organizations to expose and counter tobacco industry actions that undermine tobacco control.
For detail: www2.fundsforngos.org

⇨Published Feb 09, 2026
[FCTC Tobacco]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

CAPHRA Urges Review of FCTC Following U.S. WHO Exit

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is calling on governments across the region to reassess the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) following the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO and criticism of the agency from New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 09, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

Dutch Looking to Raise Nicotine Age to 21

The Netherlands plans to raise the minimum legal age for purchasing nicotine products, including cigarettes and vapes, from 18 to 21 under a new coalition agreement between D66, VVD and CDA parties, reflecting growing concern over youth nicotine use, Euractiv reported.
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 09, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: ekathimerini.com

Police break industrial-level illegal cigarette manufacturing ring

A major police crackdown has broken a ring that allegedly produced and smuggled illegal cigarettes on an industrial scale, ran three manufacturing plants, exported much of its output and engaged in transactions worth millions using only cash to avoid detection, authorities said Monday.
For detail: ekathimerini.com

⇨Published Feb 09, 2026
[WNTD Tobacco]

Source: dailysabah.com

Global tobacco use declines, women lead efforts to quit: WHO

Despite a steady decline in tobacco use worldwide between 2000 and 2024 across all age groups, women are leading the effort to quit, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data.
For detail: dailysabah.com

⇨Published Feb 09, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: 2firsts.com

The Volume Illusion: Measuring the Future of Nicotine with the Tools of the Past

This article is published by 2Firsts with the author’s permission.
For detail: 2firsts.com

⇨Published Feb 08, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: stir.ac.uk

Stirling experts warn tobacco industry interference persists as Scotland celebrates 20 years since smoking ban

The global tobacco industry is still deploying tactics that were used two decades ago to attempt to weaken Scotland’s smoking ban, University of Stirling experts have warned.
For detail: stir.ac.uk

⇨Published Feb 07, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: thedailystar.net

Ensure enactment of tobacco control law

The unceasing prevalence of tobacco-related cancer in the country should be of deep concern to us all.
For detail: thedailystar.net

⇨Published Feb 06, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

DR Opens School for Tobacco Artisans

The National Institute of Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP), in partnership with the Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers (Procigar), has opened the Procigar–INFOTEP School of Tobacco Artisans in Tamboril, Santiago, to support workforce development in the Dominican premium cigar sector.
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 06, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

Illicit Cigarettes: When Enforcement Alone Cannot Shrink a Shadow Market

Malaysia’s long-running battle against illicit cigarettes is often framed as an enforcement challenge.
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 05, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: trtworld.com

Israel's Gaza genocide comes with puffs: Shin Bet chief’s brother turns cigarette smuggler

Palestinians walk past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during Israel's genocide.
For detail: trtworld.com

⇨Published Feb 05, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

Aussies Stop $700M in Illegal Nicotine Products at Border in Q2

Australian authorities intercepted illicit tobacco and vaping products representing an estimated AUD 1 billion ($700 million) in evaded duties during the second quarter of the 2025–26 financial year, according to the Australian Border Force (ABF).
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 05, 2026
[Smoking]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

Korean Insurer Appeals to Supreme Court in Tobacco Fight

South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) appealed to the Supreme Court in its ongoing lawsuit seeking to hold cigarette manufacturers liable for smoking-related healthcare costs, challenging an appellate ruling that rejected key liability claims.
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 05, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

20M Illegal Cigarettes Seized in Thailand Raid

Thai authorities recently seized 20 million illicit cigarettes and arrested 14 suspects in a major smuggling crackdown in Hat Yai, Songkhla, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced.
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 05, 2026
[Vaping]

Source: ifop.com

Survey on unregulated purchases of tobacco and vaping products

An Ifop survey of 3,000 smokers and vapers provides a detailed overview of tobacco and vaping product purchasing practices outside traditional channels.
For detail: ifop.com

⇨Published Feb 05, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: chemeurope.com

From litter to power: Turning cigarette butts into high-performance supercapacitors

By converting this hazardous waste into advanced nanoporous carbon electrodes, the researchers demonstrate that cigarette butts can serve as an unexpected yet highly effective resource for supercapacitors.
For detail: chemeurope.com

⇨Published Feb 05, 2026
[Vaping]

Source: bbc.com

Pupils take charge of school's war on vaping

For this comprehensive in Swadlincote, a semi-rural part of Derbyshire, the devices are one of the main tools teachers are using to combat vaping among students.
For detail: bbc.com

⇨Published Feb 04, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: tobaccoreporter.com

FAIFA: Tax Hike Will Harm Millions of Indian Tobacco Farmers

A new report by the Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), developed with Artha Arbitrage Consulting LLP, warns that India’s revised tobacco tax regime, which took effect Feb.
For detail: tobaccoreporter.com

⇨Published Feb 04, 2026
[Smoking COPD]

Source: nltimes.nl

Vaping, smoking, snus causing dozens of daily ER visits due to nicotine overdoses

A study has found that smoking, vaping, and the use of snus are the cause of dozens of visits to the first aid department every day.
For detail: nltimes.nl

⇨Published Feb 04, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: exposetobacco.org

New Report Flags Possible Tobacco Industry Role in Illicit Cigarette Trade in the Philippines

(New York, United States, 4 February 2026): A new report from global tobacco industry watchdog STOP raises concerns that tobacco industry practices may be contributing to illicit cigarette trade and lost government revenue in the Philippines.
For detail: exposetobacco.org

⇨Published Feb 03, 2026
[Tobacco]

Source: who.int

Four in ten cancer cases could be prevented globally

Up to four in ten cancer cases worldwide could be prevented, according to a new global analysis from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
For detail: who.int

⇨Published Feb 03, 2026
[Cigarette]

Source: nj.com

N.J. hospital patient on oxygen causes fire after lighting cigarette

It's unclear if the patient suffered any injuries as a result of the blaze.
For detail: nj.com

⇨Published Feb 03, 2026
[Smoking]

Source: nature.com

More than one-third of cancer cases are preventable, massive study finds

Nearly 40% of new cancer cases worldwide are potentially preventable, according to one of the first investigations1 of its kind, which analysed dozens of cancer types in almost 200 countries.
For detail: nature.com