April 14, 2026

NEW DELHI: Access to quitting aids like nicotine gums and lozenges may soon be tightened, raising concerns among experts it could become harder for smokers to quit. The trigger is a recommendation by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) to restrict over-the-counter (OTC) access to most nicotine replacement products. The proposal exempts only unflavoured 2-mg nicotine gum and excludes nicotine lozenges (2 mg). Currently, some of these products are available without a licence. The proposed changes could mean fewer options and more hurdles for those trying to quit. Experts say the concerns stem from how addiction works. Nicotine – not the act of smoking – is an addictive substance, and withdrawal symptoms often push users back to cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapies – gums and lozenges – help manage the symptoms by delivering nicotine without the thousands of harmful chemicals in tobacco smoking that cause cancer and heart disease. But they are not a guaranteed solution. India, with over 1.35 million tobacco-related deaths annually, depends heavily on accessible support for quitting. Experts warn even small barriers can discourage such attempts. The board has proposed safeguards, including a ban on sale to minors. Some experts argue the risk of misuse of nicotine replacement aids may be overstated. Pulmonologist Dr Priyanka Chaudhary Bindroo said, “… Restricting a WHO-approved cessation aid without contemporary evidence is a step backward.”About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral TiesMEA Responds As 15 Indian Ships Remain Stranded Amid Trump’s Hormuz BlockadeUS Naval Blockade on Iran: Why Strait of Hormuz Tensions Could Hit India’s Oil, LPG and InflationTCS Nashik In Eye Of Storm As Women Allege Harassment, Conversion Pressure At Workplace’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of Speed123PhotostoriesPoila Boishakh 2026: 9 traditional Bengali dishes served on New YearDelhi-Dehradun Expressway: Travel From Delhi To Dehradun In Just 2.5 Hours! Check Top Facts & PhotosFrom Brad Pitt to Baby Dakota Fanning: 7 actors you totally forgot were on ‘Friends’TV’s 6 female protagonists who were ahead of their time: Tulsi Virani, Anupamaa and more5 cities in West India experiencing real estate boom in 2026Baisakhi 2026: Traditional Baisakhi dishes and their cultural importance in the harvest festivalThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruitEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your number123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

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NEW DELHI: Access to quitting aids like nicotine gums and lozenges may soon be tightened, raising concerns among experts it could become harder for smokers to quit. The trigger is a recommendation by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) to restrict over-the-counter (OTC) access to most nicotine replacement products. The proposal exempts only unflavoured 2-mg nicotine gum and excludes nicotine lozenges (2 mg). Currently, some of these products are available without a licence. The proposed changes could mean fewer options and more hurdles for those trying to quit. Experts say the concerns stem from how addiction works. Nicotine – not the act of smoking – is an addictive substance, and withdrawal symptoms often push users back to cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapies – gums and lozenges – help manage the symptoms by delivering nicotine without the thousands of harmful chemicals in tobacco smoking that cause cancer and heart disease. But they are not a guaranteed solution. India, with over 1.35 million tobacco-related deaths annually, depends heavily on accessible support for quitting. Experts warn even small barriers can discourage such attempts. The board has proposed safeguards, including a ban on sale to minors. Some experts argue the risk of misuse of nicotine replacement aids may be overstated. Pulmonologist Dr Priyanka Chaudhary Bindroo said, “… Restricting a WHO-approved cessation aid without contemporary evidence is a step backward.”About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVikram Misri Holds Key Talks With French FM, Discusses West Asia Conflict, Bilateral TiesMEA Responds As 15 Indian Ships Remain Stranded Amid Trump’s Hormuz BlockadeUS Naval Blockade on Iran: Why Strait of Hormuz Tensions Could Hit India’s Oil, LPG and InflationTCS Nashik In Eye Of Storm As Women Allege Harassment, Conversion Pressure At Workplace’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of Speed123PhotostoriesPoila Boishakh 2026: 9 traditional Bengali dishes served on New YearDelhi-Dehradun Expressway: Travel From Delhi To Dehradun In Just 2.5 Hours! Check Top Facts & PhotosFrom Brad Pitt to Baby Dakota Fanning: 7 actors you totally forgot were on ‘Friends’TV’s 6 female protagonists who were ahead of their time: Tulsi Virani, Anupamaa and more5 cities in West India experiencing real estate boom in 2026Baisakhi 2026: Traditional Baisakhi dishes and their cultural importance in the harvest festivalThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruitEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your number123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya


Soon, access to nicotine gums may get tougher

NEW DELHI: Access to quitting aids like nicotine gums and lozenges may soon be tightened, raising concerns among experts it could become harder for smokers to quit. The trigger is a recommendation by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) to restrict over-the-counter (OTC) access to most nicotine replacement products. The proposal exempts only unflavoured 2-mg nicotine gum and excludes nicotine lozenges (2 mg). Currently, some of these products are available without a licence. The proposed changes could mean fewer options and more hurdles for those trying to quit. Experts say the concerns stem from how addiction works. Nicotine – not the act of smoking – is an addictive substance, and withdrawal symptoms often push users back to cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapies – gums and lozenges – help manage the symptoms by delivering nicotine without the thousands of harmful chemicals in tobacco smoking that cause cancer and heart disease. But they are not a guaranteed solution. India, with over 1.35 million tobacco-related deaths annually, depends heavily on accessible support for quitting. Experts warn even small barriers can discourage such attempts. The board has proposed safeguards, including a ban on sale to minors. Some experts argue the risk of misuse of nicotine replacement aids may be overstated. Pulmonologist Dr Priyanka Chaudhary Bindroo said, “… Restricting a WHO-approved cessation aid without contemporary evidence is a step backward.”



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. NEW DELHI: In a classic case of how court proceedings are misused in matrimonial disputes– a woman agreed for a divorce and signed a financial settlement agreement for separation but she not only reneged from the promise after getting a substantial part of the money from her husband, but she also filed a criminal case against him and his family members. The Supreme Court on Monday invoked its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 142 to dissolve the marriage and also quashed the domestic violence case, brushing aside her opposition.Though the wife submitted that she withdrew her consent as the husband did not return her jewellery worth Rs 120 crore and gold biscuits worth Rs 50 crore which was not mentioned in the agreement in order to “avoid alerting the income tax department”, a bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Vijay Bishnoi refused to give credence to her allegation after noting that the issue was never mentioned anywhere including in the WhatsApp chat between the estranged couple.The court said in case a compromise deed or a settlement agreement has been entered in between the parties regarding the full and final settlement of their disputes, then in that case it is not open for the party to step back from the terms and conditions so arrived between them. As per the settlement, the husband had paid her Rs 75 lakh as first instalment and Rs 14 lakh for purchase of the car and also returned her the jewellery items as mentioned in the agreement.”It is trite law that once the parties have entered into a settlement agreement which was duly authenticated by the mediator, in case of any resilement from such terms as agreed upon in the settlement, the resiling party must be encumbered with heavy costs. Any deviation from the terms of the settlement arrived in mediation and later confirmed by the Court should be dealt with strictly as such deviation harbors an attack to the foundational basis of the entire process of mediation,” the bench said.Referring to the wife’s claim about Rs 170 crore gold and that she only agreed to exclude these terms from the settlement agreement upon being asked so by the husband in order to avoid alerting the income tax department and to evade any liability towards wealth tax, the court termed her arguments as “highly egregious”. “We are appalled at the sheer audacity of such a submission being advanced before a court of law and deplore the evident disregard exhibited towards the legal system,” it said.The court said that she failed to mention any particular event of violence carried out either by the husband or his mother to justify their criminal prosecution and noted that the case was lodged only after she withdrew her consent for mutual divorce. “A criminal complaint regarding domestic violence, with mere reference to the names of the family members or the husband without any specific allegation that points towards their active involvement in commission of such an act of violence, shall be nipped in the bud,” the bench said.”While we are conscious of the fact that the parties to a long standing marital dispute are often fuelled by emotions, we cannot allow such emotions to take a drastic turn in as much as allowing the bursts of emotions to form the basis of criminal prosecution. Such criminal prosecution, if allowed, would lead to an abuse of law and cause harassment,” it said.The court dissolved the marriage and directed the husband to pay the final installment of Rs 70 lakh to her and also quashed all civil and criminal cases lodged by the couple against each other. The court allowed the plea of the husband who approached the court through his advocate Prabhjit Jauhar for divorce.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? 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. NEW DELHI: In a classic case of how court proceedings are misused in matrimonial disputes– a woman agreed for a divorce and signed a financial settlement agreement for separation but she not only reneged from the promise after getting a substantial part of the money from her husband, but she also filed a criminal case against him and his family members. The Supreme Court on Monday invoked its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 142 to dissolve the marriage and also quashed the domestic violence case, brushing aside her opposition.Though the wife submitted that she withdrew her consent as the husband did not return her jewellery worth Rs 120 crore and gold biscuits worth Rs 50 crore which was not mentioned in the agreement in order to “avoid alerting the income tax department”, a bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Vijay Bishnoi refused to give credence to her allegation after noting that the issue was never mentioned anywhere including in the WhatsApp chat between the estranged couple.The court said in case a compromise deed or a settlement agreement has been entered in between the parties regarding the full and final settlement of their disputes, then in that case it is not open for the party to step back from the terms and conditions so arrived between them. As per the settlement, the husband had paid her Rs 75 lakh as first instalment and Rs 14 lakh for purchase of the car and also returned her the jewellery items as mentioned in the agreement.”It is trite law that once the parties have entered into a settlement agreement which was duly authenticated by the mediator, in case of any resilement from such terms as agreed upon in the settlement, the resiling party must be encumbered with heavy costs. Any deviation from the terms of the settlement arrived in mediation and later confirmed by the Court should be dealt with strictly as such deviation harbors an attack to the foundational basis of the entire process of mediation,” the bench said.Referring to the wife’s claim about Rs 170 crore gold and that she only agreed to exclude these terms from the settlement agreement upon being asked so by the husband in order to avoid alerting the income tax department and to evade any liability towards wealth tax, the court termed her arguments as “highly egregious”. “We are appalled at the sheer audacity of such a submission being advanced before a court of law and deplore the evident disregard exhibited towards the legal system,” it said.The court said that she failed to mention any particular event of violence carried out either by the husband or his mother to justify their criminal prosecution and noted that the case was lodged only after she withdrew her consent for mutual divorce. “A criminal complaint regarding domestic violence, with mere reference to the names of the family members or the husband without any specific allegation that points towards their active involvement in commission of such an act of violence, shall be nipped in the bud,” the bench said.”While we are conscious of the fact that the parties to a long standing marital dispute are often fuelled by emotions, we cannot allow such emotions to take a drastic turn in as much as allowing the bursts of emotions to form the basis of criminal prosecution. Such criminal prosecution, if allowed, would lead to an abuse of law and cause harassment,” it said.The court dissolved the marriage and directed the husband to pay the final installment of Rs 70 lakh to her and also quashed all civil and criminal cases lodged by the couple against each other. The court allowed the plea of the husband who approached the court through his advocate Prabhjit Jauhar for divorce.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota Bill123PhotostoriesTV’s 6 female protagonists who were ahead of their time: Tulsi Virani, Anupamaa and more5 cities in West India experiencing real estate boom in 2026Baisakhi 2026: Traditional Baisakhi dishes and their cultural importance in the harvest festival10 things that ruin first impressions— And how to fix themThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruitEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 ‘jokes’ that may damage your marriage5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyle123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

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