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Around 26 per cent of <keyword id="19896991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cancer" source="keywords">cancer</keyword> patients in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> have tumours in the head and neck, and there is an upward trend of such cases in the country, a study has found. The findings of the study, conducted on 1,869 cancer patients across the country, were released on the World <keyword id="20775483" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="head-and-neck-cancer" source="keywords">Head and Neck Cancer</keyword> Day observed on Saturday. <br /><br /> Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit organisation, conducted the study by collating data from calls received on its helpline number from March 1 to June 30. <br /><br /> Dr. Ashish Gupta, a senior oncologist who is heading the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign in India, said that India is seeing surge in head and neck cancer cases, especially among young men, due to increased <keyword id="20681485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tobacco-consumption" source="keywords">tobacco consumption</keyword> and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. <br /><br /> "Around 80-90 pc of oral cancer patients have been found to use tobacco in some form, be it smoking or chewing. Most of the head and neck cancer are preventable, unlike other cancers for which the reason is unknown. It is a preventable cancer that can be prevented with lifestyle modification. <br /><br /> "There is a need to raise awareness to quit tobacco and early check-ups for early pickup of the disease," Gupta said. <br /><br /> In India, nearly two-thirds of cancer cases are detected late likely due to low adoption of proper screening, he said. <br /><br /> Gupta added that the Cancer Mukt Bharat campaign aims to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer on individuals and communities through education and early detection. <br /><br /> "If found early in stages one or two, most head and neck cancers are curable in more than 80 pc of patients. In the field of cancer treatment, we get new medicines almost every week which can treat cancer in better way leading to better outcomes and good quality of life. <br /><br /> "A combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy can be used for treating head and neck cancer. Latest cancer treatment has evolved to prioritize not just curing the disease, but also ensuring a good quality of life for survivors," he said. <br /><br /> Under the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign, a free national helpline number (93-555-20202) was launched recently, which is operational from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday. <br /><br /> Cancer patients can call on this number to speak to leading oncologists directly or even do a video call to discuss about their treatment without paying any fees. <br /><br /> Head and neck cancer was closely followed by gastrointestinal cancers which was 16 per cent. Fufteen per cent cancers in India re breast cancers and and blood cancers make up 9 per cent of them. <br /><br /> These data are in line with the latest GLOBOCAN data -- a database that gives global cancer statistics -- on India. GLOBOCON data is part of International Agency for Research on Cancer's Global Cancer Observatory. <br /><br /> India is expected to have 2.1 million new cancer cases by 2040, a big jump from the numbers in 2020, as per a recent GLOBOCAN report.<br /><br /><b>SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-16-pro-models-in-india-soon-after-launch/articleshow/112045172.cms" target="_blank"></a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-16-pro-models-in-india-soon-after-launch/articleshow/112045172.cms" target="_blank">Apple to manufacture iPhone 16 Pro models in India soon after launch</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-9-series-design-and-specs-revealed-ahead-of-launch-next-month/articleshow/112039063.cms" target="_blank"></a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-9-series-design-and-specs-revealed-ahead-of-launch-next-month/articleshow/112039063.cms" target="_blank">Pixel 9 series design and specs revealed ahead of launch next month</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/akums-drugs-ipo-opens-soon-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112033450.cms" target="_blank"></a></b><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/akums-drugs-ipo-opens-soon-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112033450.cms" target="_blank">Akums Drugs IPO opens soon – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a></b><br />

Cancers in head and neck rising, account for 26% cases in India: Study

Hyderabad, Apr 17 () Domestic consumption and exportof tobacco may witness a dip of about 20 per cent during thecurrent year due to the ongoing lockdown to containcoronavirus spread in India as well as some countries inEurope and the US, sources close to the Tobacco Board said.<p>Sources indicated that the Board may ask farmers to cutsowing in Karnataka this year following the plunge in demand.</p><p>However, the Board was yet to take a call on that.</p><p>A member of India Tobacco Association noted that thecountry exports about Rs 5,000 crore worth of tobacco aftervalue addition to USA, Europe and other countries.</p><p>"Like any other industry the tobacco industry also cameto standstill due to lockdown. Tobacco auction in AP whichbegan earlier was also suspended. It is expected to beginafter April 20.</p><p>Due to delay in supplies and also health advisories onCOVID-19, there may be muted demand this year.</p><p>Tobacco Board expects about 20 per cent dip in demandthis year," sources told .</p><p>When contacted, Tobacco Board chairmanRaghunadha BabuYadlapati said Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka produced 124million kgs and 103 million kgs respectively last year.</p><p>"We will ensure that all the tobacco produced by farmerswill be cleared. We will request the industry to lift unsoldstocks if any from them.</p><p>We will not let any farmer suffer even if there is a dropin demand," Babu said.</p><p>Without providing absolute numbers, he said therestrictions on smoking and the extended lockdown may impactthe tobacco consumption.</p><p>Of the total tobacco produced in the country, one thirdor about 65 per cent is exported.</p><p>The Board chairman said this year they granted permissionto sow 140 million kgs and 99 million kgs in AP and Karnatakarespectively.</p><p>The ITA member said the tobacco crop fetches about Rs3,500 crore at the farmers' level and after value additionabout Rs 5000 crore worth of the commodity is exported.</p><p>"The foreign buyers are yet to come to India andphysically inspect the product and place orders, thoughinitial discussions on requirement and quality parameters areover.</p><p>They changed their travel plans as there is completelockdown in most of the countries," the ITA member said.</p><p>According to the ITA, the auction for Andhra Pradesh'sstock is expected to resume from April 19 when the relaxationsannounced by the Centre will come into force for certainsectors.</p><p>The ITA member said as far as Karnataka crop wasconcerned, except one million kgs, rest of the commodity wasauctioned.</p>Every year a committee on production &amp; production controlof Tobacco Board lays down policy and fixes crop size fordifferent soil regions in AP and Karnataka taking intoconsideration various factors such as demand for flue curedvirginia tobacco (FCV) in India and abroad and themarketability of different varieties.  GDKROH   ROH

Indian tobacco consumption, exports may dip by 20% due to lockdown

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The “sin stocks” label traditionally refers to <keyword id="6366684" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gambling">gambling</keyword>, alcohol, tobacco, and weapons companies.</li><li><keyword id="4461046" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sin-stocks">Sin stocks</keyword> are considered <keyword id="597098" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="defensive-stocks">defensive stocks</keyword>, meaning they tend to perform well even during an economic downturn.</li><li>Though relatively stable, sin stocks carry some special risks, such as being vulnerable to changes in regulations or taxes. </li></ul><p>Sin stocks refer to shares of public companies engaged in a business or industry that's considered unethical, immoral, or unsavory. Traditionally, the term's been applied to the weapons, alcohol, gambling, or tobacco sectors. But, with the growth of <keyword id="6617678" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Socially-responsible-investing">socially responsible investing</keyword> and <keyword id="9884660" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ethical-investing">ethical investing</keyword>, sin stocks now often encompass other companies and industries people find objectionable in some way.</p><p>Some investors shun sin stocks and try to own only investments they consider virtuous or ethical. Other investors favor sin stocks because they tend to perform well in both <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-bull-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bull</a> and bear stock markets, and no matter what <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-business-cycle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">phase</a> the economy is in. </p><p>Let's fall more deeply into sin stocks. </p><h2>What is a sin stock?</h2><p>No single standard industry definition exists for sin stocks. But most of the categories could be said to tie into any of the seven deadly sins laid out centuries ago by Pope Gregory I: </p><ol><li>Pride</li><li>Greed</li><li>Lust</li><li>Envy</li><li>Gluttony</li><li>Wrath</li><li>Sloth</li></ol><p>It's easy enough to plug most of the sin stock categories into this ancient list: Gluttony could refer to alcohol and <keyword id="2433809" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tobacco-stocks">tobacco stocks</keyword>, wrath could refer to weapons stocks, and greed could refer to gambling stocks. Adult entertainment companies can also fall under the umbrella of sin stocks, and they fit nicely into the lust category.</p><h2>Is sin in the eye of the beholder?</h2><p>Other stocks and sectors can be considered sinful too — depending on your religion, your politics, and your personal moral and ethical values. </p><p>For example, Islamic investors, following their faith's Shariah law, might shun conventional financial institutions because they charge interest. Shariah principles also prohibit investments in alcohol, tobacco, pork, gambling, media, and pornography and disallow short selling, speculation, and derivatives.</p><p>Environmentalists might classify oil and coal stocks as sin stocks, considering the companies behind them to be "polluters." Vegans might consider shares of any company that raises animals, sells animal products, or tests on animals to be a sin stock. Some analysts even make a solid argument for Netflix as a sin stock: to binge-watch a show is to indulge in sloth. </p><p>And if alcohol is sinful, maybe marijuana is, too, if it's being used for recreational and not medicinal purposes. The stock of a company that produces opiates could be considered a sin stock because of all the people who have died or become addicted — though of course, these drugs have enormous benefits too. </p><p>Even the generally agreed-upon categories can be open to debate. What one person calls a weapons company (unethical) another person might deem a defense company (ethical). Such is the double-edged sword of trying to define what makes a stock sinful.</p><h2>Sin stock categories and companies</h2><p>A variety of corporations could be called sin players.  The categories include the traditional Big Four of the sin stock sector, along with some newer but commonly cited fields.  </p><ul><li><strong>Alcohol:</strong> Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD), Molson Coors Brewing Company (MCBC), Boston Beer Company (SAM), Constellation Brands (STZ), Diageo (DGEAF), Brown-Forman (BF)</li><li><strong>Defense/Weapons:</strong> Boeing (BA), Northrup Gruman (NOC), Aerojet Rocketdyne (AJRD), Raytheon (RTX), Lockheed Martin (LMT), American Outdoor Brands (AOBC), Olin (OLN), Vista Outdoor (VSTO), Sturm, Ruger (RGR)</li><li><strong>Tobacco: </strong>Altria (MO), British American Tobacco (BTAFF), Philip Morris (PM)</li><li><strong>Gambling/Adult Entertainment:</strong> Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MGM Resorts (MGM), Wynn Resorts (WYNN), Penn National Gaming (PENN), Caesars Entertainment (CZR), Boyd Gaming (BYD), Scientific Games (SGMS), DraftKings (DKNG), RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK)</li><li><strong>Marijuana/Cannabis: </strong>Cronos (CRON), Canopy Growth (CGC), Aurora Cannabis (ACB), Aphria (APHA), Tilray (TLRY), GrowGeneration (GRWG)</li><li><strong>Corrections/Prisons:</strong> CoreCivic (CXW), The GEO Group (GEO)</li><li><strong>Payday Lenders:</strong> World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD), Enova International (ENVA)</li><li><strong>Energy:</strong> Energy Transfer LP (ETP), ExxonMobil (XOM), Kinder Morgan (KMI)</li><li><strong>Meat:</strong> Hormel Foods (HRL), Sanderson Farms (SAFM), Tyson Foods (TSN)</li><li><strong>Snacks/Junk Food:</strong> Coca-Cola (KO), Mondelez International (MDLZ), Hershey (HSY), PepsiCo (PEP), McDonald's (MCD)</li></ul><h2>What makes sin stocks enticing?</h2><p>You don't invest in sin stocks just for the thrill of being naughty. Owning them can be an attractive financial strategy. </p><h3>They're steady performers</h3><p>Sin stocks are considered "defensive" stocks, meaning they tend to perform well even during an economic downturn or <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-recession" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recession</a>. People who regularly smoke, drink, or gamble don't stop doing these things when times are bad, whether because they're physically addicted or because they enjoy these activities as a way to escape and unwind, however un healthfully. </p><p>And of course, they might indulge even more when times are good. </p><h3>They're cash cows</h3><p>As a result, sin stocks are known for their stable earnings and income streams. Many companies in sin industries are well-established, have sound financials, and have consistently paid dividends for years. </p><h3>They've got little competition</h3><p>The goods and services that sinful companies produce tend to be highly subject to law. Potential competitors may be loath to enter such enterprises, creating more room for the existing players.</p><p>Even sin stocks' negative connotations can work to their advantage. Certain institutional investors — especially those handling funds for religious or academic groups — often shy away from notorious or controversial businesses. That can lead to a particular sin stock being undervalued and a good bargain.</p><h2>What are the downsides of sin stocks?</h2><p>Even if you have no moral or ethical qualms about investing in sin stocks, you should consider their potential financial drawbacks before adding them to your portfolio.</p><h3>There's high regulatory risk</h3><p>All companies' fortunes can be contingent on laws, but regulatory risk is a particular concern with sin stocks. </p><p>Marijuana might become legal at the federal level, but what happens if, instead, U.S. states reverse the legality of medical or recreational marijuana? Defense spending and gun control regulations can change depending on who rules a country, international relations, and terrorist activity.</p><h3>Taxes can be a problem</h3><p>All companies have to deal with taxation, but sin stocks often have a fiscal target on their backs. Regulators and voters could decide to increase taxes on the "sinful" items these companies produce; they're often the go-to source when states need money. Higher taxes could reduce demand, dampen profits, and push stock prices down.</p><h3>Consumer habits can change</h3><p>You'll also want to consider the effect of changing consumer tastes, like declining alcohol and tobacco consumption. Black swan events can force habits to change, such as a pandemic shutting down casinos and the sporting events people like to bet on.</p><p>Finally, devoting too much of your portfolio to a single industry or company is always risky, no matter whether that company produces organic vegetables or nuclear warheads.</p><h2>How to invest in sin stocks </h2><p>The unique consideration for sin stocks is whether you oppose the product or service a company manufactures or purveyors. Otherwise, whether you should invest in sin stocks boils down to the same questions you would ask yourself with any investment: </p><ul><li>What is the unique benefit of putting my money in this investment versus a different investment? </li><li>Is the potential reward high enough to choose this investment over the alternatives?</li><li>How does this investment fit into my portfolio and my overall investment strategy?</li><li>How much money do I stand to lose? Can I afford that loss?</li></ul><p>Of course, as with any investment, you'll have to do the research on any possible sin stock you're considering to make sure the conventional wisdom about it holds true.</p><h2>The financial takeaway</h2><p>In a sense, the decision to invest in stocks question touches on the general issue of socially responsible and ethical investing — and whether you feel that your principles should influence your principal.</p><p>Some investors' attitude toward sin stocks is that it's up to individuals to decide whether they want to smoke, drink, or gamble, despite the risks. Other investors think that the companies producing these products are at least partly to blame for individuals' consumption, especially when that consumption becomes addictive and products are engineered to be addictive. </p><p>It's up to you whether to base your investment decisions purely on financial considerations or whether to let the ethical questions inform your choices. </p><h2>Related Coverage in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/investing-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Investing</a>:</h2><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/why-invest-stock-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why invest in the stock market? Because it can be more dangerous not to</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-to-invest-in-stocks-beginners-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to invest in stocks, even if you're starting from scratch</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/online-poker-casino-games-business-triple-as-casinos-close-2020-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Online poker and casino games have tripled their revenue from last year as real-world casinos shut their doors</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-cannabis-execs-say-industry-is-heading-for-a-turnaround-2020-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider Cannabis: US cannabis execs say the industry is heading for a turnaround — Compass Pathways going public — Cannabis users prefer regular old weed</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pentagon-upholds-microsoft-jedi-contract-amazon-lawsuit-2020-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In a blow to Amazon, the Pentagon has upheld its $10 billion JEDI contract with Microsoft</a></h3>

Sin stocks are shares in companies whose business can be considered unethical — here's why they're so enticing and the major players

New Delhi, May 31 (IANSlife) Tobacco kills more than 1 million people each year in India, according to the World Health Organisation. While no organ is immune to the destructive effects of cigarette smoke, it has one of the worst impacts on lungs.<br /><br />With the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of respiratory problems for vulnerable populations has increased significantly, leaving smokers more exposed to negative health outcomes. The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World's recent Covid-19 State of Smoking Poll surveyed tobacco and nicotine users in countries that quickly imposed strong policies or guidance urging residents to remain at home. The poll evaluated the mental and physical toll of social distancing on smokers globally, many of whom have increased their tobacco intake as a way to cope with pandemic stress.<br /><br />The survey found that 48 percent of combustible tobacco smokers in India believe that smoking increases the risk of either contracting COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill from it. It also revealed significant concerns about the safety of families, job security, and economic opportunity. These mental and physical stresses are particularly harmful for smokers, who often use tobacco to relieve anxiety.<br /><br />On the other hand, it is possible that the global crisis will awaken a new commitment to healthy living among those who are motivated to change. 66 percent of Indian smokers surveyed reported that they had considered quitting for health concerns amid the COVID-19 crisis, and 63 percent responded they had actually made a quit attempt. Yet, there still exist many smokers who intend to quit but are uncertain about the best way to do so.<br /><br />The global observance of World No Tobacco Day on May 31 presents an opportunity to raise awareness around smoking risks, and to work with smokers to find effective strategies for quitting.<br /><br />Dr. Sree T. Sucharitha, MD Fellow in HIV Medicine and Professor in a private medical college in Chennai, and Medical Director of Association for Harm Reduction Education and Research (AHRER), outlines four practices smokers should adopt during COVID-19 to manage their stress and anxiety in a healthy way.<br /><br />Fitness and Exercise<br /><br />We all know that exercise is important in our daily lives, but under the current circumstances, this habit may require extra motivation, as activity is often restricted to the home. During the COVID-19 crisis, tobacco and nicotine users in India have proven more likely than those in other countries to increase their use of healthy coping mechanisms (physical exercise, 64 percent; breathing exercises, 58 percent; meditation, 58 percent; yoga, 55 percent), as per The Foundation's poll. Practicing mindfulness exercises such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises with guided instructions from experts as in digital apps and videos will help in building core emotional resilience and also may strengthen immunity.<br /><br />Healthy Diet<br /><br />A healthy balanced diet, which gives the body the essential vitamins and dietary fibers for better metabolism, is crucial during the pandemic. Proper food habits must be maintained by following a diet plan that includes not only recommended consumption of calories, but also: fruits, vegetables, proteins and dairy products. A healthy diet will ensure that our tissues and cells get proper nutrition to function smoothly. Without proper nutrition, the body is more prone to infectious diseases due to poor immunity.<br /><br />Take a break, get sleep, and rest<br /><br />We want to control every aspect of our lives and stay updated on the latest developments, but in situations like these we must learn to accept some lack of control. People should take scheduled breaks and mentally disconnect from the overwhelming news and social media updates about the pandemic. Activities such as playing board games, solving puzzles, or playing with children and pet animals will help you to revitalize for the days ahead. Adequate rest and sleep for 6-8 hours will help minimize the effect of the pandemic on mental wellness.<br /><br />Connect with people<br /><br />Humans are indeed social animals. During trying times of uncertainty and fear, it is therefore very important to stay connected with others. Isolation and fear can negatively affect mental health, which can lead to severe anxiety or depression. As per the Foundation's poll, close to 36 percent of Indian tobacco and nicotine users stated that social distancing has had an adverse effect on their mental health. While a majority of respondents normally turned to tobacco or nicotine products to manage stress (58 percent), 46 percent of respondents have decreased their use during social distancing. Mental health experts have suggested that reducing stress about the lockdowns, spending quality time with family, and indulging in creative activities can help you overcome feelings of depression and vulnerability during this crisis.<br /><br />(Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)<br /><br />--IANS<br /><br />pg/tb/

World No Tobacco Day: Ways to use this lockdown as a catalyst to quit smoking

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This budget, the excise duty has been hiked by up to 6 % for cigarettes of all sizes. This wasn't expected at all. Still the shares of ITC Limited are going good because it's still below 10%.<br />
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<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/budget/common-man-budget">Cigarette </a>smoking is injurious to health. This statutory warning has taken a toll on the tobacco farmers in India. And this budget the tobacco farmers of the country wants the government not to impose any more taxes on legal cigarettes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/budget/common-man-budget">ALSO READ: WHAT CAN A COMMON MAN EXPECT THIS BUDGET</a><br />
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While the market is decreasing every other day as far as consumption is concerned, the Indian tobacco exports are also sluggish and this has resulted in 22 % decline in returns to farmers.<br />
<br /> There are 96,865 registered tobacco farmers and many more that are not registered in India. Around 0.25% of India's cultivated land is used for tobacco production. Since the independence, the Indian government has supported growth in the tobacco industry. India has seven tobacco research centres that are located in Jeelugumilli, Andhra Pradesh, Kandukuru, Andhra Pradesh, <keyword id="52887" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Guntur">Guntur</keyword>, Andhra Pradesh, Kalavacherla, Andhra Pradesh, Hunsur, Karnataka., Vedasandur, <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, Dinhata, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/budget/common-man-budget">West Bengal</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/budget/common-man-budget">Rajamundry </a>houses the core research institute. The government has set up <keyword id="162734" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tobacco-Board">Tobacco Board</keyword>, Guntur. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/budget/common-man-budget">ALSO READ: YOU CAN OWN A CAR LIKE THIS</a><br />
<br /> Guntur is also well known place for tobacco plantation. The <keyword id="672789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Central-Tobacco-Research-Institute">Central Tobacco Research Institute</keyword> works under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Tobacco crop is cultivated in an area of 0.45 M ha (0.27% of the net cultivated area) producing ~ 750 M kg of tobacco leaf. India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter (in quantity terms) after China and <keyword id="6355226" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Brazil">Brazil</keyword>, respectively.<br />
<br /> Ahead of the Budget 2017, the <keyword id="3404445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="federation-of-all-india-farmer-associations">Federation of All India Farmer Associations</keyword> (<keyword id="3164346" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="FAIFA">FAIFA</keyword>) wants to bring stability in farm prices of the crop.<br />
<br /> The non-profit organisation representing farmers across the states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>, appealed to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/budget/common-man-budget">Finance Minister </a><keyword id="143010" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arun-Jaitely">Arun Jaitely</keyword>, to avoid “the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/budget/common-man-budget">onslaught</a> of heavy taxation on legal cigarette industry” and help bring stability in farm prices of tobacco.<br />
<br /> “We are very disturbed because of the declining off-take from domestic manufacturers … Regulatory overreach has created panic and strain on the FCV tobacco farmers in the country,” FAIFA General Secretary <keyword id="1407736" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Murali-Babu">Murali Babu</keyword> said in a statement.<br />
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“Excessive increase in the excise duties on<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/budget/common-man-budget"> tobacco products</a>, cumulative increase of 118 per cent since 2012/13, leading to 22 per cent” has led to shrinkage in the legal cigarette volumes, FAIFA said.<br />
<br /> (Image: <keyword id="76338" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reuters">Reuters</keyword>))

Excise duty in cigarette hiked. Tobacco farmers in india are struggling to make ends meet

<ul><li><strong>The government's efforts have led to a reduction of 8.1 million smokers between 2009 and 2017. </strong></li><li><strong>Over 103 million adults and 625,000 <keyword id="6354493" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="children">children</keyword> still smoke on a daily basis.</strong></li><li><strong><keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> needs to raise taxes further, crack down on illegal <keyword id="6361871" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tobacco">tobacco</keyword> sales and do a better job of implementing the guidelines of the National Tobacco Control Program. </strong></li></ul>The WHO’s Global Adult Tobacco Survey estimated that the total number of smokers in India fell by 8.1 million between 2009 and 2017. Yet, 625,000 children still use tobacco in the country on a daily basis. <br /><br />According to the Tobacco Atlas, a report compiled by the American Cancer Society and Vital Strategies, <a href="https://tobaccoatlas.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/india-country-facts.pdf">103.6 million</a> people in India over the age of 15 consumed tobacco every day as of 2015, 87% of which were men. The results indicate that over 20% of India’s male population smokes compared to 2% of its females. <br /><br />Worse still, the report shows that the habit starts at a young age. Over half a million children between the age of 10 and 14 years also smoke on a daily basis. Nearly 70% of this figure is accounted for by boys, which indicates that the proportion of female smokers could increase in the future.<br /><br />While the report maintains that there are fewer deaths from <keyword id="6357278" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Smoking">smoking</keyword> in India in comparison to countries with similar levels of human development, around 13,452 men and 4,435 women die every week owing to smoking-related issues, amounting to 930,000 annual deaths. The direct <keyword id="6354750" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity were pegged at 1.8 trillion rupees. <br /><br />India has cracked down on tobacco use in recent years. The government has implemented measures such as a graphic pictorial warning that covers 85% of the package, higher duties on cigarettes and a ban on smoking in educational institutions, government facilities and hospitals. It has also made anti-tobacco advertising spots, which are distinguished by their appallingly low production value, a regular fixture at the cinema and on television. So, despite efforts by various governments, more work remains to be done.<br /><br /><strong>What can India do to further?</strong><br /><br /> “There needs to be greater intervention at the ground level,” according to Dr Srinivas Ramaka, a noted cardiologist and tobacco control advocate. He says that the government has fallen short in implementing the guidelines of the <a href="https://mohfw.gov.in/major-programmes/other-national-health-programmes/national-tobacco-control-programme-ntcp">National Tobacco Control Program</a> (NTCP). Under the guidelines, there should be a Tobacco Control Cell in hospitals at the district level, which offers counselling and medical services for patients who wish to quit smoking.<br /><br />Srinivas also cited the sale of illegal forms of tobacco, noting that it was an issue for the police to address. Even though gutka (oral tobacco) is banned, his patients are often able to buy the harmful mixture for as low as Rs. 5 in “loose form”, he said. <br /><br />India needs to do a better job of targeting bidis, which are hand-rolled cigarettes. Unlike most countries where cigarettes account for a high proportion of tobacco usage, branded cigarettes comprise only <a href="http://www.tiionline.org/facts-sheets/tobacco-consumption/">11% </a>of tobacco consumption in India, according to the Tobacco Institute of India. <br /><br />Srinivas said that the government needs to provide bidi-rollers with alternative modes of employment through skill training programmes. Tobacco cultivators should also be incentivised to grow different crops that offer similar margins, as per NTCP guidelines.<br /><br />Finally, taxes need to be raised on all forms of tobacco as the WHO states that this is one of the only proven ways to reduce tobacco consumption, especially among the poor, under its <a href="http://www.who.int/tobacco/mpower/mpower_report_six_policies_2008.pdf">MPOWER</a> policy. The Tobacco Atlas estimates that only 26.5% of a tobacco product’s retail price in India is attributable to excise taxes. The WHO says that at least 70% of the price of a pack of cigarettes should be covered by taxes.<br /><br /> Being the second-largest consumer of tobacco in the world, India has the power to raise taxes on tobacco products further. <br />

Despite government efforts, 625,000 Indian children still use tobacco daily

The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Indian+government&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Indian Government</a> is planning to introduce all kinds of taxes for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=tobacco&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">tobacco </a>products under <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=GST&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Goods and Services Tax</a> (<keyword id="6354679" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST">GST</keyword>) regime.<br />
<br /> The government wants to you to consume less <keyword id="6361871" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tobacco">tobacco</keyword> products and in this regard, the government might introduce 28% tax all such products, including bidis.<br />
<br />
The<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=arun+jaitley&amp;sortorder=effectivedate"> Arun </a><a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=arun+jaitley&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Jaitley</a>-led <keyword id="47209" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Ministry">Finance Ministry</keyword> has already put aerated drinks, tobacco products, luxury cars and pan masala in the 'demerit goods' category, which is attract higher taxes in GST. The health ministry suggested the cess levied under the GST should be high enough to make these products unaffordable over a period of time.<br />
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The health ministry, in its memorandum, suggested that exemptions from the high taxation norms should not be extended to industries with low turnover such as bidi manufacturers as this will allow them to manipulate norms.<br />
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"Taking advantage of this exemption, bidi manufacturers closed bigger units and started producing on small scale under different names in a clandestine manner, resulting in huge tax evasions," the memorandum said.<br />
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As per government estimates, merely the health cost on account of tobacco consumption is pegged at over Rs 10,40,500 crore in 2011 for people aged between 35 to 69 years. Every year, about 10 lakh Indians die from tobacco-related diseases.

Government wants you to ditch tobacco by making it costlier

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><p class="source"><span>Warrick Page/Getty Images</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>There was once a time when <a href="http://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/brp/tcrb/monographs/8/m8_2.pdf">Americans consumed 13 pounds</a> of tobacco per person per year.</p><p>Since the 1960s, US tobacco consumption has steadily declined as health fears and government regulation have hampered the industry.</p><p>Tobacco companies, however, are now back in the good times, according to Christopher Growe, Andrew Carter, and Matthew Smith at Stifel, a brokerage and investment-banking firm.</p><p>"We continue to refer to this period of time as 'The Golden Age,' given the robust growth dynamic currently in place and we believe we could see upside to earnings during this period of volume growth even in relation to our strong current growth estimates," the analysts in a note to clients on Wednesday.</p><p>In years past, the industry had to mitigate lower-volume shipments and the <a href="http://time.com/3608018/u-s-smoking-rate-low/">lowest percentage</a> of Americans smoking ever by raising prices. Those price increases are still happening, but the losses have slowed, and in recent quarters they have gone positive for the first time since at least 2007.</p><p>There are a number of reasons for this, which the analysts point out, from American consumers having more money because of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/low-gas-prices-good-for-tobacco-industry-2015-9">cheaper gas</a> to higher rates of employment for key categories.</p><p>"We believe the major benefit from these improved economic conditions accrues to volumes and may have some positive impact on product mix if consumers are more apt to purchase premium brands," the analysts said.</p><p>"It is clear these improved economic conditions have turned a category prone to declining 3%-3.5% historically into one that is flat to growing."</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source"><span>Stifel</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>One of the main reasons Stifel cites for the growth is the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/reynolds-lorillard-to-merge-by-month-end-2014-7">$25 billion acquisition </a>of Lorillard by Reynolds American.</p><p>This deal combines the second- and third-largest cigarette makers in the US by market share. It means the three largest tobacco companies - including Altria (owners of Phillip Morris USA) and Imperial along with the newly merged Reynolds - control 95% of the global market.</p><p>"Although pricing has been moving up roughly $0.14 per pack annually, this rate of growth may well accelerate in part due to the consolidated market share as well as the less aggressive pressure on the low end and improved economic conditions supporting the premium brands," the report said.</p><p>This "golden age" has benefited stockholders, too, the analysts say. Tobacco companies are outpacing the S&amp;P 500 by 14.3% so far in 2015, and even outpacing the category it is most closely associated with, consumer staples, by 3.8%.</p><p>Add up better sales, growing margins, and higher stock prices, and the analysts think the good old days are back for tobacco.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><p class="source"><span>Stifel</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/cargo-ship-vanishes-during-hurricane-joaquin-2015-10">A cargo ship that vanished in the Bahamas during Hurricane Joaquin is still missing</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="F5NTMyeDp0mWRV42z1oJ7S-2QZvMSqLa" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

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