India, May 31 -- On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the Karnataka government announced a sweeping ban on the use of smokeless tobacco products in public places, expanding its efforts to curb tobacco consumption and protect public health.

The move, led by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, comes through an amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), news agency PTI reported.

The amendment, which also bans hookah use in public establishments like eateries, pubs, bars, and restaurants, was approved by both houses of the state legislature and received the President's assent before being notified by the state government on May 31.

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