New Delhi, Union Health Secretary Apoorva Chandra on Friday reiterated India's commitment to protect present and future generations from tobacco-related health, social, environmental and economic harms.

The Union Health Ministry on Friday organized an event to celebrate 'World No Tobacco Day 2024'.

This year's theme, "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference, emphasizes the urgent need to protect youth from the harmful effects of tobacco use.

Chandra addressed the event through a video message, and stressed the government's "proactive stance" to implement measures at various levels - local, national, regional and global - to reduce tobacco consumption and tobacco smoke. exposure, which will lead to healthy communities.

Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted how the implementation of the WH Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in India has yielded "noticeable results", with concrete results being achieved by tobacco surveillance and monitoring mechanisms.

Badminton player PV Sindhu was on Friday named as the brand ambassador for tobacco control to inspire young children and youth to stay away from tobacco.

In a video message, Sindhu urged everyone to unite again in the campaign against tobacco use and encourage individuals to live a tobacco-free life.