World No Tobacco Day 2025, Theme, History and India’s Initiatives

World No Tobacco Day 2025 was observed on May 31 with the theme “Unmasking the Appeal.” It was started by WHO to raise awareness about tobacco’s harmful effects. Learn its history, impact, and India’s anti-tobacco initiatives for UPSC prep.

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World No Tobacco Day is Observed  every year on May 31st. This day helps people understand how harmful tobacco is to health. Tobacco means things like cigarettes, bidis, chewing tobacco, and other products made from tobacco leaves.

The day is also called Anti-Tobacco Day because it encourages people to stop using tobacco and live healthier lives. 

Knowing about World No Tobacco Day is essential for UPSC exams because it relates to public health policies, government initiatives, and the role of international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).

Also Read World Telecommunication Day

World No Tobacco Day 2025

In the year 2025, World No Tobacco Day was  Observed  on Saturday, May 31. Every year, a new theme is announced to focus on different issues related to tobacco. These themes help people understand specific problems and how to solve them.

Also Read: National and International Days 2025

World No Tobacco Day 2025 Theme

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 is: “Unmasking the Appeal”

This theme focuses on how tobacco companies trick young people. They use sweet flavours, colorful packaging, and false advertising to make tobacco look cool or fun. These companies try to make children and teenagers start using tobacco so that they become lifelong customers.

This year’s theme teaches us to see through the tricks of these companies and say NO to tobacco from the beginning.

Also Read: Important Days in May 2025

World No Tobacco Day History

World No Tobacco Day, spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO), originated in 1987 with a resolution titled “World No Smoking Day” to encourage tobacco users to quit. The following year, May 31, was designated as World No Tobacco Day, becoming an annual global event.

In 1998, the WHO established the Tobacco-Free Initiative (TFI) to address the global health challenges posed by tobacco consumption. By 2008, the WHO used World No Tobacco Day to advocate for a comprehensive ban on all tobacco products and related advertising to combat the influence of tobacco companies targeting vulnerable populations.

Also Read: World Press Freedom Day 2025

Who Started World Tobacco Day?

World No Tobacco Day was started by the World Health Organization (WHO). The idea was accepted by many countries during the World Health Assembly. Since then, WHO has been helping countries to fight the tobacco problem.

WHO also created a special treaty called the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Many countries, including India, have agreed to follow the rules of this treaty to reduce tobacco use and protect public health.

About Tobacco

Tobacco is a plant that contains a drug called nicotine. This plant is dried and made into cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and hookahs.

People who use tobacco often become addicted to nicotine. Addiction means it becomes very hard to stop using it.

Effects of Tobacco Use

Tobacco causes many health problems. Once a person starts using it, they often get addicted. That means it becomes hard to stop.

Some harmful effects of tobacco include:

  • Lung cancer and breathing problems
  • Heart disease and heart attacks
  • Brain stroke
  • Problems during pregnancy
  • Harm to people around (second-hand smoke)

According to WHO, about 8.7 million people die every year due to tobacco. (SK: what is tobacco and its effects).

Tobacco Consumption in India

India is one of the countries with a high number of tobacco users. Many people in India smoke bidis, chew gutka, or use hookah.

Tobacco causes over 13 lakh (1.3 million) deaths every year in India. That means around 3,500 people die every day due to tobacco-related diseases.

Tobacco use not only harms people but also affects the country’s economy. According to a study by WHO, tobacco use in India causes a loss of around ₹1.77 lakh crores every year. That is equal to 1% of India’s total income (GDP).

Check out the International Women’s Day

India Initiatives Against Tobacco

India has taken many strong steps to reduce tobacco use. These steps help people stay healthy and avoid harmful tobacco products.

1. National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)

The Government of India started the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in 2007–08.

The main goals of NTCP are:

  • To spread awareness about how harmful tobacco is
  • To reduce the use and sale of tobacco products
  • To make sure people follow tobacco laws like COTPA 2003
  • To help people quit tobacco
  • To support rules from the World Health Organization (WHO)

National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC)

The National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) is part of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

It does the following work:

  • Makes rules and policies to control tobacco
  • Plans and manages anti-tobacco programs
  • Checks if the programs are working well

COTPA Act 2003

India has a strong law called COTPA 2003. This stands for the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. This law helps to:

  • Stop smoking in public places
  • Put warnings on tobacco packets
  • Limit tobacco ads in newspapers, shops, and on TV

Ban on E-Cigarettes

In the year 2019, India passed a law called the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act. This law bans the making, selling, and advertising of e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are also harmful and can make young people addicted. To stop this problem early, the government decided to completely ban them.

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World No Tobacco Day FAQs

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World Tobacco Day was started by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1987.

May 31st was chosen by the World Health Assembly in 1988 to be the official date for World No Tobacco Day every year.

The theme is “Unmasking the Appeal, " highlighting how tobacco companies try to attract young people using flavoured products and fun-looking packaging.

Tobacco is a plant that is used in products like cigarettes, bidis, gutka, and hookah. It contains nicotine, which is addictive and harmful to health.


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