4 in 10 Indians want ban on tobacco, PUBG

New Delhi: Amid the controversy over restrictions on the popular mobile game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) in Gujarat, a new study has found that about 40 per cent of Indians want a complete ban on cigarettes, marijuana, e-cigarettes, violent video games and online betting.

While 68 per cent respondents endorsed social media use in moderation, 62 per cent approved consumption of packaged salty snacks in moderation, 57 per cent urban Indians were fine with intake of sugary soft drinks in moderation, according to the survey by market research firm Ipsos.

"Vices are largely defined by social taboo and the survey validates what is socially acceptable and what is not. And the rules of the game are not likely to change," researchers said.

The results are based on a survey of over 1,000 people in India conducted between November 26 and December 7, 2018.

"Moderation is the watchword even for chocolates, salty snacks and sugary soft drinks. While people enjoy them, over consumption can lead to adverse impact on health, in terms of obesity, blood pressure and diabetes," said researchers.

"Some of the popular violent video games have been banned in India. And our survey validates that most Indians reject them, as they are interpreted as vices," they added.

Only 36 per cent Indians feel that marijuana has medicinal value and only about 39 per cent Indians agree that marijuana should be legal for medical usage, the study said.