India, Sept. 5 -- The Indian government has introduced a 40% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on energy drinks, soft drinks, and other 'sin goods' like cigarettes and gutka to discourage their consumption and promote public health. This move aims to help reduce the burden of lifestyle diseases in India. Also read | Sin goods and super-luxury items to attract 40% tax. Full list of items

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar, consultant, internal medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru and Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology and weight loss expert, Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative, welcomed this move, citing its potential to discourage consumption of sin goods' and boost government revenue....