New Delhi, India - India is attempting to impose the world's largest smoking ban, with a nationwide edict prohibiting smoking in all public places that came into effect yesterday, to commemorate Gandhi's birthday.

The initiative is supported by a massive public-awareness campaign, with pamphlets being given out and articles and advertisements in all major Indian newspapers. For the first few days, smokers caught

 flouting the ban will be given a warning; thereafter they will be fined 200 rupees (approximately $5), more than the average person's daily wage.

Observers admit, however, that the ban will be difficult to enforce—spitting and urinating in public are already outlawed, but in practice these laws are widely flouted and sporadic attempts have been made to ban smoking previously, with little effect.