The Know Daily - Tuesday 24 March 2026

_{Read in 4m 17s ∙ Listening to Alex Warren ∙}

Turns out sharks have besties too 🦈 New research in Fiji reveals that even mighty bull sharks are choosy about who they hang out with. These ocean giants form lasting bonds with particular companions, often sticking close to their favorite pals while cruising the deep blue – proving that shark social lives are far more sophisticated (and heartwarming) than we ever imagined.

🚭 A smoke-free generation

Earlier this month, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill was approved in Parliament, aiming to prevent anyone currently aged 17 or younger from ever buying cigarettes to create the first smoke-free generation in the UK.

What’s in the Bill?
As of January 2027, anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be legally allowed to buy tobacco. The bill also gives ministers new powers to regulate vape marketing, flavours, packaging and displays, and to extend smoke‑free areas to more outdoor public spaces like playgrounds and hospital grounds. It follows the disposable vape ban that rolled out in June  last year, which stopped shops selling single‑use vapes, partly to tackle youth uptake and plastic waste.

What if you were born before 2009?
For older teens and adults, you can still smoke or buy traditional products but the law aims to gradually shrink the overall market. Shops will face tighter rules on selling and advertising both tobacco and vaping products, and may need new licenses and stricter checks at the checkout.

How realistic is the goal?
This approach is ambitious and experimental, which is why researchers and policymakers are watching closely. Modelling suggests that if the law works as the government hopes, it could help push youth smoking prevalence below 5% as early as the 2030s or 2040s, decades ahead of where it might otherwise be. The policy is mainly aimed at preventing new smokers from ever starting – a big deal when you consider that each year around 127,500 young adults aged 18 to 25 in the UK pick up smoking for the first time.

But a lot depends on enforcement, support to help smokers quit and how people might respond, including if informal markets could grow. Some critics point to a similar policy in New Zealand that ultimately stalled before it took effect, underscoring how tricky this can be in practice. However, the Maldives’ ban began late last year, so could be a good example to follow if it succeeds.

What do experts say?
Health charities, like Cancer Research UK and Action on Smoking and Health, welcome the step as a once‑in‑a‑generation public health move to save lives and the cost of treating people affected by smoking-related illnesses. Government polls suggest about two‑thirds of adults back a smoke‑free generation, and over 80% support restrictions on vape advertising and packaging.

On the flip side, some health professionals and industry representatives warn that bans on certain kinds of nicotine products could inadvertently push people back towards smoking if alternative quit‑aids are restricted too tightly. Others point to questions about personal freedom and how practical long‑term enforcement will be at the ground level. 

The takeaway.
The Bill still needs final parliamentary approval before becoming law at the start of  2027. Once in place, the focus will be on how well the rules are enforced, how young people are supported to avoid or quit smoking, and whether this ambitious plan can effectively reduce smoking and related health problems over the years to come.

🛢️ Oil prices have fallen and stock markets have started to rise after US President Donald Trump said he’s had “productive” conversations with Iran to end the conflict.

• The bigger story: Markets reacted to signs that diplomatic efforts could reduce the risk of disruption to global oil supplies, particularly through key routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Investors have been sensitive to the conflict because any escalation involving Iran can push energy prices up and affect fuel and wider inflation. Trump has said the talks have been on "complete and total resolution of hostilities", though Iran’s parliament hasn’t confirmed this.

🧠 An experimental brain implant could allow people with paralysis to type their thoughts with their minds. 

🏡 UK ministers have named seven areas in England where “new towns” could be built as part of the government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new houses before 2030.

🇫🇷 Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire has been elected as Paris Mayor, in the last big test of the French public mood ahead of next year’s presidential election.

🍇 Ancient vineyards are being brought back to life (and it’s subsequent vino too!) in this famous archaeological site. 

🧘 Boosting heart health and human activity are two of the benefits of this wellness activity, evidence suggests.

🏔️ A mountain range in this European country has been named the most beautiful place in the world.

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