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Amid strained ties, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has arrived in New Delhi for an official visit to India to discuss bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. The visit comes as India prepares to replace its military personnel from the Maldives before May 10. The two countries recently held the fourth meeting of their bilateral High-Level Core Group, where they reviewed the withdrawal of Indian troops from the island nation. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of the logistical arrangements for the troop replacement. The Maldives government had formally requested the withdrawal of Indian troops, a move that was a key campaign promise of the current government. The visit is expected to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, with discussions on a wide range of issues, including development and defense cooperation. 
India is on track to become a 21st-century economic powerhouse, offering an alternative to China for investors seeking growth and reduced supply chain risks, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani playing key roles in shaping the country's economic future, as per a CNN report. The Modi government's focus on infrastructure development, digital connectivity, and the efforts of Adani and Ambani's conglomerates have propelled India to become the world's fifth-largest economy, with projections to surpass the UK and potentially reach number three behind the US and China by 2027. While the billionaires' influence has been likened to past industrial tycoons, concerns over youth unemployment and inequality persist, with calls for more entrepreneurship and innovation to drive inclusive growth in India.
A woman in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, ordered a Paneer Tikka sandwich but received a chicken one instead from 'Pick Up Meals by Terra'. Nirali, a vegetarian, discovered the mix-up after a few bites and has since filed a complaint against the eatery, seeking damages of Rs 50 lakh. The Food Department imposed a Rs 5,000 fine on the restaurant, but Nirali believes this is insufficient and plans to take her case to the consumer court. While facing criticism online for her demands, she maintains that she is standing up for the rights of others who may experience similar situations. The restaurant has not yet responded to the incident.
India's Serum Institute, producer of Covishield, has addressed concerns over Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, a rare side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine, stating that all potential side effects were disclosed in packaging. The company ceased Covishield production in December 2021 due to decreased demand and new mutant strains. AstraZeneca, linked to rare side effects, has faced lawsuits in the UK, prompting a global withdrawal of the vaccine for commercial reasons. While experts anticipate updated vaccines to replace monovalent ones, India's Supreme Court will address a petition regarding Covishield's side effects. Medical experts stress that vaccine side effects are common but usually minor, with global regulatory agencies emphasizing the benefits of vaccination outweigh rare risks.
The longstanding feud between the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party has reignited following Mayawati's decision to strip her nephew, Akash Anand, of all responsibilities and titles within the party. This move has sparked a war of words between Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, with Yadav criticizing the BSP's internal changes as too little, too late. Mayawati retaliated by accusing the SP of being anti-Dalit and advised them to focus on their own party's issues. The two parties have a history of rivalry, except for a brief alliance in 2019, and tensions have escalated since their defeat in the 2019 national election. This recent clash highlights the ongoing power struggle and animosity between the two political factions in Uttar Pradesh.
The Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) have released a new set of 17 dietary guidelines aimed at preventing nutrient deficiencies and tackling the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in India. The guidelines, which underwent rigorous academic and scientific review, focus on promoting a balanced diet, consuming nutrient-rich foods, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent NCDs across all age groups in the country. Emphasizing the importance of food diversity and safety, the guidelines also advise against protein supplements, excessive salt intake, and consumption of ultra-processed foods. The top medical bodies highlighted the need for affordable access to nutrient-rich foods to combat malnutrition effectively. Director of ICMR-NIN, Hemalatha R., stressed the significance of adapting dietary habits to the changing food landscape in India to address the dual challenges of malnutrition and NCDs effectively.
The Danish Ambassador to India, Freddy Svane, raised concerns about a trash-ridden service lane near the Embassy of Denmark in Delhi's Chanakyapuri, urging authorities to take action for cleanliness. In a video shared on social media, Ambassador Svane highlighted the litter and debris in the area, calling for action instead of just words. Following his plea, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) swiftly cleaned up the plot of land, which is not a service lane as clarified by the NDMC. Ambassador Svane expressed gratitude towards the NDMC for their quick response, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues and taking action. The ambassador commended the NDMC for their prompt service, stating that it takes human action to maintain cleanliness in the area.
Delhi's popular social media figure, Chandrika Dixit, known as the 'Vada Pav Girl', has caused a stir once again by flaunting her new ride - a Ford Mustang. The fast food stall owner, who gained fame for selling Vada Pav in Delhi's Mongolpuri area, was seen driving the luxury car in a viral video. Ms Dixit, who recently made headlines for an altercation with locals during a community feast near her stall, teased her followers with a video of her crouched in the boot of the Mustang holding a plate of Pav. With the Ford Mustang priced at around Rs 70 lakh in India, her latest purchase has garnered attention on social media, where she often shares videos of her extravagant buys.
Sam Pitroda, a veteran Congressman and overseas unit chief, has resigned from his post following a controversy over his racially insensitive remarks during the ongoing seven-phase election. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticized the Congress for divisive practices in light of Pitroda's comments. The announcement of Pitroda's resignation was made by the party's communications-in-charge Jairam Ramesh in a brief statement on social media. Pitroda had described India as a diverse country where people from different regions resemble various ethnicities, sparking outrage and further complicating the Congress' election campaign. The party quickly distanced itself from Pitroda's remarks, with Ramesh stating that the analogies used were "unfortunate and unacceptable." This controversy has added to the challenges faced by the Congress, including the recent inheritance tax comment, and has put pressure on alliances with parties like MK Stalin's DMK.
Two vendors have been arrested in Mumbai following the death of a 19-year-old man, Prathamesh Bhokse, who fell ill after eating a chicken shawarma from their stall in Trombay. Bhokse experienced severe stomach pain and vomiting after consuming the food on May 3, leading to multiple hospital visits. Despite seeking medical treatment at a municipal hospital and later at KEM Hospital, his condition worsened, and he eventually passed away on Monday. The police have charged the vendors, Anand Kamble and Ahmed Sheikh, with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, among other offenses. The case has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections related to endangering life and selling noxious food or drink.