<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/52253453.cms" /> 
 The quarter that ended on March 31 wasn’t a good one for <keyword id="6356830" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nestle-India">Nestle India</keyword>, with the Swiss Trans-national F&amp;B company reporting a 19% decline in net profit. The result is a loss of the ban that flagship instant noodles <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Maggi-is-in-trouble-again/articleshow/51344594.cms">Maggi</a> faced in the country. 
 
As per the company statement, net profit for the quarter was Rs 259 crore as compared to Rs 320 crore for the corresponding quarter in 2015. 
 
"Results for the quarter have been impacted by the Maggi noodles issue in 2015," the company said in a statement. 
 
Talking of net sales, they dipped 8.5% to Rs 2,296 crore, which was below what analysts had estimated. Not only this, the company's total expenditure too fell 7.2% and stood at Rs 1,856 crore during the quarter. 
 
For the quarter that ended on December 31, 2015, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/WATCH-Nestles-new-ad-featuring-Sania-Mirza-andShoaib-Malik-is-adorable/articleshow/51409354.cms">Nestle India</a> had reported 43.8% year-on-year decline in net profit at Rs 183.19. 
 
The ban on Maggi was placed by the Food Safety &amp; Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had banned after allegations that it contained more lead than allowed, and that the label didn’t provide the correct information regarding the flavour enhancer MSG (monosodium glutamate). It had taken five months for Maggi to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/It-will-take-Nestle-3-years-to-undo-the-Maggi-damage-in-India/articleshow/51120095.cms">return to markets</a>. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Nestle-in-trouble-again-for-sub-standard-Maggi/articleshow/51619084.cms">Nestle in trouble again for alleged 'sub-standard' Maggi</a> 
 
Nonetheless, the company is treading on the road to recovery, with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Nestle-CEO-says-Maggi-is-recovering-faster-than-expected-after-a-five-month-hitch/articleshow/51837924.cms">Maggi regaining leadership</a> with over 50% share within five months of the re-launch last year. However, its market share is much lower as compared to what it had before being banned, which was more than 75%. 
 
<a href="http://images.says.com/uploads/story_source/source_image/394038/cca6.jpg">Image source</a>

Nestle India is yet to recover from the Maggi ban, reports 19% slip in net profits

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49627205.cms" /><a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=nestle+india">Nestle India</a> has sent fresh samples of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=maggi">Maggi noodles</a> for testing as it resumed production of Maggi recently. This means the instant 2-minute noodles will be back on sale December onwards. 
 The Bombay High Court recently had directed <keyword id="6356830" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nestle-India">Nestle India</keyword> to also get fresh samples of Maggi noodles tested by the labs and once they get the approval, Maggi will be back with new packaging, instructions and old taste. 
 
Production of Maggi noodles has, reportedly, resumed in Karnataka, Punjab and Goa. 
 
Maggi noodles was banned in India in June after MSG and excess content of lead was found in the packets. 
 
This dented the image and revenue sales of Nestle India as Maggi used to be its biggest brand, accounting for about 30% of sales at the company. 
 
However, it is expected that Nestle India’s Maggi will recover the losses. The company has started rigorous advertising for Maggi's return. 
 
Edelweiss in a note stated "We appreciate the company's effort to up the ante on advertising and promotions, but this will depress margins in the coming quarters. We believe Nestle is unlikely to garner the earlier 70% share of the noodle pie.” 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Maggi will be back in December!

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48464679.cms" />In a major relief of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=nestle+india">Nestle India</a>, the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=bombay+high+court">Bombay High Court</a> today gave conditional relief to the Swiss company and lifted ban of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=maggi+ban">Maggi noodles</a>. 
 
The court questioned the authority of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=FSSAI">FSSAI</a> in banning Maggi and asked it to justify the ban, while ordering fresh tests to be conducted on the noodles. 
 
Three labs have been asked to test samples of Maggi noodles within six weeks and as per the court. Nestle can start manufacturing Maggi if tests find lead within permissible limits. 
 
Meanwhile, the US health regulator USFDA said its tests have found the lead level in the popular instant food within acceptable levels for US consumers. 
 
In an e-mail statement, a USFDA spokesperson said that <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=FDA">FDA</a> tested a limited number of samples for lead contamination and did not find any levels that present a public health concern for US consumers, putting rumours to rest. 
 
Recently, the government asked Nestle to pay damages of Rs 640 crore for selling "defective and hazardous" Maggi noodles. 
 <keyword id="6356830" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nestle-India">Nestle India</keyword> had recalled Maggi packets as MSG was found in the two-minute noodles and excess lead. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Ban on Maggi lifted temporarily. Conditions apply

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49456414.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /><keyword id="2934282" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat-Food-and-Drug-Control-Authority">Gujarat Food and Drug Control Authority</keyword> (FDCA) on Monday said it removed the ban on the sale of <keyword id="75190" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nestle">Nestle</keyword> India’s ‘<keyword id="6369404" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maggi">Maggi</keyword>’ noodles after the <keyword id="48485" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bombay-high-court">Bombay High Court</keyword> lifted the nationwide ban on it in August. 

	“FDCA had lifted the ban on Maggi in Gujarat after the Bombay High Court passed an order to lift the ban across India. We took the decision based on the court order,” Gujarat FDCA Commissioner H G Koshia said. 
 The <keyword id="6370685" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat-Government">Gujarat government</keyword> had banned the sale of Maggi for a month in June this year after the lead and monosodium glutamate levels in the noodles were found to be above the prescribed limits. Later, the ban was subsequently extended till September. However, the Gujarat FDCA revoked the ban mid-way in August following court order. On August 13, the Bombay High Court had lifted the nationwide ban imposed by Indian food regulators on Maggi noodles, and asked its manufacturer Nestle India Pvt Ltd to go for a fresh test of samples in three independent laboratories across India. 

	But Maggi is still not available in Gujarat markets, as the company is following court order to get its samples tested from three approved laboratories. The state government had in the first week of June banned Maggi sale in the state after the product failed the food safety test. The government had also asked the company to withdraw all its stock of Maggi from the state. 
 

	At that time, the government claimed that all 27 samples collected from different parts of the state had failed the tests, as lead content was found above the prescribed limit in 14 samples while monosodium glutamate, which should not be there at all, was found in all the samples. 
 

	Nestle India had on Friday said that all samples of Maggi have cleared tests conducted by three laboratories, as mandated by Bombay High Court, paving the way for the instant noodles brand to be back in the market after it was banned over the presence of excess lead. The company said it will now commence manufacturing and will sell “only after the newly manufactured products are also cleared by the designated three laboratories”. 
	 
	Image credit: Thomson reuters

Gujarat government lifts ban on sale of Maggi noodles on Bombay HC's order

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/47907692.cms" /> Weeks after India banned <keyword id="726194" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="maggi-noodles">Maggi noodles</keyword> and ordered its manufacturer to pull thousands of packets from stores, the UK's <keyword id="33543" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Food-Standards-Agency">Food Standards Agency</keyword> (FSA) has found the product imported from India safe for consumption; says it does not contain excess of <keyword id="23204" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="lead">lead</keyword>. The food agency conducted tests on various samples as a precaution following a ban on the <keyword id="75190" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Nestle">Nestle</keyword> product in India, reported the Economic Times. 

	"The FSA can confirm that results from testing samples of Maggi Noodles in the UK have all found that levels of lead in the product is well within EU permissible levels and would not be a concern to consumers," the financial daily reported, quoting FSA on its website. 
 Sale of Maggi noodles were banned in India after the Food Safety and <keyword id="179673" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Standards-Authority-of-India">Standards Authority of India</keyword> found lead beyond permissible limits and cases of mislabeling of monosodium glutamate content on the packet. Meanwhile, Nestle informed the FSA that the only variety of Maggi Noodles imported into the UK from India was the 'masala flavour'. The FSA tested several flavours from the Maggi noodles range including the masala flavor and found the levels of lead to be well within <keyword id="6355110" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="European-Union">European Union</keyword>'s permissible levels. It tested samples collected from Nestle, local and port authorities of the UK. <keyword id="6356830" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Nestle-India">Nestle India</keyword> is also preparing a blueprint for a possible re-launch of the Maggi instant noodles. Experts feel the issue of the recall and ban on the noodles might be resolved in the next three to six months. The <keyword id="48485" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Bombay-high-court">Bombay High Court</keyword> recently allowed Nestle India to export Maggi noodles but did not lift the ban on its local sales. 

	A Nestle India spokesperson told ET: "We note that the UK Food Standards Agency cleared Maggi noodles after reviewing results from around 900 samples." 
 Its finding that "levels of lead in the product is well within EU permissible levels and would not be a concern to consumers comes after regulatory authorities in other countries including Singapore, Australia and <keyword id="22501" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="New-Zealand">New Zealand</keyword> also cleared the product", the spokesperson said. 
	(Image: Reuters)

Good news for all Maggi lovers! UK Food Standards Agency Finds Made in India Maggi noodles safe

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48650537.cms" /> 
For the last few months, Maggi noodles were having a tough time in India. Having been dragged to the court, a blanket ban for allegedly over-using lead and then a mass incineration in cement kilns, Maggi’s misfortune lasted for quite some time. But now, the ban had been lifted from the instant noodles, and guess who is deconstructing the Maggi noodle case now? Harvard Business School’s India Research Centre it is. 
India Research Center of Harvard Business School (HBS), which largely dwells on the missteps that led to the product withdrawal, will be working on a case study on one of the country's biggest food recalls. It has been put on a fast-track basis and could be ready in about a month, against the more typical nine months or so that it takes to wrap up one of these, says an Economic Times news report. 
 
Earlier, Jaipur Literature Festival and Mumbai’s Dabbwalas were also a part of HBS research. However, these two were unqualified success and Maggi drew more attention for exposing Indian system’s many faults and triggered harsh criticism of the regulator's crackdown by the government that runs it. On top of that, the judiciary poked holes in the manner in which the matter was pursued. Nestle India denied it had been approached for a case study, informs the news report by the financial daily. 
 
"As a matter of policy and in fairness to the companies that work with us, we do not comment on cases until they are officially published and entered into the Harvard Business School case collection," Brian Kenny, HBS chief marketing and communications officer, said in an email response to the ET. "So I cannot provide you with any insight into cases that are currently in progress." 
 
According to information available with the ET, HBS has approached key stakeholders and top food companies for their views on the issue. "We have been approached for comment on the Nestle Maggi mess," a top official, on condition of anonymity, told the ET. 
In last few months, food regulators of 7 countries, including the US, UK, Singapore and Australia, have concluded that India-made Maggi noodles are safe for consumption.

Harvard’s case study on Maggi coming soon?

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48526900.cms" /> 
Bombay High Court’s recent decision on Maggi ban had come as a breather for Nestle as the verdict says that the instant noodles may be back on market if and only if , it qualifies in six quality determining tests. However learning about this order, India's food regulator the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) isn't likely to appeal against the Bombay High Court decision. 
 
In its ruling on August 13, the court said the Nestle India product has to be tested for lead content over the next six weeks at accredited laboratories in Hyderabad, Mohali and Jaipur. 
FSSAI had banned Maggi two months back for its alleged content of excessive lead and MSG. 
 
"The general view is that this decision should not be appealed against in the higher court," said the official. Another senior official said the high court order was a neutral one and therefore there was not much for appeal. "It's a neutral order...All it says is ban can be lifted only after the tests give an all-clear," the second official said. The final decision rests with FSSAI. 
 
Desisting from an appeal will allow the case to be settled quickly, bringing to a close an issue that has brought negative publicity to the country's food administration regime, if the tests show the product is safe. Various overseas regulators have said Maggi noodles made in India is fit for consumption. 
 
The Bombay High Court ruling was made on a petition filed by Nestle against the regulatory order. 
 
The court said the regulator hadn't given the company enough opportunity to present its stand, which was a violation of natural justice. Some in government were of the view that effecting a ban was not the right way forward, especially in the manner in which it was carried out. The ban on Maggi noodles prompted many packaged food producers to withdraw similar products from the markfearing that they would be next. Food processing minister Badal said that an "inspector raj" had led to concerns among companies, stalling investment and threatening the government's Make-in-India programme. 
 
The high court said any nationwide ban by FSSAI had to be justified by the regulator. The division bench said a showcause notice had not been issued before the ban and neither were samples tested at accredited laboratories, raising doubts over the results. 
 
"We are very concerned with the public health and safety and hence those three laboratories will check, whether the lead content is within the permissible limits and will give its report to FSSAI within six weeks," the bench had said. "If the lead content is within the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm (parts per million), only then the company will be allowed to sell the product in the market." 
 
The ban on Maggi noodles and the voluntary withdrawal of other packaged food products are seen as having had an economic impact - in the index of industrial production data for June, the instant food category showed a decline of 42%. Meanwhile, a separate case against Nestle got underway at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) on Monday. The consumer affairs ministry is seeking damages of Rs 639.95 crore from the Swiss company for selling a "defective and hazardous" product. 
 
Officials had said the Bombay High Court ruling wouldn't prevent the ministry from going ahead with its case. They said the basis of the case was different from the one in the high court. "We are fighting the case on grounds of unfair trade practices, sale of defective goods and sale of Maggi oats noodles to the public without product approval," said a Department of Consumer Affairs official

FSSAI believes in a ‘wait and watch’ policy on Maggi

<ul class="summary-list"><li>While <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> bans limit unnecessary travel during the pandemic, they also require "sweethearts," or estranged unmarried <keyword id="6372479" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="couples">couples</keyword> from different countries or states, to endure months of separation.</li><li><keyword id="6354632" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="social-media">Social media</keyword> campaigns are connecting thousands of these couples in solidarity, spawning a Facebook group with over 10,000 members, two Twitter threads, an Instagram campaign, and a US petition.</li><li>Even with some countries relaxing travel bans, passengers are facing obstacles like obtaining D Visas or signing a declaration that they've been in a relationship with their partner for at least three months.</li><li>The pushback for exemptions from unmarried couples has motivated some government officials to rethink and expand the definition of partnerships, but places like the US are still refusing to budge.</li><li>"This is a travesty and no family should have to endure it," said Texas-based Corsi Crumpler, who gave birth to her son while her fiancé was 4,000 miles away in Ireland.</li></ul>On July 22, Corsi Crumpler endured a harrowing 24-hour labor, giving birth without her fiancé, Sean Donovan, by her side. He was on FaceTime, 4,463 miles away in Dublin, Ireland, while she was in Wichita Falls, Texas. <div type="image" title="Corsi Crumpler FaceTiming her partner Sean Donovan" height="1600" width="738" msid="77264525" hostid="261"></div>The two met in 2018 when Crumpler spotted him in a pub while on a day off from her job as a flight attendant. They never went more than six weeks without seeing each other. Crumpler found out she was pregnant in November 2019. She last saw Donovan on March 8, 2020. "He never heard the baby kick," Crumpler said. "I have gone through what should be the happiest time of my <keyword id="6360041" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="life">life</keyword> completely alone, stressed, and terrified." "We have already missed out on many experiences together, which is something we won't get back," Donovan added. <h2>A social media movement gains traction to reunite couples</h2>Crumpler and Donovan are among the thousands of unmarried couples separated due to travel bans. To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, numerous countries, including <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/presidential-proclamation-coronavirus.html">the US,</a> have instituted travel bans barring entry of travelers from certain countries. Exceptions are provided for some types of travelers, including spouses, but not unmarried couples.Pining from not seeing her boyfriend, an artist living in Israel, since early March, Eva Hoornaert, who lives in Belgium, realized as she scrolled through social media that she was not alone. So she started a Facebook group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/306374960756974">"Love Is Not Tourism</a>," to bring affected couples from all over the world together to lobby for exceptions to the travel bans. The group is a source of solidarity for the members, who share their stories of separation as well as unification when some travel restrictions are lifted. They also update each other on changes that permit travel to and from different countries as well as participate in discussions around what the experience is like at the borders of different countries. The end goal is to get unmarried couples in a committed relationship to be considered essential travelers and consequently not subject to travel bans.Hoornaert told Business Insider that the tagline is intended to emphasize that the estranged couples — so-called "sweethearts" — aren't in the same category as those wanting to tour the country. She's heard from countless separated couples who relay stories of heartache like Crumpler's.What started as a simple concept to unite those enduring such separations has turned into a major social media movement. The Facebook group now has over 10,000 members and has spawned other groups focused on individual countries. There are also two Twitter threads, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveIsNotTourism?src=hashtag_click">#LoveisNotTourism</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LoveIsEssential&amp;src=typeahead_clicklick">#LoveIsEssential</a>, and an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovenottourism/">Instagram campaign</a>. A <a href="https://www.change.org/p/ylva-johansson-love-an-essential-reason-for-travel-open-eu-external-borders-to-reunite-couples-asap?fbclid=IwAR2NF8ewI8RHwKDZ_XO5DEId-zV79mqdUjF9W3_yNaL2tXufQH8-hmwkHbA">petition</a> allowing non-EU citizens involved in an international partnership to enter the EU and associated states along with other permitted essential individuals has garnered over 20,000 signatures. <h2>Separated by borders, enduring heartache</h2>Hoornaert explained that many of the couples she's interacted with on social media are at a point in their lives where they can't afford to live together. "It's a temporary situation that got interrupted," she said.Maggie Foster, who started the #LoveIsNotTourism movement on Twitter and launched the Facebook group, "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/314772869924351/?multi_permalinks=344345926967045&amp;notif_id=1595437926537302&amp;notif_t=group_activity&amp;ref=notifmp;ref=notif">Couples Separated by Travel Bans,</a>" similar to Hoornaert's group but focused on the US and the EU, pointed out that there are exemptions for <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/07/us-has-granted-more-than-1000-travel-ban-exemptions-to-pro-athletes.html#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20has%20granted%20more%20than%201%2C000%20travel%20ban%20exemptions%20to%20pro%20athletes,-Published%20Tue%2C%20Jul&amp;text=The%20Department%20of%20Homeland%20Security,on%20travel%20into%20the%20country.try.">professional athletes</a> and other groups, <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/national-interest-exceptions-from-certain-travelers-from-the-schengen-area-uk-and-ireland.html">like certain business travelers.</a> Yet, she said a member of her group was denied an exemption to see her partner with stage four cancer; he died on July 19. "It's extremely frustrating," said Foster, who lives in New Jersey and has a partner in France.Hoornaert and Foster both said that there's a recognition among their groups of the importance of minimizing the spread of COVID-19, especially to areas like the EU where rates are lower. They argue that safeguards can be put in place, with travelers getting tested and quarantining upon arrival. "We just want to be reunited with the people that are most important to us," Foster said. "As restaurants, clubs, and other venues open, our lives are still on hold indefinitely"<h2>Some countries begin to reopen</h2>The social media push is already having an impact. Denmark was the first to open up its borders to sweethearts living in different countries on June 27, according to Sanne Jakobsen, who was involved in the effort and is the administrator of another <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2704427569839920/">Facebook group</a> with the tag #GlobalLove. Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, and Iceland have also opened their borders, according to a <a href="https://loveisnottourism.org/">website</a> that keeps a running tally. Requirements vary for each country. In Denmark, those entering the country need to sign a <a href="https://politi.dk/en/-/media/mediefiler/corona/rejseerklaeringer/04-declaration-solemn-declaration-on-relationship-for-use-in-connection-with-entry.pdf?la=en&amp;hash=318F49B80048C36FE41843738EE018E71C2171CF71CF">declaration</a> that they've been in a relationship with their partner for at least three months. A <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> <a href="https://politi.dk/en/-/media/mediefiler/corona/rejseerklaeringer/01-erklaering_covidtest_v4.pdf?la=en&amp;hash=22FC0395874384B8BC14C1048E268CF7696E29732973">test is also required</a> either before or upon arrival, and <a href="https://www.sst.dk/en/English/Corona-eng/FAQ">the traveler must quarantine for 14 days</a> if they test positive. Jakobsen said that banning unmarried couples from reuniting was particularly punitive in Denmark, where <a href="https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/saa-mange-lever-i-et-aegteskab-eller-parforhold">more than half of all Danes older than 18 were unmarried in 2016</a>.Moritz Korner, a member of the European Parliament, has been one of the group's greatest champions. He began receiving a barrage of messages from those affected beginning at the end of June. "I thought this was really unfair. My definition of family is broader than just married couples," he said. He wrote letters to the 27 heads of EU governments urging them to follow the model of Denmark. He only received two responses, one from the Hungarian government saying it intends to keep the exemptions limited only to family, and the other from the <a href="https://www.loveisnottourism.org/#Czechia">Czech Republic</a>, which has decided to open. The European Commission has issued a <a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/06/30/council-agrees-to-start-lifting-travel-restrictions-for-residents-of-some-third-countries/">formal recommendation</a> to lift travel restrictions from some countries, though it's not binding. <a href="https://twitter.com/ylvajohansson/status/1278622431998103552">In two tweets</a> on July 2, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johannson urged the state authorities to apply as wide a definition of partnerships as possible and argued that the "sweetheart" in a durable relationship with an EU citizen or legal resident should be exempt from EU travel restrictions on nonessential travel. Korner said Johannson's support was a breakthrough, but that with the Parliament heading on summer break, he's not optimistic that there will be any changes soon. Hoornaert added that even if the EU and the US open their borders to unmarried couples, many more countries have yet to do so. Love Is Not Tourism continues to work with these countries, including the Philippines and Japan. "We won't stop until all countries have applied our requests," she said.<h2>Even with open borders, obstacles to entry remain</h2>Even when a country opens its borders, there's no guarantee that travelers will be allowed to fly there. Izabelly Santos, who lives in Santa Cruz, California, booked a flight to Vienna to see her partner and thought she had all the necessary paperwork, including a signed form with permission to enter Austria. But when she got to the San Francisco airport on July 18, she wasn't allowed to board and was told she needed to be married and was lacking a D Visa. "D Visas are visas for people who want to spend more than 90 days in Europe," she said. "I know about the D visa, but I am not planning to stay more than 90 days in Europe. I know I can fly to Austria because of the new regulation allowing unmarried couples. I bought my ticket online, the airlines don't even ask your passport when you purchase it. I was confident I was allowed to board."She believes it was a miscommunication between the Austrian government and the airline. "I went crazy. I just wanted to get on the plane," she said. Martina Mauritsch, who lives in Salzburg, Austria, said that her partner can't fly from Mexico to visit her since connecting airports won't allow him to enter and there are very few direct flights to Austria.Foster said that while the EU has at least acknowledged the movement, her group hasn't received any response from the US government. Celeste McLeod, who manages the Twitter campaign for Foster's Facebook group, said that she's been disappointed by the lack of focused attention and the "nonsensical" remarks from the administration. She cites a statement by White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany in a July 13 press briefing. Asked about the rationale for banning travelers from the EU and the UK when they have a fraction of the cases as the US, McEnany said, "The argument is we will always put America first." (Business Insider contacted the White House for a comment, who referred a request for comment to the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment.)Donovan was finally allowed to travel from Ireland to the US and met his son, Taos, on July 23. Crumpler explained that the executive order Trump signed when he put the EU travel ban in place exempts spouses and/or parents of any US citizen under the age of 21. <div type="image" title="Sean Donovan with his son" height="1152" width="1536" msid="77264529" hostid="261"></div>"He just broke down with tears," she said. "He immediately picked him up and just stared at him. We were just both so happy to be reunited as a family. It was silence, tears, laughter, joy, relief." She hopes exemptions are made to spare others the pain she suffered. "This is a travesty and no family should have to endure it."

Unmarried 'sweethearts' separated by borders are turning to social media campaigns and petitions to reduce travel bans preventing couples from reuniting

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49430085.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> <keyword id="6369404" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Maggi">Maggi</keyword>, the popular instant noodle brand, is set to return to store shelves as <keyword id="75190" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Nestle">Nestle</keyword> said it cleared tests mandated by the Bombay High Court and that the company will restart production of the snack within two-three weeks. 
 
Nestle India announced a voluntary recall of the noodles on June 5, the same day national food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned its sale alleging excessive levels of lead in it and mislabeling on the pack. The recall, the country"s biggest and which grabbed international headlines, almost wiped out the entire instant noodles category and dented the sales of all packaged snacks, as wary consumers avoided them. 
 
In August, the Bombay High Court lifted the ban, but asked the company to get the samples tested before it starts selling the product. 
 
Finally, on Friday, Nestle said it received results from all three laboratories mandated by the high court to test the samples. 
 
All the 90 samples, covering six variants, tested by the laboratories had lead much below the permissible limits, it said. These are the same Maggi lots that failed to clear tests at FSSAI labs, it said. 
 There’s more good news. It seems as if <keyword id="35666" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="advertising">Advertising</keyword> veteran <keyword id="2257" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prasoon-Joshi">Prasoon Joshi</keyword> is likely to create the re-launch campaign for Maggi. 
While Publicis Worldwide remains Maggi's advertising agency, manufacturer Nestle India has hired McCann World Group to manage the new project as the noodle brand tries to make a reentry into the market four months after the company recalled it, senior industry executives said. 
 Joshi is chief executive of McCann World Group India, a unit of global marketing firm <keyword id="109997" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="McCann-Erickson">McCann Erickson</keyword>. This decision, the executives said, comes on the heels of the 100-year corporate campaign that McCann created for Nestle this year, which was penned by Joshi himself. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

Maggi set to return in two weeks, Prasoon Joshi to create the re-launch campaign

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48362735.cms" /> On Sunday, Indians woke up to yet another ban by the <keyword id="6387077" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi-government">Narendra Modi government</keyword>. As if the beef ban in Maharashtra and the Maggi ban in India weren’t enough, the government blocked 857 adult websites on the grounds of ‘morality’ and ‘decency’. 
 
The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) directed Internet service providers to block certain websites. 
 
However, the matter came to light late Saturday night when a lot of users took to Reddit and Twitter to complain against these sites being inaccessible. What aided the furore on the government trying to curb personal liberties was the fact that sketch comedy sites such as College Humour were also featured on the list of porn websites which were blocked. 
 
After the list of blocked websites started doing the rounds on Twitter on Tuesday and led to strong criticism on social media, the government did some damage control and on Tuesday lifted the blanket ban on websites which did not feature child pornographic content. 
 
Though what triggered the decision behind the ban remains uncertain, one can’t help but wonder what is really the thought process of the Indian government? 
 
When there exists glaring things standing out as a sore thumb in front of India functioning as a well-oiled machinery, which the government should ideally prioritize doing away with, it goes ahead and blocks hundreds of websites. 
 
To help the ban-friendly government decide on what should face the axe next, we at Business Insider draw up a list of six things they should have banned instead of porn websites. 
 
Mr. Prime Minister, we hope you’re reading. 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48362761.cms" /> 
 
1. Auto-rickshaws that refuse to go by meter: In India, auto-<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-uber-launches-autorickshaw-service-in-indian-capital-2015-4?IR=T">rickshaws</a> are what the subway is to New York. The fact that we face more rejection from auto-rickshaw drivers who refuse to go to any location be it Chandni Chowk or China than our crushes doesn’t help at all. Add to that, when they do agree to extend us a favour by agreeing to ferry us to our preferred location, they loot us off all the money we possess by quoting exorbitant amounts and refusing to follow the meter. Thus, <keyword id="2986577" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Dear-Government">dear government</keyword>, it’s time you ban these auto drivers who refuse to acknowledge the existence and purpose of meters in rickshaws and choose to have them as a mere ornamental piece in the museum that is the rickshaw. Our wallets will be forever indebted. 
 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48363056.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> 
 
2. Dowry: At a time when we’re proclaiming our lungs out in favour of gender equality, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/One-Man-Demanded-An-iPhone-6-As-Dowry-For-His-Sisters-Hand-In-Marriage/articleshow/42652355.cms">dowry</a> stands out as a regressive tradition that we desperately need to get rid of. In the Indian context, dowry is the transfer of parental property from the bride’s side to that of the groom’s. Or, in other words, a way of giving the groom a pedestal from where he can make any number of demands he wants. Though we do have a Dowry Prohibition Act, it’s very rarely implemented. Beloved government, are you listening 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48362878.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> 
 
3. Unpaid internships: While in college, every student dreams of landing up the perfect <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/The-15-Best-Internships-In-America/articleshow/25462909.cms">internship</a> replete with an encouraging boss, flexible work hours, immense exposure and some pocket money? However, the last criteria is almost always never met, with employers taking advantage of students by paying them close to nothing. To nurture the youth to be efficient employees of tomorrow, it is imperative companies start doing away with the concept of unpaid internships. 
 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48362966.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> 
 
4. KRK's Twitter account: It is bad enough that we cannot ban the existence of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/10-Indian-Actors-Who-Fought-IT-Out-On-Twitter/Kapil-Sharma-Vs-Kamaal-R-Khan-KRK/slideshow/42366546.cms">Kamal Rashid Khan</a> who identifies himself as Actor, Film Producer and Critic and whose films make Uday Chopra seem worthy of a National Award. Thus the least our elected government can do for us is save us from the onslaught of his terrible, thoughtless and too frequent to be true tweets which make every Indian citizen want to facepalm themselves. Repeatedly. Put this no. 1 on your list, dear government. 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48362984.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> 
 
5. Politicians who pass sexist remarks: In India, politicians do everything except what they are elected to do. They ensure that both houses of the Parliament are adjourned daily, partake in scams, get involved in fake-degree controversies and last but not the least, pass sexist comments. Just yesterday, AAP leader <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Somnath-Bhartis-wife-wanted-Kejriwal-to-listen-to-her-grievance/articleshow/47687459.cms">Somnath Bharti</a> while addressing the Assembly on women security claimed that ‘beautiful women’ would be able to go out at midnight in the capital if AAP came to power. This insulting comment is just one of the several great insights provided by ministers who seem to have acquired a Masters in Sexism and Objectification of Women. 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/48362999.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> 
 
6. Bans which are enforced without any debate: Last but not the least; it’s time we keep in mind that an elected government is ‘by the people, for the people and of the people’. Thus, before enforcing any ban- be it on liquor, tobacco, Maggi or porn websites, a public debate and discourse is essential in order to hear the citizens the government is governing. It’d be a shame if India is identified as a dictatorship rather than a democracy, dear government. 
 
Image Credit: Indiatimes, Reuters

Dear Government, here's what you should ban instead of porn websites

Winter Park (US), Apr 16 (AP) Seattle resident Maggie Mohamed was looking forward to spending the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in her native Egypt. Now, with the spread of the new coronavirus, flying is off the table. So is having friends and relatives over for a potluck iftar, the breaking of the fast. Mohamed is older than 65 and says she cannot risk it. "It's very sad. We were very excited," she said. But, "I don't take it as a punishment. I take it as a wake-up (call)." Ramadan unites Muslims the world over in fasting and worship. This year, it follows a string of religious holidays that have also unified the faithful from different religions in grappling with how to observe familiar rituals and celebrations in a time of unfamiliarity. Mohamed is contemplating workarounds. She always looks forward to the special Ramadan prayers, known as "taraweeh," at the mosque. She will now pray at home with her daughter. But what about the dua, or supplication? The imam moves her to tears. As he prays for dead loved ones or those suffering in faraway lands in his "miraculous" voice, sobs rise from the faithful and intermingle with chants of "Amen" recited in unison. Mohamed wonders: Can he make dua over Zoom video conferencing? "That would help us a lot," she said, even as she noted it wouldn't be the same. At the mosque, after the tears comes the laughter. Their faces still wet with tears, female worshippers hug and chat after the prayers as children scurry around and dates and chocolate are passed from hand to hand. "It feels like happiness," Mohamed said. Now, "I cannot hug." Ramadan, which starts later in April, marks when Muslims believe God first revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. The faithful abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset as they strive for self-purification and empathy. It's a time for prayers, introspection and charity. Normally, it's also a time for family, friends and festive feasting for many. This year, uncertainty looms over the month amid indications the outbreak will cast a pall over many beloved rituals. Many Muslims have been praying for the coronavirus cloud, which has already disrupted Islamic worship the world over, to lift before Ramadan. Mosque closures and modified calls for prayers urging the devout to pray at home have left many feeling emotional. They are relying on worship at home and online religious classes. This year, some are planning virtual interfaith iftars. Texas-based imam Omar Suleiman said empty mosques are reason for reflection. "What would make us worthy again of His sanctuaries?" he said by phone. "How do we build ourselves to where we are more connected to Him?" added Suleiman who has been streaming sermons and nightly reflections to more than 1.4 million Facebook followers. "Now we have a chance to develop empathy with those that have not had access to their religious spaces due to oppressive circumstances." Muhammad Sajid, imam at Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta, said normally hundreds flock to the mosque for iftars and prayers. If coronavirus restrictions continue, "people will still fast, they will still pray," but "definitely we will lose the spirit of togetherness." Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore have banned popular Ramadan bazaars where hawkers sell food and drinks in congested open-air markets or roadside stalls. In predominantly Muslim Malaysia, vendors are now planning to bring their businesses online through mobile apps or digital platforms provided by local authorities during the fasting month. Mohamad Fadhil, a trader in Malaysia's southern Johor state, said he was resigned to not being able to do business at the Ramadan bazaar or perform the taraweeh prayers at the mosque. "It feels odd that we can't do all the familiar things we take for granted during Ramadan but in this time of crisis, we just have to be patient and follow orders." In Iran, suffering one of the world's worst outbreaks, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suggested that mass gatherings may be barred through the holy month. "In the absence of these meetings, remember to heed your prayers and devotions in your lonesomeness," he said. The Islamic Waqf, which administers the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Islam's third-holiest site, has closed the compound to worshippers. Ramadan prayers, which typically attract hundreds of thousands of people, are now in question, though a final decision hasn't been made. "It's very difficult to see Ramadan in Jerusalem without the mass prayers in Al-Aqsa," said Sheikh Azzam Khateeb, the director general of the Waqf. Still, "the health of the worshippers comes before anything else. We pray to God that this crisis will end." In Egypt, the Ministry of Religious Endowments decided to suspend communal Ramadan activities, including mass charity iftars around mosques. Mosques have already closed for prayers there and the country is under a night-time curfew. Ramadan is normally lively in the country of more than 100 million -- and steeped in tradition. Ordinarily, worshippers fill mosques and shoppers swarm markets. Loved ones gather over scrumptious iftars. Strangers break bread together in street banquets that feed the needy. Cafes teem with patrons chatting over a cacophony of gurgling water pipes and blaring music. And Ramadan lanterns cast a colorful glow over bustling streets. (AP) ZHZH

Muslims grapple with Ramadan rituals in coronavirus era

<ul class="summary-list"><li>As the <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> pandemic took hold in the US, Los Angeles-based fashion retailer Peter Russell wanted to do something to thank the people on the front lines of the fight.</li><li>He used his contacts in the fashion industry to ask for items to gift to <keyword id="893440" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="healthcare-workers">healthcare workers</keyword>, and received over $100,000 worth of designer clothing and accessories.</li><li>Russell also personally spent $25,000 on items like face masks and groceries to send to hospital workers, inspired simply "to brighten peoples' spirits."</li><li>"Peter is the fairy godfather of <keyword id="6382661" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nurses">nurses</keyword>," said Jillian Hince, a nurse who received items from Russell. "You're used to seeing celebrities or sports figures receive gifts from companies and brands, so for this stranger to recognize nurses is astounding."</li></ul>Justine Kahn has seen more tragedy in the last two months than she's experienced her entire life.As a pediatric oncologist in New York City, 37-year-old Kahn has been on the front lines battling COVID-19 in one of the hardest hit areas in the world. Since the virus began ravaging the United States in early March, her days have been consumed with round-the-clock shifts, research, and telehealth conferences as she works to ensure the health and safety of her patients.Then, on April 8, she got a phone call she'll never forget: Her grandmother had been diagnosed with COVID-19. At 98 years old, Kahn's grandmother — whom she describes as the light of her life — was considered very high-risk. Four days later, she died in Kahn's arms."It was very surreal and devastating," Kahn said. <div type="image" title="Justine Kahn and her grandmother Courtesy of Justine Kahn" height="1018" width="1468" msid="75852348" hostid="261"></div>Between being entrenched in a viral hot zone and grieving the sudden loss of her grandmother, one thing helped lift Kahn's spirits: She received several boxes worth of gifts from a man she's never met, but who she's come to call "Mother Theresa."That would be Peter Russell, a 40-year-old fashion wholesaler based in Los Angeles. Russell has been in the business for 14 years working as a liaison between popular, elite brands and boutiques around the country. Now, he's using those skills and his contacts in the fashion industry to provide PPE, designer clothes, shoes, and accessories to the medical professionals who need them.After Kahn put a call-out on social media, Russell donated boxes of personal protective equipment, and even threw in some designer jeans and jewelry."I'm blown away by his generosity and focus on this mission to bring joy to people who are working on the front lines of this pandemic," Kahn said. "It reminds me that there is something to look forward to outside of this."<div type="image" title="Justine Kahn at work Courtesy of Justine Kahn" height="1048" width="828" msid="75852351" hostid="261"></div>Russell's mission began in mid-March after hearing the news of hospital PPE shortages nationwide. As his fear grew for the medical professionals on the front line, including his niece, so did his will to fight. Russell contacted a former boss with a factory in China. Soon after, he was purchasing thousands of dollars worth of masks and having them shipped to the US to donate to nurses and <keyword id="25205" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="doctors">doctors</keyword> around the country. But he wanted to do more so he decided to contact brands like Moussy Vintage Jeans to see if he could purchase items at a discount to donate to frontline workers. "I bought like five pairs of jeans and started gifting them, and I got such a big response that I started buying and gifting more," Russell said. Russell then had another idea — reach out to other brands, stores, and boutiques to see if they'd be willing to donate to his effort. The response was overwhelming, and began a nationwide initiative of gifting designer merchandise to medical professionals. So far, over a dozen high-end fashion brands and retailers across the country have donated to Russell's efforts providing thousands of dollars worth of clothing, shoes, and purses. <div type="image" title="Peter Russell gifting nurses courtesy of Peter Russell" height="844" width="1125" msid="75852354" hostid="261"></div>Sharon Segal, who owns the boutique Sharon Segal &amp; Nina Segal in Westlake Village, California, put multiple gift bags together to send to Russell for frontline workers around the country. The gift bags included pants, shirts, beauty products like hand creams and soaps, bath salts, and perfume. They also included personalized thank you cards."These medical professionals are putting their lives on the line to help the American people," Segal said. "It's like the military. They are willing to go in and do a job that could potentially kill them or make them ill, and they're willing to go in and do that for our benefit.""If I could send them a couple of things to brighten their day, that's nothing compared to what they're doing for us." Maggi Mittleman, who has owned Zabayon in Manalapan, NJ for the last 18 years, donated $3,000 worth of items that included clothing, gift certificates, and even a virtual shopping spree,while Denise Lucia, owner of Katia Boutique in Houston, Texas donated 20 purses worth over $15,000. TAGS, a brand and store in Los Angeles, sent hundreds of articles of clothing totaling over $100,000. <div type="image" title="Donated clothing items courtesy of Peter Russell" height="833" width="1110" msid="75852356" hostid="261"></div>The donations poured in despite the horrendous financial impact COVID-19 had on many of these small businesses, forcing most of them to close their doors to customers for the foreseeable future. "It's been hard," Segal said. "We had to let all of our employees go, which was the hardest day of my working life, but we have nothing coming in.""But I still felt compelled to donate. I believe the happiness it could bring frontline workers in their day far outweighs me, making a few bucks. It doesn't even compare."<div type="image" title="Peter Russell's trunk full of gifts courtesy of Peter Russell" height="844" width="1125" msid="75852359" hostid="261"></div>Russell says he's spent approximately $25,000 out of pocket on this effort on PPE, including filtered masks, designer clothes, astronomical shipping costs, and he's also used his own money to provide food donations to various nonprofits. He began a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-money-for-PPE-for-medical-personnel?utm_source=customer&amp;utm_medium=copy_link-tip&amp;utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheetre-sheet">GoFundMe</a> with $500 of his own money to help sustain his efforts, and it has since reached over $13,000 in donations."I was raised in Boston by my single mom. My father was in and out of jail and never around. We were very poor," Russell said. "My first job in fashion, I became very close with the owner and his wife. They were so good to me and took me in. Just seeing how generous they were made me want to be the same when I started making money."And what began as a small initiative billowed fast like wildfire through social media. Russell would post about his efforts and donations, and soon people were nominating nurses and doctors from around the country. That's how 37-year-old Jillian Hince, a pediatric nurse in Los Angeles, met Russell. She received name brand items like a cashmere sweater, handbag, jeans, a romper, and sunglasses. So did more than 50 other medical professionals in her network around Southern California. <div type="image" title="Nurse Jillian Hince with a designer bag sent by Russell." height="932" width="1243" msid="75852363" hostid="261"></div>"Peter is the fairy godfather of nurses," Hince said. "It made me feel really special. You're used to seeing celebrities or sports figures receive gifts from companies and brands, so for this stranger to recognize nurses is astounding."<div type="image" title="Jillian Hince w_ gifted designer sunglasses Courtesy of Jillian Hince" height="1735" width="2313" msid="75852364" hostid="261"></div>Russell has donated to frontline workers in the majority of states. His home is full of boxes upon boxes of <keyword id="6354851" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="retail">retail</keyword> items, and every day he's shipping new merchandise, coordinating with retailers, and dropping off items to nurses and doctors in the Los Angeles area. More than a dozen medical professionals show up at his home each day, too, to pick up donated items.<div type="image" title="Peter Russell gifting nurses 2 Courtesy of Peter Russell" height="839" width="1119" msid="75852366" hostid="261"></div>"I just want to brighten peoples' spirits," Russell said — and that's what he did for Kahn, the pediatric oncologist out of New York City who says she's forever grateful for his generosity. "When he sent me these jeans, I was like well, when I take off my scrubs, I know what I'm going to wear!" Kahn said. "And you realize we're not in this alone, and there is something to look forward to." If you're interested in nominating a nurse or donating to Russell's effort, he can be found on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peter__russell/">@peter_russell</a>. Allison Norlian is a three-time Emmy-nominated journalist with a decade of experience in media. She has covered major national stories such as the aftermath of the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally and President Trump's travel ban in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two kitties. Follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allisonnorlian">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Allison2Names">Twitter</a>.Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-man-spent-25000-donate-care-packages-to-medical-workers-2020-5">Business Insider</a>

Meet the 'fairy godfather' of nurses, a 40-year-old fashion wholesaler who's using his connections to gift designer clothes, handbags, and sunglasses to US healthcare workers to brighten their spirits

You Searched For "maggi ban lifted" and got 12 results

Nestle India is yet to recover from the Maggi ban, reports 19% slip in net profits

BI India Bureau

Maggi will be back in December!

BI India Bureau

Ban on Maggi lifted temporarily. Conditions apply

BI India Bureau

Gujarat government lifts ban on sale of Maggi noodles on Bombay HC's order

PTI

Good news for all Maggi lovers! UK Food Standards Agency Finds Made in India Maggi noodles safe

BI India Bureau

Harvard’s case study on Maggi coming soon?

BI India Bureau

FSSAI believes in a ‘wait and watch’ policy on Maggi

BI India Bureau

Unmarried 'sweethearts' separated by borders are turning to social media campaigns and petitions to reduce travel bans preventing couples from reuniting

Julie Halpert

Maggi set to return in two weeks, Prasoon Joshi to create the re-launch campaign

BI India Bureau

Dear Government, here's what you should ban instead of porn websites

Poulomi Das

Muslims grapple with Ramadan rituals in coronavirus era

PTI

Meet the 'fairy godfather' of nurses, a 40-year-old fashion wholesaler who's using his connections to gift designer clothes, handbags, and sunglasses to US healthcare workers to brighten their spirits

Allison Norlian