Record-breaking floods hit #Dubai after 75 years. Deadly floods batter Texas Flooding in the #Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul leaves hundreds of towns under water Flood fury sweeps across continents. Heavy rains bring life to a standstill for many around the world. Is this year with massive floods just an anomaly or is this the new climate normal? On #WionWideAngle, we explore.

Extreme Flooding: The new climate normal

Ukraine poses a great risk of its front lines collapsing on the battleground. Ukrainian troops are trying to buy time, they are hunkering down in the trenches and trying to dodge Russia's high value artillery weapons. Watch in for more details!

Donetsk frontline, a Russian stronghold? | Ukraine targets Russia's border villages

Russia stages its main annual Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square marking victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. President Vladimir Putin expected to make an address at the event, with leaders of Kazakhstan, Laos, Guinea-Bissau, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Cuba joining the Russian president in reviewing the parade. Watch in for more details!

Russia Victory Day Parade 2024: Russia marks WW2 Victory Day with military parade in Moscow

Amid the diplomatic standoff between Maldives and India, former's Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer is currently on his first official visit to India. Zameer arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday, the two sides are likely to discuss bilateral and regional issues.

Maldives FM Moosa Zameer arrives in India, two sides to discuss bilateral & regional issues

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Maldives Foreign Minister arrives in India - Unveiled: India's wealthiest cities - Pannun Case: Moscow backs New Delhi - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel - Hamas: Won't compromise further - Xi in Budapest for state visit to Hungary

Maldives Foreign Minister arrives in India | Unveiled: India's wealthiest cities

The opposition India leaders are scheduled to meet with the Election Commission officials to discuss the voter turnout issue. Congress President Malikarjun Kharge urged I.N.D.I.A bloc leaders to collectively unitedly and unequivocally raise their voice and demand that the election commission promptly releases total voter turnout figures for each phase of the Lok Sabha elections without delay. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: INDIA alliance leaders to meet Election Commission over voter turnout

The US delayed a weapon supply to Israel last week after it failed to answer Washington's concerns about plans to assault Rafah in southern Gaza, a senior US official said Tuesday. Watch to know more.

Israel war: Biden threatens Israel of weapons & artillery shells supply cut

The European union is considering expanding its sanctions against Russia to target the country's liquefied natural gas industry. This move comes after 13 rounds of previous sanctions, with concerns that Russia's fossil fuel revenue remains a significant financial lifeline.

EU sanctions to hit Russia's revenue from fossil fuels

<p>Following the demise of a second Boeing whistleblower last week, Melissa McAtee, who leaked information about pharma giant Pfizer, posted a video on X to say she is 'not suicidal' and emphasising that the government and Big Pharma are to blame for any harm that may come to her.</p>

<p>Joshua Dean, a Boeing whistleblower who warned of manufacturing flaws with the company's 737 Max, died last week, becoming the second whistleblower to die this year.</p>

<p>Melissa McAtee, a Pfizer employee, was highlighted by Project Veritas in 2021 for leaking emails from the company including claims about the use of cell lines obtained from human fetal tissues in mRNA vaccine lab testing.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I AM A PFIZER WHISTLEBLOWER<br />
THE ONLY ONE ACTUALLY EMPLOYED AS A LONG TERM PFIZER EMPLOYEE<br />
<br />
I AM TIRED.<br />
<br />
I am tired of feeling like an imposter.<br />
I am tired of feeling like I have no hope.<br />
I am tired of fighting, debating, posting, researching..<br />
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But I am NOT suicidal. I have a… <a href="https://t.co/NcSy9R2Hho">pic.twitter.com/NcSy9R2Hho</a></p>
— Melissa McAtee (@MelissaMcAtee92) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaMcAtee92/status/1788249064913396074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I am a Pfizer whistleblower, the only one actually employed as a long-term Pfizer employee. I am tired. I am tired of feeling like an imposter. I am tired of feeling like I have no hope. I am tired of fighting, debating, posting, researching. But I am not suicidal. I have a story that could help change the narrative. The world is not receiving a trustworthy product," she wrote on X along with a video on Wednesday (May 8).</p>

<p>Despite claims to the contrary, McAtee and Project Veritas showed an email from Pfizer's senior director Vanessa Gelman downplaying the issue of aborted fetal cells in vaccines.</p>

<p>According to reports, Gelman wrote, "Not to mention the fetal cell lines" and "We should steer clear of the topic."</p>

<p>McAtee has voiced concerns regarding the components of vaccines and their possible connections with injuries and deaths.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuideNoTAmdqPstE" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-another-day-another-boeing-disaster-boeing-737-plane-crashes-in-senegal-11-injured-719795" target="_blank">Watch: 'Another day, another Boeing disaster': Boeing 737 plane crashes in Senegal, 11&nbsp;injured</a></strong></p>

<p>McAtee assured viewers in the video that she is not suicidal and has a wonderful family life. "Hi to all of you. My name is Melissa McAtee, also known as Melissa Strickler. I am the Pfizer whistleblower that was in manufacturing quality for about five years at Pfizer, but employed total for about ten years," she said.</p>

<p>"I just wanted to put a video of my face out there with my voice stating I am not suicidal. Me and my husband have a happy, healthy marriage. I love my son. I love my family," she added.</p>

<p>McAtee continued, "We have no family little disputes. Nobody with mental health issues. I've had no work done on my home, no work done on my car. If anything happens to me, it is big pharma, big tech, big gov. Nothing is done by myself or my family, my husband, anybody that we know. Just wanted to put that out there. Thank you."</p>

<p>Some could write off McAtee's worries as paranoia, but others brought up other instances involving whistleblowers.</p>

<p>"I refuse to live in fear. But I also want the world to know what happened to me if anything were to," she wrote on X.</p>


Following the demise of a second Boeing whistleblower last week, Melissa McAtee, who leaked information about pharma giant Pfizer, posted a video on X to say she is 'not suicidal' and emphasising that the government and Big Pharma are to blame for any harm that may come to her.

Following the demise of a second Boeing whistleblower last week, Melissa McAtee, who leaked information about pharma giant Pfizer, posted a video on X to say she is 'not suicidal' and emphasising that the government and Big Pharma are to blame for any harm that may come to her. Joshua Dean, a Boeing whistleblower who warned of manufacturing flaws with the company's 737 Max, died last week, becoming the second whistleblower to die this year. Melissa McAtee, a Pfizer employee, was highlighted by Project Veritas in 2021 for leaking emails from the company including claims about the use of cell lines obtained from human fetal tissues in mRNA vaccine lab testing. I AM A PFIZER WHISTLEBLOWER THE ONLY ONE ACTUALLY EMPLOYED AS A LONG TERM PFIZER EMPLOYEE I AM TIRED. I am tired of feeling like an imposter. I am tired of feeling like I have no hope. I am tired of fighting, debating, posting, researching.. But I am NOT suicidal. I have a… pic.twitter.com/NcSy9R2Hho — Melissa McAtee (@MelissaMcAtee92) May 8, 2024 × "I am a Pfizer whistleblower, the only one actually employed as a long-term Pfizer employee. I am tired. I am tired of feeling like an imposter. I am tired of feeling like I have no hope. I am tired of fighting, debating, posting, researching. But I am not suicidal. I have a story that could help change the narrative. The world is not receiving a trustworthy product," she wrote on X along with a video on Wednesday (May 8). Despite claims to the contrary, McAtee and Project Veritas showed an email from Pfizer's senior director Vanessa Gelman downplaying the issue of aborted fetal cells in vaccines. According to reports, Gelman wrote, "Not to mention the fetal cell lines" and "We should steer clear of the topic." McAtee has voiced concerns regarding the components of vaccines and their possible connections with injuries and deaths. Also read: Watch: 'Another day, another Boeing disaster': Boeing 737 plane crashes in Senegal, 11 injured McAtee assured viewers in the video that she is not suicidal and has a wonderful family life. "Hi to all of you. My name is Melissa McAtee, also known as Melissa Strickler. I am the Pfizer whistleblower that was in manufacturing quality for about five years at Pfizer, but employed total for about ten years," she said. "I just wanted to put a video of my face out there with my voice stating I am not suicidal. Me and my husband have a happy, healthy marriage. I love my son. I love my family," she added. McAtee continued, "We have no family little disputes. Nobody with mental health issues. I've had no work done on my home, no work done on my car. If anything happens to me, it is big pharma, big tech, big gov. Nothing is done by myself or my family, my husband, anybody that we know. Just wanted to put that out there. Thank you." Some could write off McAtee's worries as paranoia, but others brought up other instances involving whistleblowers. "I refuse to live in fear. But I also want the world to know what happened to me if anything were to," she wrote on X.

'If anything happens to me': Pfizer whistleblower says she's not suicidal, after Boeing whistleblower deaths

Russian missiles and drones targeted roughly a dozen Ukrainian energy infrastructure assets on Wednesday, causing major damage to three Soviet-era thermal power plants and widespread blackouts, according to officials. Watch to know more.

Russia's biggest airstrike in weeks, dozen Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities hit

The race for dominance in large language models has a new contender. Elon musk's x-AI corporation is nearing the close of a significant funding round, with investors valuing the company at $18 billion. Watch in for more details!

Musk's xAI valuation soars to $18 billion amid investor interest

India is gearing up to celebrate the festival of gold - Akshaya Tritiya. This comes at a time when gold prices are on a historic climb, reaching $880 per 10 grams. This marks a significant 17% increase since last year's festival. Now, this surge has sparked a critical question: will these record highs dampen consumer demand during Akshaya Tritiya?

Gold prices soar ahead of Akshaya Tritiya

<p>Stormy Daniels on Thursday (May 9) returned to the witness stand at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial where the former US president's attorneys are grilling the adult film star over the reason why she sought money to not disclose the story of their sexual encounter.</p>

<p>In other news, a&nbsp;Hamas official on Thursday (May 9) accused Israel of carrying out incursions in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah in order to block talks, which are aimed at finalising a truce in the ongoing Gaza war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-donald-trump-hush-money-trial-719800"><strong>Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels returns to witness stand</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430416-succession-2024-05-09t193238673.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Stormy Daniels on Thursday (May 9) returned to the witness stand at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial where former US president's attorneys are grilling the adult film star over the reason why she sought money to not disclose the story of their sexual encounter.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-and-israel-teams-leave-egypt-amid-ongoing-mediation-efforts-719808"><strong>Gaza war: Hamas and Israel teams leave Egypt amid 'ongoing' mediation efforts</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430422-khan-yunis.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A Hamas official on Thursday (May 9) accused Israel of carrying out incursions in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah in order to block talks, which are aimed at finalising a truce in the ongoing Gaza war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-russia-marks-world-war-2-victory-day-parade-as-putin-begins-fifth-presidential-term-719652">Russia's Putin rakes up nukes again while celebrating Moscow's World War II win</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430330-russiavictoryday.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Russia World War II&nbsp;Victory Day parade: A grand military parade in Moscow marked the 79th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany which became an inflexion point to finally result in the end of the second world war in 1945. The military parade is coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a fifth term in the Kremlin's corridors of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-and-israel-teams-leave-egypt-amid-ongoing-mediation-efforts-719808">'Without saying sorry to our PM...': Indians troll minister who asked them to visit Maldives</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/20/426362-indian-tourists.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taipei-coast-guard-says-12-chinese-ships-detected-around-outlying-taiwan-island-719772"><strong>Taipei coast guard says 12 Chinese ships detected around outlying Taiwan island</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430399-taiwan-coast-guard-ship.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Taipei's coast guard said Thursday (May 9) that a fleet of seven Chinese ships and five coast guard vessels were detected around Taiwan's outlying island of Kinmen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-sam-pitroda-controversy-adhir-ranjan-calls-indians-mongolians-n-types-719791"><strong>After Sam Pitroda controversy, Adhir Ranjan calls Indians 'Mongolians, N-types'</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430410-succession-2024-05-09t192356101.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>After Sam Pitroda courted major controversy over his "racist" comment that eventually led to him having to quit the post as Indian Overseas Congress chief, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury made another contentious statement where he claimed that there are "people of N-type class and Mongolians" in the country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-another-day-another-boeing-disaster-boeing-737-plane-crashes-in-senegal-11-injured-719795"><strong>Watch: 'Another day, another Boeing disaster': Boeing 737 plane crashes in Senegal, 11 injured</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430413-boeing.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A Boeing 737-300 crashed during takeoff in Senegal on Thursday (May 9), injuring 11 passengers. Four of the 11 had&nbsp;serious injuries. Six additional passengers were escorted inside the airport for medical checks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-another-day-another-boeing-disaster-boeing-737-plane-crashes-in-senegal-11-injured-719795"><strong>TikTok to adopt new tech aimed at labelling AI-generated images</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430428-succession-2024-05-08t001705226.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>TikTok on Thursday (May 9) announced that it would begin using a technology that would assist the short-video platform in identifying and labelling the content generated by artificial intelligence.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/bayern-munich-disallowed-goal-were-tuchel-and-co-stolen-of-spot-in-final-here-is-what-the-var-rules-say-719747"><strong>Bayern Munich disallowed goal: Were Tuchel and Co stolen of a spot in final? Here is what the VAR rules say</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430373-bayern-munich-disallowed-goal.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>It was yet another dramatic Champions League evening at Real Madrid’s famous home Santiago Bernabéu as the hosts booked their place in the final for a record 18th time in the competition’s history Wednesday (May 8).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-miss-teen-usa-2023-umasofia-srivastava-steps-down-days-after-miss-usa-2023-noelia-voigts-resignation-719553"><strong>Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava steps down days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt's resignation</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/09/430282-your-paragraph-text-2024-05-09t093424448.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, has decided to relinquish her crown. Srivastava's decision comes two days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt announced her resignation. Srivastava was crowned Miss Teen USA 2023 in late September 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Stormy Daniels on Thursday (May 9) returned to the witness stand at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial where the former US president's attorneys are grilling the adult film star over the reason why she sought money to not disclose the story of their sexual encounter.

Stormy Daniels on Thursday (May 9) returned to the witness stand at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial where the former US president's attorneys are grilling the adult film star over the reason why she sought money to not disclose the story of their sexual encounter. In other news, a Hamas official on Thursday (May 9) accused Israel of carrying out incursions in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah in order to block talks, which are aimed at finalising a truce in the ongoing Gaza war. Click on the headlines to read more: Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels returns to witness stand Stormy Daniels on Thursday (May 9) returned to the witness stand at Donald Trump's historic hush money trial where former US president's attorneys are grilling the adult film star over the reason why she sought money to not disclose the story of their sexual encounter. Gaza war: Hamas and Israel teams leave Egypt amid 'ongoing' mediation efforts A Hamas official on Thursday (May 9) accused Israel of carrying out incursions in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah in order to block talks, which are aimed at finalising a truce in the ongoing Gaza war. Russia's Putin rakes up nukes again while celebrating Moscow's World War II win Russia World War II Victory Day parade: A grand military parade in Moscow marked the 79th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany which became an inflexion point to finally result in the end of the second world war in 1945. The military parade is coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a fifth term in the Kremlin's corridors of power. 'Without saying sorry to our PM...': Indians troll minister who asked them to visit Maldives In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism. Taipei coast guard says 12 Chinese ships detected around outlying Taiwan island Taipei's coast guard said Thursday (May 9) that a fleet of seven Chinese ships and five coast guard vessels were detected around Taiwan's outlying island of Kinmen. After Sam Pitroda controversy, Adhir Ranjan calls Indians 'Mongolians, N-types' After Sam Pitroda courted major controversy over his "racist" comment that eventually led to him having to quit the post as Indian Overseas Congress chief, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury made another contentious statement where he claimed that there are "people of N-type class and Mongolians" in the country. Watch: 'Another day, another Boeing disaster': Boeing 737 plane crashes in Senegal, 11 injured A Boeing 737-300 crashed during takeoff in Senegal on Thursday (May 9), injuring 11 passengers. Four of the 11 had serious injuries. Six additional passengers were escorted inside the airport for medical checks. TikTok to adopt new tech aimed at labelling AI-generated images TikTok on Thursday (May 9) announced that it would begin using a technology that would assist the short-video platform in identifying and labelling the content generated by artificial intelligence. Bayern Munich disallowed goal: Were Tuchel and Co stolen of a spot in final? Here is what the VAR rules say It was yet another dramatic Champions League evening at Real Madrid’s famous home Santiago Bernabéu as the hosts booked their place in the final for a record 18th time in the competition’s history Wednesday (May 8). Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava steps down days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt's resignation UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA 2023, has decided to relinquish her crown. Srivastava's decision comes two days after Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt announced her resignation. Srivastava was crowned Miss Teen USA 2023 in late September 2023.

Top 10 world news: Stormy Daniels returns to witness stand; Hamas and Israel teams leave Egypt, and more

Tesla is facing a federal investigation by the US Department of Justice. Prosecutors are examining whether tesla misled investors and consumers about the capabilities of its autopilot and full self-driving technologies. These driver-assistance systems have been linked to several crashes, including fatalities.

Tesla under investigation for possible fraudulent claims | World Business Watch

The 2024 work trend index annual report reveals three major trends: 1) Employees are increasingly using AI at work 2) AI is increasingly becoming the top skill to possess 3) AI is increasingly aiding workers' creativity and productivity.

75% employees already using AI at work: Report

Global private equity investors and asset managers are readying for billions of dollars worth of investments linked to data centres in the Asia Pacific region. The rise of data centre investments in Asia comes at a time when tech giants like amazon, Microsoft, alphabet and meta are rapidly expanding their AI capabilities.

Asia Pacific to see mega investments into data centres: Report

The US has revoked licenses that allowed companies including Intel and Qualcomm to ship chips used for laptops and handsets made by Chinese tech giant Huawei. The Chinese Foreign Ministry slammed the move, saying that the United States is (quote unquote) "overstretching the concept of national security".

US revokes licenses that allow firms to ship chips to Huawei

The world's largest 3D printer called Factory of the Future 1.0 has been designed to tackle the shortage of homes and construction workers in America. Future 1.0 is capable of printing a house within a day or two which then can be installed on site in just a few hours. Watch in for more details!

World's largest 3D printer can print a house in under 80 hours

EU considers sanctions on Russian LNG amid Ukraine conflict

Air India on thursday sacked 25 employees after they failed to turn up for work. The action comes a day after mass sick leave by over 200 employees.

Air India terminates 25 employees

Serbia is set to become the first European country in years to enter into a free trade agreement with china. During president Xi Jinping's visit to the Balkan nation, 29 agreements were signed, signalling a new era of economic collaboration between the two nations.

China & Serbia ink 29 agreements, boosting economic cooperation

In the dynamic landscape of global economics Asia is emerging as a power Powerhouse of wealth creation with India at its Forefront. Watch in for more details!

Asian cities drive global growth: Henley puts spotlight on wealth trends

Ever since the war started Palestinians have been suffering day in and day out. Every day is like a nightmare for the people alive, their homes have been destroyed their livelihoods have been snatched and adding to the wars of the Gazan's major hospitals have been turned into ruins. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Three days of fuel left to sustain health services in Gaza: WHO

<p>In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism.</p>

<p>His request sparked a trail of reactions from Indians on social media.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Requesting GOI to ban all the flights to Maldives from India. Instead, divert them to Lakshadweep.. <a href="https://t.co/JvvNmzs0E5">pic.twitter.com/JvvNmzs0E5</a></p>
— Crish Bhatia 🇮🇳 (@bhatiacrish___) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhatiacrish___/status/1787719161214390440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We have a history. So, when we needed anything, the Indian government was very helpful. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals," Faisal had told news agency PTI in an interview.</p>

<p>"I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives' tourism. Our economy depends on tourism," the minister had said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottMaldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottMaldives</a> <a href="https://t.co/V1koYYYJ2l">pic.twitter.com/V1koYYYJ2l</a></p>
— Atim Gujar 🇮🇳 (@atimgujar240480) <a href="https://twitter.com/atimgujar240480/status/1787864488969965713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Due to a diplomatic impasse between the two nations, which resulted in a large-scale cancellation of airline and hotel reservations, the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives dropped drastically.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They wanted India out so now they can live with the consequences. Better to spend your hard earned money in a country that respects you.</p>
— Hitz (@Hitzedude) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hitzedude/status/1787986018936721905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The diplomatic stalemate between India and the Maldives began after three Maldivian officials made negative comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had shared images and videos from his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands on his X account.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Without saying sorry to our P. M. How can he urge us</p>
— Garatala Varun (@VarunGaratala) <a href="https://twitter.com/VarunGaratala/status/1788030103890665781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidM3IOHQJW3Lh7" /><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/indian-tourist-arrivals-to-maldives-drop-by-over-50pc-713328" target="_blank">Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives&nbsp;drop&nbsp;by over 50&nbsp;per cent</a></strong></p>

<p>While the ministers were suspended by the Mohamed Muizzu administration, Indians protested the Maldives' tourism industry. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives’ deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts called PM Modi a "clown" and "puppet of Israel."</p>

<p>These comments sparked a widespread social media backlash.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bend it Like Modiji 🤣🤣<br />
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Looking at their deteriorating economy, Maldives Tourism Minster has urged India that their country is DEPENDENT on tourism, hence requests people of India to come to Maldives. <a href="https://t.co/9wQu0vTq52">pic.twitter.com/9wQu0vTq52</a></p>
— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SheetalPronamo/status/1787704581272793570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to Maldivian media reports, the number of tourist visits from India decreased by 42% in the first four months of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Relations between India and the Maldives were further strained when Mohamed Muizzu, shortly after assuming office, demanded the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel who managed the three aviation planes that India had gifted the Maldives.</p>

<p>Back from his visit to China in January of this year, Muizzu said, "We may be a small nation, but that doesn't give you the license to bully us.<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism.

In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism. His request sparked a trail of reactions from Indians on social media. Requesting GOI to ban all the flights to Maldives from India. Instead, divert them to Lakshadweep.. pic.twitter.com/JvvNmzs0E5 — Crish Bhatia 🇮🇳 (@bhatiacrish___) May 7, 2024 × "We have a history. So, when we needed anything, the Indian government was very helpful. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals," Faisal had told news agency PTI in an interview. "I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives' tourism. Our economy depends on tourism," the minister had said. #BoycottMaldives pic.twitter.com/V1koYYYJ2l — Atim Gujar 🇮🇳 (@atimgujar240480) May 7, 2024 × Due to a diplomatic impasse between the two nations, which resulted in a large-scale cancellation of airline and hotel reservations, the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives dropped drastically. They wanted India out so now they can live with the consequences. Better to spend your hard earned money in a country that respects you. — Hitz (@Hitzedude) May 7, 2024 × The diplomatic stalemate between India and the Maldives began after three Maldivian officials made negative comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had shared images and videos from his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands on his X account. Without saying sorry to our P. M. How can he urge us — Garatala Varun (@VarunGaratala) May 8, 2024 × Also read: Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives drop by over 50 per cent While the ministers were suspended by the Mohamed Muizzu administration, Indians protested the Maldives' tourism industry. Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives’ deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts called PM Modi a "clown" and "puppet of Israel." These comments sparked a widespread social media backlash. Bend it Like Modiji 🤣🤣 Looking at their deteriorating economy, Maldives Tourism Minster has urged India that their country is DEPENDENT on tourism, hence requests people of India to come to Maldives. pic.twitter.com/9wQu0vTq52 — Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) May 7, 2024 × According to Maldivian media reports, the number of tourist visits from India decreased by 42% in the first four months of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. Relations between India and the Maldives were further strained when Mohamed Muizzu, shortly after assuming office, demanded the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel who managed the three aviation planes that India had gifted the Maldives. Back from his visit to China in January of this year, Muizzu said, "We may be a small nation, but that doesn't give you the license to bully us. (With inputs from agencies)

'Without saying sorry to our PM...': Indians troll minister who asked them to visit Maldives

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