News Roundup: August 25, 2025 - “Maha”

Date: Monday, August 25, 2025

Mumbai / Nagpur / Washington, D.C.

Maharashtra Politics: Shiv Sena Prepares for Solo Contests

In Nashik today, Maharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse urged Shiv Sena workers to finalize candidates for every municipal ward and district council constituency ahead of upcoming local body elections. Bhuse emphasized the party’s readiness to “hoist the saffron flag” independently if necessary, signaling potential strain within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Political analysts view this directive as subtle pressure on the BJP to reassess seat-sharing arrangements, especially in key urban centers such as Mumbai.

Civic Outcry in Nagpur Over Road Safety

Also on Monday in Nagpur, leaders of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee staged a protest outside the Nagpur Municipal Corporation office, demanding immediate repair of pothole-ridden roads. MPCC General Secretary Ketan Thakre derided civic authorities for their “negligence,” warning that, if repairs are not completed within eight days, protesters will symbolically place photographs of municipal officials inside the potholes. The demonstration aims to spur the administration into action to ensure safer, more navigable city thoroughfares.

U.S. Health Policy: MAHA Initiative Under Scrutiny

In Washington, the Federal Trade Commission is facing a landmark lawsuit from Xlear, a manufacturer of xylitol-based products, challenging long-standing requirements that health-related claims must be substantiated by evidence. The outcome could reshape advertising standards for everything from chewing gum to nasal sprays.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, the Food Away from Home Association (IFMA) unveiled a new members-only briefing on regulatory developments tied to the White House’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. Leaked drafts of the MAHA Commission’s second report-expected by mid-September-have sparked debate by allegedly favoring industry interests over stricter public-health measures. Among the leaked recommendations are expanded nutrition research partnerships, reforms to the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and accelerated approval of natural food color additives, while notably omitting proposed actions on seed oils and pesticide regulation.

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