HAVING lived in diverse places, including Sri Lanka, has enabled prolific writer Jeevani Charika to deliver an interesting array of work, including her latest novel A Convenient Marriage.
The versatile British-born writer, who also pens romantic comedies under the name Rhoda Baxter, has delivered another page turner with a neatly crafted novel that revolves around a young woman torn between her duty to family and life in the UK. This leads to a marriage of convenience between two unlikely individuals hiding life-changing secrets.
Eastern Eye caught up with Jeevani Charika to find out more about her latest novel, writing and inspirations.
As a writer, what draws you to a subject?
I’m usually drawn to odd situations that people (usually minor characters in films) are in. I look at them and think ‘I wonder how they feel?’. A lot of my books are explorations sparked by tiny moments. For example, This Stolen Life was sparked by that moment when your child first calls their nursery key worker ‘mummy’.
What inspired your latest book?
I wrote this book in my twenties, when some of my Sri Lankan friends were meeting partners introduced by their parents. In England, a friend of mine once met a man sitting on a park bench, crying. He told her about how he was desperately unhappy because he was in love with another man, but was married and loved his kids. These two ideas collided in my head. Not long afterwards, I was doing a creative writing exercise and (the characters) Gimhana and Chaya showed up. A Convenient Marriage is their story.
Tell us more about the story and the characters?
Chaya gave up the love of her life to avoid upsetting her family and devoted herself to her career. She doesn’t want to get married, but her family are pressuring her. Gimhana is gay, but passes for straight and needs to get married in order to progress at work. They decide that marrying each other will free them to get on with what they want to do. Together they create a perfect looking marriage, with two successful careers.
Tell us more…
But when Gimhana falls in love with another man and Chaya sees her lost love again, they have to choose between following their hearts and destroying everything they’ve built together. Gimhana has a mix of charm and vulnerability that I love. Chaya is reserved and anxious, but underneath it she’s kind and caring. As a pair, they are fun to watch.
What was the biggest challenge while writing the book?
The biggest challenge is getting the words down. With A Convenient Marriage, I was writing a story that spans 17 years, so I had to balance the different time frames. I also hadn’t written a gay man’s point of view before, so I had to ask a gay friend to look through the manuscript and check that I had not messed up.
How does this compare to your other books?
This book is always going to be special because it was the first one I wrote. It just so happens that I published 10 other books before this one was published. Reading it again to edit it, I fell in love with Chaya and Gimhana all over again. It’s also the book with the most about Sri Lanka in it. A lot of it is set in Colombo in the 1990s and early 2000s, which is a setting I knew quite well.
Who are you hoping connects with this book?
I’m hoping anyone who likes character-driven women’s fiction will like it. Chaya struggles with anxiety and depression, but to the outside world, appears to be functioning well. She keeps telling herself it’s fine and soldiering on until she breaks down. Many of us do this. If one person reads this and realises they can get help with anxiety and depression, then that would be wonderful.
What can we expect next from you?
I would like to write a story about PCOS and fertility issues, featuring Sri Lankan characters again. Obviously, these aren’t issues that are particular to Asian people, but I think we need more stories that are universal, but just happen to have main characters who are Asian. Under my other pen name Rhoda Baxter, I write light hearted rom-coms with British-Asian characters, because there aren’t enough of those around.
What according to you makes for a good novel?
A book that lets you experience the story through a characters eyes and leaves you feeling satisfied, ideally with a smile on your face.
Who is your own writing hero?
Terry Pratchett. His later books are thought-provoking and beautiful. I love that he uses the fantasy world to talk about ideas that affect people in the real world.
What inspires you as a writer?
I used to write to amuse myself. I still do, but now I’m aware of my children too. If I can help people understand other people and become a bit more tolerant, I’ll be making the world a better place for my children.
A Convenient Marriage by Jeevani Charika is out now.
Users of the popular weight loss drug Ozempic are reportedly experiencing a new and unexpected side effect, now being referred to as “Ozempic teeth”. The term covers a range of dental problems such as dry mouth, bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.
According to the Daily Mail, experts have linked these issues to reduced saliva production, which may be a consequence of the drug’s appetite-suppressing effects. Ozempic, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, has become widely known for its role in supporting weight loss. However, the reduction in food intake that often accompanies its use may affect oral health.
Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Michele Green explained that eating stimulates the salivary glands, which helps protect teeth. “Saliva is crucial for protecting teeth, as it helps remove food particles, neutralises acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, and provides essential minerals that strengthen tooth enamel. When saliva levels are insufficient, the risk of cavities and tooth decay significantly increases,” she said.
Dr Green added that anecdotal evidence suggests Ozempic and similar drugs may contribute to dry mouth by limiting saliva production, thereby impairing the mouth’s natural ability to clean itself.
Further complications arise from some of the more common side effects of the drug, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Dentist Dr Victoria Holden told The Independent that vomiting poses serious risks to dental health due to stomach acid. “The stomach is very acidic, and if the patients are having that acid come up into their mouth, then it really is quite damaging to the teeth,” she said.
Dr Holden noted that Ozempic slows digestion, meaning food remains in the stomach for longer, which can lead to acid reflux. The resulting exposure of teeth to stomach acid can accelerate enamel erosion and other dental problems. She recommended consulting a medical professional if acid reflux occurs, warning that repairing acid damage to teeth can be both complex and costly.
Another concern linked to reduced food intake is nutritional deficiency. Dr Holden explained that insufficient nutrients could further impact oral health, contributing to discomfort and increasing the risk of dental issues.
“Ozempic teeth” is the latest in a series of terms coined to describe side effects associated with the drug. Others include “Ozempic mouth”, which involves changes in the appearance of the lips and surrounding skin, such as wrinkles, folds at the mouth’s corners, and sagging along the jawline.
Additionally, the term “Ozempic face” has been used to describe the prematurely aged look that some patients develop after rapid weight loss, often marked by gauntness and loss of volume in the face. “Ozempic butt” refers to the sagging of the rear area due to fat loss.
While Ozempic has proved effective for many in managing weight, these emerging side effects are prompting calls for more awareness about the broader impacts of the medication. Medical experts continue to advise users to discuss potential risks with healthcare providers before beginning or continuing treatment.
Covid-19 cases are rising once again across several parts of the world, driven by the spread of the JN.1 variant – a new sub-lineage of Omicron known for its high transmissibility. While symptoms remain mostly mild, the latest spike has prompted health authorities in multiple countries to issue fresh public health advisories.
Cases are rising across Asia
Singapore has seen a sharp increase in cases, with 14,200 infections reported in the week ending 3 May, up from 11,100 the previous week. Hospital admissions also rose to an average of 133 per day, though the number of patients requiring intensive care fell slightly from three to two daily.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection described current virus activity as “quite high”, with the city recording its highest rate of respiratory samples testing positive in over a year. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
In Thailand, the latest surge is mostly affecting people aged 30 to 39, with health experts warning of more cases in the coming weeks. China, too, is experiencing a resurgence, although official figures remain limited.
India reports a modest increase
India has also recorded a slight uptick in Covid-19 cases. As of 19 May, the country had 257 active infections, with Kerala reporting the highest number (69), followed by Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34). According to experts, most cases remain mild and do not require hospitalisation.
Health officials say the rise is partly due to the spread of the JN.1 variant, a drop in population-level immunity, and seasonal factors affecting people’s health. The increase in international travel is also believed to be contributing to the current wave.
What is the JN.1 variant?
The JN.1 variant has been labelled a “variant of interest” by global health bodies because of how quickly it spreads. Its symptoms include fever, sore throat, fatigue and mild respiratory issues. However, the severity of illness appears to remain low, particularly among those who have been vaccinated.
The variant has not been linked to increased hospital admissions or deaths, but public health authorities continue to urge caution.
Global health response
Authorities in affected countries are encouraging people to wear masks in crowded spaces, practise good hand hygiene, and stay home if they experience symptoms. While lockdowns and strict restrictions are not currently being considered, local measures could be introduced if hospital pressures increase.
In response to the broader pandemic preparedness challenge, the World Health Organisation recently adopted a historic Pandemic Agreement. The new framework aims to improve global cooperation and ensure a more equitable response to future pandemics, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
As the world continues to navigate waves of Covid-19, experts are reminding the public not to become complacent. With new variants likely to emerge, maintaining basic precautions remains crucial in preventing further spread.
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The virus is transmitted via the bird-biting mosquitoes from Britain
The presence of West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the UK, health officials said. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that the general public faces a “very low” risk from the virus, although it can cause serious illness in rare cases.
Authorities said there is currently no evidence of further spread of the virus among mosquito populations.
West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. The virus, spread by bird-biting mosquitoes, has become increasingly common in various parts of the world, including mainland Europe.
Mosquitoes and the diseases they carry are influenced by environmental factors such as climate change, which is pushing such risks further north. Aedes vexans mosquitoes, which are native to Britain, are among the species migrating along with vector-borne diseases as temperatures rise.
Only seven cases of West Nile virus have been reported in the UK since 2000, all linked to travel abroad. No cases have been acquired within the UK.
The virus regularly causes outbreaks in regions including parts of Africa, Asia, South America and Europe — a trend that has grown over time.
A 2023 research programme conducted by UKHSA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) identified the virus in mosquitoes collected from ponds near Retford, Nottinghamshire.
“While this is the first detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the UK, it is not unexpected as the virus is already widespread in Europe,” said Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director for Travel Health and Infections at UKHSA.
Dr Arran Folly, who led the research programme, said the finding reflects “a wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change, mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas”.
West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes typically breed in standing water. Health experts recommend using insect repellents and bed nets, and eliminating standing water sources, to help prevent transmission.
The virus often causes mild or no symptoms, making it difficult to detect. Common symptoms include headaches, high fever and skin rashes. In severe cases, the infection can be fatal. Last year, protests were held in Seville, Spain, after five people died from the virus.
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The vaccine will be offered through local authority-commissioned sexual health services
England is set to become the first country in the world to introduce a national gonorrhoea vaccination programme, in a move hailed by health officials as a “landmark moment for sexual health”. The rollout will begin on 1 August 2025 and will use an existing meningitis B vaccine, known as 4CMenB, to help combat soaring cases of gonorrhoea and growing concerns over antibiotic resistance.
The sexually transmitted infection (STI) reached record levels in England in 2023, with more than 85,000 cases reported — the highest number since records began in 1918. Health experts have warned that strains of the bacteria responsible for gonorrhoea, neisseria gonorrhoeae, are becoming increasingly resistant to current treatments.
The 4CMenB vaccine is currently used in the NHS childhood immunisation programme to protect against meningococcal group B disease, which can lead to serious conditions such as meningitis and sepsis. It is routinely administered to babies at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year of age. The vaccine contains proteins from neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium closely related to the gonorrhoea-causing strain, and has shown moderate effectiveness against gonorrhoea in clinical studies.
Research conducted by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) estimates that the 4CMenB jab could provide between 32.7% and 42% protection against gonorrhoea. While it is not expected to completely prevent infection, experts say it significantly reduces the risk and offers vital protection, particularly for groups most at risk.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “The launch of a world-first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea is a huge step forward for sexual health. It will be crucial in protecting individuals, helping to prevent the spread of infection, and reducing the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria.”
The vaccine will be offered through local authority-commissioned sexual health services, with eligible individuals identified and contacted in the coming weeks. At their appointment, patients will also be offered vaccinations for mpox (previously known as monkeypox), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis A and B.
Computer illustration of neisseria gonorrhoeaeAlamy
Gonorrhoea is currently the second most common bacterial STI in the UK. Symptoms may include green or yellow discharge from the genitals, pain while urinating, and rectal discomfort. Women may also experience lower abdominal pain or bleeding between periods. However, many people with the infection do not display any symptoms, increasing the risk of undetected transmission.
The new programme is being introduced amid warnings over rising resistance to ceftriaxone, the antibiotic most commonly used to treat gonorrhoea. In some cases, the bacteria have developed the ability to survive and multiply even after exposure to the drug. There is also growing concern about the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains — those which do not respond to ceftriaxone or second-line treatments.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 17 cases of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea were recorded between January 2024 and March 2025, alongside nine XDR cases. This marks an increase from the five XDR cases reported between 2022 and 2023.
Dr Sema Mandal, consultant epidemiologist and deputy director at UKHSA, welcomed the vaccine rollout. “Not only will this rollout provide much-needed protection to those that need it most, but it will make the UK the first country in the world to offer this protection and a world leader in protecting people against gonorrhoea,” she said.
Health minister Ashley Dalton also urged eligible individuals to take up the offer of vaccination. “By targeting those most at risk, we can reduce transmission rates from this unpleasant disease that is becoming harder to treat and prevent thousands of cases over the next few years,” she said. “Getting vaccinated is not only about keeping yourself safe but also about helping tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.”
The JCVI has previously highlighted that, unlike other infections, previous episodes of gonorrhoea offer little to no immunity against reinfection, making vaccination an important preventative step.
Richard Angell, chief executive of the sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, called the jab a “gamechanger”, estimating that it could reduce new gonorrhoea cases by as much as 40%. He added, “This is a significant step forward in the fight against STIs and antimicrobial resistance. We encourage everyone eligible to come forward and get protected.”
NHS England is currently coordinating with local health teams to prepare for the rollout and ensure the new programme is fully operational from the start of August.
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Burger King UK is offering limited-time deals via its mobile app
Burger King UK has launched one of its biggest menu updates in recent years, introducing new items and bringing back popular favourites as part of its summer offering.
The latest additions include the Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, a twist on the original Chicken Fries, featuring a crispy golden coating with a sweet and smoky barbecue flavour inspired by Midwestern American cuisine. These are aimed at customers looking for a flavourful snack or something to share during the warmer months.
Also introduced is the Kansas BBQ King Box, a value meal priced at £5.99. The box includes the new BBQ Chicken Stacker burger, four Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, regular fries, and a drink. The Stacker, which is expected to be a key draw, is designed to appeal to those seeking a satisfying barbecue-inspired option.
Burger King has also brought back the Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar range, which proved popular with customers during previous promotions. This premium line-up includes the choice of a 100% British and Irish Angus beef burger or a crispy-coated chicken breast, both topped with creamy Caesar mayo. The sauce is described by the brand as offering a rich, garlicky flavour for a more indulgent experience.
In addition, the fast-food chain is launching a Spicy Mayo range, introducing a fiery twist to two well-known menu items – the Whopper and the Chicken Royale. These updated versions aim to give customers a bolder option while maintaining the core elements of the classic burgers.
To mark the launch of the summer menu, Burger King UK is offering limited-time deals via its mobile app. From 20 to 22 May, customers can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free offer on the Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar burgers. A similar promotion will run for the Spicy Mayo range between 27 and 29 May.
Burger King UK’s latest menu revamp highlights the brand’s ongoing efforts to introduce variety and value while catering to evolving customer preferences. With a combination of new flavours and returning favourites, the chain aims to attract both loyal fans and new diners during the summer period.